Ancient prophecies in modern times have already come to pass, setting the stage for a much needed global transformation in consciousness. Can humans self-fulfill our prophecies and dreams for the future? If so, do obsessions with Armegeddon and the apocalypse serve us? It is fatalism and laziness to assume that we are doomed so that we don’t have to do anything about it or take responsibility for our current situation. If we dare to dream bigger and envision a better future on the planet, we have a lot to learn from the elder cultures of this land.
After the Hopi Eagle Dancers spread their wings at the base of The Pyramid of The Sun on the spring equinox, they learned that they had fulfilled a 500-year-old prophecy kept since the time of Montezuma. Indeed, there had been migration and trade routes stretching from far in South America all the way up through Canada. Montezuma, knowing that his people had an ancient knowledge and culture to preserve and that that he could not defeat the Spanish, instructed his people to scatter to the four directions. These migrations dispersed the ancient knowledge in many tribes throughout the region, where it has been kept ever since. It is no surprise that The Hopi runners arrival in Mexico City was seen as a return of their relatives with a message that:
Central American Native runners then proceeded to spread the message of the return of The Eagle from the north (Hopi Eagle dancers) all over the region for many months, bringing with them a sacred fire. It was decided that representatives of Central American tribes would make a return run, re-tracing migration routes to the north and west, symbolically re-igniting the ancient flame of knowledge and reconnection between these ancient cultures. The run from south to north would go through the pueblo villages of Isleta, Acoma (Sky City), Zuni, Dine (Navajo), and end up at the oldest villages in North America on Hopi in Arizona.
Fellow filmmaker and friend, Brian Hardin of Knewways Media picked me up to travel with the runners as they made their way through Texas, New Mexico and ending in Arizona. Brian exemplifies the philosophy of using media to tell important cultural stories. Capturing these stories in a respectful manner and developing close friendships with many along the way has been a wonderful learning adventure for the many artists involved in Culture Collective.
As we were approaching Hopi and the end of the run, Brain asked me the best way to capture the culminating moments of the journey. I responded by telling him it would be best for us to just put the cameras away and be present as I didn’t want to disrespect The Hopi people and appear as tourists. Being present was enough of an honor in itself, and some things are not meant for film. Brian agreed.
As we arrived in the first village on Hopi, Brian was greeted by a man who turned out to be the chief of the Spider Clan. To our surprise the elders wanted this history to be documented and they wanted to direct the filming! they told us where to stand, what to film, what not to film, when to turn cameras on and when to turn them off. The result is some beautiful footage of the most ancient villages in North America and a wonderful sharing across cultures, each with their own way to participate in fulfilling a hopeful prophecy for humanity.
Hopi are a warm and welcoming people, but are also private and protective of their cultural heritage and wish to continue living as they have for hundreds of years. Some of these villages still have no running water or electricity (and they like it that way). Hopi have been living happily and traditionally for over 1,500 years on cliffs above the Painted Desert. It is completely inappropriate to visit Hopi villages unannounced or uninvited, but for people interested in learning more about Hopi culture, please visit The Hopi Cultural Center. If you are interested in helping Hopi to preserve their cultural heritage, you can learn more here.
There are many parts of the story that are purposely left out, for there are much better qualified people to share these parts. The story and history are far too deep and rich to convey in written words here. More videos, and articles from others involved in this unfolding story will be featured on this site in the coming weeks/months. Please get social, by sharing and “liking” these posts with your loved ones. We each play a part in the transformation and healing of our selves, our communities, our nation and our planet. You are here for a reason!
