I like yo do something with indian feathers does one of you have a suggestion?

Robert

Indians don't have feathers.

There are several routines, one that looks pretty is http://www.magicity.com/product_info.php......80ddb1bf
it is a color changing feather ring effect (like the color changing records) but has a blendo finish.

There are several effects using feathers, floating feathers to Harry Potter like effects. Pattered correctly, the feather could be used for almost any other effect, used as a wand (the owl feather represents knowledge and wisdom, the raven feather symbolizes mysticism, darkness and death, etc...)


Tony

While on holiday with the family, we watched Indian dancers on the street. My son, then 4 years old, actually cried because he was SO disapointed that indians don't actually have feathers. I fear the day I'll have to tell him about Santa...

Ok, should I say NATIVE AMERICANS.

http://www.nativeamericans.com/SittingBull.htm

I thought that was a Headdress, didn't realize they were his.

If you wish to use feathers in performance, my suggestions are in my previous post.

Tony

Tony thanks

My great grand mother was Cherokee. I think that gives me some authority. Please feel free to say Indian. The other day I heard someone say, "You know American red indian." I couldn't help myself and asked, "What other colours do they come in?"

cheers
Maynooth

Well, they come in a very dark brown, a red and a rather light-skinned version, as well. Then there are all those Italian "Indians" that played them in the movies.

The best line about that I have heard recently was on "The Big Bang Theory." One of the characters is from India. He is at a restaurant with a young lady of similar heritage and he says something about "Indians."

She asks, " 'Casino' Indians or 'us' Indians?"

Use of certain feathers can be a slippery slope. I.e, the eagle feather is quite sacred, and should be handled with respect All manner of feathers were used in native amewrican indian garb and ceremonies, The cut and arrangement of same also had their own specific neaning and symbolism Best to research before jumping in with a routine which might be offensive.

I don´t have a routine but I think it would be interesting to do something with a "Dream Catcher". I have one laying around and would like to put it to use. Any ideas?

I think it depends on the version of the dream catcher myth you use, so one need only find a way to manifest what is dreamt. I suggest a somewhat guided (read force) visualization of a "dream" and use the catcher as a means to manifest.
k

Kotah has a moving routine using a dream catcher in A DARKER LIGHT.

KOTAH: Is it not true that no one outside of the American Indian or descendant of same can posess an eagle feather? Even in Pow Wows, if an eagle feather touches the ground in falling off a costume, only the medicine man may retrieve same, and only after a ritual.

Frank

When you guys say Indian, do you refer to red indians or the country India. Cuz I am an indian and have never heard of tricks with Indian feathers..

Robert,
I know that you posted the question a long time ago, but here goes.

Native American ceremonies sometimes featured animated objects--a rising feather, a moving Kachina figure. Another source mentioned planting a seed of corn, and a corn plant would spring from the ground.

I recall a book of campfire ceremonies aimed at the Scouting and summer camp market that included a moving feather routine similar to the old Blackstone-type dancing hank.

Hope you find what you seek.

Terrance V. Mc Arthur
The Librician
Fresno (CA) County Public Library

For a routine with a Dream Catcher or medicine wheel - check out Mystery School by Eugene Burger and Jeff McBride. Has a very nice routine in it.

I teach on a reservation in the Midwest so here is my two cents based on my experience.

Eagle feathers may only be collected by Native Americans after getting a signed authorization from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. They are used in traditional sacred ceremonies and in the regalia (costumes) worn at Pow Wow

I agree with the other posts that doing a routine with Eagle Feathers would be quite risky if done in front of Native Americans. A routine with hawk feathers or other types of birds would probably work better.

I am trying to put together a routine with Native American themes but have not yet been able to think up something I feel comfortable with.

I like the idea of a feather as a wand ... good for both misdirection and also a little story telling.

I think any routine that purports to represent the legends and myths of a specific people needs to be researched thoroughly, and should not just be "made up". If your routine meets this criterion, and is respectful of the source material, it could be very interesting, even moving.
Don

Hi,

I am very interested in this thread and looking for ideas to share.
I never thought that much about First Nation feathers until my return home, after 3 weeks of managing extreme forest fire emergencies.
http://www.timminstimes.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3570783

On my days off I spent my time off at home in the bush. It was during this time a Raven ended up hanging out with me to the point where I would do my poor version of a Raven call and he would land on my arm and then up onto my head, as in the icon pic. This is not common and I am now seeking out our local Oji-Cree culture and lore around the Raven.

So far I have learned most Native cultures consider the Raven as a trickster because of its transforming/changing attributes. Often called a shapeshifter. This symbol does seem appropriate for us magicians,as long as we are respectful of it's meaning to other cultures.

Searching out my own Scandinavian culture associated with the Raven, may be more appropriate and less likely to offend other cultures. Airing on the side of caution.
http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/xn_raven.html

Generally the Raven and it's feathers have been used in many cultures and it is worth the research to fit your persona.

I will now check into our local Fish and Wildlife regulations to ensure possession of Raven feathers are legal. I am sure they are as long as you follow the regulations of your area.
Eagle feathers in this neck of the woods are illegal to possess, unless under special circumstances.

Now to work out a routine and ideas to gimick the feather.

Eric