Our web page states that Northern European traditions have the same skills and philosophies as the more popular North and South American Native shamanic traditions. In this blog I will share two of those philosophies from the Pennsylvania German tradition. A tradition that was brought to America by the German settlers that came to America in the 1600 and 1700s.
1. Lewesraad - Cycle of Life - means death, decay, and rebirth. Germanic Paganism sees all of existence in a pattern of cycles or spirals.
2. Zusaafpflicht - means sacred duty - It is a concept of stewardship and conscious living with the world around you. Each domain: humanity, plants, and animals, have roles to perform on the cycle of life (Lewesraad). The plants feed animals and humans. Animals feed humans and help to spread the seeds of plants. Humans nurture animals and cultivate plants appropriately, recognizing that their survival is our survival. When humans and animals pass away, they provide nutrition for plants. This arrangement brings stability to the Lewesraad, ensuring the ongoing cycle of life.
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