Tobacco Ties: Honoring Earth the Lakota Way
Zintkala Waste (pronounced: Wash-tay) was born on a full moon in a tent on the South Dakota Rosebud Reservation in the Upper Cut Meat community. “I grew up spending all my time learning traditional ways with the elders. I was taught about everything Lakota,” he says. With his calm, warm presence, he embodies an archetypal grandfather.
Speaking quietly, he adds that he is a member of the Burnt Thigh Clan of the Rosebud Lakota Tribe, and that one day after he was born, he was given his Indian name, “Zintkala Waste,” meaning “Good Bird” in Lakota.
As a spiritual leader and minister of the Native American Church, he says that one of his duties is to hold sweat lodge ceremonies. “I also teach what I’ve learned over my lifetime. I help people with alcohol and drug problems. Since I will be 76 on May 30, 2018, I am one of the elders of the tribe,” he says.
Giving Thanks to the Earth
In the Lakota tradition, honoring the earth, known as “Maka Iyan,” is a way of life. Generations of Lakota people have made tobacco ties; a traditional offering to the earth, the spirits, and the creator, called “Wakan Tanka.” Zintkala summarizes the Lakota people’s indivisible relationship with Maka Iyan in the simplest possible terms, saying,“the earth is first.”
All his life, Zintkala has ceremonially offered the tobacco ties he learned to make as a child. But the traditional plant material used in the midwest and western parts of North America is not the smoking tobacco grown in the southeast — it is what the Lakota call cansasa (chun-sha-sha); the native red willow that grows wild along creeks and rivers. Zintkala says, “It is picked and dried, and has been used as tobacco for generations before white men arrived. We still use it, and there’s still a lot growing locally.”
Zintkala shared instructions about making and using the ties for those who would like to celebrate Earth Day the Lakota way. The act of making ties requires focus and attention, recalling many well-known mindfulness meditation practices.
Q. How do you make tobacco ties?
Cut a square from cloth and put a pinch of tobacco in the center and tie it off (see video). Connect the ties with string to make a long string of them. Or arrange them in groups, according to the prayers and intention. Make ties for each of the four directions; south is red, west is black. north is white, and east is yellow.
Q. When you make the ties, do you hold an intention?
Yes. Definitely. One way is offering the tie to the Great Spirit as you make it — but offer it to whatever name you use for the creator. If you want something done, ask the Great Spirit to help. If you want help, consider the problem and ask the Great Spirit how many ties you should make for each direction. You’ll get an answer if you’re patient.
You can also use ties for protection by making them with that intention then hanging them in your house. You need patience and real focus when you sit and makes ties, because it’s tricky, and it takes a long time. When you offer the ties, you have got to have sincerity and good intention.
Q. How are the ties offered?
Here’s an example. I’m rebuilding my sweat lodge now, and I’ll make 25 tobacco ties for each direction and tie them to the inside walls of the new lodge. The ties will be made with prayers for healing, peace, honoring ourselves, for our loved ones, honoring elders and the tunkasilas (grandmothers and grandfathers), and for the home of the farmer who owns the land where we build the sweat lodge.
They can be tied on a tree branch out in an isolated place that has special meaning or needs prayers. Ties can be made with a pledge attached to them so that you can come back next year and be connected to the place solidly.
They can be put in the home in places where prayers are needed; then taken down later, often four or five days. If we have a special request to Wankan Tanka (Great Spirit), they can be tied to the sides of the sweat. Â When we do vision quests, we make enough tobacco ties to encircle the ground we sit on.
When we are finished with the tobacco ties, they might be burned in a sweat lodge fire. You can also get rid of the ties by burning them with sage, which takes the prayers in the smoke to tunkasilas (grandparents).
There are a lot of ways to use tobacco ties, but it has to come from the heart.
Zintkala Waste in ceremonial garb.
About the Author
Who is Archangel Metatron and How Does He Manifest?
Archangel Metatron is known as one of the most powerful and closest archangels to humanity. His role includes overseeing the Akashic Records and assisting in the process of spiritual ascension. In this article, we explore who Metatron is, his significance, and how he manifests in our lives.
Table of Contents
- Archangel Metatron: Who He Is and What He Represents
- Channeled Message from Archangel Metatron
- How Metatron Manifests
- Metatron and Sacred Geometry
- How to Invoke and Work with Archangel Metatron
Archangel Metatron: Who He Is and What He Represents
Metatron is considered one of the only two archangels who were once human, having been the prophet Enoch before his ascension. His transformation into a celestial being grants him a special connection with humanity, serving as a bridge between heaven and earth. Metatron is often described as the scribe of God, tasked with documenting every event in the universe and guiding souls through their spiritual evolution.
He represents divine wisdom and pure light, helping individuals release negative patterns and raise their vibration. Metatron is also known for his association with sacred geometry, which he uses to bring order to chaos and manifest balance in all things. His energy is powerful and transformative, inviting those who invoke him to align with their true purpose and advance on their spiritual path.
