Welcome

Each member of the Nation SHOULD HAVE A TALKING STICK.  The Talking stick is used anytime a group gathers together to discuss the important matters of the Nation, i.e., Council of Elders, Peace Council, War Council, teaching of children, etc.

The Talking Stick is a tool used and created by each individual.  Basically, it is used like raising your hand to be acknowledged in a classroom.  It also serves as a verification of truth.  The analogy that was used to explain it is like being asked to swear on a Bible "to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God".  If you speak under the Talking Stick, you should be telling the "truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth".  

When a meeting of importance is in session, each individual should have a Talking Stick with them if they expect to speak.  When an individual needs to speak he/she will hold the stick out straight in front of him/herself and wait to be acknowledged by the holder of the Council or by the Head Warrior as designated beforehand.  The individual who wishes to speak will begin and all other sticks will be set aside and everyone else present will be silent. No one is to show disrespect or cause issues while the speaker is speaking.  "When anyone speaks while holding the Talking Stick, they are to be speaking the ABSOLUTE TRUTH from their heart and mind".  

YOUR TALKING STICK REPRESENTS YOU AND WHO YOU ARE.  Therefore, it must be a representation of your personality and the characteristics that make you, you. 

Below is a list of the medicine spirits you may choose from to create your personal Talking Stick.  Choose at least one (1) from each list.

MEDICINES OF THE WOOD

1)  CEDAR: Truth

2) DOGWOOD: Peace

3) OAK: Strength

4) WILLOW: Wisdom

5) SYCAMORE: Life (SEEKER OF TRUTH IN ALL SIDES OF A SITUATION)

6)CHERRY: Harmony and good relations with others

7)PINE: Much medicine

8) WALNUT: Provider

9) HICKORY: Protector / Hunter

10) LOCUST: Strong Will

MEDICINES OF THE FEATHERS

1) RED-TAILED HAWK:  Highest Ranking Feather to the Over-Hill Cherokee (GREAT HONOR)

2)EAGLE: The ability to read between the lines.  to go beyond the speaker's words and hear what they are not saying. 

3) TURKEY: Peaceful, one who seeks harmony with all.

4) OWL: Alert, Watchful, always on Guard

5) CROW OR BLACK BIRD: Talker, Well-Informed

MEDICINE OF THE SKINS

1) BEAR: strong

2)DEER: observant, fast reactor

3) RABBIT: Good listener, gentle

4) WOLF: warrior

5) PANTHER: very careful

6) FOX: wise

7)RACOON: steady

8)BEAVER: reliable

9)SQUIRREL: resourceful

MEDICINE OF THE BEADS (optional)

1) RED BEADS:  Birth and Life

2) YELLOW BEADS: Kindness

3) WHITE BEADS: Spiritual truth

4)BROWN BEADS: Mother Earth

5) BLUE BEADS: Sky

6)BLACK BEADS: The unknown

7)GREEN BEADS: Forest

8) GRAY BEADS: Age (elders)

9) CLEAR BEADS: Water

This is the tradition of the Talking Stick for the Over-Hill Cherokee People