Heyoka Empath. Are you tempted to believe in this?
Heyoka Empath, have you heard of the new term that some people are writing about?
Hey, I’ll write about it too. Only I’ll bring skills!
What kind of skills? Empath Empowerment® Coaching skills, of course.
And also Aura Reading skills. Since I’m aiming to discern what is real about this Heyoka concept. Versus… whatever else.
Prospective Client Joe Introduced Me to the Idea of Heyoka Empath
In an email Joe wrote that recently he came across new information. Consequently he now believes that he may be… a Heyoka. Also known as a “sacred clown.”
Thus, I was introduced. Right from the outset, I found this notion offensive.
Ever hear the saying, “God don’t make no junk?”
I believe that. You too?
Therefore, I sure don’t believe that it’s anyone’s lot in life. Being a “sacred clown.” Do you? How would you like to be told that’s what you are, no matter what?
Wrong in so many ways, doing this to any human being!
Since, if you’re human, we’ve got free will. None of us must play any one thing for a lifetime. You know, like “a narcissist.” Reviled by all.
But I’m willing to learn if there’s something to it. So let’s explore this idea. Could there be something to it?
A Strange Sameness to Online Articles about the Heyoka Empath
Will you find the same thing if you sample articles on this Heyoka topic? Entire sentences copied word for word. But from which originator?
Seriously wondering! Do people who write about Heyoka Empaths copy each other? (Often word for word.)
Strangely, yes. Yet evidently they never give credit to their original source. Maybe not a good look, ethically.
May I offer my sympathy toward the person whose work others are imitating! Trustworthy helpers of humanity… don’t plagiarize.
On the other hand, if you’re willing to not take something seriously? All these multiple words and pictures can make one wonder? Is this trickster idea about empaths… The work of an intentional trickster?
Regarding good looks, I’ll acknowledge this. Many of these websites feature traditional art. Sporting a Native American look. I wonder, how many of these writers actually have the standing to write as Native Americans? Hard to say.
After some frustrating research time, I settled on one website to represent the field. Calleen Wilder is the only person who actually showed her face. (And thus, aura.)
She’s a psychic. Proclaiming the tagline, “Walking Between the Realms.” And I’ve researched her aura a bit. Unlike most psychics today, she’s doing remarkably well. Altogether I find her sweet. (And that’s something that I do take seriously. Hooray!)
However, does liking Calleen mean that I agree with her ideas about empaths. No no!
Practical Note: See Comments #91 – 103, below. Since these comments go into very specific reasons why I consider it implausible that Wilder has the standing to give reliable info to fellow human beings about “Heyokas.”
Making the Case for Being a Heyoka Empath
Here I’ll summarize five main ideas from Calleen Wilder’s introduction to this topic:
- A large proportion of humanity is able to empathize (in one form or the other) with others. However, the most valued type of empathic archetypes is known as ”Heyoka.” But, only few can be considered Heyoka empaths.
- ”Heyoka” is a Native American term that means a ”fool” or a ”sacred clown.”
- The term is also used to refer to people who are emotional mirrors to the ones around them.
- In Lakota people, a Heyoka uses the wind as sticks to beat the drum of thunder.
- In English, it would be more appropriate to describe a Heyoka as an individual who acts in a way that is the opposite of normal and sees the world differently.
Let’s consider these points one by one.
Heyoka Empath Idea #1. Leaping
Seems to me, any empath coach has an obligation to bring clarity. In contrast to bringing trickster-ish confusion.
What else? An empath teacher is allowed to have a sense of humor. (Yeah, in the background, personally, I do laugh a lot every day. And occasionally you’ll find traces of humor in my blog posts. Although it’s not usually front and center.)
Extra important, surely the best empath coach would also bring help.
With all respect, I’m not finding any of that from Ms. Wilder. She leaps from the verb empathize to the term empathic archetypes. Immediately after, springing over to the word empath.
All three words mean very different things. So if you’re seeking her definition of what an empath is? No such luck.
Just in case you’re curious… Here’s how Empath Coach Rose Rosetree defines “empath.”
An empath is born with at least lifelong gift: A gift for directly experiencing (in consciousness) what it is like to be another person.
To me, it would be wrong to go into detail without telling people what they can gain by learning my system. By contrast, Calleen Wilder doesn’t do this. Rather, she offers links, toward the end of her post. Articles about psychic development. As if empaths were psychics!
