Let's pray for the fallen "Chief"

I am an elder who has attended Phillip’s purification lodge ceremonies as well as several private sessions in the past, and I am very alarmed and dismayed to read this blog of a devoted former student, because I did entrust Phillip with my friends and clients, believing at the time in the benefits of his medicine.

My endorsement of and short-term tutelage with Phillip, however, did stop as soon as I repeatedly experienced some of his unprofessional behaviors.

At first, I took his skillfully crafted communication as a challenge to my blind spots, but soon enough it became clear that Phillip in fact was using guilt and punishment as well as manipulation as a form of control. He would accuse and deter any attempts to walk away as typical of a colonizer, and say quitting means disrespect for his altar and the spirits. He was persistent in pressuring submission to his demands, like insisting on communication by speaking so he could persuade and dissuade to get his way. Phillip responded immaturely and with anger when I announced my firm intention to discontinue the relationship, even though I extended  him sincere love, gratitude and well-wishes, and paid for the remaining sessions that I had initially committed to complete.

Such hurtful and abusive behaviors are inappropriate and destructive in any relationship. As an elder, I have enough life experience and resiliency to bounce back, but to prey on vulnerability of youth is egregious, immoral and must stop. To learn that, over decades, Phillip has repeatedly violated the sacredness of the trust and devotion granted to him by students and seekers, like myself and others who have confided in him, has stirred me to comment here in support of those who have shown courage to walk away and speak up.

We are all flawed, wounded and longing for healing. In my opinion,  a truly “healed” teacher does NOT use manipulation, harassment, anger, fear and guilt to inspire and gain followings. An “evolved” teacher guides students and spiritual seekers to find their innate Guiding Light & Healing Power by honoring and empowering them, NOT inflicting more wounds and ensnaring them in a dysfunctional relationship. I doubt any Council of Elders and Spirits in any lineage or culture would approve such conduct by a ceremony Chief and medicine man who lacks equanimity, integrity, humility and purity of intentions, as experienced and pointed to here by Phillip’s former devotees and students.

It is truly concerning that someone in a position of power to influence, and to instruct the essence of living an honorable indigenous path, is harming more than healing, and failing to uphold the Lakota values he preaches.

I sincerely pray that Phillip will be awakened by the voices on this blog , and whole-heartedly seek to heal himself first and foremost. His tarnished reputation in the global community will spread like wildfire, unless he reforms and makes reparations for all the psychological and emotional damages he has caused.