East Enters the Medicine Lodge - Winnebago When the Creation Lodge of the Medicine Rite was first made ready, it came time for the East band to enter into it. However, even though the entrance was open, no person of weak means nor unstable mind would be able to pass through. Indeed, only important spirits could so much as project their thoughts within. There the leader of the East took four steps and stopped in front of it. Earthmaker had created him in his own image and placed him in control of Hâp (light-and-life), therefore he strode right in without effort. When the leader of the East entered, even though the light within shone with brilliance, yet now it was all the more so. As he walked towards the center of the lodge where our Grandfather burns, his steps exuded brilliant light. Even those without could see the light flicker as he strode forth. There at the entrance of the road he stopped and made his greetings. There he sung a song of greeting, even that which is song today by the leader of the East. Then he sat down upon that seat which in reality is a bear. Paul Radin, The Road of Life and Death: A Ritual Drama of the American Indians. Bollingen Series V (Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1973 [1945]) 215. Come visit us at. "Keeper of Stories". http://www.newkeeperofstories.com/ or Come visit us. "Native Village" [email protected]