Love Stories from the Land of Many Lakes, part 10: Thunderbirds, Keepers of Sacred Medicine
- zhaawano
- Jun 1, 2019
- 5 min read
Odemiini-giizis (Strawberry Moon) / Baashkaabigonii-giizis (Blooming Moon), June 1, 2019
“When a vision comes from the thunder beings of the west, it comes with terror like a thunder storm; but when the storm of vision has passed, the world is greener and happier; for wherever the truth of vision comes upon the world, it is like a rain. The world, you see, is happier after the terror of the storm."
- Heȟáka Sápa (Black Elk), Oglala Lakota wičháša wakȟáŋ (medicine man / man who communes with the spirit world
Thunderbirds
In Anishinaabe tradition, the Thunder Grandfathers descended to earth at the dawn of time to oversee the quality of life for humans, animals, and plants, wielding supernatural powers that the Anishinaabeg could hardly influence. Consequently, Thunders became linked with fertility and the formation of clouds and rain. They are frequently envisioned as enormous birds, known as Animikii Binesiwag, or Thunderbirds.
Binesiwag, the Thunderbirds, are believed to be connected to the wendaanimag noodinoon, the Winds that blow from the four corners of the Earth. Animikiig, the Thunderers, are considered the most influential and powerful beings among the Aadizookaanag—Spirit Grandfathers—who guard the four cardinal points of the Universe. They leave their homes on high cliffs and mountain peaks in the west at the beginning of spring and arrive on Earth in various forms and sizes —as winged beings, or sometimes even in human form—to visit the Anishinaabeg and to drive away malevolent underground spirits from the Earth and the waters of lakes and rivers. They are responsible for the warm weather and ensure the warm seasons on Earth, which is why they migrate with the birds that appear in spring and disappear in the fall. Their thunder claps announce the presence of powerful manidoog or Spirit Beings, and their lightning arrows carry strong Medicine. It is said that the eyes of the Thunderbird Grandfathers, who have a close and beneficial relationship with humans and are known to impart knowledge and foretell the future, can see and explore the hearts of human beings, discerning their skills, talents, and desires. This evokes memories of a time long ago when the Anishinaabeg wandered aimlessly on the face of Aki (Earth), disheartened and disorganized, standing on the brink of extinction; it was then that Grandfather Binesi was sent to Earth to help the People find their place in the world and to make them aware of their collective and individual skills and talents needed to develop self-worth and survive in a harsh and hostile environment. Thunderbird also taught the Anishinaabeg to organize themselves into doodemag (clans), thus forming the foundation of a strong society.
Thunderbirds typically travel alone or in pairs, so Anishinaabe artists frequently portray them individually, in pairs, and occasionally as four, symbolizing the wendaanimag noodinoon or Four Winds created by the Great Mystery.
The title of the storytelling rings, Animikiig, Biidoonoog Mashkikiwan, translates to "Thunderers, They Bring Medicines." In Ojibwe, mashkiki refers to medicine sourced from plants. However, the title also carries a metaphorical meaning, alluding to the Sacred, Healing Medicine of Animkiig, the Thunder Grandfathers who reside in the four corners of the Universe. In spring, this sacred Medicine, accompanied by rain that brings fertility, is delivered on their powerful wings as a blessing to the parched earth and as a gift to the needy Anishinaabeg.
The symbolism of the ring set—featuring the oxidized (sulphured) spirit line blending with the red gold Thunderbirds and the yellow inlay representing Grandfather, the Sun, alongside the white (14 K) gold sky—embodies the deep love between individuals within the context of a universal belief in the cycle of life and our connection to the earth, the sky, and all elements of the universe, whether physical, non-physical, or metaphysical. The rings' flowing design showcases mirror images of two stylized Thunderbirds, their wings extending toward each other, symbolizing the bond of love and understanding between two life companions.
Sacred Seeds of Medicine, Knowledge, and Love
These one-of-a-kind rings, crafted by hand in my signature minimalistic, dramatic graphic overlay style, function as storytelling mediums and are not available for purchase. Made from white and red gold with yellow gold inlays, both rings have interiors of sterling silver and showcase abstract, highly stylized figures of two Animikii-binesiwag, or Thunderbirds, with outstretched wings depicted in mirror image, flanking a yellow gold sun symbol. A flowing "spirit line" connects the Thunderbirds' wings and the sun symbol.
The rings consist of a bottom sheet of silver (the inside of the ring). The cut-outs in the ring surfaces are blackened through oxidation, which makes the design stand out in relief. The center of both wedding rings show an inlaid circle of yellow gold within a bigger, oxidized, circle; in the ladies’ ring, a brilliant-cut diamond is added. In Anishinaabe tradition a circle within a circle denotes GICHI-MANIDOO, which literally means “Great Mystery," or "Great Spirit.”
The rings have a silver base layer on the inside. The surfaces of the rings are oxidized to produce a blackened effect, which emphasizes the design in relief. Each ring features a central inlaid circle of yellow gold within a larger, oxidized circle; the ring shown at the bottom includes a brilliant-cut diamond. In Anishinaabe tradition, a circle within a circle represents GICHI-MANIDOO, which translates to "Great Mystery" or "Great Spirit."
As mentioned above, the title of the ring set, Animikiig, Biidoonoog Mashkikiwan, meaning Thunders, Bringers of Medicine, is connected to these design elements. The Thunderbirds represent the powers of the Thunder Grandfathers, while the sun symbol signifies GICHI-MANIDOO, embodying the Mystery and the incredible life force that fills the sky, the earth, and all living things. The sun/Great Mystery symbol can also be seen as miinikaan (a “seed”) containing the sacred Medicine that the Thunderbirds delivered long ago to Earth and the Anishinaabe Peoples. It serves as a reminder of the rejuvenating roles the Thunder Grandfathers play when they return each spring with the migrating birds, bringing the cleansing rain to the trees, plants, lakes, and rivers, ensuring the continuation of life on earth. Thus, these Mystery seeds are magical symbols that bestow nature with life and fertility, and provide humans with medicine, knowledge, and wisdom.
The Thunderbird's extended wings, linked by the sun/Great Mystery/seed symbol at the center, symbolize a spirit—a unique grandfather's blessing—that bestows luck and prosperity upon two life partners as they journey together. Meanwhile, the symmetrical design of the rings serves as a reminder for the couple to love each other unconditionally, with the same gentle affection that grandparents have for their grandchildren...
Giiwenh. Miigwech bezindawiyan noongom mii dash gidibaajimotoon wa’aw animikii binesi aadizookaan. Bi-waabamishinaang miinawaa daga!
So the story goes. Thank you for listening to me today, for allowing me to share with you this sacred Thunderbird story. Please come see me again!
> Read the next episode of the series Love Stories From the Land of Many Lakes: The Loving Earth.
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