In adding the vertical dimensicus of sky, earth linking the two, with feet on the ground and the head, or intellect at the center of the firmament. The middle disc, like the vertical axis, represents humanity, for in joining sky and earth. This is neither pure spirit nor a gross matter, but a synthesis of both. This particular symbol may be found among the crew in the three things they often paint around the sacred cottonwood tree at the center of their circular Sun Dance lodge. It was further explained to me by an old Crow priest that these circles represent the three worlds' that constitute human beings: body, soul and spirit, or again: gross, subtle and pure. In most of the great religious people built centers of worship in the form of cathedrals, churches or temples. For the Indians however the world of nature itself was their temple, and within this sanctuary they showed respect to every form, function, and power. But what is unique in the Indians attitude is that their reverence for nature and for life is central to their religion: each form in the world around them bears such a host of precise values and meaning that taken all together they constitute their doctrine.
Only in being nothing may an individual human being become everything and only then realize the essential kinship with all forms of life. Because of humankind's centrality it has the almost divine function of guardian ships over the world of nature. Once this role is ignored or misused, people are in danger of being shown by nature who in reality is the conqueror and the conquered. From another perspective in the past humans had to protect themselves from nature, today nature must be protected from humans.
The Inipi, sweat lodge, are a preparation to other major rites. During the four periods of sweating prayers are recited, sacred songs are sung and a pipe is ceremonially smoked four times by the circle of people.
