Pipe of Peace Pipe of War and Smoke of Wisdom

Although many people associate Native American pipes with the term 'peace pipe,' this is a misnomer. Early American settlers and soldiers took note of the pipe being smoked at treaty signings, resulting in their misunderstanding of the pipe as something done only to symbolize peace. There are seven separate rites for people involving the pipe. In these rites, the pipe plays a role in important ceremonies as well as navigating profound life events, such as the keeping of a loved one's soul, making relatives, and rites of passage. However, the pipe's power was not confined to established ritual, but could manifest in spontaneous moments as well. It is an object of profound veneration that is smoked on ceremonial occasions. a major means of communication between humans and sacred beings; the narcotic effect of tobacco and the symbolism of the indrawn and ascending smoke affirmed that such communication took place. Pack your pipe and feel free to enter that centuries-old meditative state that pipe smokers know so well. Light your pipe, inhale, and release your thoughts. Exhale and rejoice, because this moment is for you and no one else. It is a sacred pact between you and your pipe, a bond that no one can break. Start planting seeds of Nicotiana rustica. Chief Arvol Looking Horse is the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe mentioned in the animated portion of this video.