The Oahspe, as a spiritual text, brings teachings that connect deeply with Native American ways of understanding life, the spirit world, and the balance of creation. Adopting it as part of your spirituality offer numerous benefits.
Strengthening Our Connection to Nature
The Oahspe teaches a deep respect for the natural world, a message that connects strongly with Native American traditions. Central to both is the idea that the Earth is sacred, and all life—whether plant, animal, or human—has a purpose in the grand design of creation. In many Native cultures, the Earth is viewed as a living being, a mother who provides everything necessary for survival. She is not something to be exploited but to be cared for, honored, and respected. This is a common thread woven throughout Native spirituality, where the land, the waters, the plants, and the animals are seen as relations to be respected, not as resources to be controlled.
The Oahspe, too, emphasizes this connection. It teaches that humans are caretakers of the Earth, not masters over it. The text speaks of the cycles of nature—growth, decay, renewal—as being not just physical processes, but also spiritual ones. The cycles of seasons, the rise and fall of plants and animals, and even the death and rebirth of the Earth itself are sacred. These teachings connect seamlessly with the Native understanding that everything in the world is connected in a web of life, where every living being, from the smallest ant to the grandest tree, has a role to play.
The Oahspe teaches that all life forms, whether visible or invisible, are part of an ongoing creation, and that the spirits of the Earth, the plants, and the animals are part of this larger spiritual ecosystem. This can strengthen the reverence many Native people already have for the land and its creatures, encouraging even deeper respect for the environment. It is not enough to simply take from the Earth; one must give back. The teachings of the Oahspe encourage practices of gratitude, giving, and reciprocity—principles that connect with the Native traditions of offering prayers, giving thanks, and holding ceremonies to honor Creator’s gifts.
This connection between the Oahspe and Native spirituality can also lead to a deeper commitment to environmental stewardship. In both traditions, there is a strong focus on sustainable living—on ensuring that future generations will have the same, or better, access to the Earth’s resources. The Oahspe teaches that to live in harmony with nature, one must live with awareness, taking only what is needed and leaving the rest to thrive. It emphasizes that true spiritual growth comes from understanding one’s place in the world and recognizing the need for balance and harmony with the natural world.
By embracing the Oahspe’s teachings, Native communities can deepen their connection to the Earth and renew their commitment to environmental protection. These teachings reinforce the belief that the Earth is sacred, not just because of what it provides, but because of the spirit that dwells within it. This reverence for creation can lead to stronger communal efforts to care for the land, water, and air, ensuring that the Earth remains healthy and vibrant for future generations. It can inspire Native peoples to continue to be stewards of the Earth, living in balance with nature, just as their ancestors did, but also in a way that honors the broader spiritual truths presented in the Oahspe.
A Universal Vision
The Oahspe presents a vision of unity that echoes one of the most fundamental teachings of Native American spirituality: that all people are connected under a common divine source. In many Native traditions, there is a deep understanding that all beings—humans, animals, plants, and even the elements of nature—are part of a vast web of life, all connected through a single spiritual essence. This idea is often expressed through the concept of the Great Spirit, the supreme being or force that gives life to all things. The Oahspe speaks of a similar concept, referring to the divine as EOIH (yay-oh-ee), a name used by Faithists to describe the Great Creator or Source of all life.
Both in the Oahspe and some Native beliefs, there is an emphasis on the connection of all things. The text explains that EOIH the Great Spirit, is the source from which all life emanates, and that all people, regardless of their background or where they come from, are united through this shared divine essence. This can help to build a sense of unity among people, not just on a spiritual level, but also in a practical sense. In Native cultures, this understanding of unity often comes with the responsibility to treat each other with respect and dignity, recognizing the sacredness in each individual and in every culture.
The idea of unity in the Oahspe also extends beyond human connections. It teaches that all of creation is interdependent, and the health and well-being of one part of creation affects the entire whole. This reinforces the Native belief that the land, the animals, and all natural elements are not separate from us, but are part of our family. Therefore, just as we must respect and care for our fellow human beings, we must also extend that respect to all living things. This is a powerful message for promoting harmony, not only within Native communities but also with non-Native cultures and the natural world.
The Oahspe’s teachings of peace among nations also have a deep relevance in bridging the gap between Native and non-Native cultures. The text speaks of EOIH as guiding humanity toward a future of unity and cooperation, where all nations and peoples will learn to live together in peace. This vision connects with Native values of peace, respect, and collaboration, values that were historically crucial in many Native communities when engaging in intertribal diplomacy or dealing with outsiders. It encourages understanding and empathy, helping to transcend the divisions that have long separated people, particularly between Native and non-Native communities.
