MEDICINE PEOPLE

Medicine People: translation

Also medicine men and medicinewomen. A term cognate withholy peopleamong manyNative Americansthat may be comparable to shamans elsewhere.Medicinenot only emphasizes abilities tohealpeople fromillnessesbut also refers to sacred powers and/or abilities gifted toelectedpeople atinitiationand dependent on proper, respectful use throughout life. Specific plants, stones,rituals, andchantsmay also be labeled “medicine.”