In days gone by and in some current tribal structures Native Americans would meet to discuss community issues such as moving for the season, hunting problems, family disent, and any complaints within the tribe. All were welcome at these Council Meetings which were, generally, precided over by the Chief of the tribe, warrior leaders, Medicine people, Elders, anyone in the tribe with an issue, and any from outside tribes who might be involved.

With such a great many people present at a meeting of this scope it was vitally important that each person have an opportunity to speak his, or her piece without interuption, redicule, or threats. The way this was done was using a Talking Stick.

As the meeting began the Chief, or other leader of the meeting welcomed the four direction, wanka tanka, and all good spirits of the earth. Then formal announcements were made about the purpose of the meeting, the area and people were smudged to rid the area of any negative energies and the Lead speaker began by picking up the Talking Stick. When he or she finished speaking the stick was passed around to the next person within the circle. Whoever held the talking stick was the only one allowed to talk. Usually, one prepared a speech before the meeting so as not to take up too much time and so the spirits would not become bored and invite the Trickster in. The stick might be passed around many times but, before the meeting closed, all would have spoken the truth from their hearts and resolution, or the plan toward working toward resolution, would have been reached.

In many circles the tradition of the Talking Stick is still used and honored.

As with any tool, making your own Talking Stick is powerful, educational, and fun. First, you need to choose a wood type for the stick. There are many sites around that discuss the energies of trees and wood types, so do some homework and find the type of wood that appeals most to you. You could also cheat and buy a dowel from a wood-working shop; they have several kinds of wood to choose from.

If you choose to take wood from a living tree, look for fallen limbs before cutting one off. If you have to cut a branch off try to choose one that would be pruned anyways...and all the better if you take your stick during the pruning season! Take a branch that is about 12 inches long and as thick as your middle finger. Keep in mind that you might decide to put a crystal in one end of the branch, so be sure to look at the width of the branch. Remove the bark and let the branch sit in a dry place for a couple of weeks so it has time to dry out.

While it is drying begin thinking of how you want to decorate it. Do you want to carve it at all? Do you want to embed gemstones in the shaft? What kinds of feathers will you hang from it? What colors? And will you use leather pieces to string beads from it?

When you are ready and have gathered all the materials sit down and have fun decorating your Talking Stick.

When you are through, set it in a window from one full moon to the next to energize it and any crystals you have put on it. And before you use it officially, smudge the stick with sweetgrass and sage and ask the Great Spirit to bless it.