JAMES MEDICINE TREE

 

 

Personal Pipe, Owl in Tree.  This is a new un awakened pipe.

 

John LeKay: Why have you chosen to reveal this information about the pipe to non natives at this point in time?

Jim Tree: It is understood from our prophecies that a time would come where a lost world would come to the indigenous peoples, those who still maintain the age old connection/relationship with the earth and all of her children in harmony.

i.e. living in harmony with the physical, spiritual, mental, emotional realms.

One part of the communication/relationship is with the Sacred Pipe, one of the prophecies speaks of a time where this gift of the Devine would be found in every area of the planet, assisting all the inhabitants to come back into the great circle of life, to help those who are out of sync to find their function/place in the circle.

This includes animals, forests, water, etc. that are no longer in harmony, not just people.

JL:  Can you please tell me about the thunder beings on your black pipe stone pipe bowel and is the spirit of this pipe the spirit of the Wakinyan?

Jim Tree: Yes, the spirit living in this Pipe is one of the children of the Great Red and the Great Blue Thunders. (Wakinyan in Lakota) There are two Thunderbirds on each side of the bowl of this Pipe, one with a red eye and one with a blue one. They have a bolt of lightening going through each one.

JL:  Could have this black pipe belonged to a thunder dreamer medicine man of some sort?

Jim Tree: This Pipe is from a nation where the black stone is considered more sacred than the red, it is one of around 125 pipes created over the last 400 years for a medicine society of that nation. There are maybe 25 left still in service today, most have been stolen, destroyed, retired (buried) or are in the possession of collectors or in museums.

JL: . Crazy Horse had a vision he shared with sitting bull during a pipe ceremony just days before he was murdered. He said, "Upon suffering beyond suffering, the red nation shall rise again and it shall be a blessing for the sick world. A world filed with broken promises, selfishness and separations. A world longing for light again. I see a time of seven generations, when all the colors of mankind will gather under the sacred tree of life and the whole earth will become one circle again. In that day, those among the Lakota who will carry knowledge and understanding of unity among all living things, and the young white ones will come, to those of my people to ask for wisdom. I salute the light within their eyes where the whole universe dwells, for when you are at the center within you and I am at the at place within me, we are as one." Crazy Horse.

 

Preparing for a Pipe awakening ceremony.

 

Question.  Are we at this the time of the 7th generation, that Crazy horse spoke of and why do you think non natives are now seeking out native wisdom?

Jim Tree: Yes, we are in that time.

The tree referred to of course is the tree of life in the center of the Sundance arbor. In the last several decades people of all races have been drawn by visions and dreams to pledge themselves to the service of dancing under the Sacred Tree. From what I understand, it is just a few leaders that have proclaimed that these peoples visions/direction for the Great Mystery is not valid.

In the traditional way of understanding, one always honors what is sacred to another, but expects that their own sacred ways to be honored just as well. I do not feel it is any humans place to tell another that the directions they have received from their higher power is not valid.

As far as why non-natives are drawn to or ways, the modern ways forced on the inhabitants of this earth do not work, they destroy instead of create in the end. Oil brings benefits in the short term, but ultimately brings destruction. This is the way with so many modern things, even much of modern medicine, it helps one thing but the end of it is bad for everything. There is no harmony in these ways, therefore, those who are awaking within themselves are naturally drawn to return to harmony, be it through Native ceremony and traditional living, or any other way that restores rather than tears down.

JL: . What tribe did your ceremonial thunder pipe belong to.

Jim Tree: It still does belong to the tribe of origin, I have been charged with the responsibility to care for it by the holder of the original Pipe bundle. The purpose of this Pipe according to the words of that keeper is to "take care of me, my family and my people." My people are all who honor the Great Mystery and understand that we are all related, not just the Cherokee.

 

Flying Eagle personal Pipe, a Blackfoot couples wedding present.  This is a new un-awakened pipe

JL: . Do you have a choice over the type of spirit that will dwell inside the pipe?

Jim Tree: Some Pipemakers have the understanding of how to imbue a Pipe with certain medicines or special abilities when it is being created. However, it is when the Pipe is awakened through ceremony that whatever spirit that has been "assigned" by the Great Mystery takes up residence in it. It is not up to the human involved.

JL:. Have you ever heard of a pipe with a malevolent spirit?

