Chiron Communications

Keys for Adept Aging: Tried, True, Trustworthy

“This book is a real soul-searching piece of writing…this would make a fantastic gift to any older family members.”  — Lesley Jones for Readers’ Favorite

Throughout history most successful and long-lived civilizations have held a place of respect for elders and have benefited from their life wisdom.

Sages are elders who have gracefully accepted the passage of time, integrated their life experience with understanding, and made the fruit of their long experience available to others.

But how does one do this? How does one grow wiser as one grows older?

By drawing from the wisdom of the ages, Keys for Adept Aging opens up a range of thoughtful pathways for cultivating soul maturity. Readers will be enriched.

“As tens of thousands of baby boomers enter their 60’s each day, this little gem is a timely addition to books on aging…it makes a great gift for the elders in your life. Highly recommended.”  — Amazon reader

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“In later life one sometimes has the feeling of going into a large church and seeing a shaft of light coming down. That shaft of light, perhaps, comes in the period of life between 65 and 70. A lot of people have walked through that shaft of light…But remember, it is the shaft that makes the person, it isn’t the person that makes the shaft.”  – John H. Finley, Jr.
Publisher of the 2nd ed.: Soul*Sparks Books (2014)

 

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Profiles in Wisdom: Native Elders Speak About the Earth

 

Profiles in Wisdom: Native Elders Speak about the Earth

Profiles in Wisdom: Native Elders Speak about the Earth

Taking inspiration from John F. Kennedy’s Pulitzer Prize winning Profiles in Courage, Steven McFadden presents the stories and thinking of 17 Native American spiritual elders in this widely acclaimed book.

As our existing culture shifts, what to the ancient ones who have been trained in the sacred Traditions of Turtle Island (North America) have to say to us? With this question and others, journalist McFadden begins his quest to speak with contemporary Native American elders. The elders offer penetrating and poetic insight on a host of crucial matters.

This bestselling book has recently been updated, to tell the stories and share the observations of the elders 10 years after the original date of publication.

Here’s a brief excerpt from Profiles in Wisdom:

In 1983, after three days and nights of praying and fasting on a mountaintop, I snapped a twig with my fingers and had a revelation. I saw that my simple action had changed the world, and that it would never be the same again. I could never put that twig back together the way it had been. This was a small change, but an important change nonetheless.

As the sound of the snap reverberated within my mind, I understood how everything I said and did changed the world. What came with the snapping twig was not an abstract idea or a philosophical insight, but a living experience of how all my actions influence creation. Since then, the lesson of this experience has guided my life in a world where, until recently, it seemed as if most people were oblivious to the way their lives inflict deep wounds upon the Earth, the air, and the water…

Praise for Profiles in Wisdom:

“Profiles in Wisdom does a fine job not only of presenting the dignity, complexity, and wit of important Indian philosophers and religious leaders, but also of issuing cautions agains easy uplift and wisdom injections…There are some stirring and unexpected powers unleashed in this book.” – New York Times Book Review

“This wise and provocative collection is highly recommended.”  – Library Journal

“Our leaders should sit and listen to the counsel Steven McFadden has gathered in this book.”  – John Elvin, The Washington Times

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Legend of the Rainbow Warriors

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Legend of the Rainbow Warriors
is dedicated to
Woman with Many Fires
Carolyn Clay Mercer McFadden, Ph.D. (1941-1999)

Legend of the Rainbow Warriors is a journalist’s account of one of the core myths of the Americas, and an electrifying exploration of how that myth is playing out in real time.

Legend of the Rainbow Warriors“…The legend of the title is an oral myth told in various forms by the native peoples of “Turtle Island”, or North America. The legend tells of a time when the waters run foul and the air is caustic to breathe. It tells of the House of Mica, commonly taken to mean the UN building…Native leaders were told to knock four times at the door to this House of Mica. And they did…” ~ Review by Elizabeth Routen in Critique magazine

As drawn from dozens of historical accounts, the legend of the rainbow warriors relates that “when the Earth becomes desperately sick, people of all colors and faiths will unite, and rise to face the overwhelming challenges with insight, honesty, caring, sharing, and respect.

This book weaves the myths and contemporary headlines together seamlessly in a work of literary journalism that is adroitly crafted, eye-opening, and soul-inspiring.

