Everyone knows the fairy tale version of Little Red Riding Hood right?
Well... I call my version "Lil' Red's in the Hood" which begs the next question "Who is Red?" She's the little girl who went skipping through the forest to her Grandmother's house for a visit and met a nasty wolf instead... really? Of course, I run to my Grandmother's house quite often but I meet up with some very friendly wolves... Maybe one day you'll meet them too! Once upon a time I lived with, slept with, ran with and ate with a very large wolf named Phoenix. True story. We'd go for long hikes together and I would talk to Phoenix... the Faeries... Devas and Nature Spirits while we explored the trails. They would answer. So- "Red" is the name I speak when I call upon the Overliting Deva of Wolves. It makes the communication between us easier because we have a name to use as a point of reference. |
Whenever I see a Hummingbird, a mighty, tiny harbinger of women's warrior medicine, it means that Red has chosen that little bird's shape to flit across my vision and grab my attention. He-she often sends a message another way by throwing of a ball of red light that flashes across my inner vision the way a baseball
flies across the field. There. You see, Lil' Red can be tough and she lives in my hood and I, in her neck of the woods. These days Phoenix and the Spirit Wolves
in my pack: Druid, Hopi, Lucas and Akasha speak to me in my dreams, visions and of course when I sit down at the computer to write for them. Sometimes they visit lucky people who come to our WolfWalking - Shamanic Journey Circles. This is our Blog. We love to share our stories so grab a seat.
* Red and my Pack have another story to tell...
flies across the field. There. You see, Lil' Red can be tough and she lives in my hood and I, in her neck of the woods. These days Phoenix and the Spirit Wolves
in my pack: Druid, Hopi, Lucas and Akasha speak to me in my dreams, visions and of course when I sit down at the computer to write for them. Sometimes they visit lucky people who come to our WolfWalking - Shamanic Journey Circles. This is our Blog. We love to share our stories so grab a seat.
* Red and my Pack have another story to tell...
"Sea Wolf" ~ One of our Tails from the Wolf Pack
* |
* From my Journey
with Druid |
In talking with a friend about the mythical Supernatural called Sisiutl, I had a vision: there was a warm glow coming from the hearth fire behind and under the arch
of stones forming the mantle. I felt and saw two men sitting in antique overstuffed wing-back chairs, smoking cigars, surrounded by shelves of ancient leather bound
library books. To me it felt like I had entered the "good ol' boys club". My first response was yuck! My solar plexus tied itself in a knot. I seemed to have stepped
into something that looked warm and cosy but felt slimy at the same time. I started to give away my power. Not good. I had to clean off the slimy feelings and pull
my energy back to myself, reclaim it. Earlier that day, I had sensed something brewing nearby, a conflict I did not need to become a part of so this was a warning.
"Don't walk down that trail or you will get slimed." This was a strong feeling. It fit with my WolfWalking Cards and a wolf painting I am working on called Soul Washer. I decided to research Sisiutl and learned how to approach him in a much more respectful manner in a drumming journey. He is after all painted on one of my drums. It's time I found out why this drum came to me, chose me. I've always known it has something to do with a particular Grandfather and I think it will be good medicine for my monthly healing circles.
of stones forming the mantle. I felt and saw two men sitting in antique overstuffed wing-back chairs, smoking cigars, surrounded by shelves of ancient leather bound
library books. To me it felt like I had entered the "good ol' boys club". My first response was yuck! My solar plexus tied itself in a knot. I seemed to have stepped
into something that looked warm and cosy but felt slimy at the same time. I started to give away my power. Not good. I had to clean off the slimy feelings and pull
my energy back to myself, reclaim it. Earlier that day, I had sensed something brewing nearby, a conflict I did not need to become a part of so this was a warning.
"Don't walk down that trail or you will get slimed." This was a strong feeling. It fit with my WolfWalking Cards and a wolf painting I am working on called Soul Washer. I decided to research Sisiutl and learned how to approach him in a much more respectful manner in a drumming journey. He is after all painted on one of my drums. It's time I found out why this drum came to me, chose me. I've always known it has something to do with a particular Grandfather and I think it will be good medicine for my monthly healing circles.
I read that the Haida people would carve Sisiutl - the Sea Serpent or "Sea Wolf" on bear bone and use the piece as a soul-catcher. It is also a major part of the ceremonial winter dances of the Kwagiulth where the traditional dancer wears a fabulous transformation mask. I met Grandfather by seeking a carved mask in a museum but that's another story altogether! I have some work to do with my "Sea-Wolf" drum over the next few weeks...