This shared vision of peace offers a pathway to reconciliation and healing. The Oahspe calls on people to rise above division, whether it’s based on race, culture, or social status, and to recognize the divine spark in every human being. For Native peoples, who have often faced oppression and marginalization, this message offers a spiritual foundation for advocating for their rights, sovereignty, and well-being while encouraging peace and understanding with others. In the context of bridging Native and non-Native cultures, the Oahspe’s teachings can help foster mutual respect, recognizing that both have valuable wisdom and truths to offer one another.
By embracing these teachings, Native people can find common ground with non-Native communities, based on shared values of unity, peace, and respect for all life. This can lead to stronger relationships, where cultural differences are celebrated, and where the focus is on working together for the common good—whether it’s for spiritual growth, environmental preservation, or social justice. It invites a deeper dialogue and connection between cultures, transcending historical conflicts and divisions, and helping all people to remember their shared connection to the Great Spirit and to each other.
Encouragement of Spiritual Growth
The Oahspe places great emphasis on both individual and collective spiritual progression, focusing on the development of the soul through self-discipline, service, and learning. These core principles connect deeply with many Native spiritual practices, which are rooted in the idea that the journey toward spiritual growth is both personal and communal. Just as the Oahspe encourages individuals to strive toward higher states of spiritual awareness and unity with Creator, Native traditions also emphasize the need for personal transformation and responsibility, often through transformational rites of passage and sacred ceremonies. By blending these teachings, individuals can experience a holistic approach to spiritual growth that nurtures both their individual soul and the collective well-being of their community.
Self-discipline is a central theme in the Oahspe, with the text teaching that one must actively work to control one’s passions, thoughts, and actions in order to progress spiritually. This parallels closely with Native practices where discipline is seen as essential to living in harmony with the natural world and maintaining balance within oneself. In many Native cultures, self-discipline is taught from an early age, often through rites of passage like fasting, vision quests, or other spiritual challenges that push individuals to confront their inner selves and grow beyond their limitations.
The Oahspe’s teachings on self-discipline offer valuable tools for cultivating this inner strength. It emphasizes the need for individuals to resist distractions and temptation, stay focused on their spiritual path, and practice patience and humility. This mirrors the teachings found in many Native traditions, where self-discipline is not just about personal growth but is also a way of honoring Creator and the spiritual world. By practicing self-control, individuals can purify their hearts and minds, making them more receptive to divine guidance and more capable of fulfilling their spiritual purpose.
The Oahspe also emphasizes that the disciplined person is able to serve the greater good, suggesting that self-discipline is not a solitary pursuit but is ultimately for the benefit of all. In Native practices, this same principle can be seen in the emphasis on living for the community and contributing to the well-being of others. Both spiritual systems encourage individuals to discipline themselves in ways that benefit the collective, whether through personal growth or acts of service.
The Oahspe teaches that spiritual progression is deeply connected to service—service to others, to the Earth, and to Creator. Service is not seen as a mere act of charity, but as a spiritual duty that uplifts both the individual and the community. The text suggests that one’s spiritual growth is accelerated when they focus not just on their own enlightenment but on helping others along the path as well. In this way, the Oahspe encourages individuals to live selflessly and to seek ways to improve the world around them.
This focus on service aligns perfectly with Native spiritual teachings, where helping others and contributing to the community is an integral part of spiritual life. Many Native traditions teach that each person has a role to play in their community, and fulfilling this role is a way of honoring Creator and maintaining harmony within the tribe. Whether through ceremonies, healing practices, or acts of kindness, service is seen as a sacred act that helps maintain the balance between people, the Earth, and the divine. The idea of service is woven into the very fabric of Native spirituality, where one’s actions in the physical world are considered a reflection of their spiritual state.
By combining the service-focused teachings of the Oahspe with Native practices, individuals are reminded that their spiritual growth is not just for their own benefit but is intended to uplift others and strengthen the community. The principles of service foster a sense of unity, reinforcing the idea that each person’s actions ripple out to affect the greater whole, creating a more unified and harmonious world.
