Animals of the Soul: Sacred Animals of the Oglala Sioux [1 ed.] 1862041377, 9781862041370

Table of contents :
Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
Foreword
Introduction
The Sacred Power of Animals
Dreams and the Vision Quest
A Worldview
An Unlikely Chain of Associations
The Sacred Mystery
The Oglala
Native American Spirituality
Three Concerns of the Book
An Overview of the Book
Chapter 1 - Bison and Game in the World of the Oglala
The Plains Grasslands
The Destruction of the Bison
The Bison as an Aspect of the Sacred
Other Animals of the Plains
Hunting Skills and Herd Migrations
Chapter 2 - The Role of Animals in Oglala Life
The Oglala Observations of His Environment
The Bison - Chief of All the Animals
The Power of the Elk
The Double Nature of the Deer
The Fearlessness and Healing Powers of the Bear
The Strength and Tenacity of the Badger
The Earth Powers of the Skunk
The Speed, Wisdom and Solidarity of the Wolk Pack
The Persistence and Gentleness of the Fox
The Importance of Even the Smallest Creatues
The Creatures That Live in the Water
The Supremacy of the Winged-Peoples
The Wind-Power of the Insects
The Unique Powers of the Spider
Conclusion
Chapter 3 - Animal Guardians and the Vision Quest
The Vision and the Dream Experience
The Fetish as the Physical Symbol of the Vision
The Enactment of the Vision Experience
The Dance Ceremony
The Dream Cult
Expression of Power-Traits
The Sacred Power of Personal Names
White Buffalo Cow Woman - The Originator of Major Rituals
Chapter 4 - The Metaphysical Nature of Animal Categories in Ogala Lore
Chapter 5 - The Power of Sacred Animals in Oglala Art
Visual Representations of Animals and Birds
Some Examples of Images
The Tepee
Clothing
Artifacts
Three Drawings
Conclusion
Chapter 6 - We Are All Related
The Unifting Power of the Wind
Animal Guardians and Metamorphosis
The Interrelationships of Man, Culture and Environment
Appendix A - The Oglala and Siouan Speaking Groups
Appendix B - Uses of the Bison
Appendix C - Qualities Associated with Animals
Appendix D - Mammals, Birds and Insects
Appendix E - Oglala Personal Names Relating to Animals or Birds
Notes
Reference Bibliography
Select Bibliography
The Author with Black Elk
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