Sisiutl
is a mythical creature who guards the entrance to the home of the Supernatural creatures, the Sky People and the house of Dzunukwa. I've heard scary stories about her... Sisiutl is at home either on land or in water, able to traverse all boundaries. Cool! This Sea Serpent is frequently painted or hung over the doorways of houses to protect the inhabitants from unwanted evil spirits. I think we were set up for this photograph in my girlfriend's backyard, lol. Sisiutl is portrayed with a human face at the center of the body, implying soul power. Looks like a bear to me. From each side of the central head protrudes an appendix which terminates with another head at each end, a wolf head traditionally portrayed in profile. All three heads share similar features. Each has a set of curling horns and large round nostrils. They are there alright. The face in the central position is more like that of a human, the eyes are rounded and the mouth shows full teeth which are sometimes pointed. The better to eat you with my dearie? The heads at the outer ends are less like human heads. The mouths display well defined canine teeth and long curled tongues like that of a snake. The body is said to be four feet in diameter and up to twenty feet long. Wow, that's big! It is all the more dangerous when encountered because it can shrink itself to a tiny fraction of it's true length. Contact with a Sisiutl, stepping on one's slime trail or even seeing one can cause sickness or death...
Been there, done that. Fins run along the backs of the serpent and curled appendages or horns rise from all three heads. The painted body represents scales. Flakes of shiny mica found on beaches are thought to be the discarded scales from the serpent's body which glitter in the firelight on dancers regalia. |
I found one of those on the beach once. Pretty. Female warrior dancers incorporate Sisiutl to grant them the power of Winalagalis the warrior spirit; with invincibility and immunity from pain. As a shape-shifter, Salmon is one of Sisiutl's forms. The design may be carved horizontally, formed into a U-shape or coiled into a circle. It was painted on the sides of hunting and war canoes ... and on drums apparently.
The Legend of Sisiutl - The Sea Wolf
(pronounced Sis-you) The Kwakiutl tribes of the Pacific Northwest tell stories of how the world came to be and how they were bequeathed with the gifts of the animal spirits. So Grandfather is a storyteller, that explains a lot to me. The qualities of Bear are in teaching, healing and providing, Wolf shares lessons of family and Coyote is well known for the tricks he plays on men to teach them their lessons. The Coastal tribes also tell stories of Orca, Sisiutl and Thunderbird. Orca provides food from the ocean. Thunderbird rides the storms, provides flashes of insight and brings sunlight behind him. Each of the spirits of legend provide elements of both good and bad, empowerment and challenge in their lessons so that people may grow in wisdom. Sisiutl is special and unique. He communicates with all the spirits who influence men and women. |
Sisiutl would often visit with Bear to learn lessons of prosperity and over-consumption. Since when is Sisiutl a vegetarian? He visited Wolf to learn the lessons of family balanced with individuality. Now there's a fellow meat eater and his favorite food is Seal. Sisiutl listened carefully, seeking understanding of the nature of men, learning how best to help them as well as teach them. After many long years, Sisiutl decided it was time to do more than observe. It was time to learn directly from those humans with whom he was charged to teach and protect. Sisiutl swam, his long body surfacing from the depths of the sea between the mountains. He was a great serpent with wings like the Thunderbird, the two faces of wolf and the wisdom of the bear. He had taken the knowledge of the spirits within himself and pondered the nature of the world in his dragon’s heart. So, Sisiutl was ready to interact with the race called man. When Sisiutl rose from the sea and found the surrounding villages, he was so surprised at what he saw. People were not wise in the ways of the spirits for they fought and stole from each other and they practiced all manner of greed and lust. Yet Sisiutl refused to turn away from his chosen task. Sisiutl used his gift of insight to see into the heart of each and every person. His dual nature allowed him to discern the light and dark in each man’s soul. In seeking this balance, he would determine the character of a man and so decide whether or not to make him whole. Those whose hearts held the spirit of evil he devoured. Mmmmmm, tastes like chicken... while those whose hearts were light, he would enrich by teaching them greater wisdom. That means they got to live. The nature of man holds the capacity for both great good and great evil. Sisiutl spied some good people in the land who held enough sway to influence the others. He saw those who are wise for they would know balance and are able to lead others as together they achieve their potential. The Spirits agreed that Sisiutl should seek these people out and make them leaders. Since Sisiutl is also symbolic of wetness and fluidity, he embodies at the same time, tears, blood, sea and rain. This fluidity represents the changes in life: death, decay and rebirth. To this day, Sisiutl is represented by a dual-headed serpent with each head in the shape of a wolf. In his center sits the head of a bear, the spirit of man which has been weighed and judged to be helpful as a healer.