The Oahspe focuses on the importance of continuous learning as a means of spiritual growth. It teaches that knowledge, both spiritual and practical, is essential to understanding one’s purpose in life and to aligning with the divine. Through learning, an individual can expand their awareness, develop wisdom, and gain a deeper understanding of the forces at play in the universe. This process of learning is seen as a lifelong journey that requires an open heart and a willingness to receive guidance from higher spiritual beings.
This concept of lifelong learning mirrors the Native tradition of seeking wisdom through personal experiences, guidance from elders, and communion with nature and the spirit world. In Native cultures, wisdom is not simply something to be acquired, but a sacred gift that is passed down through generations, often through storytelling, ceremonies, and rites of passage. Vision quests, for example, are a powerful method of seeking personal wisdom, where the individual retreats into the wilderness to fast, meditate, and seek guidance from the spirits. These practices are deeply connected to the understanding that true knowledge comes from spiritual insight, not just intellectual learning.
By blending the Oahspe’s teachings on learning and wisdom with Native traditions, we are encouraged to seek wisdom both from the sacred text and from the natural world around them. The Oahspe provides a framework for understanding the spiritual laws that govern the universe, while Native practices offer experiential wisdom grounded in a deep connection to the Earth and the spirit world. Together, these teachings create a more comprehensive approach to spiritual growth, one that is both intellectual and experiential, rooted in the past but open to new revelations.
One of the most significant spiritual practices in Native traditions is the vision quest, a rite of passage where an individual seeks personal guidance, clarity, and wisdom from the spirit world. This practice is closely related to the Oahspe’s emphasis on communion with higher spiritual beings. The Oahspe speaks about the importance of receiving guidance from the divine and suggests that individuals who cultivate a deep spiritual connection will be able to receive clear insights and directions for their lives. This is similar to how a vision quest can help an individual receive personal messages or spiritual visions that offer clarity and purpose.
Both the Oahspe and Native traditions place great value on the ability to connect with the spiritual realm for personal guidance. In Native traditions, the guidance may come from the spirits of ancestors, animals, or the land itself, while in the Oahspe, it is presented through communication with angels and ethereal beings. Both systems, however, encourage individuals to seek wisdom and direction from sources beyond themselves, recognizing that the spiritual realm holds answers that are essential to the individual’s growth and understanding.
By combining these two approaches, an individual’s vision quest or spiritual seeking becomes not just a solitary experience but a communion with the divine and the universe at large. This integration allows for a richer, deeper experience, where wisdom flows from both personal introspection and guidance from higher spiritual beings, reinforcing the connection of all things.
At the heart of both the Oahspe and Native traditions is the belief in the power of spiritual transformation. Whether through self-discipline, service, or learning, the journey of the soul is one of constant growth and evolution. The Oahspe encourages individuals to become their highest selves by embracing these practices, while Native traditions emphasize a transformation that takes place not only within the individual but within the community as well.
When these two spiritual paths are blended, they create a more holistic approach to transformation, one that incorporates both personal growth and collective healing. The teachings of the Oahspe support the ongoing journey of spiritual awakening, while Native traditions offer experiential practices that bring this transformation into the physical world. Together, they offer a balanced, integrated path of spiritual progression that can enrich the lives of those who walk it, creating a path toward personal enlightenment and communal harmony.
Empowering Community
The Oahspe speaks quite a bit about the importance of communal living, emphasizing that individuals should not live solely for their own personal gain, but rather in service to the greater good of the community. This teaching mirrors a key value in many Native American cultures: the belief that the well-being of the community comes first, and each person’s actions should contribute to the health and prosperity of the whole. In traditional Native communities, whether through collective farming or decision-making, the focus is often on cooperation and mutual support. The community is seen as a living entity, with each member fulfilling a unique role in maintaining balance, harmony, and strength.
The Oahspe encourages individuals to work together, not just for personal success, but for the benefit of all. This can be seen in its teachings that the collective efforts of people are necessary to create a society that is just, peaceful, and spiritually healthy. By fostering a sense of shared responsibility, the Oahspe calls on Creator’s followers to engage in selfless acts of service and to prioritize the needs of others. In this way, it inspires a collective mindset that directly connects with the communal principles that have long been foundational in Native American cultures.
In Native communities, there is often a sense of shared purpose, where people look out for one another, care for the elders, ensure the youth are educated and nurtured, and contribute to the well-being of the land. This collective approach extends to many aspects of life, including governance, where decisions are made with the input and consideration of the entire community, and in spiritual practices, where ceremonies are often held in unity, with the whole tribe participating for the common good.
