In Indigenous cultures, the moon holds a position of profound significance. It symbolizes tranquility, guidance, and protection, and its phases are interwoven with spiritual teachings that span generations. The Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island, now known as North America, have long honored the moon’s wisdom through the Thirteen Grandmother Moon Teachings. These teachings, based on the lunar calendar, offer invaluable insights into the natural world and the human spirit.
1. Spirit Moon (Mnido Giizis – January):
Spirit Moon, the first moon of Creation, arrives with the Northern Lights. It encourages us to embrace silence and recognize our place within the vast tapestry of Great Mystery’s creatures.
2. Bear Moon (Mkwa Giizis – February):
Bear Moon, the second moon, marks the beginning of a vision quest initiated in the fall. During this time, we learn to see beyond the ordinary and communicate through energy rather than words.
3. Sugar Moon (Ziissbaakdoke Giizas – March):
Sugar Moon, the third moon, coincides with the running of maple sap, one of the Anishinaabe’s vital medicines. It encourages balance in our lives, much like regulating our blood sugar levels.
4. Sucker Moon (Namebine Giizis – April):
Sucker Moon, the fourth moon, illustrates the journey of the sucker into the Spirit World, where it receives cleansing techniques. Upon its return, it purifies the path for the spirits and cleanses the water beings.
5. Flower Moon (Waawaaskone Giizis – May):
Flower Moon, the fifth moon, celebrates the Spirit sides of plants as they bloom, offering powerful healing energy. It encourages us to explore our spiritual essence.
6. Strawberry Moon (Ode’miin Giizis – June):
Strawberry Moon, the sixth moon, carries the medicine of reconciliation. Communities often hold annual feasts during this time, emphasizing unity and letting go of judgments.
7. Raspberry Moon (Mskomini Giizis – July):
Raspberry Moon, the seventh moon, ushers in great changes. It teaches gentleness and kindness and the wisdom to pass through life’s thorns.
8. Thimbleberry Moon (Datkaagmin – August):
Thimbleberry Moon, the eighth moon, honors the thimbleberry, a protector of the sacred circle of life. It helps us recognize and understand teachings from the Spirit World.
9. Corn Moon (Mdaamiin Giizis – September):
Corn Moon, the ninth moon, teaches us about the cycle of life. Each cob of corn with its 13 rows of multicolored seeds symbolizes future generations, and we must prepare for their Earth Walk.
10. Falling Leaves Moon (Biinaakwe Giizis – October):
Falling Leaves Moon, the tenth moon, adorns Mother Earth with vibrant colors. It’s a time when all of Creation offers gratitude, reminding us of the miracles around us.
11. Freezing Moon (Mshkawji Giizis – November):
Freezing Moon, the eleventh moon, brings the Star Nation closest to us. It’s a period of preparation for fasting and a time to learn sacred teachings and songs.
12. Little Spirit Moon (Mnidoons Giizis Oonhg – December):
Little Spirit Moon, the twelfth moon, represents a time of healing. It offers visions of the spirits and good health, guiding us on the Red Road with pure intentions.
13. Big Spirit Moon (Mnidoons Giizis – Blue Moon):
The thirteenth moon, the Big Spirit Moon, serves as a purification and healing phase. It involves a three-month spiritual journey and imparts knowledge about the healing powers of the universe.
Conclusion:
The Thirteen Grandmother Moon Teachings are a testament to the deep connection between Indigenous peoples and the natural world. These lunar teachings remind us of our place within Creation and the profound wisdom that surrounds us. They guide us through life’s seasons, encouraging us to embrace silence, unity, balance, and healing. As we journey through the lunar calendar, we not only connect with the Earth but also with the spirits and our own inner truths.
Source: The 13 Grandmother Moon teachings are from “Kinoomaadiewinan Anishinabek Bimaadinzinwin, Book Two. Author Arlene Berry.
