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July 29 2019
10 Ways to Appreciate, Not Appropriate
Cultural appropriation is a huge topic these days and I know that it can be tricky to navigate these conversations. I understand why people find our traditions and culture beautiful, because they are.
I also understand that many people are searching for ways to reconnect them to the Earth, the spirit world and the medicines that have been lost from their own heritage.
As an Indigenous woman, my medicines, teachings and ceremonies are often taken and used by others for profit. This can be very harmful. I can only speak for myself as our communities are diverse and varied, however in my heart, I believe there are ways to appreciate and not appropriate.
I invite you to read this list with an open heart, leaning into compassion for any shame that may arise. We are healing together and have all made mistakes. I truly believe that I am a bridge between the old and new ways and when we know better, we can do better.
1. Smudging
Using white sage and smudging has been adopted by many people in our spiritual communities. From my perspective, responsible use of this medicine is key.
*If you are going to smudge with sage, develop a relationship with this medicine, ask for permission, ask it what it wants to be used for and how it wants to be honoured.
*Where are you sourcing your sage from? Ask your new age store and suppliers. Does it support Indigenous People?
*Thank the people who this teaching comes from. Call them in as you use this ceremony. Hold their stories in your heart.
2. Research where your ancestors are from and what ceremonies and rituals they used.
I guarantee that if your soul and heart feel drawn to my teachings, then your ancestors practiced beautiful ceremonies and rituals too.
Open your heart, spirit and mind and let your ancestors teach you. There is so much remembering in your blood and bones waiting to be uncovered.
I believe that we are all on a journey of reconnection and reclaiming. And we can do this together.
3. Using drums, smudge and feathers.
What is your intention in your social media posts and marketing?
Yes, perhaps your ancestors used these sacred items.
Yes, perhaps you have a relationship with them.
Are you trying to use them to gain followers or boost your popularity?
Do you have a relationship with them?
Are you praying to them and honouring them daily or simply using them to look the part?
4. Know the history.
Did you know that colonization suppressed, broke down and in some cases eradicated the spiritual traditions of Indigenous people?
The Indian Act explicitly banned and outlawed us from practicing some of our ceremonies, (specifically potlatch and sundance) until 1951 and it was only in 1996 that it was agreed that the act was oppressive.
We work so hard every day to reclaim what has been taken away from us. Hold these facts in your heart, root down into the truth and allow yourself to be guided from there. 5. A Headdress is a very sacred item and does not belong in your next photo shoot ….. To keep reading “10 Ways to Appreciate not Appropriate” + FREE “Find Your Animal Spirit” meditation, please fill out the form below:
Miigwetch ~ with gratitude, Asha p.s. if you are looking for a way to reconnect to your own sacred medicines, learn teachings from the source and come home to who you truly are, I welcome you into my Medicine Circles. All are warmly welcome, always. *Join the waitlist for my online membership, Sacred and receive free Moon Medicine Teachings. My membership is a beautiful medicine circle of teachings, love + deep healing. Doors open again in the Fall. sacredmembership.com Follow me: Instagram: asha.frost Facebook Page: Healing Rainbow Medicine Woman Facebook Group: Sacred Medicine Circle To support my work: ashafrost.com/bundle – Downloadable Medicine Bundle, teachings + healing for your heart + soul. ashafrost.com/sacredmedicineways Learn about Indigenous teachings from the source. Clearing space, animal spirits, healing yourself + more! shop.ashafrost.com Indigenous Healing Journeys to heal your body, mind + spirit Or to support with a donation: https://paypal.me/ashafrost Free Offerings: ashafrost.com/medicine_wheel – Indigenous Medicine Wheel Teaching
ashafrost.com/animalspirit – Animal Spirit Teachings ashafrost.com/21days – 21 Days of Ceremony + Ritual With love + grace, Asha xo