The Oahspe’s emphasis on working together for the greater good can strengthen tribal bonds by reinforcing this sense of genuine connection and shared responsibility. The sacred text highlights that when people come together with a common goal, especially one that is centered around love, respect, and service, the collective spirit is elevated, creating a stronger, more cohesive society. This principle of collective effort can help create a deeper sense of unity among tribe members, encouraging them to work collaboratively, rather than competitively, toward the betterment of all.
Additionally, the Oahspe teaches that spiritual growth and fulfillment are often achieved not through individual pursuits, but through collective service to the community and the world at large. This idea connects with the Native belief that spiritual strength is not only an individual endeavor, but one that benefits the entire tribe and beyond. Just as the Oahspe encourages its readers to serve others, Native traditions often emphasize acts of kindness, generosity, and cooperation as pathways to spiritual and community growth.
For Native communities today, incorporating these teachings can help to strengthen tribal unity in the face of modern challenges. The collective mindset promoted by the Oahspe can remind individuals of their responsibility to the whole, inspiring a renewed sense of shared purpose and collective action. Whether through social service, environmental stewardship, or preserving cultural traditions, the idea of communal living for the greater good can help unify tribe members, ensuring that they work together toward common goals—whether those are spiritual, cultural, or practical in nature.
In practical terms, this could mean greater efforts toward collaboration in education, health, land protection, and cultural preservation. By embracing the Oahspe’s call for collective service, Native peoples can continue to nurture strong, resilient communities where the well-being of every individual is valued and supported, and where the strength of the tribe lies in its unity and shared purpose. This mindset creates a strong sense of belonging, where every individual feels connected to something larger than themselves—the community, the tribe, and the earth itself.
The Oahspe’s teachings on communal living reinforce the deep-rooted values of Native American cultures, offering a spiritual and practical foundation for strengthening tribal bonds and reinforcing the importance of working together for the common good.
Compatibility with Ceremonies
The Oahspe offers spiritual practices that, at their core, align with many traditional Native American rituals. These practices—prayer, fasting, and communing with spirits—are foundational in both Native spirituality and the teachings of the Oahspe, and they can naturally complement one another without demanding the abandonment of Native customs. In fact, the Oahspe encourages integrating these practices into existing spiritual traditions, offering new ways of understanding and deepening the connection to Creator and the spiritual realms, while still honoring the old ways.
In Native American spirituality, prayer is used as a means of communicating with the Great Spirit, ancestors, and the spirit world. It’s a sacred practice where people seek guidance, offer thanks, or ask for help. The Oahspe similarly emphasizes the importance of prayer, not only as a form of communication with Creator, but as a way of properly bring ourselves in line with spiritual principles. Prayer in the Oahspe can be seen as an active form of worship, where individuals focus their intentions on peace, spiritual growth, and service to others.
The prayer practices outlined in the Oahspe may connect with Native ways of speaking to the spirit world and seeking answers through quiet reflection or ritual. For example, the Oahspe teaches the importance of sincerity and humility in prayer—qualities that are also highly valued in Native traditions. These commonalities can help strengthen existing prayer practices within Native communities, adding depth and new perspectives to traditional ceremonies, such as offering prayers to the land, animals, and ancestors.
Fasting is another practice that both the Oahspe and Native American traditions share, particularly in the context of spiritual growth, healing, and gaining clarity. In many Native cultures, fasting is used as a form of purification or a method to gain spiritual insight, often done during vision quests or before important ceremonies. Similarly, the Oahspe encourages fasting as a way to discipline the body and spirit, to gain clearer communication with the divine, and to elevate one’s consciousness.
The Oahspe teachings emphasize that fasting helps to disconnect from the physical world’s distractions, allowing one to focus on spiritual matters. This beautifully correlates with Native traditions, where fasting is not about physical deprivation but rather spiritual enrichment. Fasting in both traditions is a sacred act that can be used as a tool for personal transformation and a deeper connection to the Great Spirit. It’s not a practice that replaces existing fasting traditions in Native culture, but one that complements and enhances it by offering additional perspectives on spiritual discipline and purification.
Communing with the spirit world is central to both Native American spirituality and the Oahspe. Native American cultures often engage in ceremonies, such as sweats, dances, and vision quests, to communicate with spirits, ancestors, or the Great Spirit. The Oahspe expands on this practice by emphasizing the role of ethereal beings—spirits, angels, and guides—in the spiritual journey of each individual. It teaches that spirits can communicate with the living, offering guidance, protection, and knowledge.
