- Sophia Center Hosts Oh Shinnah Fastwolf -
The Feminine Healing Mission for Men and Women

Late Spring, 2003 - the Sophia Center hosted noted Native American elder, Oh Shinnah Fastwolf in Santa Fe, NM.  Grandmother Fastwolf presented a well-attended public talk entitled "In the Midst of Dangerous Times: The Feminine healing Mission for Men and Women."

An elder and a warrior, Oh Shinnah is also a well-known poet, songwriter, singer, activist, and ceremonial leader.  As a young woman in the Four Corners region of North America, she endured all the physical, mental, and spiritual training undertaken by the men of the Shishindi Nation (Apache). She has studied and taught with some of the best-known wisdom keepers and Native elders.

Now a resident of Montana, Oh Shinnah¹s focus has lately been the Journey of the Waters -- a pilgrimage that begins in northern New Mexico and proceeds North for ten days, making stops at sacred hot springs, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls.

Speaking to Sophia Center audience in Santa Fe, Oh Shinnah said "The feminine energy and wisdom is what¹s going to change the world. Actually, it¹s the feminine combined with masculine energy ­ the coming together of the two of them -- that will make a difference. Both men and women need to wake up to that. Now." ­ Oh Shinnah

Oh Shinnah said that with a warrior¹s integrity, each person can be of high service in these difficult times of purification.

As the talk went on, Oh Shinnah also spoke about the archetype of Changing Woman.  In the traditions of the American Southwest, Changing Woman is an ancient, revered spiritual figure. She is a benevolent figure. She is said to offer teachings that allow the people to live in right relationship with all things. She offers abundance.

Pilgrims engage the power of Changing Woman that they might learn the values of love, hospitality, generosity, honesty. She shatters all that is not truth from the pilgrim¹s past, and paves the way of compassion in their future.

As Oh Shinnah said, "In our difficult era of purification and transition, Changing Woman in all her aspects is an especially important figure. Her capacities are essential. She takes people beyond fixed realities to the truth of what is going, and then into taking action to live out that truth in their daily lives.

She said that in the tradition of Changing Woman, the graces are: patience, humor, forgiveness, humility, willingness, courage, responsibility, and unconditional, compassionate love.

 © Steve McFadden 8/25/03 www.chiron-communications.com/