Jm Tree: No, but I have heard of Pipes with the spirit of war, etc. It is not understood today what that means. War, though destructive, is inevitable until the changes come to our world, until then, war should be addressed in a sacred manner. As an example, The Blackfoot warriors have a prayer said before going into battle. Roughly, it goes like this. "Great Creator, grant me victory over my enemy so that I may show him mercy."

JL:  Why wouldn't the the apache medicine woman touch your Thunder pipe? Was she afraid of it or was it something else?

Jim Tree: I am not sure, but I think it was out of respect for the power of the Pipe, some Pipes should not be touched by women, or in the reverse case, by a man. Some Pipes must only be touched by the one who cares for it. I will have to ask her and get back to you.

JL:  What happens if a person decides to take care of a personal pipe, against the pipes wishes?

Jim Tree: Ether the Pipe itself or at least the spirit of the pipe will leave. These pipes have the ability to go to whom they choose. If one is held against its will, such as in a collector’s possession, the spirit of the pipe will leave it and the Pipe itself is dead, just as our body is dead after our spirit leaves it.

 

"Big Medicine"  White steatite, Turqoise Eyes and Grouse Nail Horns  11 /2 x 11 /4 copyright  Jim Tree 2005

 

JL: You said a second way a pipe speaks to you is through coincidence. Can you please give an example of this?

 

Jim Tree: I made a Pipe for a very good man who lives in Kansas City area. I sent it to him and he placed a Bic lighter on top of the box while he was looking for a knife to open it. If I remember correctly, the lighter “jumped” off the box three times. He realized that this Pipe did not want to be light with a propane lighter. 

 

JL:  What happens if a person decides to take care of a personal pipe, against the pipes wishes ?

 

 Jim Tree: The Pipe will leave that person, or the spirit will abandon the Pipe.

 

 JL:  What would happen if someone stole a ceremonial pipe and kept it for power or political reasons? Would it loose its power or would something else happen that would indicate something was wrong?

 

Jim Tree: I feel the Pipe would not co-operate with the person who did this. The Pipes are not a captive "genie" so to speak, we are to co-operate with the spirit of the Pipe, but it does not have any obligation to do what we ask of it, especially if our intention are not right. 

 

JL:  What did you mean when you said the medicine power is held in the pipe, not by the one who takes care of it? 

 

Jim Tree: It is a common misconception that the Pipe is a tool or just a sacred object. It is in reality a sacred being that has it’s own power and purpose or job to do. Each Pipe is as individual as you or I. While the one who has the responsibility to care for a Pipe does work with it’s particular Medicine or power, the person does not have that same power within themselves or under their control.

 That is not to say that individual humans do not have medicine, it is just that they do not control the medicine of the pipe, only their own that they many have been given or gathered during their lifetime. 

  

 JL: What is an a "wakening of thunder" ceremony? 

Jim Tree: Many names for things that have been translated into English get their meanings altered, the name “Awakening the Thunders” is somewhat of a misnomer. It should be more correctly called “Greeting the Thunders”, we humans do not “awaken” or command beings such as the Thunder beings, that is like me saying I can command the Pentagon to do something.

 The ceremony is the celebration of the awakening of the Thunder Beings in the springtime. It is where we gather together and welcome these Great Ones back into a more active state of interaction with us. If you live where they do not “sleep”, such as in the south, there would not be such a ceremony as they are continually active in that area.

 Up here in Montana they usually “sleep” during the winter months, however, in the last couple of years they have remained very active later into the fall and even visit during the time when they would normally be resting. It is interesting that we seem to be coming into a time where much of the way things and cycles have been in the past are shifting to match with the changing times, the shifting of this world as we know it.

 JL:  When you called on the spirit of the owl to come and join you and two owls showed up. Did you expect this would happen and can you call on other animal spirits like wolves, bears, eagles, etc. 

Jim Tree: I did not know exactly what to expect, but I did expect something would happen that would confirm the truth that was being presented during the ceremony. Nature cannot be manipulated by man to trick people or convince someone of the supernatural, that is why I love it when nature responds in these ways to confirm that a ceremony has been real and will bring tangible results.

 As far as calling on other critters, yes and no. You see, they have a say in whether they will assist. I have to say that the animals, birds and even the weather have been very helpful to me in the past and I hope they will continue in the future, however I feel the reason they do help is because I try to help them.