“I urge everyone on the spiritual path to read this small yet exceptionally powerful book…”  – Odyssey

“An extraordinary book. We recommend that it be read by all college students and their professors who are concerned about future life on earth.  – Cynthia Knuth

“Mr McFadden has filled this book with so much information from so many points of view you will want to reread it often and keep it handy for reference. I feel its a very valuable read for our turmoil filled lives in the times since Sept 11. Although the prophecies were made many many years ago, they ring truth for those who are living in today’s world! I especially like that this book gives us hope for the future, that we WILL come together as fellow beings on this planet – Rainbow Warriors in the good sense- and bring peace & health to our world at last.” – Reader review on Amazon.com

Available in paperback, eBook & Smartphone formats at Amazon.com.

See review by Gene C. Loews, LCSW on HeadlineMuse.com

 

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Welcome to Chiron Communications

In Greek mythology the centaur named Chiron
strove to bridge daily life with spirit life.

Working in our era under the conceptual umbrella
of Chiron Communications,
I reach in similar directions as writer, teacher, storyteller.

I invite you to adventure in spirit via Odyssey of the 8th Fire
Engage the call of the land via Deep Agroecology
Prospect the archival depths of Chiron’s Cave
Check out my Youtube channel
Or ponder the possibilities described in my books

Excelsior ~ Steven McFadden 

deep agroecology #deepagroecology 

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Mythic Teachings of Our Land: the Legend of the Rainbow Warriors

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freebowHere’s one way of expressing America’s ancient teachings in a soundbite: There will come a time when the Earth grows sick. When it does a tribe will gather from all the cultures of the world. They will  believe in peaceful deeds, not words. They will work to heal the land. They will be the warriors of the rainbow.

Over the centuries many of the elders of the Americas have dreamed that people of all colors and faiths would come together on the land and heal the earth.

I’ve long felt that these mythic notions are in many ways what the good food-community food movement is about. It’s  not just providing clean food so people might have strong bodies and minds, but also about right relations, and directly involving people in healing the earth — or otherwise inspiring them to empower ambassadors (farmers and gardeners) to touch and heal the earth on their behalf.

The rainbow tales are not prophecies, but rather understandings or teachings. The stories originate from many visionary elders of the Americas, figures such as Black Elk, Weetucks, White Buffalo Calf Woman, Quetzalcoatl, Crazy Horse, White Shell Woman, and Eyes of Fire. The understandings have been passed on through the generations to the present. They continue to inspire hope, vision, and positive action among human beings.

Thus, it seemed to me auspicious when earlier this week The Harlem Writers Guild announced the release of a new ebook version of one of my early works that weaves together a great many of these teachings, Legend of the Rainbow Warriors.

Legend of the Rainbow Warriors is a true account of the pluralistic myths and mysteries of the Americas. As critics have noted it’s also an exploration of how those archetypal teachings are resounding through real time.

Legend of the Rainbow Warriors is now available for immediate download in an array of ebook formats — as well as print formats — from either  iUniverse.com or Amazon.com

BOOK REVIEWS
“I urge everyone…to read this small yet exceptionally powerful book.” – Odyssey Magazine

“This is one of those books…once you’ve read it you will wonder what you had been thinking of the world before that time. It is informative, inspirational, wise and genuinely important.” – One Heart

“…McFadden offers insight and hope. Further, he speaks to the power of individuals to address the overwhelming and complex problems facing us today—locally as well as globally.” – Headline Muse

“An extraordinary book. We recommend that it be read by all college students and their professors who are concerned about future life on earth. – Cynthia Knuth, FONA

“…you will want to reread it often and keep it handy for reference… Although the prophecies were made many years ago, they ring true for those who are living in today’s world.” – Amazon customer

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A Circle of All Nations, A Culture of Peace

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circle.logoMy old friend and teacher, Grandfather William Commanda, Ojigkwnong, now age 95, will soon have another vital meeting with officials of the Canadian Government concerning his vision for Victoria Island (Asinabka).

Like the other key visions which have punctuated Grandfather’s life, the vision for an international healing center at Victoria Island has profound global importance.

Victoria Island is a jewel of nature, strategically located in the middle of the river that runs through downtown Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, under the shadow of Parliament Hill, where the government of Canada meets.  For countless centuries, Victoria Island was a traditional spiritual meeting ground for the Algonquin peoples.

Grandfather envisions returning the island to its spiritual purpose by establishing an inclusive City Park, a Historic Interpretative Site, and International Peace Center at the Sacred Site of Asinabka -Chaudière Falls. The center would host programs and processes for individual, group, and planetary healing, development and peace.

