For many years as a atsuta (boy), I travelled with with vgetsi (my mother) across the United States to various rezervations and some spiritual meetings. Vgetsi was called Squale'wali' (Nightingale). She told me "I carry on the task of vgilisi (My grand- mother)and her elisi (grandmother). I am decended from the Howards and Chief John Ross, I am Tsalagi until my last breath and farther.

This was her explanation to me, before she crossed over to the meadow, of the task of Adasehedi Adanvdo (Spirit Guide) that she wished me to carry on. I had great doubt in my mind if I could do the task with honor for I had not practiced my heritage or my language. After she crossed over her spirit spoke to me when she realized how unsure I was.

Listen, Unega Wahuhi (White Owl) for I only have so much time for you. Many years ago, centuries I believe, our Creator realized the spirits of some Cherokees, who died a sudden death in accidents, murders, as young ones, could not find their way across the void to the Meadow. I asked my mother what was the void and the meadow.

You know what the ministers call heaven, that is what our Meadow is. Our Creator made an ever green, sunny, well treed meadow, for we spirits to reside in. There is a forest for the animal spirits. The void is a deep pit surrounding the meadow. It would be called a word we do not use, Hell. The spirits of Cherokees who have done dishonor to their fellow Tsalagi, by lying, stealing, being jealous of their lives and fortunes are dispatched to the void. The Creator brings them forth and some are forgiven after prayers begging forgiveness.

As a Spirit Guide you must listen for the spirits' cries and lead them across the void to the Meadow. I will join you a few times to show you the way and the ceremony you must perform. Do not reveal this ceremony to anyone. When it is your turn to cross over if you have the need of some one to take your place you will tell them.

I was taught White Owl, and believe, the Meadow is a resting place for the spirits of our departed ancestors. The Meadow is surrounded by a deep black void. The good spirits of our ancestors who leave this world quietly know their way to the meadow They know the white road there and how to cross the void. Those with clean spirits who may depart suddenly due to a warrior's death or at the hands of evil ones do not have time to learn the path. There may also be those who have an evil spirit and they must be sent to the void.

It is the task and duty of the Spirit Guide to lead these lost souls across to the meadow. There are times when a spirit may request that a Spirit Guide deliver a message to the family or loved one of that spirit. This is a very personal task and not to be told to many when it happens. A spirit guide may also be asked to bestow a name on a person who requests it for themselves or members of their family. As with all tasks this requires a study of the people, meditation, reading of their prayers and reviewing their ancestors. I know you cannot make a physical spirit walk White Owl. Do your task with honor and perhaps our Creator may answer my prayers for you.

My mother taught me, and I have been advised by others, great Spirits and Tsalagi, that this is not a task to be boasted about, or to be treated lightly Never is there any charge for the performance of your tasks.

She continued, the tasks of the Spirit Guide are an honor. As a mother, in honor, raises her children, as a warrior fought in honor to defend his people and land. Some other tasks may come easy to a Spirit Guide due to the close knowledge of the spiritual world. These tasks are not for a Spirit Guide to perform.

A medicine man knows of the treatments for our people, a Shaman knows of certain ways to judge people, to discover theft. A Spirit Guide may help find lost souls of those who have had a strange disappearance . Do not dishonor your ancestors doing tasks that are not yours to do. You may help some as a friend only.

A Spirit Guide does not practice the work of a witch, even though they may have some white wiccan knowledge. A Spirit Guide does not settle disputes, except minor ones where they may be requested. As any Tsalagi can, a Spirit Guide can and does pray and make smoke for the sick and troubled. It is not an extra special prayer, nor extra special smoke. It is special as all the prayers for fellow Tsalagi are.

I go now Equa Unega Wahuhi. Yes at last I call you by the name my father gave you. Soon the spirits will be calling you. I will listen and will be there to help you. Do what I have not been able, learn your language, you are Tsalagi One day some- one will give you your Spirit Guide name. Do it no dishonor.

Just a few years ago I was given the name Suye'ta by someone who knew my task and efforts. I know the meaning of the name but I do not boast of it.