PIPE CARRIERS

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PIPE CARRIERS

There are two types of pipes. A personal pipe can be

owned by anyone, and be used to pray on their own

behalf. It should not, however, be shared. Pipe

rs, on the other hand, carry a pipe on behalf of

the people. If there is need, the Pipe r will

use the pipe to pray for the people, to call in the

spirits for a gathering or ceremony, or perhaps for

healing or teaching.

In Native tradition, a Pipe r is born to the

task. There is no way to earn this privilege - it is

something you were given before you arrived on this

Earth. Unfortunately, there is a great deal of

confusion today about the role of the Pipe r,

caused mostly by people who are learning about the

traditions of other Nations and trying to apply them

to ALL Nations. In addition, because First Nations

traditions are now seen as 'cool', it seems that

everyone wants to be a Pipe r, but again, it is

not a task you can assume simply because you want it.

Acting as a Pipe r when it is not your true

calling is not only disrespectful, it is dangerous,

both to you and to anyone who shares your pipe.

Spiritual freedom is my birthright.

I am a free thinker. I am able to rise above mental

prejudices and stereotypes of others.

I am a free thinker. Nobody and nothing can manipulate

me or deceive me.

I am a free thinker. I freely choose truth and love.

Today, I embrace a greater degree of spiritual

freedom.

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