For the shaman over eons of time, his or her thoughts have always drifted to the stars on the other side of the sky. Watching over the constellations and Milky Way from one season to the next as one constellation would disappear over the horizon the next would follow suit. He understood the earth rotating in the sky on a trajectory slightly distinct from the stars he observed and that the same stars and constellations would return to greet him the following year. This old shaman was sure the cosmos, or Heavens, was simply made of the eternal spirit, planets, stars, and clouds of dust. That everything we find here on earth had been up there at one time or another. As he had once existed through his memories, his eternal spirit he remained to remind us of and narrate the story of our beginnings.
It has always been the role of the storytellers to remind us of from where we came and the path we are here to follow. Often taking on the role by singing songs or music that serve to connect us, painting pictures showing success and how to do things, or more importantly conveying or telling us who we are giving us an identity. The shaman/storyteller could look to the stars for guidance assured that others would follow.
Pointing to the stars he would say “Everything that ever was or will be is from there. We each own a piece of the star stuff from where we came. That it was from this eternal dust we came from and to where we all are meant to return. When you were born you were given a totem of an animal that corresponds with the month and 
constellation up there you will forever be a part of
If you were born in October and fit the rotating yearly cycle you could be considered connected to the Libra constellation, and possibly a dragon. Our calendar tells us, as we only follow an ancient time that connects each of us with the cosmos, the stars, eternal spirit… and home”.
The shaman continues, explaining that the ten thousand things found in nature represent a universal understanding shared by Indigenous peoples across the world. Humanity relies on nature for both livelihood and survival. Everything within nature has its purpose, as do we. It is our responsibility to care for nature, and it will sustain us. We take only what is necessary, express gratitude, and give back in kind. That we are to grow by the wisdom gained from the abundant gifts of nature and from knowing what lies on the other side of the sky.
My travels with Lieh Tzu / Interpolations along the Way
Chapter Two – The Yellow Emperor
33. Wisdom to be shared by All
The sage prefers conversing with those who share his wisdom.
While the ordinary man finds comfort in those who looks as he does and avoids anything that does not fit the patterns he has accepted or that may be different from himself.
Anything without a skeleton, hands or feet that do not fit the pattern, the beasts and birds of the world have been set apart from man.
Why is this so? The ordinary man who seeks knowledge and wisdom only among those with certain looks, cannot find it as they are as the racehorse with blinders running down the track. Aware only of what lies ahead. Unaware of what may be from side to side that may divert his attention from the finish. He may win the race, but he has missed what is important. And that is what he sees and learns along the way. As with the Tao, it is not the speed at which one finds his destination. But what is learned in the process and learning to appreciate that which may be different from us?
What is it that separates the others from man? They may differ in shape and voice. However, are they so different? They 
wish to preserve their lives as we do and only follow their own instincts in doing so. Male and female mate together, mother and the child keep close together.
They avoid harm and seek shelter, avoid cold and seek out warmth, they travel together keeping their young protected. They lead each other to water and call out to each other when they find food. Are these things so different from man?
In the beginning, they were man’s equals. It is only when man found advantage could be gained by controlling the others did, he separate himself from all other things. That from ancient times man has been able to converse with animals is not lost upon the sage. The sage shares his wisdom with all those that will listen, man, beast, and bird. With no advantage given except that which nature provides. How else could it be? 1/27/95
Number thirty-three of one hundred fifty-eight entries.
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