The Song of the Seer

Songs were important to life.  They still are.
 However, many have forgotten how to sing.
They have also forgotten why.
Within some Bands, if one had no song,
one was poor for the gift of a song had no price.

The Song of the Seer was sung by Tatanka - Ptecila, a Dakota holy man.
He was one of the first followers of Wovoka.
Wovoka, who started the Ghost Dance, had as one of his messages...
"do not fight...you must not fight"
and this message was brought back, to his people, by Tatanka - Ptecila

Before the people set out to war, the holy man made a place for himself
at the hocoka and here sat alone.
He looked into the future and made holy emblems to protect those in battle.
Before sending out the scouts,
the warriors sat in a circle at the hocoka and waited for the holy man.
He would come forth while singing a holy song
and give the warriors the items he had made.

He also told every man his fate.

This is the beginning of his song.
The last part foretold each warrior the fate that would befall him in the battle.
There is no ending now... only sounds... whose meanings have been forgotten.

SONG OF THE SEER

In this circle,

oh you warriors.

Ho, I will tell you

each his future.

All shall be

as I reveal it

in this circle...

Hear you !

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