Mysteries of the Stars (Black) Tie

To the Lakota, the stars were considered very mysterious, and at the same time, very sacred (wakan). It was believed that our relatives were the stars above and they were seen as living in great order and structure. So strongly was this belief, that the Lakota living on earth would mimic their relatives, by moving camp where they were shown to by the constellations. Certain ceremonies were adhered to along this path, which followed a distinct circle around such sites as the Black Hills to Stone Butte, and completing the circle at Bear Butte, where the Great Mystery lives. This design pays homage to the stars (our ancestors) and the sacred (wakan) path that was taken by all Lakota during the winter camp; the embodiment of the sacred circle.