Grandfather Commanda is the senior Algonquin Elder in this territory. Since 1970, he has been the Keeper of three sacred wampum belts of spiritual and historic importance: the Seven Fires Prophecy Belt, the 1701 Friendship Belt and the Jay Treaty Border Crossing Belt.

I first met Grandfather in 1989 when I interviewed him for my book, Profiles in Wisdom: Native Elders Speak About the Earth. We then became closer friends in the mid-1990s as we participated in a prophetic and historic walk from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific – The Sunbow 5 Walk for the Earth (Odyssey of the 8th Fire).

Over the decades, Grandfather has earned wide international respect as a visionary and healer. Most recently – May, 2009 – he was honored by being invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada by the Governor General of Canada. The Order of Canada is the centerpiece of Canada’s honors system and recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

Grandfather and his friends have been working for over ten years to develop the vision for Victoria Island, and now, in 2009, they feel the time is right to take another big step forward.

Many people and groups –  Algonquin and non-Algonquin, from Canada, the U.S.A. and a host of other nations — have written to the Canadian Prime Minister, and other government officials, seeking to have this vision realized. More letters and expressions of support are needed and welcome now.

Victoria Island served as an important sacred ceremonial place for the original peoples of the land. It seems the land has been waiting for the ancient communal fires to be re-kindled..

With Grandfather Commanda’s vision to build a peace and healing center, comes an opportunity to cleanse and reawaken the land, to ignite the fires for a circle of all nations, and to help spark a culture of peace. Meegwich.

The sacred place of the vision: Chaudiere Falls between Ottawa and Hull in Canada.

The sacred place of the vision: Chaudiere Falls between Ottawa and Hull in Canada.

 

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Hocokat-Ton-Yan Wicozanni — Healing in a Circle

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Basil Braveheart (Cante Tinza), an Oglala Lakota elder, plans to visit Santa Fe, New Mexico the weekend of February 10-12, 2006 to conduct Hocokat-Ton-Yan Wicozanni (Healing in a Circle).

startetraI spoke with Mr. Braveheart by phone a couple of days before his visit. He told me that while he is in New Mexico he will guide teaching circles through an in-depth exploration of ceremony and ritual. He said that in this context the foundational focus of the weekend will be the honoring of feminine balance.

“There’s a profound imbalance in the world,” Braveheart said. “Because of masculine-patriarchal dominance, the feminine principle has been repressed. Thus we see an absence of relatedness, affection, and intuition. These aspects are essential for balance.”

“These spiritual concepts have a connection with the scientific concepts of Quantum Mechanics,” he said. “Native peoples have always seen the Creator present in all directions and in sacred motion. Ritual and ceremony are all about relatedness. In them we use symbols and images, and through these means people are introduced to a more compassionate way of relating to each other, to the sacred, and to Creator.”

“Quantum Mechanics is motion,” Braveheart said. “At the level of molecules, atoms, superstrings and such, all is in motion. Nothing is static. All of the universe is always in motion. My people have always understood this, and our rituals and ceremonies are an expression of our understanding, and a way to come into better relation with all that is. We have words in our language to describe this, and to communicate about it.”

“Indigenous people understand that Creator is revealed in all of Creation — in the air, the fire, the water, and the earth. We need to share these ways with the world.”

Braveheart has prepared himself for teaching via the traditional ways of the Lakota, and also has acquired two Masters degrees in education. He works extensively with veterans suffering post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as with other people who have addictions. Recently he has begun to travel to teach about Native American spirituality.

The weekend circle is being sponsored by Inyan Oyate Foundation, and will take place at the Ghost Ranch Conference Center, 401 Old Taos Highway, in Santa Fe.

– END –

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The Next Five Months and the Next 500 Years

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By Steven McFadden – copyright 2005

I had the opportunity to visit this week with Hosteen Leon Secatero. We sat down together for lunch during an honoring ceremony held at the Albuquerque Museum in New Mexico.

Leon, an elder from the Cañoncito Band of the Navajo, talked with me about the next 500 years, and also about the next five months.

Our conversation was sparked by the recent pronouncements of Sydney Has No Horses, a Lakota Medicine Man. Mr. Has No Horses spoke on October 17, 2005 to a tribal council meeting on the Cheyenne River Reservation in Eagle Butte, South Dakota.

