Page:Journal of American Folklore vol. 12.djvu/341

 The Cherokee River Cult. 9

In the second upper world, where the white seats have been let down, the white cloth has come and rested upon them. The white beads are resting upon it. The soul restored has now ascended to the second upper world.

In the third upper world, where the white seats have been let down, the white cloth has come and rested upon them. The white beads are resting upon it. The soul restored has now ascended to the third upper world.

In the fourth upper world, where the white seats have been let down, the white cloth has come and rested upon them. The white beads are resting upon it. The soul restored has now ascended to the fourth upper world.

In the fifth upper world, where the white seats have been let down, the white cloth has come and rested upon them. The white beads are resting upon it. The soul restored has now ascended to the fifth upper world.

In the sixth upper world, where the white seats have been let down, the white cloth has come and rested npon them. The white beads are resting upon it. The soul restored has now ascended to the sixth upper world.

In the seventh upper world, where the white seats have been let down, the white cloth has come and rested upon them. The white beads are resting upon it. He is called thus {iyiisti, mentioning name). His soul, made pleasing, has now been examined. His soul has now gone to the seventh upper world and appeared there in full view. He shall recover by degrees. Yil !

The next formula, used also in connection with the beads, is rather peculiar, and is intended to ward off the evil presaged by dreams of sudden death, as by falling from a cliff, drowning in the river, or any similar accident. Such dreams are regarded as the result of the hostile conjurations of some secret enemy, and it is believed that the calamity shadowed forth will actually befall unless the proper ceremony is performed to avert it. The client is specially mentioned by name and clan, and the prediction is read from the appearance of the water and the movements of the beads.

"this is when they have bad dreams."

Sge ! His clan is this (insert name). He is called thus {iyiistt — name). Evil things were being allotted for him. Where is the assigner of evil located ?

Sge ! Oh, now you have drawn near to listen, O Brown Beaver. Evil was being allotted for him, but now it has been taken away. The body is called thus. The evil has been taken away. Where

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