The Enchanted Tarot

Astrology

Enchantments

Alchemy

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PASOWEE, the Kiowa name for the Buffalo Woman, was a Native American Goddess who brought Buffalo medicine to her people. Stolen from her tribe, she managed to escape her captors. On her way home, she found an old buffalo skin to shelter herself and while asleep beneath it dreamt of all the things a buffalo might do for her people. In her dream she saw how the buffalo's body could be used to cure sickness, provide tools, food, and shelter for her people.

The Native Americans believed that everything in Nature, every stick and inanimate object as well as all animals and plants, had its own essence and power. Some of these qualities might be weak and insignificant and others strong and worthy of prayerful consideration. Even a stone might be the object of veneration, for out of its seemingly lifeless body a spark might fly to make fire.

Rituals, songs, and dances were enjoyed in celebrations and to call upon the Great Spirit for aid. There was also much use of prophecy.

Agriculture was a major part of the life of Native American women while every able man was a hunter. There was equality in these roles and they sustained life together.

PASOWEE added much to the lives of the Native Americans who lived on the Great Plains. She taught them how to raise a central post to support the buffalo skins as a strong tepee. She taught never to kill any animal needlessly and to use every part of the buffalo's body so that there was no waste and the harmony of Nature was preserved.