Manitou

By Crusader1307

The Native-Americans Tribe known as The Algonquian, tell a Legend known as The Manitou. These Spirits are classed into two types. The first was known as Aashaa Manitou. These were considered Good Spirits. The second, were The Otshee Manitou which were Evil . The Manitou inhabit all of Nature s creatures, except Man. According to The Algonquian, Man has a Soul. Conversely, he is taught the paths of both Hood and Evil. It is up to The Man to chose which. The Manitou have no form. They are ruled by a Great Gitche Manitou. He does not interfere with their actions. Good Manitou Spirits were summoned by Shaman and Medicine Men, to help heal or protect. Conversely, Evil Manitou were summoned for harm and Revenge. The ritual for summoning required The Shaman to wear a Mask of the particular Manitou Spirit needed. Often, Patron Manitou Totems were erected by Shaman for such purposes. As with Good, Evil was summoned the same way. Frightful Masks and dark clothing was worn. This was problematic however. Lacking a Form (non-corporeal), Manitou Spirits can possess or inhabit a Human. They will try to live through their Istanbul in thus manner. It is very difficult to remove a Manitou Spirit , with the death of The Host the most likely outcome. With Christian contact, most Cultural and Religious beliefs were abandoned. However some current Traditionalists, with the now small Algonquian Confederation, still practice the Ancient spells to invoke The Manitou.