I am a Tribal, Musician, Writer, Artist. I try to walk the path and have studied the tradition of the "Wisdom keepers" like Lame Deer, Fools Crow, Black Elk, and Rolling Thunder from the tribes of this region, and Lao Tzu, Buddha, Bohidharma, Yeshua, and other enlightend ones from the many various tribes of the earth. I understand the worlds religions and belief systems, and realize the division this can cause by the lack of understanding the "real message" from the Masters. My intention, and life's prayer is to try to live in harmony with Grandmother Earth, Grandfather sky, (Nature) and "the spirit that moves in all things," and help in any way I can to build a bridge between all men and tribes so they can walk their path in a manor that will benefit themselves, the Earth and others.

 

I open up, and ask Great Spirit, The Creator, The Tao, The Universe, to work and direct healing and positive energy through me by different means, like the Flute, drums, Words, Prayer, and Touch. I try to be loving and accept others from the heart, and practice forgivness. I honor all people, the winged one's, and four legged ones considering us all equal, not one being above another. I honor the bountiful Harvest from Mother earth in the form of plant life, water, air and herbs which sustain our oneness with her. I pray all tribes should re-unite as one, so we may protect the planet and live in harmony. Within you, without you.

 

I grew up in Arizona and when I was in my young manhood I did many things in this arid-zone. Most of my activity was outside and in the desert and surrounding mountains. The temperatures would sometimes sore to 115 degrees in the summer and the nights were cold. My exploration, and scouting of the local terrain around the Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, and Mesa area's was way before the urban sprawl. The west was barely settled in those days. I had a friend who would usually be with me, it was the buddy system in case we ever got hurt, the other could go for help. There are many mountains streams and gullies that we explored. We climbed to the very top of all the surrounding mountain ranges such as Camelback and South mountain, the Papagos, and others.

 

Camel Back Mountains

We hiked the Apache trail and superstition mountains and dove from cliffs into the green and blue waters of Canyon Lake in the squaw peak range. We would sometimes carry a canteen but usually we could go all day with little water.
 

Apache Trail & Canyon Lake

A lot of times we would go barefoot and the bottoms of our feet were like leather. Other times we would wear moccasins or your early sneaker, which was a lot different then the Nike's of today. The landscape and lay of the land were awe inspiring. There was every kind of plant life from the regional saguaro cactus, jumping cactus, prickly pear, and Mescal plant to wild blooming flowers and sage. We would track coyotes to the caves in the Papagos, look under rocks for lizards, and scorpions. We were always keeping an eye out for snakes of which we saw many. There were coral and rattlesnakes as well as Gila monsters. We would find many arrow heads and pieces of pottery from our ancestors and walk through the ruins of the Hohokam.

 

There were many flying creatures like the Hawk, Crow and Vulture, and I enjoyed seeing a roadrunner dart across the landscape. In those days the canal system was criss-crossing the land for irrigation and often times we would catch craw fish and catfish with our hands. We would have a friend drive us out in his old pickup and drop us off miles outside of town by the Verde river, then we would take old car inner tubes and float for miles through the rapids until we were back in town.

 

Our family had an Indian pony named Cotton that I rode bareback without a saddle. Cotton always knew how to get home with or without us. Sometimes without us. In all that time I was never injured seriously, or bitten by a snake or scorpion. We were taught to respect the natural order of things. We always carried a knife and that was all. I think the only time that I got hurt was when I fell in a bed of jumping cactus. This was very painful and the thorns had to be pulled from my body with pliers. But like I say these incidents where rare. If you go to these areas today you will find overpopulation, urban sprawl, golf courses, and fancy hotels and resorts. People go hiking and have to take a whole variety of things with them that they don't really need.

 

We were raised next to the land and became one with it. There was always a shade tree we could find or a stream we could wash in. If you wanted water you could cut off a piece of cactus and suck on it, or drink from a stream. Our exploration often would take us to northern parts of the state like Flagstaff and Prescott. This would usually happen when my Dad got a spur of the moment idea, and would throw us all in the car and take off. I look back on those times with fond memories. The world has gotten complicated, and crazy.

 

Those were simple fun times that I cherish in my memory. They are a part of me, the tough as nails, warrior, desert rat part. Sometimes I draw on that part of me to survive the trials we must all go through. Nature has become foreign to many but the spirit of the land, the mountains and deserts have a power of their own. It has Spirits that can be our allies and guides. Just ask any Apache and he will tell you.