I believe that when I face my own fears and act with courage I am able to turn my fear into an ally.
Someone once said that courage is the greatest of all virtues because without it, none of the other virtues are possible.
Someone once said that courage is the greatest of all virtues because without it, none of the other virtues are possible.
My Drumming Journey - through the Dragon's eyes
I am going to describe something of what you might encounter as I did. Close your eyes...
We are standing beside Grandfather on a deserted beach with our backs turned towards the sea. In front of us are rocks, trees and a few ancient weather worn totem poles resting, scattered on the ground. The trees look like thin twisted arms and fingers pulling away from the sea but held in place by large stones half wrenched out of the earth. The roots seem to writhe as if wrung like a wet towel by a giant’s hands. Grandfather says "Both trees and rocks tried to flee but their weight holds them in place. They scream silently with the power of thunder and the agony of lightning. They shout that they have seen Sisiutl, the monster with two snarling wolves for heads." The people and animals ran too, blind with terror when they saw Sisiutl. They ran as fast as they could to the ends of the land. But you, me and Grandfather, we won't run. We three all turn around slowly... and face the sea. Get ready, plant your feet solidly on the beach. Look out to sea. There. See it. Far away, in the distance... something... something rising up from the depths. Oh. It's coming nearer. A sea monster. It's got two heads! There, at each end of a long neck! It's eyes are hard and penetrating. Shit! They've seen us...
The waves are breaking white foam around them. Big teeth, razor sharp and long! I know you want to turn and run. You want to scream and leave this place but you know you have to stay. Your frozen to the spot. Your feet are rooted to the beach. If you ran, you would flee forever, non-stop running. That would be dumb. Your mind would always remain frozen with fear, finding no haven, no home in yourself. Watch. Sisiutl is coming nearer... Sisiutl is right there... for a moment, motionless at the water’s edge... he's rising up above us, coming closer. His two long necks are beginning to spread wider, he's wrapping them around me on both sides as if I'm the piece of meat and he's the tongs. His teeth seem longer, bigger than I imagined and I can see both his purple tongue's pulsing in anticipation of tasting, no, swallowing warm flesh. Stand firm. My feet feel as though they're anchored on the wet sand. I will not pee my pants! I see the terrified look on your face out of the corner of my eye but you dare not move either. There's nowhere to go. You know, you are gonna face Sisiutl too.
And yet, I was prepared. I have a seal carcass laying on the beach for Sisiutl to eat instead of me. Grandfather said "I think you'll need two of those". Lol. Oh, two heads... here's another seal. Yup, just like magic. In a journey things can happen in an instant! I notice
his huge heads looming above me, they mark a stark contrast against the fluffy white clouds floating above us. Wow! He ate the offerings in one swift unified gulp while his unwavering stare never left mine. Oh ya, the stink from his two gaping mouths makes you want to vomit. His saliva turns your hair dark yellow leaving the ends dripping in front of your eyes.
And yet, I was prepared. I have a seal carcass laying on the beach for Sisiutl to eat instead of me. Grandfather said "I think you'll need two of those". Lol. Oh, two heads... here's another seal. Yup, just like magic. In a journey things can happen in an instant! I notice
his huge heads looming above me, they mark a stark contrast against the fluffy white clouds floating above us. Wow! He ate the offerings in one swift unified gulp while his unwavering stare never left mine. Oh ya, the stink from his two gaping mouths makes you want to vomit. His saliva turns your hair dark yellow leaving the ends dripping in front of your eyes.
His heads come closer again. They slide vertically as he takes in my scent up close and personal on each side of my neck…it's short compared to his. We are all aware that we see each other and suddenly Sisiutl is still... The eyes of the wolf penetrate into the deepest parts of my soul from both sides. Weird that there are four of them. It is as though I am being scrutinized, weighed and compared from the inside out. Grandfather said to me "You passed his test the other night".
(During that phone conversation with your friend - she became totally enraged, her energy grew huge and loomed over your body laying horizontal on the bed. You chose to stay in your body and redirect her energy with love by offering to change the subject. You didn't think about it, you just responded from your heart, a place of compassion. She backed down and her energy then softened towards you because you saw the truth in her. She was truly seen and heard by you. A person can rail against the truth but a real truth will always remain unchangeable no matter how one tries to deny it. That person will only end up hurting his or her self.)
