The legend of the Buffalo Women tells how the People had lost the ability to communicate with the Creator. The Creator sent the sacred Buffalo Woman to teach the People how to pray. Three sacred ceremonies were performed for the people in order to ensure a future with harmony, peace, and balance. (Why there are 3 paintings)
The traditional story is that, long ago, there was a time of famine. The chief of the Lakota sent out two scouts to hunt for food. While the young men traveled they saw a figure in the distance and as they approached, they saw that it was a beautiful young Indian woman in white buffalo skin. She had dark hair, dark skin and yellow eyes. One of the men was filled with lust for the woman. He approached her, telling his companion he would attempt to claim her as a wife. His companion warned him that she appeared to be a sacred woman, and to do anything sacrilegious would be dangerous and disrespectful. The man ignored the other's advice.
The second man watched as the first approached and embraced the woman, during which time a black cloud enveloped the pair. When the cloud disappeared, only the mysterious woman and a pile of bones remained. The bones were the remains of the man. The remaining man was frightened, and began to draw his bow, but the holy woman beckoned him forward, telling him that no harm would come to him as she could see into his heart and he did not have the motives the first man had. As the woman spoke Lakota, the young man decided she was one of his people, and came forward.
At this time, the woman explained that she was wakan (holy). She further explained that if he did as she instructed, his people would rise again. The scout promised to do what she instructed, and was told to return to his encampment, call the Council and prepare a feast for her arrival. She taught the Lakota three sacred ceremonies. After teaching the people and giving them her gifts, She left them, promising that one day she would return. (In the painting, the Pathfinder, the yellow clouds represent the yellow eyes leading back to balance.)
The 2022 birth of a white buffalo in North Dakota is a sign that the Buffalo Woman is returning to fulfill a prophecy held sacred by many Native Americans. Generations ago, she promised she would bring back spiritual harmony, balance, and peace.
The legend of the Buffalo Woman remains ever promising in this age of spiritual enlightenment and conscious awareness. In today's world of confusion and uncertainty many of us are looking for signs of peace.
