Algonquin People And The Myth Of The Medicine Woman In The Moon

A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - The Algonquin people were the widespread Native American nation when French and English settlers arrived in North America.

In those days, they inhabited most of what is now Canada south of Hudson Bay between the Rockies and the Atlantic Ocean, with many different tribes united by a common language.

The legends of the Algonquian peoples are truly fascinating, and they often serve as reminders of how to proceed in life.

Credit: Adobe Stock - Nig3la

We have previously learned that Gluskap was considered the protector of humankind among the Algonquin people. Gluskap had to defeat evil sorcerers and was a mythic hero who taught the Indians everything they knew—everything from the names of the stars to how to hunt and fish. He is portrayed in most stories as a wise man.

Another intriguing Algonquin legend is that of the Medicine Woman in the Moon. The story teaches us to appreciate and protect our knowledge and understand that the answers to some questions may take a long time to be revealed.

In the story, a powerful woman healer was gifted with the knowledge to cure many illnesses. Her powers were admired and respected among her people and surrounding tribes. When she could not treat a disease, she retreated into the forest to a sacred place, where she drew a circle of life. She fasted, meditated, and prayed to the Great Spirit, seeking answers.

One day, while sitting in the forest seeking answers to her troubles, she suddenly realized she did not know when the world would end. In time, the Great Spirit sent a Manitou, a spirit in Algonquian tradition, to tell her that she sought an answer to a question too dangerous for humans to know. The Manitou delivered the message and departed.

Determined to find the answer, after all, she withdrew to meditate and pray, as usual. She knew she could learn the world's secret only if she hid away from other humans. Once again, the woman re-ask the same question about the world's fate, and again, the Great Spirit instructed the Manitou:

"Tell her that she must hide from other people and that I will tell her in my time."

The woman got up to leave but, realizing the Great Spirit, heard her. She decided to travel to the Moon, which protects the Earth by night. She still waits there patiently today, and when the Moon is full, she can be seen weaving a headband.

Once her question is answered, she will return home. You can see her there to this day. She sits before a fire, weaving a headband, her cornmeal cooking. Behind her is her walking stick, and her cat combs her hair.

The Algonquin traditional story of the Medicine Woman in the Moon is ancient, powerful advice.

For one thing, be careful what you ask for. It may not come in the form you expect. The second lesson teaches you to appreciate and protect what you already know because it must last you throughout the ages.

Updated on April 10, 2024

Written by – A. Sutherland  - AncientPages.com Senior Staff Writer

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