Farewell Russell, Rest Well

Relations,

I seem to have misplaced my shell in which is burned the White Sage, herbs and spices. I have this frantic tic going on in my Center and all I wish to do is have ceremony to combat whatever evil energies make home or loom near by. Yes, I wear the Armour of My Lord, but there is a Spiritual connection I have with my past and the scent and presence of the White Sage, this large shell brings me to the here, my past, the present and my future...

...this smoke and it's scent sets me adrift and away to places I have traveled. Memories of the Ceremonies in The Everglades, for The Everglades and for Kinfolk and Kindred who have passed before me. Right there in Swamp Land, it made no matter to me. I am Blessed to have had Ceremony with my Mom before she passed, she always loved the scent. And I burned the White Sage when my Mom crossed. Yes, there in The Everglades and here at her burial grounds. The scent's and energies are same as it is when we have wonderful Ceremony in Cherokee. Visiting and staying right there on the Reservation for the duration of our annual pilgrimage. With the energy of White Sage. Back-Up-South, is where so many of my Kinfolk were born, lived and died, generation after generation. One by one, we are born and we die.

My prayers are set off and into the massive skies that stretch far and away for as far as the eyes might see. I know this is true. The smoke of the Ceremony is carried in the wind. It's in my blood.

Today, I permitted myself to comprehend just how much the passing of Mr. Russell Means, affected me and the all of me. In my Spirit, I feel as if I have lost a dear and close Kindred One or a member of my Kinfolk. I am aware that I was shocked when I read the obituary in the Tampa Bay Times. I just didn't know how deeply I was affected. The Times mentioned Mr. Means in a 'passing thought' sort of note - seven or so paragraphs long. I was angered by this and considered offering an opinion, but my eyes were blessed to see and read what The New York Times, printed in Mr. Means memory.

(I am receiving steady beep-beep, beep's in my left deaf ear and I just felt a worm wiggle between my scalp and my skull. Also on the left side of my thick skull.)

I am missing my Mom very much lately. I was recently at the store with the big red dot and Botswana and I got separated for a spell. For a while I felt like a lost child looking for Mom. I was afraid for a flash. And then to have all of these smell memories of my Mom's Thanksgiving Feast because of all the sales going on, with Folks sampling this and that's. Having to see that sad damned Publix commercial time and time again. This was my Mom's favorite time of year...

...I think, maybe this sadness is how I have felt since I learned of Mr. Means death. I mean, I have had the luxury of having my hero be a living part of My Path since childhood. Knowing he was there. Just knowing Russell was alive felt right good in my Center. I remember bring this up briefly in therapy, but I failed to open and work on what was so sad inside.

My Good Right, Mr. Means, has crossed. It is time now for me to accept these thoughts and feelings as truths. Comprehend the all of what has been occupying my conscience since the twenty-third of October. I have thought about and have considered his death every day since he died. And I wasn't letting go. I think that as of today, with the ceremony just a bit ago, I have let my heart open to release the the energies associated with the sadness of this mourning.

I mourn now in a different place. With a different pair of shoes. Moccasin's?

 Rest well for Eternity Russell, rest well...

...there's a thankfulness in my Spirit's. Thank you.