So, When the Serpent's heads were intimately close, I wasn't afraid. I was calm and I asked... "Now what?"
Grandfather's response was "You can ride in their spirit canoe". "That's it? Ok, sounds like fun."
Suddenly, I am sitting in the middle of a canoe where the bow and stern are carved wolf heads staring in opposite directions, surveying the calm sea. I can see a beautiful column of white light reaching down, spiraling into the earth, connected straight up into the heavens on the distant beach ahead. Nice. There really was nowhere to run. I faced my fear of being able to stand up to another person's rage and found a calm, centered strength within myself. Go figure.
As for you, you are no longer alone on the beach. Children are playing all around you. You can leave the beach or you can stay, just as you wish.
(During that phone conversation with your friend - she became totally enraged, her energy grew huge and loomed over your body laying horizontal on the bed. You chose to stay in your body and redirect her energy with love by offering to change the subject. You didn't think about it, you just responded from your heart, a place of compassion. She backed down and her energy then softened towards you because you saw the truth in her. She was truly seen and heard by you. A person can rail against the truth but a real truth will always remain unchangeable no matter how one tries to deny it. That person will only end up hurting his or her self.)
So, When the Serpent's heads were intimately close, I wasn't afraid. I was calm and I asked... "Now what?"
Grandfather's response was "You can ride in their spirit canoe". "That's it? Ok, sounds like fun."
Suddenly, I am sitting in the middle of a canoe where the bow and stern are carved wolf heads staring in opposite directions, surveying the calm sea. I can see a beautiful column of white light reaching down, spiraling into the earth, connected straight up into the heavens on the distant beach ahead. Nice. There really was nowhere to run. I faced my fear of being able to stand up to another person's rage and found a calm, centered strength within myself. Go figure.
As for you, you are no longer alone on the beach. Children are playing all around you. You can leave the beach or you can stay, just as you wish.
Fight or Flight
Most of us know what a "fight" or "flight" response is and that it’s triggered by fear, at least I hope you do. Real fear is a response that’s been with us forever -- probably since our first ancestors had to figure out what to do when a big carnivore began walking towards them, licking its chops. Fear has great value. Facing up to fear is hard, no matter what anyone says. Sometimes fear is a very realistic response to a situation. Sometimes it is a programmed bodily response triggered by a past memory that suddenly surfaces and makes you feel small in the face of it. It was real fear, fueled by adrenaline that propelled my ability to stand up to my wolf during our three week dominance challenge in 2008. I was terrified of being torn apart even though she was only bruising my arms. Adrenaline pumped throughout
my bloodstream. I could hear my heart pounding in my chest. My breathing became shallow ... ready or not — I stood up for myself and slowly stepped into her, gently using her own weight to push her backwards cause she was standing on her hind legs! There was no other option. To get away as quickly as possible wasn't in the cards! I was the one who was responsible for her life. Facing her and calmly walking towards my fear and her huge teeth led me to reap great rewards. This was yet another experience that showed me who I am, what I am capable of. This testing brought me gifts along with trust and a well earned respect from my wolf.
Most of us know what a "fight" or "flight" response is and that it’s triggered by fear, at least I hope you do. Real fear is a response that’s been with us forever -- probably since our first ancestors had to figure out what to do when a big carnivore began walking towards them, licking its chops. Fear has great value. Facing up to fear is hard, no matter what anyone says. Sometimes fear is a very realistic response to a situation. Sometimes it is a programmed bodily response triggered by a past memory that suddenly surfaces and makes you feel small in the face of it. It was real fear, fueled by adrenaline that propelled my ability to stand up to my wolf during our three week dominance challenge in 2008. I was terrified of being torn apart even though she was only bruising my arms. Adrenaline pumped throughout
my bloodstream. I could hear my heart pounding in my chest. My breathing became shallow ... ready or not — I stood up for myself and slowly stepped into her, gently using her own weight to push her backwards cause she was standing on her hind legs! There was no other option. To get away as quickly as possible wasn't in the cards! I was the one who was responsible for her life. Facing her and calmly walking towards my fear and her huge teeth led me to reap great rewards. This was yet another experience that showed me who I am, what I am capable of. This testing brought me gifts along with trust and a well earned respect from my wolf.