RV: How old were you when you began seeking spirituality and what difference has this had on your life? Was this self pursued or was there an event in your life that led you to follow the path that you are on?

Thunderhands: The first part of my life from a very young age was spiritual, but maybe religious would be a better term, and it had to do with what others thought I should be indoctrinated with. Let’s put it this way I was exposed to a biblical points of view much like other young Native Americans who were taken from their traditions and force fed things that were outside their true nature. As soon as I got to the point where I could break away and re-evaluate what I was exposed to, my quest began. All that went before had to be thrown by the wayside for a time until I could integrate some of the parts that served me. This is when I gravitated towards my roots and other traditions. My search or quest was insatiable, I read every book, studied every tradition, and generally immersed myself in all the spiritual traditions of the east as well as those of the Holy men or wisdom keepers of Native American traditions or my roots. As I gained more wisdom from my studies and life in general I was able to put some of the stuff I learned earlier in a different context. I began to see things from the bible such as the sayings of Yeshua or Jesus as enlightened and without dogma. This gave me insight into how destructive religion and its dogmatic teachings can be, and at the same time empowered me to overcome or see through those who had an agenda. It also gave me compassion for those who haven't or couldn't break away. That's why when I write I say I am offering these points for consideration, take what serves you. Eventually everyone has to walk their own path. Nothing should be forced on anyone nor should anyone set themselves up as a god or so holy as to be the final word. Buddha said "if you see the Buddha on the road Slay him" which means much the same as Jesus saying "many will come as wolves in sheep's clothing." There were enlightened masters on earth and then people would come along and make religions after them and write books about them to control others, or to elevate their own ego's or status. This had nothing to do with the masters who would have condemned this kind of act. All teachings have pearls of wisdom and truth but must be searched for by you.

RV: I understand that you have great admiration for the great Sioux Chief, Crazy Horse. Could you please share your connection and admiration for Chief Crazy Horse and please also share with us your native roots.

Thunderhands: Well, I always have had admiration for, and heard about Crazy Horse and Geronimo since early childhood. The early conception of Crazy Horse by the general population was that he was a crazed warrior who killed for blood lust or whatever.  False conceptions and distorted history. He was actually a very quiet, reflective, person who kept to himself a lot and wasn't always accepted by the other young boys in the tribe because of his light hair and soft features. In fact he was called "Jiji Kin" or the light haired one or Jiji to his face, which means Light hair. He had visions when young, and when he was by himself in the mountains. This is where he had his famous vision which included his war paint and how he would rise and fall.

 

It's funny because I feel a stronger bond more now than ever with him, when I came to realize how much we had in common. For instance my totem is the red-tailed Hawk, and I came to find out that this was his totem. I have always been drawn to the element of thunder and the Thunderbeings or Wakinyan and I found out that he had a special relationship with the Thunderbeings. I found this out later on after I had already chosen my totem and had taken my name. This gave me a good feeling. There are many other things that I could go on and talk about concerning him. He was respectful of his enemies, he never took part in the ceremonies after a raid when others would be bragging about their time in battle, but he would sit quietly in the shadows and watch. He was a loner, a visionary.

 

My own roots are Métis which is a mixed breed of French Canadian and Indian through intermarriage of French trappers and Native maidens. A very colorful and musical people who endured many hardships also. They have what they call the "Red Sash" which is interesting since Crazy Horse had a red blanket, and other tribes like the Apache seemed to identify with that color. Probably because of their skin color and also the red earth. Just a guess!

 

RV: I was reading your excerpt, "Violence on our senses". I share your philosophy on the impact and destruction, degradation of culture, society and our mentalities. Life seems somewhat a competition. The world seems too big to tackle change and feels hopeless with the oppression of the rich powerful and wealthy. Then again the world doesn't seem so difficult to change if we just focus on changing our individual selves, collectively. Could you please share your insight and philosophies regarding this topic?

Thunderhands: I write about these things in my book. But I will take your observations and comment. Life is competitive, and much of this was, or is instilled by the powers to be. Competition for jobs, competition in the market place etc. It's gotten out of hand. It's more about unhealthy attitudes and a cut throat mentality. It's about Grab all you can while you can no matter the cost. The cost to our senses and the cost to our environment and Grandmother Earth. It's about running on the treadmill for the man and not getting anywhere, while those in control or the rich and powerful reap the benefits of your hard labor.

