Star Stories, part 44: Flight of the Sky Dreamer

zhaawano
Jun 16
4 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Baashkaabigonii-giizis (Blooming Moon) / Ode'imini-giizis (Strawberry Moon) - June 16, 2025

Ojichaak Bimisiwin (Spirit Flight) story bracelet designed and handcrafted by Zhaawano Giizhik

Aaniin! Biindigen miinawaa nindaadizooke wigamigong; enji-zaagi'iding miinawaa gikendaasong. (Hello! Welcome once again to my Storytelling Lodge, a place of love and learning!)

This unique and elegant story bracelet, named "Journey of the Sky Dreamer," was crafted by hammering round precious metal wire into shape. Its form and name evoke "movement" and "flight." The bracelet, meant as an educational tool and not for sale, features a stylized eagle feather clasp made of red gold, mounted on top of the silver bracelet, serving as a flexible hook latch. The feather represents what might be termed ojichaag bimisewin or “Spirit Flight”: the spiritual journeys that the human mind is able to embark on.

Spirit Flight is a unique and often elusive aspect of our existence, and in the past, the Anishinaabeg practiced it through various ritual methods. One such method was the GIIZHIG-INAABANDAMOWIN ceremony, also known as "sky dreaming."

The tale of the bracelet centers on a Sky Dreamer journeying along the path of consciousness and experiencing a dream vision of flight. As I worked at my bench crafting the bracelet, a swirling vision unfolded before my mind's eye. I imagined the stylized wing feather of Migizi, the bald eagle, carrying a dreamer’s prayer to the Sky, with an eagle fan in one hand and a tortoise rattle in the other. The feather and the rhythmic sound of the rattle uplifted the dreamer’s jichaag (spirit), enabling it to soar and circle in a sacred blessing, accompanied by the smoke of asemaa and the scents of cedar, sage, and sweet-grass, ascending through space and time, seamlessly bridging past, present, and future, rising beyond the moon and sun, and ultimately even surpassing the stars of jiibay-miikana, the trail of souls (the Milky Way).

Giiwitaa-giizhigong bimaashiyen dibishkoo migiziwag.

"All Around The Sky We Are Soaring like the Eagles."

However, there's more.

"Fly as Bald Eagle Woman Visits the Turtle Star Lodge" painting by Zhaawano Giizik

In this enchanting place, far above the sun, moon, and stars, the Sky Dreamer encounters the essence of waawiyekamig bezhigwendamowin: the harmony and alignment of universal thoughts and knowledge.

In this place of enji-zaagi'iding miinawaa gikendaasong, a realm of Love and Knowing, countless Sky Spirits dwell in wiigiwaaman made of rainbows and stars. The prayers of the Sky Dreamer merge into a harmonious chorus, embodying the essence of Love and Understanding. Here, the dreamer's voice reunites with Creation. As she sings, rattles, and prays, her voice blends with those of the Sky Spirits:

Nin debaab aazhawi-anangoong,

Giga gikinoowezhigoog anangoog.

Nin debidan aazhawi-anangoong,

Giga noondagoog anangoog.

Gaagige ninga debidaagooz.

"I can see the other side of the stars,

The stars will guide you.

I can hear the other side of the stars,

The stars will hear you.

Timeless are our voices.”

In this enchanting place, far above the sun, moon, and stars, the Sky Dreamer encounters the essence of waawiyekamig bezhigwendamowin: the harmony and alignment of universal thoughts and knowledge.

The Sky Dreaming bracelet embodies a dual purpose. Similar to an eagle in flight, the sky dreaming ceremony allows the dreamer's spirit to ascend, achieving waaseyaabindamowin (enlightenment and heightened consciousness); it also grants the dreamer a vantage point to view the sacred path they tread on earth from above.

Haw sa, it is from this sacred place high in the sky that gidakiiminaan—the connection and moral duty a dreamer has to the earth, along with their relationship to other humans and beings of the Universe—becomes clear through their inendamowin (mind), wiiyaw (body), ojijaag (soul/spirit), and ode'imaan (heart).

From a higher perspective, Sky Dreamers view themselves, their relatives, and the Earth below as sacred and vibrant. They understand that a new life starts with each sunrise. As they journey along life's path, they continue to evolve on this long and winding road of self-discovery, forming enduring connections with all relatives, both physical and spiritual, who inhabit the earth and beyond. They recognize their moral duty to ensure the well-being of the next seven generations.

On a personal level, Sky Dreamers will lead lives characterized by integrity, self-discipline, and humility, avoiding any pretense. They will achieve any goals they pursue and tackle life's challenges to the best of their ability.

Goda! As they confront the potential challenges ahead, they will remember that they are Sky Dreamers…