 A recent example of this is last Saturday night. I was driving home from a dance and it was after midnight. Of course my old truck attracted the attention of the police since it was also the time many are heading home from the bars.

 I was pulled over by an officer who told me my plates had expired, which was true. I made the comment that I knew he had not pulled me over for speeding because I was watching my speedometer as he was following me. He promptly told me that I was indeed speeding and not to get an attitude with him.

 Under my breath I said, “I really don't need this tonight." Suddenly the officer started jumping around and shinning his flashlight all over the place. He yelled "Skunk" and ran back to his car. I rolled my window up and waited while he ran my license, finally he came running back to my truck, I rolled down my window and he threw my papers into the cab and yelled for me to take off. As I drove away I saw him in the rear view holding his hand over his face and running back to his car. I then smelled the skunk.

 Apparently, I had pulled over next to a skunk and when he raised his voice at me, the skunk sprayed under the truck and hit his legs. When I got home I found a small area on the passenger side of the truck that had been hit by the spray, I offered a thank you to my four legged relative for helping me with something that "I didn't need" that night. I believe that that skunk helped me in return for times where I have helped one of its relatives.

 It is the responsibility of one who cares for a Pipe to intercede for all our relations, not just humans. I pray for the well-being of many, including the Thunders themselves, every day. We are all part of the great circle of life and we all have a place in it and a job to do. One of mine is to ask that things be well with the animals, birds, trees and spirits here where I live. I pray for the healing of the waters as much as I do for the healing of individual humans. 

 

Top row: Personal Pipes, Bear Butte and Owl in Tree.  This is a new un-awakened pipes

Middle: Personal Turtle Clan Pipe.                   Bottom: Ceremonial Bear Clan Pipe

 

JL:  What are your thoughts on modern day medicine men charging to conduct a pipe smoking ceremony, as a type of new age religious business? Is it dangerous to lie when holding the pipe, or to lie about it?  

Jim Tree: I feel it is a tragedy that anyone would feel that it is OK to pay or charge for prayer of any kind. The laws of the universe will bring correction on anyone who intentionally does something that they know is not correct. I am not saying that they will be punished, but instead corrected. However, if one continues to ignore correction, eventually punishment will come instead. I feel strongly that it is improper to charge money for any ceremony that I am responsible for.

 To lie in front of a Pipe only invites the truth to come to light, this is what will happen. The results of having your lye reveled will depend on how destructive your lye was in the first place. You may only need to be embarrassed to learn not to disrespect the Pipe in that way, or things more dramatic may happen.  

JL: . Do you know anything about the Chanupa Wakan of the Lakota and it's current use in ceremony, history etc?

 

Jim Tree: Only what I have experienced while taking part in Lakota ceremonies and what I have heard or read. My opinions about that Sacred Pipe are just that, my opinions. I have the same great respect for that Pipe, no more and no less, as I do for the original Sacred Black Thunder Pipe of the Blackfoot, as well as all the original Pipes given by the Mystery to the various tribes. Each peoples of this continent received sacred assistance from the One Great Mystery and all are of equal “sacredness” in my eyes.

 

JL:  Are most ceremonial pipes supposed to be used in ceremony and is there any reason for them not being used, such them being too precious or too sacred?

 

Jim Tree: It is up to the individual Pipe as to how often it is to be brought out, I would think that if a caretaker of a Pipe does not listen to the Pipe and withholds it from its purpose that eventually it would find a way to move on to another caretaker. I do believe that all the Pipes in service today are becoming more and more active; I do not see them diminishing due to their "specialness" so to speak. It should be understood that many Ceremonial Pipes have already set the parameters of when they are to be brought out. An example is the Blackfoot Thunder Pipe Bundle. The way I understand it, it is only brought out for use before the whole nation in the spring when the Thunders arrive.

 

JL:  Is there any particular tribe or chief, that has a divine power over who can use the pipe?

 

Jim Tree: No, not just one. It is the responsibility of the Elders/spiritual people of any tribe to pray and see who is to care for the sacred objects of that nation. The one who is responsible for a Pipe is a servant, not a boss and must be answerable to those others, not the other way around. The respect we show to one who serves in this way is because of the Pipe, not the human. If we elevate someone for the responsibility they have, we only do them and the Pipe a disservice.

