Big Thunder (Shooting Chant)

Out of darkness came the voice of Father Sky and Big Thunder appeared. Lightning coursed the heavens in an arc of fire. Air swiftly rushed to the voice of Big Thunder and, blending with the rays of light, an archway of glorious colors accompanied the birth of the Rainbow Guardian (all the tri-colorlor little sections occurring upon the bodies of Big and Little Thunders).

Twenty-four waterspouts were released from Big Thunder's wings; twelve spouts from each wing, symbolic of the four elements, the four seasons, and the four directions from which the "Little Thunders" (upon his body) can, and often do appear. These Little Thunders are the most able assistants that work intimately together1 as is indicated by the interchanging of color on their wing tips, which guarantee a mutual cooperation between the directions of the four quarters of the earth and sky, as well as the four seasons of the year. Therefore thunder and lightning can appear in any direction, or at any time of the year.

The overpowering waters spouts on their wings are indicative of the tremendous quantities of torrential rains and floods which covered this globe in the beginning of time. Out of these waters, eventually, the Earth emerged.. Mother Earth was first creatted by the solidification of the minerals; secondly the vegetable kingdom emerged; and thirdly the first forms of animal life appeared. Big Fly was amongt them (the little figure to the left of the sandpainting). The Bat (at the right) who is a sacred messenger of the spirit of the night stands guard at the entrance, to the east. The zigzag arrows of thunder and lightning also guard this painting by forming a shroud of protection around Big Thunder.

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