 

It's about greed not about individuality. People are so involved with survival they can't find the time to enjoy life. They purposely keep us sidetracked or keep us occupied with the mundane, so we don't have time for thinking coherently and working on ourselves and our essence, which is connection with nature and the spirit that moves in all things. I offer suggestions for consideration in my writings regarding this.  All we really have is ourselves and our own spiritual practices or outlook to overcome or combat this situation. We have to be spiritual warriors and bond with others who are awakened or aware enough to realize what is being done to us. It is time for "spiritual and tribal unity" of all races of men. Is this difficult? It isn't easy because of the situation they have placed us in.

 

RV: Do you feel that good perceptions of our surroundings and ourselves has an impact on the magnetism of attraction and good will vs. negative energy?

Thunderhands: Yes, as within so without. But again, and I don't want to seem like a fatalist, its not easy. Having a good perception of ourselves and surroundings requires being in the world but not of it. That means non-attachment, to the chaotic drama surrounding us. It means being in the moment and practicing awareness of the moment. It means making time for spiritual practices, and encouraging others in this direction. It means connecting with nature and our original essence. Before, you talked about collective consciousness, but how many people even know what these terms mean? That is what my obligation as a healer is. To make people aware of things that takes a lifelong study to grasp or to get your mind around.

 

Things are out of balance and so this imbalance affects us all and intrudes sometimes in different forms, even through people close to us, without them realizing it. So at the same time that your helping or healing, you have to protect yourself and the progress that you are making in your own life. There are many prophecies from the Hopi's and others that talk about some kind of higher or spiritual intervention. My hope is that this may come about in as non-dramatic and non-painful way as possible.

 

RV: I listened to you playing the flute, where did you learn to play and what other hobbies and interest do you have?

Thunderhands: Well thanks for listening first off! Laughs! I was directed to the Native American flute by spirit. I am self taught or maybe spirit taught. I have been in the music biz for a long time as a drummer, but decided that this beautiful instrument (the flute) gave me and others solace and allowed me to express my spirituality and connection to Great Spirit in a time honored way! I tell people that I don't play the flute it plays me!

 

As far as my other interests and accomplishments I have tried to do as much as I can in this lifetime, and when I look back I see a bigger picture or totality or the making of who I am. I love the Martial arts and have studied and am accomplished in them and the philosophies behind them. This is ongoing and also is what got me interested in Taoism and other eastern practices. Some of these practices and philosophies include the Japanese code of Bushido, the sword of no sword, acupuncture, the study of the movement of chi or energy and several different forms of esoteric meditation. There is moving mediation and sitting meditation. The Chinese forms are Tai Chi and Chi Qong and the circulation of the Microcosmic orbit. The Hindu form is Kriya Yoga of which I studied for many years. I guess you could say I am similar to the character in that old movie "The Razors Edge." I have studied every spiritual tradition and practice that I could get my hands on.

 

I have delved into many healing modalities including Native American. If you saw my house you would see one whole wall filled with books.  The code of bushido or the code of the Samurai warrior says in order to be balanced you must study the creative arts as well as the martial arts. Things like calligraphy, the tea ceremony, and even flower arranging. So I have tried to incorporate  what we would call "The hard and the soft" or "Yin and Yang' in my life through art and other means. I am also a fully rated pilot, meaning I have a commercial license, with multi engine land, and instrument ratings, and was a flight instructor on the mainland and in Hawaii. I think if I go any further this could turn into another book. Maybe that will be Volume two. Laughs!

 

RV: Please feel free to share anything that we haven't discussed that you would like to share with readers.

Thunderhands: Well maybe I should just finish up by saying that I have a great love for people like Fools Crow, Black Elk, and Lame Deer. I honor the old ways of the Wisdom Keepers and Holy men of the tribal nations. Lame Deer said in so many words that in order to be a saint you have to be a sinner. If you want to heal you have to experience, you can't be naive to life. Fools Crow said that we must all unite to get things done. All races, like the spirits of the four directions, White, Yellow, Black, and Red. Tribal Unity!

 

There are no sacred secrets and traditions that should be kept. Fools Crow said that those who say this know the least! We are all in this canoe together, and if we don't paddle in unison or one person tries to stand up while the others sit, you will find yourself in the water up to your necks! I wish to thank you and I honor you for allowing me to speak. And I say keep up the good work with your purpose and Native Digest so all voices can be heard!