This can seamlessly align with Native practices of seeking spiritual guidance through dreams, visions, and ceremonies. The Oahspe’s teachings can bring an additional layer of understanding about how to connect with these spirits, providing specific rituals or prayers that can be incorporated into existing ceremonies. Whether through quiet meditation, vision quests, or other sacred rites, both the Oahspe and Native traditions emphasize the importance of building relationships with the spiritual realm.
The Oahspe doesn’t demand that Native peoples abandon our traditional ways; instead, it offers practices that can be integrated into those ways. For example, a Native ceremony, such as a sweat lodge or a naming ceremony, might include the Oahspe’s prayers or rituals for peace and healing. These practices can enhance the ceremony without taking away from its original purpose. It allows for a fusion of the old and the new, where the core values and spiritual goals remain intact, but the practices and rituals are enriched with new insights and perspectives.
Rather than replacing the old traditions, the Oahspe helps to open new doors for understanding. It invites individuals to explore deeper aspects of their spiritual connection, offering tools that enhance their personal relationship with Creator and the spirit world. These tools—prayer, fasting, and communion with spirit—are universal in their appeal and can blend smoothly with Native traditions, allowing for a fuller expression of spiritual life.
By weaving the teachings of the Oahspe into Native practices, there’s an opportunity to create a richer, more multifaceted spiritual experience. It doesn’t diminish or overshadow the sacred ways of the ancestors, but rather elevates and deepens them, allowing Native peoples to continue following their spiritual path with renewed wisdom, unity, and understanding.
A Shared Sacred Language
The Oahspe introduces a number of concepts and spiritual ideas that can deepen understanding of the unseen world, providing readers with a broader perspective on existence and the spiritual realms. One of these key ideas is the concept of the Etherean Worlds, which are described as realms of existence that exist beyond the physical, where spirits reside and where higher, more advanced beings work to guide and influence the world. This idea aligns with, but also expands upon, many Native American beliefs about the spiritual realms and the role of spirits in everyday life.
The Etherean Worlds are depicted as a series of spiritual planes that exist above the Earth, where souls progress after death or during spiritual growth. These realms are inhabited by angelic beings, spirits of the deceased, and higher spiritual entities who help guide humanity toward enlightenment. The Etherean Worlds are not simply distant or otherworldly places; they are integral to the ongoing flow of life on Earth, influencing events, guiding individuals, and assisting in spiritual growth. This concept can expand Native American understandings of the spirit world by offering a more structured vision of spiritual realms, while still maintaining the core idea that the spirit world is a place of guidance, learning, and connection to the Great Spirit.
For many Native traditions, the spirit world is seen as a vast, united realm where ancestors, animal spirits, and the elements of nature all have roles in guiding and influencing life on Earth. The idea of Etherean Worlds complement these beliefs by offering a more elaborate framework for understanding how the spirit world functions. It emphasizes that just as the physical world is made up of layers—earth, water, air, and sky—so too does the spirit world have its own layers, each with its unique purpose and connection to the living. This idea can help those who follow the Oahspe better understand their place in the grand spiritual scheme, seeing their lives as part of an ongoing cosmic process that spans beyond the physical.
The Oahspe also introduces the concept of angelic guidance, with beings who are not only spiritual messengers but also guardians, teachers, and protectors of individuals and communities. In Native American traditions, spirit guides, including ancestors, animal spirits, and nature spirits, are often seen as protectors and teachers, offering wisdom and direction. The Oahspe’s depiction of angelic beings can teach the heart with this worldview, as it introduces a similar idea of protective and guiding spirits that offer insight and support in times of need.
However, the Oahspe expands on this idea by describing angelic beings in more formalized terms—beings who actively work to influence the moral and spiritual development of humanity. These angels are said to be tasked with guiding humanity toward peace, spiritual awakening, and enlightenment, much in the same way that many Native peoples believe their ancestors and spirit guides watch over them. While Native American spirituality may focus more on personal, familial, or ancestral guidance, the Oahspe offers a broader understanding of spiritual beings who are working at a higher, more universal level to help humanity as a whole.
This angelic guidance in the Oahspe can be seen as a natural extension of the Native practice of communing with spiritual beings for advice, healing, and protection. The difference lies in the level of organization in the spirit world, with angelic beings serving specific roles and tasks to guide humanity’s progress. While Native traditions might not always frame these guides as “angels,” the broader concept of spirit helpers is universally present. For readers of the Oahspe, the idea of angelic guidance can be integrated into Native practices by recognizing that these higher beings are not only protecting individuals but also guiding the collective spirit of the community toward harmony and balance.
