The wisdom of indigenous cultures often resonates with profound insights into the cyclical nature of existence and humanity’s place within the grand tapestry of the universe. Among these, the Cherokee Prophecy, articulated and shared by various Native American elders, offers a compelling narrative about the evolution of consciousness, the interconnectedness of all people, and the potential for both destruction and renewal on Earth. This ancient wisdom, passed down through generations, speaks of guardianships entrusted to different races, the consequences of straying from sacred teachings, and the hope for a future where harmony and peace prevail. The Cherokee Prophecy is not merely a prediction of events but a call to action, urging humanity to remember its shared origins and work towards a balanced and sustainable existence.
At the heart of the Cherokee Prophecy lies the concept of cyclical time, a perspective that contrasts sharply with the linear view often prevalent in Western thought. According to this prophecy, humanity is currently transitioning from the cycle of the animal to the cycle of the human being, a shift marked by the potential for unlocking the highest and greatest powers within us. This transition represents a pivotal moment in our collective journey, a time when we are called to embrace our capacity for reason, compassion, and spiritual growth.
The prophecy recounts a primordial gathering where the Great Spirit, the ultimate source of creation, brought together the peoples of the Earth. In this gathering, the Great Spirit dispersed humanity to the four directions, transforming them into four distinct races, each with a unique color and set of teachings. These teachings, known as the Original Teachings, were meant to be shared upon humanity’s eventual reunification, fostering peace and the emergence of a great civilization.
Central to this divine mandate were two stone tablets given to each race, representing a sacred responsibility and a covenant with the Great Spirit. The prophecy warns against casting these tablets to the ground, symbolizing the abandonment of the Original Teachings. Such an act, it foretells, would lead to hardship for humanity and endanger the very survival of the Earth.
Each race was entrusted with a specific Guardianship, a particular domain of knowledge and responsibility. The red people, the indigenous peoples of the Americas, were given the Guardianship of the Earth. Their task was to learn the teachings of the land, understanding the plants, the foods, and the herbs that could heal and sustain life. This knowledge was to be shared with their fellow sisters and brothers upon their reunion, ensuring the well-being of all.
To the South, the yellow race received the Guardianship of the Wind. They were tasked with understanding the sky, the breath, and how to harness these elements for spiritual advancement. Their wisdom would contribute to humanity’s understanding of the interconnectedness between the physical and spiritual realms.
The black race, residing in the West, was given the Guardianship of the Water. They were to learn the teachings of water, the most humble yet most powerful of elements. Water, the source of life, embodies adaptability, resilience, and the ability to cleanse and purify.
Finally, the white race, located in the North, was entrusted with the Guardianship of the Fire. Fire, a symbol of both creation and destruction, represents energy, innovation, and the power to transform. The prophecy notes that fire is at the center of many of the white race’s endeavors, driving their movement and innovation across the globe. This movement, while powerful, also carries the risk of consumption and imbalance.
The Cherokee Prophecy identifies specific keepers of these traditions among various cultures. The Hopi Reservation in Arizona is mentioned as the location where the red people safeguard their stone tablets. The Kukuyu Tribe, residing at the foot of Mount Kenya, is identified as the keepers of the black race’s stone tablets. The Tibetans are entrusted with the stone tablets of the yellow race, highlighting a connection between the Hopi and Tibetan cultures through geographical alignment and symbolic word associations. The Swiss, with their masked traditions and knowledge of family colors and symbols, are recognized as the guardians of the traditions of the people of Europe, representing the white race.
The prophecy also speaks of signs and warnings that would mark humanity’s journey, particularly the consequences of straying from the Original Teachings. The arrival of the Spanish conquistadores, covered in armor like turtles, was misinterpreted as the prophesied return of the brothers and sisters. The conquistadores’ rejection of the sacred handshake, offering trinkets instead, signaled a departure from the path of harmony and foreshadowed a time of hardship.
Further prophecies foretold the construction of a "black ribbon" upon which a "bug" would move, signifying the advent of the automobile and the First World War. The "bug" taking flight in the air represented the airplane’s emergence during the war, leaving behind a trail of dirt that would eventually pollute the sky and cause diseases.
The prophecy also addresses the failure of the League of Nations, established in San Francisco after the First World War, to achieve true peace because it excluded the indigenous peoples. The elders recognized that peace could only be achieved when all four colors of humanity sat in a circle and shared their teachings.
The emergence of the telephone, a "talking cobweb" built around the Earth, was another sign foretold in the prophecy. It was accompanied by a symbol of life tilting and bringing death, the swastika of the Nazis, and the rising sun in the west, representing the Japanese Empire. These symbols warned of a "Great Death" to come upon the Earth, a second shaking worse than the first.
The "gourd of ashes," the atomic bomb, was identified as the worst misuse of the Guardianship of the fire. Its use during the Second World War would have devastating consequences, leading to a third shaking of the Earth, a Third World War.
The creation of the United Nations, the "House of Mica" on the east coast of Turtle Island (North America), was seen as another attempt to make peace. However, the elders’ attempt to address the nations of the Earth was vetoed, highlighting the continued exclusion of indigenous voices.
Despite these warnings and setbacks, the Cherokee Prophecy offers a message of hope. It speaks of a time when humanity will recognize the importance of the Original Teachings and come together in a circle of peace. The Native people, once excluded, will be invited to share their wisdom, and the four colors of humanity will finally unite.
The prophecy emphasizes that these events are not predetermined but represent potential pathways. Humanity has the power to choose a different course, to mitigate the severity of the predicted events by embracing the teachings that will reunite us. This requires stopping racial and religious disharmony and actively working towards a world of peace and understanding.
The Cherokee Prophecy, therefore, serves as a guide, a warning, and a source of inspiration. It reminds us of our shared origins, our interconnectedness, and our responsibility to care for the Earth and each other. By embracing the Original Teachings and working towards a balanced and sustainable future, we can fulfill the prophecy’s promise of a world where harmony and peace prevail. The Cherokee Prophecy reminds us to be mindful and consider our actions. The Cherokee Prophecy is a lesson to be passed on.