Heyoka

The Heyoka - A Lakota way of being, a medicine way. A Heyoka is one who does things backwards or opposite. The idea that Heyoka is a clown comes from the opposite behavior; it is part of the medicine of Heyoka, to remind us we are merely human beings and not to become too serious about ourselves, not to imagine we are more powerful than we really are, reminding us that Spirit holds all the power. In this day there are those among the Lakota who pour Heyoka lodges, which are directed towards the West and full of laughter. If a Heyoka man messes up he has the Thunder Nation to deal with. Spirit chooses who is Heyoka; it is a very difficult path to follow.

The Heyoka- is a sacred fool, sometimes called a clown with a great deal of power. He does everything backwards. He is yin and yang, sorrow and laughter, good and bad all rolled into one. Heyoka is a one of the most important of the Medicine People in the Lakota Nation. Usually Heyokas' are men but some women have Heyoka inside them and therefore must become a Heyoka.

The Heyoka's power comes from the Great Winged Ones, which the whites call Thunderbirds. They have control over the weather and certain sicknesses. They are "Thunder dreamers" and once you have a dream of thunder or lighting you become one of these contraries- whether you want to or not.

The Heyoka has strange and enormous powers even though they make everyone laugh with their backwards behavior. There is a great reverence and fear of the Heyokas as their contrary behavior is intimidating to most people and you never know what they are going to do next.

The Heyoka's power is usually used for good but because they are Heyoka one never knows.

The Heyoka - A Lakota way of being