Question by Black Dragon: Native Americans, what does it take to be “A man of the cloth”?
Can anyone who says they are a Shaman or Medicine Man be one?
Are there requirements?
Man of the cloth is a generic term that can be given to any priest of any faith
red_road_walker,
Since I speak none of the Native American dialects, I can only use the words I know to get my point across. If there is a more accurate term for a First Nations religeous practioner, I would love to have that information.
Best answer:
Answer by minnetta c
TO BECOME “A MAN OF THE CLOTH” YOU MUST SURRENDER YOUR LIFE AND SOUL TO GOD. ANSWER HIS CALL.!
Give your answer to this question below!
You must be called of God,the husband of 1 wife,not a
rioter,not given to wine,a list of condition,s must be met
in most church,s
a man of the cloth is a preacher….
a Shaman or Medicine man is an ability that one of the tribe is born into and the knowledge is passed down to them from an elder Shaman or Medicine man of that tribe….
it is not a white man thing….
I simply love this question, it’s an opinion that has been burning inside me for a very long time. Native Americans have gift and culture that is being lost to modernism and corrupt greed. But in all of you their is a belief in what it natural, and it’s what the world is hungry for.
No you can not say you are a medic an man. It is something that you feel when your born, it’s as magic as healing. It also takes study of the old ways or your religion.
What I recommend first thing is to read a book. Journey to Xytland by Carlos Castaneda
I can’t stress that enough, if your serious look into that book.
Good question. The definition of and “requirements” for becoming a shaman or medicine man/woman will vary from tribe to tribe. I will answer in generalities, and then offer first hand experiences.
First, very few authentic shamans and or medicine men/women will be self-proclaimed. The distinction is bestowed upon the individual based on their actions. . . what they have done. Be leary of self-proclaimed individuals.
Also, understand that there are different “kinds” of medicine persons. Some are knowledgable in the use of plants, others have very little knowledge in plants, yet are still considered “medicine men/women” because of their ability to commune with the spirits through dreams and visions.
Traditionally, a young person (age varies) would be recognized as having potential and then apprentice under a community/tribally recognized medicine person.
I have personally known and witnessed the power of several “medicine men and women.”
One, was recognized as a Menominee medicine man. He held a powerful position within the traditional religion of his tribe. He would be called upon to help in grave situations. For example, a man was in a car accident and his doctors told him he would never walk. This Menominee medicine man went to the hospital, said some prayers and tied an eagle feather on the injured man’s bed. He told the injured man that he would walk in four days. The man was walking in four days. No herbs/plants were used.
Another example is of an Ojibwa medicine woman. She helped a man who was told his kidneys were failing and that he would need dialysis for the rest of his life. The Ojibwa woman prepared specific herbs/plants into a tea. She gave the man the tea, along with instructions on how to prepare the tea and prayers to say in the preparation of the tea. The man drank the tea everyday for the rest of his life, but never needed dialysis again.
This makes no sense…
Good grief! If I called any of the people I know a Shaman or a Medicine Man I’d be laughed at and be told to quit watching Hollywood movies.