I don’t think so. Here’s why.
Heyoka Empath Idea #2. Empath as Fool
Assigning anybody a role in life? Sounds to me like spending to much time reading Tarot cards… And taking the pictures literally.
Seems to me, calling somebody a “trickster” or “sacred fool”? That’s more what folks did, deep in the Age of Faith. While stuck for life in some little village. Given status early in life. Sadly, living with little chance to change for the rest of their lives. Change either socially or personally or spiritually.
Unlike now, in the Age of Awakening! When we can evolve as rapidly as we wish. Many of you Blog-Buddies are making great strides in personal growth. Also, in spiritual awakening.
Mostly, I don’t believe in fools. But if I did, who would come close? Somebody who writes that an entire group of people are destined to live as fools.
More and more, I’m beginning to think of “Heyoka Empath” as fictional. Not anything humanly real whatsoever! Quite possibly, somebody’s idea of a joke!
Heyoka Empaths Idea #3. Emotional Mirrors
Until I read Calleen Wilder’s thoughts on this topic, wow! I thought the popular “emotional mirror” idea came from the New Age years. (You know, 1980 – 12/21/12. Right before the Shift into the Age of Awakening.)
Apparently not. Apparently some of the Lakota people have found help in this awful idea. Where presumably, “Everyone is your mirror.”
By all means, Blog-Buddies. Please COMMENT below with any experience you’ve had trying to grow spiritually or emotionally through this idea. Did you ever try over-interpreting your life all day long? Like, seeing every random person as your “meaningful mirror”?
If so, please share if you’re still doing that now. Or if not, why not?
Meanwhile, let’s be clear on one thing. Many people do believe “Everyone you meet is your mirror.” Just now, 371 MILLION hits on google.
But popularity in Collective Consciousness doesn’t meant the same thing as being true, does it?
About this mirror notion, that’s a belief. Not a type of person.
For instance, you might believe in Bright Magenta Sacred Flaming Maracas that Walk on Two Legs.
Well, believe in that all you like. But, please, don’t also believe that it’s real. A concept is not something that happens in real life. (Outside one’s head, anyway.)
Heyoka Empaths Idea #4. Whacking Drums Made of Thunder
So this is a Heyoka’s job? “a Heyoka uses the wind as sticks to beat the drum of thunder.”
Really?
By all means, COMMENT below and show me that literal drum. Then maybe I’ll comment back.
Meanwhile, I’ll add something here for perspective. I believe in giving meaningful definitions for different empath gifts. Not fantasy ideas. Nor outdated beliefs from thousands of years ago. True ideas, aiming to help practical people.
For instance, I’ve published a short article that summarizes 15 different empath gifts.
That’s an introduction to learning the system of Empath Empowerment®. For example, learn more from this easy read. Taking minutes a day for a month. And by the end, you’re a skilled empath.
Look, I don’t know everything about anything. But I do know some things about coaching empaths. If you research my work, you’ll find I published the first book for empaths in English. In 2001. By now, many consider me to be America’s most experienced coach.
Heyoka Empaths Idea #5. Not Normal
Vaguest of all comes this notion. How any of these Heyoka empaths is, supposedly, “an individual who acts in a way that is the opposite of normal and sees the world differently.”
Let’s face it. Wouldn’t that include any modern human teenager? Also most of us adults.
What would be an exception? If you lived many thousands of years ago. Living as part of an indigenous tribe. Living in one of those highly conformist societies where everybody had to conform. Either that or they were considered outcasts.
Thank God we don’t have to live that way now. Thank your most sacred name for God, whatever it is!
In Conclusion
I don’t believe that, for people living on earth now, there is any such thing. Any such thing, whatsoever, as a Heyoka Empath.
So if you know people who are troubled. Maybe could use a few sessions of Energy Spirituality ENERGY HEALING. Or might be in need of help from a qualified mental health practitioner.
Honestly, what would you do? What if people came to you and blamed their problems — or superiority — on being born a “sacred clown”!
Let them know they deserve better, right? That’s all I’ve tried to do here.
Definitely Read Comments #161 – 167
Over a year after publishing this post originally, new comments greeted me on April 21, 2021. Comments from a man with a lot of wisdom to share about being a Heyoka Empath.
