On Sacred 'Paint' and Painting
By Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi)
In the old days, when a person wanted healing, help or protection, he or she would go into the woods or mountains and seek a sacred place. Many times, Creator would lead the person to a sacred herbs or plants or to outcroppings that provided powder for colors of liquid stone. In this way, the people learned to make "paint."
When Europeans came to North America, they noticed that the indigenous peoples wore these pigments and called it "war paint." But it's not about war, but about peace; living in harmony with Spirit in sacred manner, with the Earth Mother, and finding Power through this conjoining.
Even today, when people go to do ceremonial dances, they will often use sacred clays or powders which they mix for "paint," to wear while dancing, to give them strength, endurance, and so that their steps are welcomed by the earth, for all beings. These "paints" are often worn for healing, as the skin absorbs the minerals of the Earth contained in them, providing the body with what it needs. The medicine person will go out onto the land and gather what is needed for the patient to wear. The Paint Clan among the Cherokee, for example, is versed in such knowledge, as a birthright; and this knowledge is taught to those who need it.
In Western way, scientists look at the ancient paintings on rocks and in caves by indigenous peoples and try to figure what they depict. But, often, what is depicted is only part of the story. It is the "paint" that gives the paintings Power.
The person who gathered the mineral powders and mixed water, saliva and special sacred ingredients imbued the paintings with his or her "medicine" so that those who viewed the paintings not only received energy from the reflected light of the image, but from the mix of ingredients as a secret, sacred "code" of light entering the eye.
So, even as the depiction by the artist enlightened and empowered the mind and spirit, the subtle energies of the sacred places where the medicine was gathered is transmitted and shared. This sacred geometry of lines, color and light — gathered from the Earth and directed as a vision by the artist — is a powerful method of sharing and healing.
Each person who views such a vertical integration of Spirit is transformed, even if subtly, by the Power of the Earth, the artist, Creator and all beings, who are joined in the creation of the depiction.
Nothing is so intimate as being drawn in to such a painting and having it lodge within the mind, as a guiding, sacred symbology; a gift from the artist to the viewer, shared internally, and with the Power of Creator, Spirit, and all beings who led to its creation. It becomes a living thing, in such a way, and exists objectively and independently in time.
Annette Waya has now expanded her art to include sacred paintings made from the stone powders of the Earth Mother.
Some of the ingredients:
Mayan Blue
Yavapai Sandstone
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise
Amethyst
Black Iron
Serpentine
Piedmontite
Rhodonite
Each has its own Power as a mineral from the Earth Mother, and each brings its own reflected light for the viewer. When mixed with the artist's unique medicine, and intended for Spirit, for healing, health and wholeness, for insights, guidance or protection, these watercolors fulfill the magic of ancient ways. It is a great blessing to view these things.
It is said that the highest gift a medicine person can provide is to bring a vision into the world. Spirit gives us visions so that we might perceive the Mind of Creator and bring Spirit's healing, health, and wholeness into reality. This method is a good one.
It is good.