A Sisiutl Story
Thunderbird and his wife came down to start their own tribe. As a human male, Thunderbird caught a strange looking Salmon which died only when he bit his own tongue and spat blood at the scaly creature. Yum? He recognized the strange salmon as Sisiutl. His wife thanked him for the gift. She cut Sisiutl in half and bathed their newborn son in the blood. As a result, the child grew rather quickly into a giant with a pursed mouth that appeared to be made of stone. Do you think they are weird or what? Both parents were pleased for they knew that this one would become a great warrior. Upon becoming a man, the warrior received a special death-bringing canoe with which to fight in the world. More presents, yay! Each end of the canoe had a serpent's head with protruding tongues that could see both ways, backwards and forwards. At the center of the canoe sat the giant. Only his head could be seen above the rim. The canoe could propel itself when given directions
and would bring wealth, perogatives and slaves. Forget the slaves, the wealth will do nicely, thankyou. This is why Sisiutl is associated with warriors.
Thunderbird and his wife came down to start their own tribe. As a human male, Thunderbird caught a strange looking Salmon which died only when he bit his own tongue and spat blood at the scaly creature. Yum? He recognized the strange salmon as Sisiutl. His wife thanked him for the gift. She cut Sisiutl in half and bathed their newborn son in the blood. As a result, the child grew rather quickly into a giant with a pursed mouth that appeared to be made of stone. Do you think they are weird or what? Both parents were pleased for they knew that this one would become a great warrior. Upon becoming a man, the warrior received a special death-bringing canoe with which to fight in the world. More presents, yay! Each end of the canoe had a serpent's head with protruding tongues that could see both ways, backwards and forwards. At the center of the canoe sat the giant. Only his head could be seen above the rim. The canoe could propel itself when given directions
and would bring wealth, perogatives and slaves. Forget the slaves, the wealth will do nicely, thankyou. This is why Sisiutl is associated with warriors.
Spiritual Power
A dramatic supernatural creature, the double headed Sea Serpent is one of the highest ranking crests in Kwagiulth culture. Its power possesses it to shift shape
and transform from animal to man at anytime. A Sisiutl can shape change into a self-propelled canoe which the owner must feed with seals. I did that. Legends
say that Shamans tried to kill the Sisiutl for its healing power and magic. Warriors try to kill Sisiutl because it is closely associated with war and strength, death
and revival. To rub it's blood on their bodies means the warrior will attain added skill and become invulnerable. A warrior would often wear a head band or belt in the
image of a Sisiutl to provide protection from harm. Sisiutl has the power to harm the people who looked at him though he is most benevolent to those with the correct privileges. Personally, I'd rather be on his good side while he's alive. A long standing Coast Salish cultural tradition of mentioning places by name, imbues them with a sense of history, community and spiritual power. Traditional stories teach people about how things in the world are related and the special responsibilities and obligations that these relationships require today. These stories provide a foundation of meaning, a platform upon which people may engage the world. Are you still reading? People are connected to places by kinship through the stories told. Many places are considered Ancestors who were transformed into stone or some permanent physical feature which then defines the place. The experience of spirit power in these places connects people in tangible ways to their Ancestors in the non-human world. See, we are all connected. Kin connections to non-humans create the kinds of obligations of reciprocity that people have with their human kin.
An example of this type of obligation is a hunting ceremony. Since wolves were known to bestow their hunting prowess on people, they were often called upon as Spirit Helpers to assist the people in becoming successful hunters. We humans rely on the fish and animals - like we rely on our families - for food and well being. Our Ancestors had to hunt or fish for the family while being stewards of Nature at the same time. Time for us to reclaim that response ability, don't ya think? A whale hunter would paint a lightning snake on his canoe and then paint over it. The lightning snake has the head of a wolf because it is revered for it's cunning. Although
the painted image was unseen by the whale, the power of it's presence on the canoe would aid the hunter to make a strike. This type of kin connection to a Spirit Helper is made tangible by the experience of obtaining spirit powers in a dream, a vision or through receiving a song. Maybe a gift is given in the form of a dance. Sisiutl carries a powerful reminder of how non-human descendants of the Ancestors must be respected and cared for. Do you think, that may be because of a contractual agreement signed in blood? Just kidding.