According to widely disseminated internet postings, at that meeting Mr. Has No Horses declared “within six months, we are going to be living in a hell of a world.” He told of his visions that warned about a tsunami hitting the West Coast, about Yellowstone’s Super Volcano erupting, about mammoth storms and earthquakes that would strike, about a meteor that would smash into the earth, and more.

By mid-November the message of Mr. Has No Horses had spread across the globe through the internet. Many people were responding with consternation.

When I met with Leon at the museum—where he was formally honored by the Council for International Visitors for his years of work as an ambassador of friendship for America—Leon told me he has been getting dozens of phone calls from people who are worried about this message. “They want to know what to do,” he said. “They want to know how to respond wisely to what they have heard.”

After getting all these phone calls, one way Leon chose to respond was to plan to gather and share his understandings alongside his old friend and colleague, Don Alejandro Cirilo Perez, Oxlaj, of Guatemala, a Mayan elder and sacerdote. Thus, early next month Grandfathers Leon and Alejandro will meet with people in Santa Fe, New Mexico to talk about this message, and also to talk about prophecy, revelation, and our era of earth changes.

Don Alejandro is a Daykeeper. Recognized before birth, he was trained in the traditional way to work with the elegant mathematics of the Mayan calendars leading up to the year 2012, just seven years ahead when the calendar will return to zero. He is charged as a primary keeper of the teachings, visions, and prophecies of the Mayan people.

I have known Don Alejandro since the early 1990’s when I set off on an extended pilgrimage with him to many of the pyramids, caves, and temples of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. He was a gracious and knowledgeable traveling companion.

Known also as Wandering Wolf for his global travels, Don Alejandro is a remarkable human being. His brown eyes fill with fire when he speaks of our earth and our responsibility to take care of it.

When I interviewed Don Alejandro for my book Legend of the Rainbow Warriors, He told me that indigenous cultures around the world hold in their oral traditions an understanding that civilizations have risen on Earth many times in the past, and then fallen. He said that these civilizations fell apart primarily because they developed and employed technology without wisdom or respect for nature; then the natural world became profoundly unbalanced. “Once again,” he said, “we are in a period of time when technology dominates life and is generally being applied without wisdom.”

“Big changes are coming in this frame of time,” Don Alejandro told me. “All the elders know that. That’s why it’s important to talk now and to remind people to respect Mother Earth, and to stop destroying the water, air, and mountains. We are in times of big change for the Earth, big earthquakes and hurricanes and also big conflicts in politics and war. Politicians promise changes, but we know that at their big meetings, done in the name of making things better, they do not make changes that work. It’s the same old thing. The people must make the changes themselves.”

At the museum this week, as Hosteen Secatero and I spoke at greater length about Don Alejandro, Sydney Has No Horses, and visions of global change, Leon said one of the things he is undertaking now is to help prepare people for our journey on the sacred path of life for the next 500 years.

“We have come again to an ending time, the ending time of the last 500 years according to our indigenous calendars. It is a time to return to the wisdom and teachings of the earth,” Leon said. “So many spiritual elders are carrying teachings now, but there are not enough pathways for them to meet with other people and share. I want to do something to help with this.”

In reference to Sydney Has No Horses, Leon said, “many spiritual elders are having visions and dreams like this now. It is not uncommon. So that is something to consider carefully. We need to bring these messages to the center so that all who are ready can share in them. Things can get way out of proportion, and be distorted. We need to establish a context.

“The journey we are beginning now is for the next 500 years. What will be the sacred path that people will walk over the next 500 years? Even in the midst of all the changes taking place and all the things falling apart, we are building that foundation now. That’s something important for us to remember and to focus on. If we don’t do it, no one else will.

“All anyone needs to do is look around,” Leon said. “We have been destroying nature systematically for many decades. Now nature is destroying us with winds and storms and earthquakes and volcanoes. All that was known a long time ago. The elders have been telling us for years that this would come. Now it’s here and it’s hurting us.

“We need to take a close look at this and then really come to terms with ourselves,” Leon said. “To move ahead into the next 500 years we must leave some things behind or they will contaminate or even eliminate the future. We cannot go forward if we keep destroying the earth. But we must also ask, what is good and healthy and helpful? Those good things can be part of our foundation, part of our pathway into the next 500 years.”

RESOURCES

Original message of Sydney Has No Horses –

http://www.indianz.com/board/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=16371

National Council for International Visitors
http://www.nciv.org

– END –

Copyright November, 2005 – Steven McFadden – Chiron Communications

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