Friday, August 28, 2009

The Heartbeat of Mother Earth


The drum is a powerful instrument. Indigenous people throughout Turtle Island refer to it as a heartbeat of Mother Earth. It is used in many spiritual and sacred ceremonial practices. Some say the best of the drum has the power to change natural elements, including the weather. It is believed to have the power to heal sickness, and some believe it has the power to send messages both to the animal world and to the spirit world.


The drum is broadly considered to be the first musical instrument used by humans. Historians and music ethnologists alike point out that the drum has been utilized by virtually every culture known to mankind for a multitude of purposes. In ancient times, the earliest drums were used for religious rituals, social dances, sporting events, feasts, special ceremonies, in preparation for hunting and as a prelude to war. However, it is virtually a universally held belief that the original purpose of the drum was to communicate, many times over long distance as a warning or signal.


Source: Mckosato, Harlan. “Drums – Heartbeat of Mother Earth.” Native Peoples. Aug. 2009: 36.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Legends and Navajo Folklore


The Cultural Arts Center of St. Louis welcomes the second session of the Navajo Cultural Series. Legends and Navajo Folklore will be the main subject of this lecture/discussion. We will begin by exploring the enigma behind fire and its symbolism. True encounters with both the positive and negative sides of the unknown will be realized during this session.

Each session will commence with a guided teaching/lecture and questions are encouraged. It is recommended but not required to bring a notepad and pen for note taking.

The sessions are on a “pay as you go” basis and are 25 dollars at the door or 20 in advance.

Friday, August 7, 2009

Animal Spirit Journey


Due to popular demand, the Native American series will now extend into a fifth session. This session will focus on sacred animals and their spiritual journey throughout life. The Navajo believe all animals to be an important part of life and therefore show respect to all of these beings. During this session we will venture into the lives of these animals while exploring their spiritual identity. We will have a chance to discover the true meaning behind what the Navajo call the “Animal Spirit Journey.”

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Symposium Series: Lecture Topics


Week 1 - Introduction to the Navajo Culture and Religion
Week 2 - Legends and Navajo Folklore
Week 3 - Islam vs. Navajo Traditionalism
Week 4 - Navajo Customs


Each session will have handouts and photos to help illustrate the topic of the week.

It is recommended but not required to bring a notepad and pen for note taking.

The sessions are on a “pay as you go” basis and are 25 dollars.

Questions or Comments? Feel free to email the speaker at linseydaman32@webster.edu

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Navajo Traditions and Legends


The Cultural Arts Center of Saint Louis is proud to announce the first symposium series (Navajo Traditions and Legends) on Tuesday August 18th at 7pm. The session will commence with an introduction to the Navajo Nation and people who live there. We will de-myth some common ideologies while defining the true essence of this culture. The majority of this series will be based on Navajo spiritualism and religious traditions that are a part of native life.

Each session will commence with a guided teaching/lecture and questions are encouraged. Any discussion that may arise should pertain to the material at hand.

Below is the address of the determined meeting location:

St. Louis Bread Company
201 E 5th Street
Eureka, MO 63025
(636) 587-3902

For any questions, comments or concerns – please feel free to contact the speaker directly at 314-704-0295.

Monday, August 3, 2009

Symposium Series: Navajo Traditions and Legends


The presenter of this series is currently working with a Native American Shaman (Navajo) to unravel the enigmas that surround this culture. There is a lot that remains unsaid, unpublished, and simply not discussed outside of the Navajo Nation. With permission from this generous Shaman, the Cultural Arts Center of Saint Louis is allowed to reveal certain secrets to those who have a genuine interest in the culture and traditions of Native Americans. Many legends that compose this beautiful race of people will be discussed in great detail while leaving room for further inquires.


Please note – the topic of discussion/lecture will vary from week to week however there will be some general overlap due to the material at hand


To sign up for this series, please call the CAC Saint Louis at 314-704-0295.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Italian Community of Controlled Affirmations


Translated by Linsey Anne Daman


ROME, Itlay July 30, 2009 – According to the Italian Community of Controlled Affirmations (CICAP - the Italian Abbreviation) when one looks at the world with rose colored glasses they will attract positive energy to them. However if one’s attitude is negative then they will soon fall victim to bad luck and might even think that they are jinxed with daily happenings.



On this belief, the CICAP claims that Italy is one of the most superstitious countries in the entire world. For example, Italians are scared to death of walking under a ladder, breaking a mirror and of course seeing a black cat cross their path.


The CICAP is trying to prove a certain theory that would prove that Friday the 17th is just as unlucky as Friday the 13th. They are working with several Bible verses and some anagrams to solve this mystery behind the 17th. However they claim that the 13th is quite an unlucky day due to The Last Supper before Judas betrayed Jesus there were 13 at the table.


They have found reasoning for why salt is thrown over one’s shoulder when spilt - it dates back to when the Romans was conquering other cities they dumped salt all throughout the city to stop the growth of any plants or life at all.


The main objective of the CICAP is to explain the mystery behind superstitions and prove them with demonstrations.


Source: http://sobrenatural.net/blog/2009/07/30/ser-supersticioso-es-de-mala-suerte-cicap/