The Guadalupe Institute

Our Lady of the Roses
as She appears
to the Pueblo People of the Southwest
by J. Michael Bear

(the artist's description of the image
follows below the image)

kachinamana

Bestowing upon you my Blessing of Roses Bestowing upon you all good things whatsoever from within my robes of white shell and sunrise all precious and wonderful miracles from the place of the first beginning have I arrived.

The Picture:

Appearing as a Benevolent and caring Kachina Mana, She wears a multi-faceted mask; Zenith of the Universe from where she has come, She is affixed in the Wedding Manta of a maiden Pueblo bride.

The black sash means she will soon bring forth a child.

In her left hand is a terraced medicine bowl to hold the earth and sky in place; The orb in her right hand is for the children of the world.

She bestows upon the person of “Juan Diego” the miracle of the Roses.

She has vanquished evil in the form of the serpent beneath her feet.

The Evergreen represents everlasting life. Among the Evergreen is the cross and the staff of the “Kachina Chief.”

All of this is honored and revered in the feast days of the Pueblo people.

Know all of you
that I hold a high place in the Heavens as I move across the rim of the universe
bringing my blessings to you and your people;
For as long as you honor me, so will I intercede for you.

So be it --all good things whatsoever.

by J. Michael Bear, December 12, 1996