Spirit Feathers
Wednesday, 24 August 2005
We call them Spirit Feathers. Each member is given two and they hang from the bottom of their chapter or tribal patch. Each feather has a special meaning and combined together take on a special meaning for the person that wears them. The member doesn't choose their own feathers they are chosen for them by their chapter.
They reflect how we perceive the members spirit and how they function in the chapter. They are kind of a tribal blessing in a way; it’s a show of love from the member’s new family. These feathers are chosen for them when they receive their full set of patches and they may change as time goes by and the member or the role they serve in the club changes. They don’t designate rank or position; it’s a reflection of their personality and natural abilities.
Commander Feather
This feather indicates a command position. It may be worn by a Road Capitan, the chapter president or any figure that may be in charge of any group at any time. It doesn't indicate rank only that the person was elected or otherwise designated to lead others.
Spirit Bear
This is a person that sets a good example and encourages others to follow this path. He is not necessarily an appointed leader but he is none the less a strong influence on the others. The Bears spirit is strong in him and it makes other want to follow in his foot steps.
The Storm Camper
The storm camper is a survivor's feather. This is for anyone that has weathered a storm. It doesn't necessarily mean a real storm or camping.
The Lightning Feather
The Lightning Feather is a communicator's feather. This person is a good talker and can carry the message to the people. He is quick thinking and his words resonate to the ears of those who will listen. The is person is a good liaison to other groups. A webmaster maybe, a public speaker, a correspondent.
The Bears Paw
The Bears Paw is an enforcer of the laws and a defender of the spirit. This person keeps order amidst the chaos. This might be a Sergeant at Arms or an enforcer of some sort. The strong silent type that makes sure they others follow the rules. A protector or body guard maybe.
The Buffalo Tracker
This person is always looking for things to benefit the tribe. They are tracking the resources and making sure there is enough to go around. This might be a treasurer or stores keeper.
The Deer Feather
The Deer is beloved by all. Graceful, gentle, caring, the Deer Feather indicates a person that is beautiful on the inside and a refreshing person to be around. They bring joy to the group and laughter.
The Good Prospect Feather
This feather is for the person that is always looking to expand the tribe. Also for the optimistic person that just knows things are going to get bigger and better. This person is a good recruiter.
The Happy Dancer
This feather is for the bubbly personality, that party animal that excites the tribe and makes everyone have a good time. An entertainer type, maybe a musician, a singer or a dancer.
The Honor Dots
The Honor Dots Feather is a special feather for that special member that has distinguished themselves in an honorable way. This is for self-sacrifice, and action above and beyond what is expected of a member.
The Medicine Eye
The is for the problem solver, that person that can always see the problem and the solution clearly. The healer of woes.
The Medicine Hoop
This feather is for the medical and safety person. The medicine man that looks after the health of the tribe. Maybe a safety officer. A doctor or paramedic.
The Morning Star
The early bird that loves to watch the sun come up. The deep thinker that ponders the universe. The person that is anxious to greet the new day and embrace the new ideas.
The Sun Chaser
This person lives to chase the sun. Always on the go and a hard rider. The iron butt of the group that just loves to ride and ride.
The War Feather
This is for the strategist, the planner, the lawyer of the group. He is always trying to out think and out maneuver the enemies of the tribe.
The Wolf Paw
For the aggressive personality, the hunter, the investigator. He doesn't wait for it to come to him he know what he wants and goes for it with a passion.
The Tracker
This is the scouts feather. They would look ahead of the rides and events and make arrangements etc. Follow up on the group or even follow the group to keep the stragglers together.
The Boo Boo Feather
As you might imagine this feather is for the person that scratches their butt the hard way. If you crash and survive we will love you through the pain then tag you with this Boo Boo Feather until someone else earns the honor of wearing it.
The Respect Feather
The symbol at the bottom represents bonding of arms, a brotherhood. The symbol in the middle is an ancient swastika that was a symbol of luck or divine providence. This feather is is both a symbol of respect from your brothers and a blessing wishing you good luck and divine guidance.
Vietnam Service Feathers
These two feathers pay tribute to the Vietnam Vets. Both have the Vietnam service ribbon in the spine of the feather and one has a purple heart for the combat wounded and the other a crimson heart for the rest our brothers that served there. Both hearts are broken by a silhouette of Vietnam. The images say it all.