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The Meaning of His Name
The name “Metatron” has various interpretations in spiritual traditions. It is commonly translated as “the one who occupies the throne next to God’s throne” or “the angel of presence”. These definitions highlight his elevated status and closeness to the divine, emphasizing his crucial role as an intermediary between God and humanity.
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Archangel Metatron and the Akashic Records
Metatron is known as the guardian of the Akashic Records, a vast collection of information about all souls and their experiences throughout time. These records are essential for understanding life purpose and spiritual lessons. Metatron facilitates access to these records, providing guidance and clarity to those seeking to understand their spiritual path and resolve pending karma.
Channeled Message from Archangel Metatron
In Open Minds, hosted by Regina Meredith, Joan Walker channels a live message from Archangel Metatron. During the interview, Metatron offers profound insights into the spiritual evolution of humanity, emphasizing the importance of releasing old patterns and raising our consciousness. This message is a vital guide for those seeking to understand their role in the process of ascension and personal transformation.
How Metatron Manifests
Archangel Metatron manifests in various ways to guide and assist humanity on their spiritual journey. These manifestations can be subtle or powerful, but they are always intended to provide clarity and spiritual elevation.
- Guidance in Meditation: During meditation, Metatron manifests as an enveloping and protective energy. This contact facilitates a deeper connection with your spiritual purpose.
- Activation of Sacred Geometry: Feeling drawn to sacred geometry, especially the Metatron’s Cube, is a sign of his influence. This symbol appears in meditations or visualizations, helping to balance and harmonize your energy.
- Messages in Dreams: Vivid dreams with clear messages can be a form of communication from Metatron. These dreams often contain symbols or guidance that direct your spiritual path.
- Lights or Flashes of Color: Metatron can manifest visually through lights or flashes of color, particularly in golden or violet tones. These appearances are indications of his guidance and protective energy.
- Energy: You may perceive Metatron’s energy through an intense vibration in your body. Sensations like tingling in the extremities, slight disorientation, or dizziness indicate his presence and encourage you to make positive changes in your life.
- Synchronicities: The appearance of synchronized events, such as mirror numbers, can be a sign from Metatron. These synchronicities indicate that you are aligned with divine purpose and that the universe supports you.
- Feeling of Peace: Experiencing a deep inner peace, even in moments of chaos, can be a sign of Metatron’s presence. This state of calm helps you center yourself and connect with your higher self.
Metatron and Sacred Geometry
Archangel Metatron is widely recognized for his connection to sacred geometry, especially through the Metatron's Cube. This cube is a three-dimensional figure that contains all the fundamental geometric shapes representing the basic structure of the universe. Meditating on the Metatron’s Cube facilitates the harmonization and balancing of internal energies, helping individuals connect with their higher self and manifest their highest intentions.
Sacred Geometry, which includes patterns like the Flower of Life and the Platonic Solids, is a powerful tool for spiritual transformation. Metatron uses these symbols to bring order to chaos, helping to align personal energies with those of the universe. Through meditation and visualization of these geometric forms, practitioners can access a higher state of consciousness and understand the cosmic laws that govern creation.
Working with sacred geometry under Metatron’s guidance not only promotes personal healing but also facilitates the expansion of collective consciousness. By integrating these patterns into daily life, one can create an environment of harmony and peace that resonates with the highest frequencies of love and light. This practice is an invitation to explore the depths of the universe and discover the limitless potential of our spiritual existence.
How to Invoke and Work with Archangel Metatron
To invoke and work with Archangel Metatron, it is essential to set a clear intention and create a sacred space. This can be achieved through meditation, prayer, or specific rituals that facilitate connection with his powerful energy. By doing so, Metatron can provide guidance, protection, and wisdom, helping to manifest a life aligned with divine purpose.
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Prayer
An effective way to connect with Metatron is through prayer, requesting his presence and guidance in times of need. A simple prayer can be: “Archangel Metatron, I invoke you at this moment. Please surround my being with your divine light and guide me on my spiritual path. Help me release any negative energy and raise my vibration towards love and light.”
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Meditation
Meditation is another powerful tool for connecting with Metatron. Visualize the Metatron’s Cube surrounding you as you breathe deeply and focus on your intention. Allow the energy of the cube to harmonize your being and connect you with the highest frequencies of the universe. This practice can help you gain clarity, peace, and a deeper connection with your spiritual purpose.
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Rituals and Other Spiritual Practices
Rituals are an effective way to invoke Metatron’s presence and work with his energy. A simple ritual can include lighting a white candle, burning incense, and placing a sacred geometry symbol on your altar. As you perform this ritual, you can recite a prayer or mantra that connects you with Metatron’s energy and requests his guidance and protection.
Another spiritual practice is creating a mandala using sacred geometry patterns, such as the Metatron’s Cube. Drawing or coloring this mandala can be an active meditation that allows you to tune into Metatron’s energies. This process not only connects you with his energy but can also bring balance and harmony to your daily life.
