At home: lashing down x

The tipi poles were lifted this evening into their skeletal shape. The lodge, traditionally created by native women is a truly ethereal structure.

The construction and parts of the tipi have had special meaning for various tribes. The base poles that anchor the structure have represented the seasons. All the poles serve as a way of teaching the important values in life. For example, the doorway of tipi always faced east, representing the protective spirits of the lion and the bear. The smoke flaps represent the watchful spirits of the owl and the coyote. The tipi, itself represents a woman, as every day is a new birth.

The structure an undoubtably natural structure. It's round shape, like every natural structure. Native believe that only white men live in squares! But the raising poles that reach to the stars make it clear to me, how easy it must have been for tribes to be so connected with nature.

For me, it's a time of year when my connection with nature is renewed, tipi living....