Thank you T! You’ve included resources for knowledge and also helped us to understand better the difference between truth versus falsehoods, confusions, even cultural appropriation.
Skip ahead, Blog-Buddies. For me, this is a moment of relief at my educational blog.
By contrast, claiming that Heyokas are “emotional mirrors” to others, or serve as “cosmic fools”? This is the sort of information that I have the standing to investigate in consciousness… and identify, if true.
Due to those empath gifts I mentioned in Comment #99!
Whereas Coleen Wilder doesn’t have any of these four gifts.
And since she not only markets herself as a psychic but also has an aura that’s shows considerable influence of astral beings, I think it’s reasonable to assume that this Heyoka idea is one of those theories that entities love to tell trusting people. Case in point: Abraham-Hicks.
See detailed research of both: Discarnate being (singular!) Abraham, and also Esther Hicks, in “Magnetize Money with Energetic Literacy.” For that book alone, I researched chakra databanks of hundreds of people.
One way to tell the difference between an Energy Spirituality practitioner and a person taking on theories from spirits? Ask, “What sort of research did YOU do?”
Over at this discernment post for empaths, you might be interested in a series of comments about people you meet who act like Heyoka Empath zealots.
Today’s fresh comments are #1150 – 1165. (And thanks for asking, ANNETTE.)
Today I happened to talk to somebody I know. I guess you would prefer that I call her Gladys.
This person happened to see this post. She really found it annoying, and since she knows I’m into Energy Spirituality she ranted at me for a while.
I’m going to tell you what she said. I’m also going to give you my opinion. Before any of that, though, I’d like to share my honest reaction to this controversial blog post.
I’m very glad you wrote it. What you presented here, and also what I’ve seen, makes me think that “Heyoka” is one of those things around now that gives cover to people who are unstable, hot messes, etc.
After hearing the wonderful news that supposedly they are empaths, and the very best empaths, Heyokas, pouf! Away go all their personal problems.
Gladys is a case in point. Before she “found herself” as a Heyoka, she was a marginal friend. I could tell that she had a lot of problems, but I thought she had a good heart.
Making the big discovery about Heyoka empaths has greatly increased her confidence, she’d say. I’d say, more like it has increased her obnoxiousness.
Anyway, Gladys complained to me today that you, Rose Rosetree, are not an expert on indigenous cultures so that you don’t have enough background to write anything about Heyoka empaths.
Sure enough, you’re not an expert say on being a Native American in Montana, but so what? Far as I know, you’re the most experienced empath coach in America. You read auras with a fantastic degree of energetic literacy, far beyond the Stage 3 that makes a personal functionally literate about auras for most everyday purposes.
Not for the first time, you’re writing the truth at this blog and it’s a truth that needs to be told. It’s refreshing to me. Thank you for keeping it up, Rose Rosetree.
I didn’t enjoy talking with Gladys today. Thank Goodness, you don’t let the rageful Heyokas stop you.
PATRICIA, thank you. Energy Spirituality doesn’t have to be for everyone. I’m content to reach the people I can reach and teach the people I can teach. (Including you, PATRICIA.)
Labels are necessary for humanity since the majority of people can’t see past their bubble.
Agreed. You call it “labels.” Since I’m the founder of Energy Spirituality, I believe in naming things that need to be named, and also communicating how to achieve various goals, etc.
Now, I’ve read the entirety of both the comments you sent to this blog. I’ve decided to publish the first one, one chunk at a time, and respond to it. The second one? Since it’s gross and insulting, I’m choosing not to publish.
Blog-Buddies, even without the second troll-type comment, you’ll notice a lot of passion in Jill’s words. She also left out some necessary connectors to follow her argument, seems to me, as in my next response to her first comment.
What matters most, seems to me, are accurate labels. Meaning labels that are true and can help people. Not false or twisted or confusing ideas like “Heyoka Empath.” Because I’m skeptical this is a “thing.” Which is why I wrote the main article here.
With the internet, there’s no check on fake news, of various kinds. On very rare occasions I’ve written warnings, such as this article.
For a different example, suppose that a few bloggers started a fad about worshiping Neon Purple Potatoes that hop on three legs. But only “spiritually special” empaths can see them. And they give the “very best advice” about your purpose in life….
