Anyone who knows me well knows that I am in awe of spirals. I write about them in my poetry. I reference them constantly. For me, the spiral is a symbol of learning, living, and transformation. It is no surprise then, that with all of the recent attention on the tornadoes in the midwest, that I am once again remembering and respecting the spiral. The tornado’s spiral of twisting, forceful winds wreak havoc. On the one hand, we can’ help but acknowledge in awe the devastation that tornados can bring. We also can’t help but acknowledge the awesomeness of the science and nature of the forming of a tornado where temperature, pressure, wind speed must all be aligned in order for the tornado to form and then descend onto the earth subjecting us to the winds that changes lives.
In African Yoruba culture, these winds of change are represented by Oya, the powerful warrior of the wind. Oya is probably most known in her form as the tornado. Oya reminds us that sometimes there must be destruction in order for transformation to occur. You must dig up the ground in order to plant. Oya also reminds us that while we see the results of her wind (ie rustling leaves), she is always working and we may not realize the impact of Oya until the transformation has already begun.
Native American cultures have learned how to determine which winds and storms will produce tornadoes. In a sense, they remind us that we must be attuned to our lives so we can prepare for impending internal storms. They also understood that prediction is necessary because we cannot control or stop the storms from coming.
Indigenous cultures’ fundamental understanding of nature reminds us of the spiritual lesson of surrender while traveling the path of life. As the tornado brings about unexpected and uncontrollable change, such are our lives. As we journey, we are reminded that we may not travel in a straight path. The winds may shift our path and push us into what feels like an unending spiral. But when the winds calm and we accept what remains, we can find wholeness and shelter in the Great Spirit of All Things.
