HeÈŸáka Sápa (Black Elk) (December 1863-August 19, 1950) was a famous WiÄháÅ¡a WakÈŸáÅ‹ (Medicine Man or Holy Man) of the Oglala Lakota (Sioux). He was Heyoka and a second cousin of Crazy Horse.
Black Elk said that during his life, he had several visions in which he learned things that would help his people. In his "great vision," at the age of nine, he said he met the spirit that guided the universe and saw a great tree that symbolized the life of the earth and of the Indian people. He did not speak of this to anyone until he was much older, but his family apparently understood he was clairvoyant after his supposed "illness".
Black Elk was involved in several battles with the U.S. cavalry. He participated, at about the age of twelve, in the Battle of Little Big Horn of 1876, and was injured in the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890.
I cured with the power that came through me. power
Sometimes dreams are wiser than waking. dreams
There can never be peace between nations until there is first known that true peace which is within the souls of men. men & peace
I had a vision with which I might have saved my people, but I had not the strength to do it. strength
To use the power of the bison, I had to perform that part of my vision for the people to see. power