The Legend of White Buffalo Woman
This story takes place long before the arrival of white men to Turtle Island. It was a time of scarcity for the indigenous
people of this land. There was not enough food, clothing or shelter to go around. Neighboring tribes were constantly
battling over what little resources were available. Something had to be done, so the elders called a counsel. As they
were discussing possible solutions, one of them spotted a lone figure far in the distance. When the person drew closer,
they could see that it was a young woman, clad in a beautiful white robe and carrying a bundle that was also wrapped
in some kind of skin. She had an angelic appearance and so they trusted her and were not afraid. She drew them to
her side saying, "A time of great abundance is near, but you must learn to work together and tap into the power of the
Great Mystery". With those words, she unwrapped the bundle and took out a beautiful pipe. "This is the sacred pipe",
she said, filling it with special herbs while saying, "Its smoke will make our earthly prayers visible and deliver them
to the heavens". She taught them to give thanks and to combine prayer with proper action to obtain what they needed,
reminding them that the fastest way to stop the flow of abundance was to neglect being thankful for blessings already
received. The young prophet stayed with the wise men until day turned to dusk. When it was time to leave, she
rolled on the ground three times. As she rolled, she was transformed into a white buffalo calf! No sooner had the calf
disappeared across the horizon when herds of bison started drifting in and grazing all around the outskirts of the
Indian camps. Because of White Buffalo Woman, the early Native Americans experienced a time of plenty for many
years and woman were given a more equal status with men. This is why I like to think of White Buffalo Woman
not only as a symbol of Thanksgiving, but also as being instrumental to woman kind's liberation and empowerment.
~ As I remember it! ~ © Sandy Sandy, 2005
people of this land. There was not enough food, clothing or shelter to go around. Neighboring tribes were constantly
battling over what little resources were available. Something had to be done, so the elders called a counsel. As they
were discussing possible solutions, one of them spotted a lone figure far in the distance. When the person drew closer,
they could see that it was a young woman, clad in a beautiful white robe and carrying a bundle that was also wrapped
in some kind of skin. She had an angelic appearance and so they trusted her and were not afraid. She drew them to
her side saying, "A time of great abundance is near, but you must learn to work together and tap into the power of the
Great Mystery". With those words, she unwrapped the bundle and took out a beautiful pipe. "This is the sacred pipe",
she said, filling it with special herbs while saying, "Its smoke will make our earthly prayers visible and deliver them
to the heavens". She taught them to give thanks and to combine prayer with proper action to obtain what they needed,
reminding them that the fastest way to stop the flow of abundance was to neglect being thankful for blessings already
received. The young prophet stayed with the wise men until day turned to dusk. When it was time to leave, she
rolled on the ground three times. As she rolled, she was transformed into a white buffalo calf! No sooner had the calf
disappeared across the horizon when herds of bison started drifting in and grazing all around the outskirts of the
Indian camps. Because of White Buffalo Woman, the early Native Americans experienced a time of plenty for many
years and woman were given a more equal status with men. This is why I like to think of White Buffalo Woman
not only as a symbol of Thanksgiving, but also as being instrumental to woman kind's liberation and empowerment.
~ As I remember it! ~ © Sandy Sandy, 2005
Since June of 2000, I have been blessed with the Spirit to help create these native
influenced paintings. I say help create, because I believe their energy comes from a higher
power and they are directed by a force which channels through me, not from me.
These paintings started out being inspired by "Cave Art", and I called it such,
however through many dialogs between myself and the paintings, these works have evolved
into a more all-encompassing interpretation of "The Spirit" and essence of my subjects.
influenced paintings. I say help create, because I believe their energy comes from a higher
power and they are directed by a force which channels through me, not from me.
These paintings started out being inspired by "Cave Art", and I called it such,
however through many dialogs between myself and the paintings, these works have evolved
into a more all-encompassing interpretation of "The Spirit" and essence of my subjects.