Environmental Scan of Urban Indigenous Services
Image of Full Moon Source: https://muskratmagazine.com/ojibwe-moons/
Presented by Samantha Doxtater
Presented by GRANDMA RENEE
In a world seeking direction, Indigenous teachings offer clear and enduring policies for how to live in harmony with one another and the Earth. This workshop invites participants to explore the profound lessons of the Two Row Wampum Belt and other wampum belts as frameworks for mutual respect, environmental care, and collective well-being. These belts, created long before colonization, embody ancestral agreements that guide humanity on how to coexist with honor, dignity, and reciprocity.
Led by Grandmother Renee, this session emphasizes the importance of relearning and honoring the policies established by our ancestors, rather than creating new paths disconnected from this wisdom. Through the teachings of the belts, participants will uncover the principles of self-care, stewardship of the land, and respect for all beings. This is not about inventing something new—it is about rediscovering the instructions that were always there and committing to uphold them.
Key Takeaways:
Through this workshop, participants will be reminded that the wisdom of the belts is not only a guide for Indigenous communities but a path for all of humanity to walk together in respect and care for one another and the Earth.
Presented by Grandma Gail and Angela DeMontigny
Ceremony is more than tradition—it is a deliberate practice rooted in wisdom, responsibility, and foresight. This workshop explores the “science of ceremony” as a guide to living with intention and accountability for the next seven generations. Our ancestors used ceremony to prepare for the future, ensuring that their actions would benefit not only their own time but also those yet to come. Now, it is our responsibility to carry that practice forward.
Led by Grandmother Gail, this session will examine what has been lost and the actions we must take to restore, respect, and reclaim the ceremonial practices that ensure the well-being of future generations. Participants will be encouraged to reconnect with ceremony as a means of healing, reflection, and renewal, building a foundation of responsibility to guide us in restoring balance and harmony.
Key Takeaways:
Through this workshop, participants will rediscover the transformative power of ceremony as a pathway to healing, accountability, and preparation for a sustainable and harmonious future. Together, we will reaffirm our responsibility to the generations to come.
Presented by Asha Frost
Join Asha Frost, an Indigenous healer, teacher, and bestselling author, for a transformative workshop rooted in traditional teachings and the power of self-discovery. Asha’s work often centers on reconnecting with ancestral wisdom, embracing one’s authentic self, and creating pathways for healing and empowerment. Drawing from her Anishinaabe roots, she weaves stories, teachings, and practical tools to inspire participants to reclaim their power and align with their purpose.
Through her signature blend of traditional healing practices and modern insights, Asha guides participants in understanding how to honor their own journey, navigate challenges with resilience, and embrace the interconnectedness of all beings. This workshop is an invitation to explore the sacred within and around us, fostering personal growth and collective transformation.
Key Takeaways:
Whether you are seeking personal healing, professional inspiration, or a deeper connection to traditional wisdom, this session with Asha Frost promises to be a profound and enriching experience.
Presented by Allen Sutherland
The Seven Fires prophecy, as shared by seven prophets across different time periods, offers profound guidance for humanity’s path forward. According to Anishinaabe oral tradition, these teachings speak to the choices we face when the world has been polluted, and the waters turned bitter by disrespect. The prophecy teaches that humanity must choose between materialism and spirituality—one path leading to survival and the other to destruction.
In this workshop, Mishoomis Allen will guide participants through the teachings of the Seven Fires prophecy, exploring its relevance in today’s world and its call for spiritual renewal. Additionally, he will share his Canadian Indigenous Historical Timeline, providing a broader context for understanding the cultural, social, and spiritual significance of these teachings.
Key Takeaways:
This workshop offers an opportunity to reflect deeply on humanity’s collective responsibility and the transformative power of choosing a spiritual path for the survival of future generations.
Presented by Thohahoken Michael Doxtater
In this session, Thohahoken Michael Doxtater explores the ongoing impact of Canada’s colonial policies on Indigenous communities and the historical journey toward Truth and Reconciliation. He examines the systemic attempts to erase Indigenous identity, from residential schools to the suppression of cultural practices, and highlights Indigenous resilience and legal resistance. The presentation also delves into the concept of the “Canada Rafter,” a historical agreement acknowledging Canada’s adoption into the Indigenous Longhouse, raising the question: Has Canada truly upheld its responsibilities in this relationship?
