A Note to Readers

“In the Seneca language and in most Native American languages in the original form, certain words are holy or sacred to Native American People. These words are always capitalized in our written languages.”

“In Native American culture, we see everything as [B]eing alive. Each living thing has a specific role as a teacher and family member. Everything on Earth, whether stone, tree, creature, cloud, sun, moon, or human {B}eing, is one of our relatives.”

“We capitalize the names of each part of our Planetary Family because they represent the sacred living extensions of the Great Mystery who were placed here to help humankind evolve spiritually.”

“We capitalize Traditions and Teachings because these words represent the equivalent of another faith’s holy books.”

“In Tribal Traditions, we do not consider Grandfather Sun as a deity. We do not worship trees or rocks. We do, however, see the Eternal Flame of Love that the Great Mystery placed in all of Creation and we honor that spiritual essence.”

“In the Seneca language, we call it Orenda.”

Orenda = Eternal Flame of Love

“This is the spiritual essence or creative principle called the Eternal Flame of Love that is found inside all life forms.”

“There is only one Original Source and we call that Creative Source, the Great Mystery.”

“Grandfather Sun and Grandmother Moon are capitalized because we see them as living [B}eings. The Great Mystery gave them their missions of dividing day from night, bringing light and warmth to our world, as well as pulling the tides of our oceans..”

In all cases, the words that are capitalized are given respect because of the sacred missions they carry and the extension of the Great Mystery’s love that they represent.”

“We teach that all life matters and we honor the Medicines of all life forms as sacred extensions of the Great Mystery’s loving plan.”