While the Oahspe introduces these expansive ideas about the spiritual realms, it also maintains a deep respect for existing spiritual frameworks. It does not demand that Native people abandon their traditional views of spirits, ancestors, and nature, but rather offers a way to understand and integrate these views into a broader, more structured cosmology. The sacred text presents the Etherean Worlds and angelic guidance as complementary to, not contradictory with, Native beliefs, allowing followers to enrich their spiritual practices without undermining their cultural roots. In fact, the Oahspe’s teachings can help bridge gaps between Native spiritual beliefs and those of other cultures or religions by presenting a universal framework for understanding the spirit world that still honors the diversity of spiritual practices. The language and concepts in the Oahspe can offer new ways of expressing ideas that may already exist within Native traditions, such as the belief in the sacredness of life, the unity or connection of all beings, and the guidance of spiritual forces in daily life. These ideas, framed in the Oahspe’s terminology, can serve as a tool for dialogue between different spiritual communities while respecting the core beliefs of each.
Ultimately, the teachings in the Oahspe—like the Etherean Worlds and angelic guidance—can be seen as an expansion of Native spiritual frameworks rather than a replacement. They provide a more detailed understanding of the spirit world, one that fits into and enhances existing beliefs. For example, a Native practitioner might continue to honor their ancestors, animal spirits, and nature spirits while also incorporating the understanding of higher angelic beings that guide the world through moral and spiritual progress. The Oahspe encourages followers to see the divine as both personal and universal, suggesting that while each person’s spiritual path is unique, there is a larger cosmic purpose that connects all beings.
By weaving these new perspectives into traditional Native practices, the Oahspe offers a way to enrich the spiritual understanding of those who follow it, deepening their connection to the unseen world while maintaining respect for the sacred teachings passed down through generations. It creates an opportunity to expand one’s spiritual vision, to see the connection of all spiritual beings, and to recognize that, in the vastness of the universe, each spirit plays a crucial role in the unfolding of the divine plan.
Healing from Colonization
The Oahspe speaks strongly against oppression, calling for spiritual freedom and sovereignty. These core teachings have significant relevance, especially for Indigenous peoples who have endured colonization, forced assimilation, and the loss of their cultural and spiritual identities. At its heart, the Oahspe asserts that every individual has the inherent right to spiritual freedom and self-determination. This concept directly challenges systems of domination and control, whether they are political, social, or religious. The sacred text teaches that true spiritual progress can only occur when people are free to connect with the Great Spirit without external interference or imposition, making it an empowering message for those whose spiritual practices and beliefs have been suppressed or marginalized.
For many Native peoples, colonization has resulted in the loss of spiritual practices, traditions, and cultural knowledge. Christian missionary efforts often sought to replace Indigenous spiritual systems with foreign religions, severing the connection between Native people and their ancestral ways. The Oahspe presents a vision of spiritual sovereignty that affirms the right to practice one’s own beliefs freely. It can help to inspire a reclaiming of lost or suppressed spiritual identities by validating Native spiritual practices and offering an alternative framework that honors personal spiritual connection with the divine.
By reading the Oahspe, Indigenous people may come to see that their spiritual practices, which may have been repressed or demonized by colonizers, are sacred and worthy of protection. The text’s emphasis on spiritual freedom speaks directly to the healing process, reminding individuals and communities that their ancestral ways are not only valid but also crucial for their spiritual well-being. The Oahspe encourages a deep connection to Creator and to the spiritual realms in ways that can coexist with Native traditions, honoring both the individual’s freedom to worship and the communal responsibility to uphold spiritual values.
This process of reclaiming spiritual identity can involve healing from the trauma of colonization. The Oahspe’s message of spiritual sovereignty offers a path of self-determination, where the individual is empowered to reconnect with their roots and rediscover their inner strength. It reminds people that their spiritual traditions are not just historical artifacts, but living practices that can be revitalized and adapted to the present. This sense of spiritual reclamation can offer a profound sense of liberation and purpose, counteracting the effects of centuries of cultural erasure.