If that confused people, and some of the Neon Purple Potato Worshipers crossed my path, as part of a growing group of believers, I’d write a cautionary blog post about that, too.
Humanity is so prideful to have people preying on and misleading others in blogs and forums with their perceived gifts. True healers never charge, and they never brag about what they are.
I don’t often survey the foibles or sins of humanity. Instead I help people.
Speaking of labels, “Pridefulness” strikes me as a pretty unhelpful way of looking at individual people. In order to help myself — and my students — understand people better, I recommend using skills of energetic literacy.
Where one person might find “Prideful,” I use distinctive, quality skills like Aura Reading Through All Your Senses® , Empath Empowerment®, and Face Reading Secrets®. If you use any of them, you find information with a lot more nuance than making a judgment like “Prideful.”
If you’re curious, a generous supply of examples is right here. Over 100!
“True healers” never charge money? First of all, I have never considered myself a healer.
Instead, I offer:
*1. Energy Spirituality ENERGY READING.
*2. Empath Empowerment.
*3. Enlightenment Teaching.
*4. Energy Spirituality ENERGY HEALING.
Speaking of that #4, when folks take my Spiritually Sparkling Online Workshops, or otherwise learn what I have to offer, never once do I tell them that they’re going to be “healers.” I leave that to psychics. (Which I’m not.)
I’m a huge fan of my physician, Dr. Erika LeBaron. She’s an Integrative Medicine expert, not a healer.
Like me, she charges money for her professional services.
Dentists, acupuncturists, physical therapists and others charge for their services too. Why wouldn’t they?
Prideful humans who claim to know all the answers are the most dangerous to humanity.
If true, this generalization sure would make life simpler for everyone. Just check out a person’s score on the Pridefulness Meter and you’ll know who to throw into prison?
Meanwhile, Jill A, I wonder if you ever gave a thought to your unsolicited advice, that you’re lavishing on me and the other Blog-Buddies. I’ve never claimed to know all the answers, but you seem to be doing just that.
Humanity is so prideful to have people preying on and misleading others in blogs and forums with their perceived gifts.
Now humanity itself is prideful? This Comment #137 doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me.
However, you are beginning to sound a bit like a conspiracy theorist, which I find troubling.
Why troubling? See this research-rich blog post about conspiracy theorists.
True healers never charge, and they never brag about what they are.
They are there when it’s needed and then they are gone, without praise or reward.
Again, Jill, you’re offering a tidy set of black-and-white generalizations… with no evidence to make it persuasive to me… and maybe other readers of my blog as well.
I do wonder why you would decide to start commenting in this high-handed way, and commenting where? At the blog of a total stranger who has never claimed to be a “healer.”
Could it be that you don’t agree with my skepticism about Heyoka Empaths? Then don’t read what I have to say. I’m warning people who might find it helpful. Far as I know, there is no law that anybody on earth MUST read my personal blog.
We have little time to prepare for what’s coming, and pride is not the path.
To me (just my opinion) Comment #145 sounds like conspiracy talk. Or maybe cult talk. Or both.
Maybe not terribly relevant to a blog for people who wish to explore deeper perception and make it practical on their own terms.
Did you ever think the main reason why one cannot find information on this subject is because most indigenous tribes practice oral traditions of passing down history? I think that just because you have been limited in your experience of encountering a Heyoka doesn’t mean they don’t exist.
TRENNOA, welcome to my blog. It’s quite true that I have never met a prehistoric person who is a Heyoka empath. More to the point, though might be this:
Nobody else has met these hypothetical prehistoric people either.
And even more important might be this:
If you’ve ever driven in an automobile
Or used a mobile phone. (Or used any phone.)
If you’ve ever taken aspirin to relieve pain
What business would you, or anybody you know…
Have believing that you live now except that you believe in something from many thousands of years ago?
Do you live then or NOW?
Anyway, TREONNA, thank you for your polite inquiry. You might enjoy reading other articles at this educational blog, provided that you’re interested in learning how to have a better life… as somebody living now, in 2021.
Geez look up Mirror Effect, mirror neurons in psychology. I was with you at first, but your lack of research was evident by then end, and the tone grew patronizing. Bad article.
