Several years ago when Jody and her daughter Michelle started Ugodi, a jewelry and fine arts business, Cherokee Shaman Dhayani Ywahoo, founder of the Sunray Meditation Society, gave them permission to reprint portions of her book (Voices of Our Ancestors, Cherokee Teachings from the Wisdom Fire, Shambhala Press) to include with the hand-coiled pots and alter baskets Jody was creating. Jody would like to share these teachings with you again.

In 873 b.c., when the Tsalagi (the Cherokee) began to forget some of their teachings, there came again to the Smoky Mountains one that the people called the Pale One. He gave seven reminders to the people, that all might recall and honor the unity of the hoop.

"What walks, swims, flies, or creeps, is in relationship; the mountains, streams, and valleys and all things are related to your thought and action.

What occurs around you and within you reflects your own mind and shows you the dream you are weaving.

Three principles of awakened mind guide enlightened action: will to see the Mystery as it is; intention to manifest one’s purpose for the benefit of all; courage to do what must be done.

Generosity of heart and action brings peace and abundance for all in the circle.

Respect for elders, clan, land, and nation inspires acts in harmony with the sacred law, good caretaking of the gifts received.

Action to benefit the land and the people unto seven generations shapes the consciousness of the Planetary Caretaker, dreaming those yet unborn, ever mindful of life’s unfolding.

To be in good relation, transforming patterns of separation, pacifying conflicting emotions, is to experience the wisdom within, still Lake of Mystery.

Arising from those teachings of the Pale One are the nine precepts in the Code of Right Relationship:

Speak only words of truth.

Speak only of the good qualities of others.

Be a confidant and carry no tales.

Turn aside the veil of anger to release the beauty inherent in all.

Waste not the bounty, and want not.

Honor the Light in all. Compare nothing; see all for its suchness.

Respect all life; cut away ignorance from one’s own heart.

Neither kill nor harbor thoughts of angry nature, which destroy peace like an arrow.

Do it now; if you see what needs to be done."