 I heard that the woman who cared for the Lakota Chanupa Wakan in the mid 1900's would not allow anyone to treat her as special. She would not have it at all, she is an example to us all.  If someone is not taking proper care of a Pipe, there is not a “police force” in charge of taking it away,(this is mans way, not spirits way) ultimately it is the responsibility of the Creator.

 It should be understood that these Pipes are alive and far more capable of dealing with who is to hold them than we are. It would be a very sad day if the spirit of one of the original Pipes left it because of a caretaker’s misuse or lack of proper use. This would be a loss for everyone, not just the tribe it is with.

 

JL:  If I wanted to purchase a pipe an did not have a tribal elder to awaken it for me. Could I do this by my self and what are the risks of it going wrong and end up harming myself or others?

 

Jim Tree: If you know how to awaken it, yes, you can do it yourself. (I am speaking of a personal Pipe, not a Ceremonial or Medicine Pipe here.) If you do it wrong, it will just not be awakened and hence, it will not be able to assist you, if you misuse an awakened Pipe, yes, you can bring harm to yourself and others. 

 

JL. What if I wanted to influence the weather, make it rain, or heal people with it. What kind of spirit would have to be manifested in it and would I have to be a medicine man?

 

Jim Tree: For a Pipe to do these things there has to be cooperation between the caretaker and the Pipe, again, the medicine or power is in the Pipe, not the human. There are humans that have the power to heal, etc. but that are a different thing.

 It is not necessary to be a Medicine man to exercise any gift given by the Mystery, but a Medicine man is a highly trained person, one who has since childhood been taught special ways to serve creation. You do not become one by learning things in just a few years, even if all you did was to study. You must be called and have the gift to be one, plus then trained for decades.

 

JL. Can a spirit jump from a retired pipe, a broken or deteriorated pipe, to a brand new pipe and new keeper? For example, can the spirit in Blacks Elks pipe jump to Fools Crows pipe.

 

Jim Tree: Yes, but I don’t think the term “jump” fits. We have a ceremony where the spirit that is with a Pipe transfers over into a new one, but more commonly there is a ceremony where the Medicine, not the actual spirit that has the medicine, is put into another Pipe. It is like passing on an anointing, so to speak. This does not lesson the power of the first Pipe; instead it spreads the medicine further and stronger.               

 Last year there was a gathering of over 20 Pipeholders that all had been chosen by the Thunders. (You get chosen by being struck by lightning, coming back from death, etc.) At the gathering we did the ceremony to pass the medicine of the Black Thunder Pipe on to all their Pipes. This was because the medicine of that Pipe only works well when it is physically present. Now, there are 20 other places around the country where that medicine can be of assistance.

 

 

www.wayofthepipe.com

 

 

 

 

 

 Bio continued: Since the spring of 1999, Jim has been responsible for the care of the “United Nations Turtle Pipe”, a Ceremonial Pipe presented to the U.N. in 1978 by Adam and he holds this Pipe for ceremonies worldwide representing the Native American Leadership Alliance

Jim Tree-Gilmore has been an artist for most of his life. As a member of the "Keepers of the Sacred Tradition of Pipemakers," he discovered the finest expression of his artistic talent through rock sculpture. Through his association with the Keepers, he met his mentor, world renowned pipe carver Adam Fortunate Eagle. Following Adam's example, Jim first carved ceremonial pipes to be used by Native American spiritual leaders around the country, but soon branched off into creating custom effigies (totems) for people of all nationalities as well as larger stone sculpture.

Recognizing the quality of Tree's work, Chief Robert Strong Bear, (Cherokee) asked Jim to represent the tribe by giving carving demonstrations at the Winter Olympics Native American Village in 2002.

Jim carves primarily out of the red pipestone from Minnesota (Catlinite) and black pipestone from Canada (Steatite) but also carves stone of various colors from around the world. His creations take the form of stone sculpture, effigies, pipes for display and ceremonial pipes.

Due to their sacred nature, the ceremonial pipes are not for sale. The pipes for display are for sale and are carved from stone that is flawed, making them unusable in ceremony.

The effigies Jim creates are done according to the individual "vision" of the one commissioning the work. Usually it is of a personal totem or protector such as an animal or bird. Each carving is a unique, one-of-a-kind work of sacred art.

Jim is the author of a book, The Way of the Sacred Pipe, as well as several internationally-published articles on native themes.

Jim moved to Montana from central Colorado in September of 2001 and lives outside of Hamilton, where he continues to carve sculpture and effigies by commission.