MORGAN, what you’re telling us is that you were expecting an article on “Mirror Effect.” And when you landed at an article on a completely different topic, Heyoka empaths, you used your sophisticated (and unsolicited) rating system to evaluate this article as “bad.”
On the other hand, had you been looking for an article on Heyoka empaths, it might have taught you something. Possibly. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink. And there isn’t even a saying in English about asking a horse to voluntarily learn new information of a human kind.
One of the many things that you didn’t notice about this article, MORGAN, is how it was written by America’s most experienced empath teacher. And it was perhaps the best researched article you’ll find on the internet when it comes to so-called “Heyokas.”
Since this original post was published — quite recently, actually — I launched a new easy-reading website dedicated exclusively to Empath Empowerment®. Although you can have fun everywhere at “What Is an Empath?” I’d recommend starting with the new videos. Click, read, and be empowered!
Hi! I did notice who had written it. The topic I brought up is closely related to what I believe they were trying to imply with the term. I’m not convinced the H.E. term wasn’t made up by a troll as I can’t find much other than info stemming from the one article/concept. I agree about the skeptical take, however I thought it was conjecture rather than anything solid. I stand behind my original comment, although I regret my too blunt tone. ??
MORGAN, it takes a gracious person to walk back a “too blunt” tone. FWIW, I’m not sure whom you mean by “they.”
Also, are you saying that “Heyoka Empath” has appeared only at one website? I spent hours researching this term and found many articles to consider before writing this blog post. Of course I supplemented my research by sharing my perspective as America’s most experienced empath coach.
If you want to learn about a real heyoka, and what it means,and true native information
I recommend reaching out to Wambli Sina Win
She is currently an Associate Professor and Director of the Criminal Justice Studies Dept. at Bacone College in Muskogee,OK.
Her grandfather was John Fire, Chief Lame Deer, Tahca Uste, a well known Lakota Holy Man and Heyoka from the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation in S.D. One of her sons is also a Heyoka.
She has served as a Tribal Judge for the Oglala Sioux Tribe, an Assistant U.S. Attorney, a Tribal Attorney and a legal instructor for the U.S. Indian Police Academy.
You may contact Wambli Sina Win at wamblisinawin@yahoo.com.
To ask questions about heyoka .
I myself am Mohawk Kanien’kehá:ka, I spent half of my life on reserve,and I can tell you that almost any native teaching that is out there in a book, or on the Internet is of no truth, and yet again has been manipulated, stolen, and lied on to fit the direction of non native practices.
So I can support you in stating that heyoka empaths do not exist it’s something born to you in native culture you do not pick it .
Sending love to you on your earth journeys much peace ✌️
What a relief, T, to read your words of wisdom and experience. Your contribution this morning moved me so much that I added a final section to the main post, directing readers to your magnificent comments.
Cultural appropriation is one of my least favorite ways that people seek a better life. One definition goes like this:
“Cultural appropriation refers to the use of objects or elements of a non-dominant culture in a way that doesn’t respect their original meaning, give credit to their source, or reinforces stereotypes or contributes to oppression.”
Perhaps you’d agree with me, T, that the Heyoka Empath meme is a prime example of cultural appropriation. I greatly appreciate everything you’ve just added to our conversation here.
Now I’m wondering if you would answer a few question from me, as part of my ongoing quest for truth about emotional growth and spiritual awakening. (Which is the purpose of my work with Energy Spirituality.)
So, my questions, if you feel inclined to answer:
1. What is it like for you to have people running around, mouthing off, appropriating something with real-and-sacred meaning to you and others who are dear to you?
2. What do you wish people would know about the impact of their cultural appropriation, such as claiming they know “all about” Heyokas?
Gack! You should see some of the vicious “comments” people have tried to insert on this topic, push into my personal blog. Only actually nobody will see these attacks on me, because I don’t agree with their views; fortunately, I’ve been able to put the Heyoka trolling into my spam folder.
3. Do you have a belief comparable to karma, about people getting consequences for spreading misinformation about something real and sacred?
(Yes, I’ve written an article here at the blog to update understandings about karma; not for cultural appropriation but to respectfully update something I studied for years, at the feet of a traditional teacher of such things.)
4. Adding more truth to what has been written here, would you be willing to give us an introduction to what Heyokas actually are, as you understand this topic?
I’d be grateful. More important, I believe that many others would read this and be grateful as well.
