The Eagle (wo-ha'-li)
The Eagle is the great sacred bird of the Cherokee
Indians and of nearly all native tribes. Eagle figures
prominently in their ceremonial rituals. Each Tribal
group has its own stories and legends concerning
the Eagle. Only the greatest warriors and the
Medicine Man wore feathers of the eagle.
Eagle medicine is the power of the great spirit, the
connection to the Devine. It is the ability to live
in the realm of spirit, and yet remain connected and
balanced within the realm of earth.
If someone dreamed of an eagle or eagle feathers,
the town organized an Eagle Dance as soon as
possible. This could only be done in late fall or
winter as the songs sung during the dance angered
the rattlesnakes.
The eagle could only be killed by a proffessional
Eagle Killer who knew the proper ceremonies for
turning aside vengeance by the eagle's spirit. There
were only certain times when the eagle could be
killed, usually only when an Eagle Dance was held.
