Medicine Man

From Cherokee folklore:
OCASTA
"Stonecoat." The name comes from his coat which was made of pieces of flint. Equally good and evil, Ocasta was one of the Creator's helpers. Ocasta created witches and drifted from village to village stirring up turmoil. Some women trapped Ocasta, pinning him to the ground with a stick through his heart. The men cremated the dying Ocasta, who while burning on his funeral pyre taught them songs and dances for hunting, fighting wars and healing. Some of the men were granted great power and became the first medicine men.


O Great Ocasta,
hear my plea.
I am now infirm.
The power
of your medicine
is strong, this I affirm.

My people
dance the dance of death.
They whisper,
speaking out my name.
Telling of
my earthly life and
of my great warrior’s fame.

Listen, Great Stonecoat,
save me now.
Heal your native son.
Defeat death
Return to me my health
O, Great and Mighty One!

Death drums sound.
Time is drawing close.
My last breath
will pass through my lips
Ocasta,
welcome home your son
as from this life I slip.

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