Be Your Own Medicine - Wisdom from the Lakota Women

The stages of a woman’s life, as understood through Lakota Native American wisdom, reflect a deep connection to the cycles of nature and the journey of the soul. Each stage carries specific teachings and insights that guide a woman in her personal and spiritual growth. Here's an overview of these stages:

1. Child (Innocence and Curiosity)

• Key Lesson: The stage of the Child represents the beginning of life, marked by innocence, curiosity, and the pure joy of discovery. In this stage, we learn the importance of openness and the willingness to learn from the world around us.

• What We Can Learn: This stage teaches us to approach life with wonder and to remain open to new experiences. It encourages the cultivation of a beginner's mind, free from preconceived notions and judgments.

2. Woman (Awakening and Identity)

• Key Lesson: The Woman stage signifies the awakening of self-identity, sexuality, and personal power. It is a time of self-discovery and the exploration of one's passions and desires.

• What We Can Learn: This stage teaches the importance of self-awareness and the exploration of personal boundaries. It encourages women to embrace their individuality and to understand their inner strengths and desires.

3. Mother (Nurturing and Creation)

• Key Lesson: The Mother stage is characterized by nurturing, creation, and the embodiment of unconditional love. It is a time when a woman learns to give of herself to others, whether to children, creative projects, or her community.

• What We Can Learn: This stage teaches the power of love, sacrifice, and the importance of caring for others. It also emphasizes the balance between nurturing others and taking care of oneself.

4. Collector (Gathering and Sustenance)

• Key Lesson: The Collector stage involves gathering knowledge, wisdom, and resources. It is a time of learning how to sustain oneself and one’s community through the wisdom accumulated over the years.

• What We Can Learn: This stage teaches the importance of wisdom, resourcefulness, and the ability to provide for oneself and others. It encourages women to value their experiences and to share their knowledge with others.

5. Ritualist (Ceremony and Connection)

• Key Lesson: The Ritualist stage is about connecting to the sacred and understanding the importance of rituals and ceremonies. It is a time to honor traditions and to create sacred spaces in everyday life.

• What We Can Learn: This stage teaches the significance of ritual in maintaining spiritual and emotional balance. It encourages the incorporation of rituals into daily life to stay connected to the sacred.

6. Teacher (Wisdom and Guidance)

• Key Lesson: The Teacher stage represents the sharing of knowledge and wisdom with others. It is a time when a woman becomes a guide and mentor to the younger generation, passing down her experiences and insights.

• What We Can Learn: This stage teaches the importance of mentorship, teaching, and the responsibility to guide others. It encourages the sharing of one’s wisdom to help others on their journey.

7. The Wise (Elder and Reflection)

• Key Lesson: The stage of The Wise, or Elder, is marked by reflection, introspection, and a deep understanding of life’s cycles. It is a time of peace, contentment, and the final preparation for the transition to the next life.

• What We Can Learn: This stage teaches the value of reflection, acceptance, and the wisdom that comes with age. It encourages a deep connection to the self and to the spiritual world, offering guidance to others from a place of deep understanding.

Lakota Message for Women

The stages of a woman’s life, according to Lakota wisdom, are not just chronological but spiritual milestones. Each stage offers its unique lessons and opportunities for growth, contributing to a woman’s holistic well-being and her role within the community. We can embrace these stages and invite them into our daily lives to live in harmony with the natural cycles and to honor the wisdom that comes with each phase of life.