Finally, on a personal note, I thank you for your concluding words above, “Sending love to you on your earth journeys much peace ✌️”
Usually I’m not a fan of people who volunteer to bless me. In fact, some of the rudest people I’ve encountered… they practically spit out patronizing words at the end of a rant, sending me “blessings” that feel anything else but.
But to my ears, those words from you ring true with wonderful power and authenticity.
So thanks extra, T, for your contribution to our Heyoka conversation at “Deeper Perception Made Practical.”
Appreciate your comments T.
Thank for contributing your perspective on this topic, which really helped ground the whole discussion in truth.
And, btw, with this exchange we’ve crossed over a new milestone of “Discovery Moments” at this blog, bringing our total comments past 79,000. Thanks everyone!
I hope it will make some people think twice before they mistakenly call themselves a Heyoka empath and cheapen someone else’s culture.
Beautifully put, OSCAR MANUEL. Each of us can do our best to bring more truth into Earth, not add confusion.
These days a popular meme is, “Be kind.”
Seems to me, in this Age of Awakening, and at a time of so much political change… a better aspiration is, “Bring truth.”
Good afternoon Rose, thank you so kindly for your response.
I greatly appreciate that I have been able to share some insight into the Heyoka teaching and term ,what I can do from here is share a true story from a wonderful woman that I had referenced in my above comments I hope it helps more much peace ✌️
when it comes to the teachings of Heyokas I direct people here always as these teachings come from a traditional source.
Thank you kindly I hope this helps people to understand.
Heyoka: A Man Taller than his Shadow
Details
Written by Wambli Sina Win, J.D
Parent Category: Life
Published: 03 April 2011
©2011 By Wambli Sina Win, J.D.
From the south, up above, a threatening mass of dark thunderclouds moved swiftly towards the direction of a Lakota camp.
A storm coming from the South was much feared by the people for the devastation it could bring.
Noting the signs, the people fearfully gathered around their Protector, the old Holy Man.
As a Thunder Dreamer, this sacred clown or Heyoka was much more than just an ordinary man. He was the Defender of his Red People as well as their sanctuary and stronghold from the storms of life.
The old Heyoka with people around him, stood and faced the West, the direction of his vision.
The sky darkened all around. With tears in his eyes and his arms raised, palms held upwards to the heavens, he prayed in a strong clear voice,
“Wakan Tanka, from the clouds you gave me a bow. But my aim has been poor and my resolve has faltered. Hear my pitiful voice that the Wakinyan (Thunder Beings) who bring this storm from the South will listen to me.
“Cleanse this place so new life may bloom upon the earth once more. We are few and I am one, but I pray to you with faith. Spare my people and make us new again.”
As he finished this powerful prayer, the old Heyoka parted the clouds with a waving upward motion of his hands.
The people watched as the massive thunderstorm so near them, miraculously divided in half, leaving the people safely in the middle.
That evening around the campfire, there was laughter, soup and prayers of thanksgiving, for once again the peoples’ faith in Wakan Tanka was strengthened.
They had seen their beloved old Heyoka “charge” the heavens and use his sacred vision to save his Red People, thereby giving them hope for the future.
The Heyoka is a man taller than his shadow. The extraordinary power to part clouds is seldom used unless lives are threatened.
The Heyoka is a creature of faith but at the same time, he is a “rebel” because he stubbornly refuses to accept defeat even when he faces impossible odds.
Cancer is a foe which many believe is impossible to defeat, yet some of our fearless Heyoka have faced and defeated cancer, Joe Eagle Elk and my son as well as others in the past. In western society, most doctors would have given up, telling the patient that cancer is incurable.
Today our brother the buffalo is nearly gone, just as the Heyoka is near extinction too.
Both were part of the “Golden Age” of the Heyoka, when our people were strong physically, spiritually and culturally.
This was a time when our people walked the Red Road and our Lakota virtues of honesty, courage, fortitude, wisdom, humility, generosity and loyalty were practiced, not just spoken of.
Our Heyoka, including Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse were proud members of leadership and Akicita (warrior) Societies such as the Strong Heart Society and Kit Fox Society.
These warriors pledged that in battle, they would stake themselves down with a sash and never retreat even if death was a certainty.
This was courage which seems to also have become extinct in our leadership today, for who is willing to die for their people?