Colonization didn’t just strip away land and resources; it also caused spiritual wounds that have rippled through many generations. The forced suppression of Indigenous languages, religious practices, and worldview created a deep sense of disconnection and loss. The Oahspe, in promoting spiritual sovereignty, provides a framework for healing these wounds. Its teachings about spiritual freedom encourage individuals to let go of the shame or guilt that colonization may have instilled about their traditions and practices. It invites them to reclaim their connection to the earth, their ancestors, and the spiritual realms that have always been a part of their identity.
Healing in the context of the Oahspe involves the restoration of spiritual integrity. It encourages individuals to find peace and balance by reconnecting with the Great Spirit and by seeking guidance from the spiritual world. This healing is not only personal but also communal, as it can inspire collective efforts to revive traditional spiritual practices and build communities that honor both old and new ways of thinking. By embracing the Oahspe’s teachings, individuals may be able to heal from the deep scars of colonization, rediscovering their spiritual strength and resilience.
The Oahspe also emphasizes the importance of understanding spiritual laws and universal truths that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries. This can offer Indigenous peoples a sense of solidarity with others around the world who have suffered under similar systems of oppression. It creates a collective vision of spiritual liberation, where the shared commitment to freedom, peace, and spiritual sovereignty becomes the foundation for healing and unity.
The concept of spiritual sovereignty, a cornerstone of the Oahspe’s teachings, is especially powerful for those whose spiritual lives were interrupted by colonization. In many Indigenous cultures, spirituality is deeply associated with daily life and the land, and spiritual sovereignty means the right to practice one’s beliefs freely and openly. The Oahspe advocates for the right of each individual to connect with the divine without interference, empowering people to choose their spiritual paths without being bound by the doctrines or structures imposed by colonial powers.
By emphasizing the importance of spiritual autonomy, the Oahspe serves as a reminder that spiritual freedom is fundamental to personal identity and cultural survival. It offers an opportunity for Native peoples to reclaim not just the land that was taken from them, but also the spiritual power that was suppressed. This process of spiritual sovereignty is not about rejecting the past or the traditions of one’s ancestors, but about embracing them fully and freely, outside of the constraints imposed by colonial forces. It calls for the recognition of Indigenous spiritual practices as valid, sacred, and essential to the well-being of individuals and communities.
The Oahspe can be a source of strength and empowerment for Native peoples, as it teaches that the journey toward spiritual awakening and freedom is an individual and collective right. It inspires people to stand up for truth, reclaim their spiritual practices, and heal from the wounds of oppression. It doesn’t replace traditional ways but can offer a complementary perspective that affirms the sacredness of the spiritual path. This reclamation of spiritual identity is an act of resistance to the forces that have sought to silence Indigenous voices and erode Indigenous cultures.
The Oahspe also offers an opportunity to reflect on the broader struggle for spiritual freedom and justice, not just for Native peoples but for all who have been oppressed or marginalized. Its message of spiritual sovereignty is universal and can inspire solidarity across different communities, encouraging a collective effort to reclaim freedom, dignity, and sacredness in the face of colonization’s enduring impact. Through its teachings, the Oahspe offers a way for Indigenous people to heal, to connect with their spiritual heritage, and to rebuild their spiritual sovereignty, creating a future where their traditions, beliefs, and cultures are respected, nurtured, and celebrated.
New Pathways for Youth
The Oahspe offers younger generations a spiritual anchor rooted in timeless truths that can guide them through the complexities of modern life. In today’s world, many Indigenous youth face challenges in connecting with their cultural and spiritual roots, as the pressures of modern society, disconnection from ancestral lands, and the erosion of traditional practices can leave them feeling lost or disconnected. The Oahspe provides a path that not only honors their heritage but also offers a broader understanding of their spiritual purpose, giving them something to hold onto in an ever-changing world.
For many young people, particularly in Native communities, there is often a feeling of being caught between two worlds—the traditional one of their ancestors and the contemporary world shaped by colonialism, urbanization, and globalization. This can lead to a sense of fragmentation, where young people feel disconnected from both their roots and the modern world. The Oahspe, with its teachings about spiritual sovereignty, the oneness of all beings, and the importance of living in harmony with nature, offers a foundation that transcends the challenges of these two worlds. This is because its focus on timeless spiritual principles—truth, peace, unity, and the recognition of the divine in all things—provides a reliable anchor for youth who may feel adrift in the confusion of modern life. The sacred text emphasizes that no matter how much the physical world changes, these core spiritual truths remain constant. The idea that every person has a unique and valuable connection to Creator EOIH can help young people realize their intrinsic worth, offering them a sense of belonging and purpose. It encourages them to embrace their spiritual identity and their connection to the Earth, providing a stable ground from which to navigate the world.
