The wisdom of indigenous cultures often carries profound insights into the cyclical nature of existence, the interconnectedness of all things, and potential futures shaped by present actions. Among these, the Cherokee Prophecy, as shared by Lee Brown in a talk given at the 1986 Continental Indigenous Council in Fairbanks, Alaska, presents a compelling narrative of creation, separation, reunion, and potential tribulation, offering a framework for understanding the past, present, and future of humanity. This article delves into the key elements of this prophecy, exploring its symbolism, teachings, and warnings.
At the heart of the Cherokee Prophecy lies the concept of cycles. According to the prophecy, humanity has progressed through the cycle of the mineral (rock), the cycle of the plant, and the cycle of the animal. It is now entering the cycle of the human being, a period characterized by the potential release of humanity’s highest and greatest powers. This transition signifies a shift in focus from the material and instinctual to the spiritual and intellectual, emphasizing the unique capacity for consciousness and responsibility that defines humankind.
The prophecy recounts an ancient gathering orchestrated by the Great Spirit, who dispersed the peoples of the Earth to the four directions, imbuing each group with a distinct color and set of Original Teachings. These teachings were intended to be shared upon their eventual reunion, fostering peace and a great civilization. Crucially, each group was entrusted with two stone tablets, with a stern warning against casting them aside. The prophecy states that discarding these tablets would lead to hardship for humanity and endanger the Earth itself.
This act of entrusting different groups with specific knowledge is referred to as Guardianship. The red people, the indigenous people of the Americas, were given the Guardianship of the Earth. Their responsibility was to learn the teachings of the earth, including the properties of plants, edible foods, and healing herbs. This knowledge was to be shared with the other groups upon their reunion.
The yellow race of people, associated with the South, were given the Guardianship of the Wind. They were tasked with understanding the sky, breathing techniques, and how to harness the breath for spiritual advancement. This wisdom, too, was to be shared. The black race of people, linked to the West, received the Guardianship of the Water, considered the chief of the elements due to its humble yet powerful nature. The white race of people, associated with the North, were given the Guardianship of the Fire. The prophecy notes the prevalence of fire in their innovations, from light bulbs to engines, highlighting its transformative and consuming power. The Cherokee Prophecy suggests that this association with fire is why the white people began to move across the earth, reuniting the human family.
The prophecy speaks of the physical manifestation of these teachings through stone tablets. The Hopi, representing the red race, safeguard their tablets in the Four Corners area of Arizona, specifically on Third Mesa. The Kukuyu Tribe at the foot of Mount Kenya holds the tablets of the black race. The Tibetans are the keepers of the yellow race’s tablets. Intriguingly, the prophecy points to a geographical connection between the Hopi Reservation and Tibet, suggesting a deep link between these cultures. Furthermore, it notes a linguistic curiosity: the Tibetan word for "sun" is the Hopi word for "moon," and vice versa. The Swiss are considered the guardians of the traditions of the people of Europe, retaining certain colors and symbols associated with these teachings.
The Cherokee Prophecy includes a narrative of the first attempt at reunion, symbolized by the arrival of "turtles across the land." The Hopi, anticipating this event, mistook the Spanish conquistadors, covered in armor, for the prophesied messengers. The conquistadors’ rejection of the sacred handshake and offering of trinkets instead marked a turning point, signifying a departure from the intended path of harmony.
The Cherokee Prophecy also foretells a series of events and signs indicating potential future tribulations. These signs include the construction of a "black ribbon" with a "bug" moving upon it, representing the mass production of automobiles and the rise of the First World War. The "bug" taking to the air symbolizes the airplane’s emergence in warfare. This period would be followed by an attempt to make peace on the west coast of the land (the League of Nations), which ultimately failed due to the exclusion of Native peoples.
Subsequent signs include the construction of a "cobweb" around the earth (the telephone), a sign of life appearing in the east that tilts and brings death (the swastika of the Nazis), and the sun rising in the west (the Rising Sun of Japan). These symbols, carved in stone in Arizona, served as warnings of an impending "Great Death" and a second shaking of the Earth (World War II).
The most dire warning concerns the "gourd of ashes," representing the atomic bomb. The prophecy suggests that the use of this weapon would have devastating consequences for the Earth and lead to a Third Shaking of the Earth (World War III). After the Second Shaking, another attempt at peace would be made, this time on the east coast of Turtle Island (North America), in a "House of Mica" (the United Nations). However, the elders’ attempts to address the nations of the Earth were allegedly vetoed, leading them to believe that further tribulations were inevitable.
Other prophecies include the discovery and manipulation of DNA ("the blueprint that makes us"), the creation of new animals through genetic splicing, and the return of animals thought to be extinct. The prophecy also mentions the eagle landing on the moon in 1969, a symbolic representation of the Native people losing their teachings.
The Cherokee Prophecy emphasizes the importance of slowing down in the face of accelerating change. It warns of a time when people will move faster and faster, with grandchildren not having time for grandparents, and parents not having time for children. In this chaotic environment, the elders advise slowing down and focusing on the essential teachings.
Ultimately, the prophecy speaks of a Third Shaking of the Earth, a time of great upheaval and destruction. However, it also offers a message of hope, suggesting that humanity will survive and that there will be another attempt to create a circle of peace. This time, the Native people will be invited to participate, and all four colors of the four directions will share their wisdom, leading to a lasting peace on Earth. The Cherokee Prophecy emphasizes that the choice is always ours. We can either continue down a path of destruction, or we can choose to come together in harmony and create a better future.
The Cherokee Prophecy serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things, the importance of respecting the Earth, and the need for humanity to come together in peace. It is a call to action, urging us to remember the Original Teachings and to strive for a future where all people can live in harmony with each other and with the planet. The Cherokee Prophecy offers guidance for navigating the complexities of the modern world, encouraging reflection, responsibility, and a commitment to a more sustainable and equitable future.
The enduring relevance of the Cherokee Prophecy lies in its ability to resonate across cultures and generations. It is a testament to the power of indigenous wisdom and its capacity to offer profound insights into the human condition.