 

Please view my contributory articles that aren’t found in my book that I would like to share with readers of Native Digest by “clicking here”. I’ve included the articles Loving Yourself, Violence on Our Senses and Reverence.  

 

If you would like to purchase my book you can visit Amazon or my website: Spiritofcrazyhorse.com. Mitakuye Oyasin!

 

I would like to thank Thunderhands for devoting his time to this interview. I wish him continued success in life and with his new book Listen to the Wind Speak From the Heart.

RV: In your writings you speak of loving ourselves, acceptance, and perceiving ourselves as miracles. I couldn't agree with you more. I guess my question if this is a world built on peer pressure, the perception of others which tend to mold our behaviors to conform to the rules of mainstream society. Don't we tend to model our behaviors based on our acceptance outside of ourselves? It seems like our minds are programmed from our youth and we learn to conform to the desires of our parents, teachers and society in return for love and acceptance. How do we obtain and get in touch with ourselves and lift that weight off of our backs?

Thunderhands: First we must define the word "peers" which by one dictionary definition is as follows: a person who is equal to another in abilities, qualifications, age, background, and social status.  So would we consider our peers those of this society or those of tribal society or affiliation? That is something to be considered. Tribal society and it's teachings are going to be much different then what we find ourselves in today.

 

But as I see your questions it has to do with those who surround us in this environment or so-called culture we find ourselves in. I write about this extensively in my book. I compare our original essence to a clear glass of water. This is how we are when we are babes or newborns, unpolluted so to speak. But as we are raised we are programmed with thoughts, rules, and behaviors by who or whatever is in our life, or that which surrounds us. This as you mentioned, can be parents, teachers, governments and religion, or society as a whole. The way I see it we are "forced" to conform by a form of indoctrination.  Let's not forget that those who are doing the programming were once clear glasses of water themselves, so in a sense "the sins of the fathers are visited upon their children." Bottom line the clear glass of water becomes muddy; having said that, the only way to get in touch with our true selves or essence is through realization.  And this realization comes through spiritual practices, awareness, and re-education. So the irony is we have to learn more to unlearn! And one of the things we learn is we can't force the issue, but have to be gentle with ourselves. Why? Because what we perceive as our self is actually an ego comprised of many people, ideas, and influences, and really isn't that pure water or essence.  Being gentle with ourselves is part of the process of loving ourselves and integration of certain aspects.  So In order to get the weight off our backs we have to lighten the load. Enlightenment is a term that I think covers that! So it's a process and it takes time, sometimes a lifetime, and sadly some go through life without even scratching the surface. This is where compassion comes in for ourselves and others. Love and acceptance of ourselves, and love forgiveness, and acceptance of those who did the programming. Because it was like the blind leading, not the blind, but the babes until they became blind to their true nature.

 

RV: I was looking at your new book titled, "Listen to the Wind and Speak from the Heart, Vol I". How many books do you plan to follow this great write of yours?

Thunderhands: I don't plan that far ahead, but it says volume 1 so I guess I am leaving the door open.

 

RV: What inspired you to write?

Thunderhands: Great Spirit is the short answer.  But I have always had a desire or calling to do something for my fellow man, not how others wanted me to, but how I wanted to, with the help of spirit.  Also I have been through some very hard times in my life, times of hardship and fighting to survive. I said to myself, I can use these experiences, these lessons and what I get from them to help in some way. I mean to help heal others in some way. So I started small with a blog and I faithfully wrote every day. I used imagery and words both of mine and others to convey ideas to give comfort and to heal.

 

RV: I noticed that you value human interaction and have a great outlook on life. What is important to you and what are your philosophies of life and happiness?

Thunderhands: I try to have a good outlook on life or at least project that to others, although sometimes my outlook needs working on. I think it's a continual process right on up until we leave this life and move on, or take that, shall I say,  "Final Journey."  Interaction with others always teaches you something because we are all students and all teachers or masters to some degree or another. The most important thing to me is sincerity, to speak from the heart and not to speak with a forked tongue. Another important thing and probably the most important is to come from a place of love. I think my philosophies in life will become evident as the interview progresses. If I had to boil it down to a sentence or two it would be difficult, because there is a complexity to it, but let’s start with happiness comes from within, and treat others with love, respect and honor! Of course in order to do this you have to love, respect and honor yourself.