One of the most significant issues facing many Indigenous youth today is a feeling of disconnection—not just from their spiritual traditions, but also from the Earth and their communities. In a world where modern technology, urbanization, and the effects of colonization have caused physical and emotional separation from the land, many young people struggle to find a sense of spiritual grounding. The Oahspe addresses this by emphasizing the importance of spiritual practices that foster a deep connection to nature, the ancestors, and the divine. Its teachings about reverence for the Earth, animals, plants, and the cycles of life connect deeply with traditional Native beliefs and can help reconnect young people to the natural world.
The Oahspe’s emphasis on prayer, fasting, and communing with spirit can give younger generations practical tools for establishing a personal spiritual practice that is rooted in their ancestral knowledge, yet open to new insights. These practices can help them feel more connected to something larger than themselves, something timeless, and something deeply tied to their cultural and spiritual heritage. By offering these tools, the Oahspe can bridge the gap between traditional practices and contemporary life, offering a path to reconnect youth with their roots in ways that feel both relevant and meaningful.
In the context of modern life, where distractions, materialism, and a lack of spiritual direction can sometimes overwhelm young people, the Oahspe offers a broader, more holistic sense of purpose. It teaches that life is about more than just survival or accumulating wealth—there is a divine, spiritual mission that each individual is called to fulfill. For young people struggling to find direction in a fast-paced, often disjointed world, the Oahspe provides a road map to a deeper understanding of their role in the world. It encourages them to recognize their own divinity and their connection to the universal flow of life, showing that each individual has the potential to contribute to the greater good.
The Oahspe’s focus on service to others, peace, and moral development gives young people a higher calling to strive for, one that transcends the immediate concerns of personal gain or social status. This spiritual perspective can help them see life as a journey of personal and collective growth, where every action, thought, and choice contributes to the greater spiritual progress of humanity. By offering a vision of a meaningful life rooted in spiritual principles, the Oahspe can help young people develop a sense of responsibility, compassion, and purpose.
The Oahspe provides not just philosophical teachings but also practical spiritual tools that can help youth navigate the challenges they face. Prayer, meditation, fasting, and seeking guidance from the spirit world are all practices that can empower young people to take charge of their own spiritual journey. These practices can become a source of inner strength, resilience, and wisdom, especially when faced with the pressures of modern society or the trauma of colonization.
In a time when many young people are seeking authenticity and truth, the Oahspe offers a spiritual framework that resonates with the deeper longing for connection, healing, and personal transformation. By engaging with its teachings, young people can cultivate a sense of self-awareness and spiritual discipline that will not only strengthen their individual lives but also contribute to the well-being of their communities.
The Oahspe’s emphasis on unity, collective service, and spiritual sovereignty also fosters a sense of community among youth. It inspires them to look beyond their own individual needs and understand that their actions and spiritual practices are part of a larger cosmic mission. This can bring about a sense of shared responsibility and collective healing, helping to rebuild the communal ties that were weakened by colonization and modern disconnection.
As young people become more aware of their spiritual heritage and identity, they may feel a greater sense of pride in their culture, reclaiming practices that were lost or suppressed. The Oahspe encourages a reconnection to ancestral wisdom, honoring the old ways while also embracing the teachings that will help navigate the future. In this way, it helps younger generations find their place within a long lineage of spiritual and cultural traditions, providing them with both a deep sense of belonging and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Oahspe offers a way forward for young people, not by replacing their Native traditions, but by complementing and enhancing them. It provides a framework for spiritual growth that connects them to timeless truths while giving them the tools to navigate the challenges of the modern world. By offering a deep, rooted sense of purpose, spiritual identity, and connection to both the divine and the Earth, the Oahspe helps combat the feelings of disconnection and confusion many youth experience today. It gives them a spiritual anchor, a sense of direction, and the wisdom to move forward with clarity and strength, creating a future where they can thrive both spiritually and culturally.
Summary
By blending the Oahspe with Native traditions, our people honor their roots while embracing spiritual truths that feel aligned with our way of life. It’s not about replacing the old; it’s about letting the old and the new grow together, like two strong trees with roots intertwined.
Joint statement by
Rabbah Rish’kahni
Brother Good Medicine
Brother Joel Goins
Brother John Goins
November 22, 2024