Red Hawks, and the Mineral Waters of Lithia Springs
By Duane Smith, Founder
Deep beneath the lawns and gardens of Lithia Springs Resort bubbles unique hot mineral water reminiscent of the soft mineral waters of Europe. Native Americans long ago discovered the unique healing qualities of these hot springs thousands of years before Europeans came to America though. They declared the springs "common grounds" for the benefit of all the local tribes. Tribal differences were left behind so everyone could enjoy their warm, soothing, healing qualities of the springs. Stories and legends grew around the waters so that the Native Americans came to consider the area sacred. In 1990, I invited retrospectives from five nations to do a traditional ceremony honoring their long history with the land and its waters.
On the appointed day, an old chief, his son, grandson, and 5 five others showed up. At that time, the land was covered with wild blackberry vines and bull thistles and I felt humbled, and perhaps a little embarrassed, wondering what they would think of my modest plans, We found a small clearing in the weeds, and sat in a circle as soft drumming began. Ceremonial pipes were lit, and smoke was blown to the four corners of the compass by the young chief, as other pipes were passed in the circle. Handing his pipe to his son, the young chief began to do a soft rhythmic dance to the quiet throb of drum, occasionally stopping to consult with his elder. After one of these pauses, the elder chief quietly said in a matter of fact way, "It is time to call in the red hawks."
I have lived long enough to know that much unseen and unverifiable exists just beyond our awareness. However, what happened next I will not soon forget. Within minutes, three beautiful Red Tail Hawks were gracefully circling above us, as I began to feel a warm sensation flowing up from the pit of my stomach.
The young chief then turned to me to ask for the water from the springs. But when I picked up the bottle I had brought it was empty. The bottom had broken cleanly away as if cut with a sharp knife. The young chief met the eyes of his elder, but neither of them showed surprise. "The spiders have come," said the old man. Then, turning to his grandson, "You have witnessed a legend born." After a pause he said, "It is time to call in the Grandfather of the Land". This brought a soft murmur from the circle.
The old shaman began to rock back and forth, appearing to enter some sort of trance. When he finally opened his eyes, he softly announced that the plans for the land were good, and that in accordance with the plan of The Great Spirit should be encouraged. As the drumming slowed and the excitement quieted, tears were running down my cheeks, and the deep warmth had spread throughout my body. There were other tears in other eyes as the ceremonial objects were put away. Then it was over, and they all quietly left.
Later, I would see case after case of skin rash, sore muscles, and poison oak respond wonderfully to a good soak in these magic waters. I saw the worst case of poison oak I'd ever seen dry up in 6 six hours.
I found that these waters have a high density of "positive ions," just as sea water does. The ions are actually atoms with an extra electron that want to bond with other water molecules to become stable. This property causes sea the water to draw fluids through your skin in a bonding process.
Hence, soaking in this naturally soft water causes body fluids to be drawn through your skin, taking any irritants (such as poison oak oils) along with it as it goes and relieving the soreness or irritation.
So relax and enjoy a good soak in what the Native Americans considered "holy water," without even leaving the privacy of your room - only at Lithia Springs Resort.
Lithia Springs Resort - Unique for its Waters and Gardens. Experience the difference.
