“Eternal GIft” by Lee Bogle

“Genetaska’s themes are tradition and unity. Her symbols are amalgams (any item that mixes different components into a useful, harmonious blend).  Since the Crow Fair has become a meeting ground in Montana for various tribes, we look to Genetaska to make the day productive and celebratory. As the Iroquois Mother of Nations, She not only created human diversity but also maintains the peace within it.

Since 1918, a great gathering of Native American tribes has taken place in Crow Agency, Montana. Here people meet, dance and revel in native traditions. While the event is hosted by the Crow Tribe, others attend from tirbes as diverse as Inuit and Aztec. In keeping with this theme and to invoke Genetaska’s harmony in your life, make peace with yourself or someone from whom you’ve been estranged. Ask Genetaska to help you find forgiveness in your heart.

Also, listen to some Native American music today, or maybe visit a museum that includes Native American exhibits to enjoy Genetaska’s diversity. She lives within Her people’s artistic expressions of individuality and vision.

Finally, make a stew that includes squash and corn (two traditional Native American foods). Stir the stew clockwise and invoke Genetaska, saying,

‘Diversity and harmony, as I eat, abide in me!’

The Goddess will mix and mingle the food to magical perfection.”

(Patricia Telesco, “365 Goddess: a daily guide to the magic and inspiration of the goddess”.)

“The Secret” by Lee Bogle

According to Mythologydictionary.com, Genetaska was “a Seneca virgin appointed by the Five Nations to settle disputes. Two braves, one of the Oneida, the other of the Onondaga, asked her to settle an argument over a deer which each claimed to have killed. Both fell in love with her and wanted to marry her but, bound by vows of chastity, she refused, even though she loved the Oneida brave. When winter came, he returned, pale and worn from longing and she assented to his proposal. The elders, feeling betrayed, refused to appoint another Peace Queen and the tribes went back to quarrelling. Identified as Peace Queen or The Peace Queen” [1] or “Maiden Peace Queen” (Monaghan, p. 133).

 

 

 

 

 

Sources:

Monaghan, Patricia. The New Book of Goddesses and Heroines, “Genetaska”.

Mythologydictionary.com, “Genetaska“.

 

 

Suggested Links:

Canfield, William Walker. The Legends of the Iraquois: told by “the Cornplanter”.

Firstpeople.us, “Native American Legends – The Peace Queen“.