When Phoenix and I walked along the beach and looked at the cliffs and the rocks, I could often see faces in the weathered stone. The Elders say that these faces are the remains of people who saw Sisiutl and that their souls were eaten by the monster. Some say Sisiutl has three heads: the two outside are ghastly monsters with the inside being that of a human. I know some people who can raise an ugly head, myself included. Other people say the monster has two heads that are wolves, one at each end of its huge snake like body. But they all agree that when humans, trees or anything see Sisiutl and try to run away, the runners are always
turned to stone or twisted into terrible shapes. No one can outrun Sisiutl. So, if you see Sisiutl and Sisiutl sees you, there is great danger lurking about. But ... Sisiutl’s heads cannot see each other. Sisiutl doesn’t remember what it looks like. If you stand and calmly face Sisiutl's approach, his heads will turn and look at you from both sides. When that happens Sisiutl will also see his own reflection. This pleases him so much that he might just give you a wonderful gift. The Vision People will come and live inside your head and you will be able to see Truth. Fear will no longer be the ruler of your life. Truth will reign. It won’t always be easy but once you realize that you have faced Sisiutl and survived, you can face anything.
A dramatic supernatural creature, the double headed Sea Serpent is one of the highest ranking crests in Kwagiulth culture. Its power possesses it to shift shape
and transform from animal to man at anytime. A Sisiutl can shape change into a self-propelled canoe which the owner must feed with seals. I did that. Legends
say that Shamans tried to kill the Sisiutl for its healing power and magic. Warriors try to kill Sisiutl because it is closely associated with war and strength, death
and revival. To rub it's blood on their bodies means the warrior will attain added skill and become invulnerable. A warrior would often wear a head band or belt in the
image of a Sisiutl to provide protection from harm. Sisiutl has the power to harm the people who looked at him though he is most benevolent to those with the correct privileges. Personally, I'd rather be on his good side while he's alive. A long standing Coast Salish cultural tradition of mentioning places by name, imbues them with a sense of history, community and spiritual power. Traditional stories teach people about how things in the world are related and the special responsibilities and obligations that these relationships require today. These stories provide a foundation of meaning, a platform upon which people may engage the world. Are you still reading? People are connected to places by kinship through the stories told. Many places are considered Ancestors who were transformed into stone or some permanent physical feature which then defines the place. The experience of spirit power in these places connects people in tangible ways to their Ancestors in the non-human world. See, we are all connected. Kin connections to non-humans create the kinds of obligations of reciprocity that people have with their human kin.
An example of this type of obligation is a hunting ceremony. Since wolves were known to bestow their hunting prowess on people, they were often called upon as Spirit Helpers to assist the people in becoming successful hunters. We humans rely on the fish and animals - like we rely on our families - for food and well being. Our Ancestors had to hunt or fish for the family while being stewards of Nature at the same time. Time for us to reclaim that response ability, don't ya think? A whale hunter would paint a lightning snake on his canoe and then paint over it. The lightning snake has the head of a wolf because it is revered for it's cunning. Although
the painted image was unseen by the whale, the power of it's presence on the canoe would aid the hunter to make a strike. This type of kin connection to a Spirit Helper is made tangible by the experience of obtaining spirit powers in a dream, a vision or through receiving a song. Maybe a gift is given in the form of a dance. Sisiutl carries a powerful reminder of how non-human descendants of the Ancestors must be respected and cared for. Do you think, that may be because of a contractual agreement signed in blood? Just kidding.
When Phoenix and I walked along the beach and looked at the cliffs and the rocks, I could often see faces in the weathered stone. The Elders say that these faces are the remains of people who saw Sisiutl and that their souls were eaten by the monster. Some say Sisiutl has three heads: the two outside are ghastly monsters with the inside being that of a human. I know some people who can raise an ugly head, myself included. Other people say the monster has two heads that are wolves, one at each end of its huge snake like body. But they all agree that when humans, trees or anything see Sisiutl and try to run away, the runners are always
turned to stone or twisted into terrible shapes. No one can outrun Sisiutl. So, if you see Sisiutl and Sisiutl sees you, there is great danger lurking about. But ... Sisiutl’s heads cannot see each other. Sisiutl doesn’t remember what it looks like. If you stand and calmly face Sisiutl's approach, his heads will turn and look at you from both sides. When that happens Sisiutl will also see his own reflection. This pleases him so much that he might just give you a wonderful gift. The Vision People will come and live inside your head and you will be able to see Truth. Fear will no longer be the ruler of your life. Truth will reign. It won’t always be easy but once you realize that you have faced Sisiutl and survived, you can face anything.
Sisiutl models what we must all do at sometime in our lives, face the truth and face ourselves.
Then we will find the self in us that is best able to cope with the experience at hand.
Then we will find the self in us that is best able to cope with the experience at hand.