Meaning: The quote you have provided is from Black Elk, a famous leader and medicine man of the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe. Black Elk is known for his spiritual vision and his efforts to preserve and share the traditions and stories of his people. In this quote, Black Elk reflects on the pivotal moments in his life that led to his spiritual awakening and his emergence as a leader.

Black Elk's "great vision" refers to a profound spiritual experience he had at the age of nine. During this vision, he received a powerful revelation that would shape the course of his life and influence his role as a leader within his community. This vision is a central theme in Black Elk's life and is often cited as a source of his wisdom and spiritual insight.

The quote also mentions the "horse dance near the mouth of the Tongue River," which was a significant event in Black Elk's life. This ceremonial dance, which took place during his eighteenth summer, marked a turning point for Black Elk. It was during this dance that he experienced a transformative spiritual awakening, which he believed endowed him with the ability to communicate with the spirit world and to serve as a conduit for divine guidance.

The significance of the horse dance lies in its role as a rite of passage and a means of spiritual communion. For Black Elk, this experience was a crucial step in his journey toward becoming a respected leader and healer within his community. The dance served as a catalyst for his personal and spiritual development, empowering him to fulfill his destiny as a visionary and a guide for his people.

The quote offers a glimpse into Black Elk's personal narrative and underscores the importance of spiritual enlightenment and cultural traditions in shaping his identity as a leader. It highlights the interconnectedness of his spiritual experiences with his emergence as a prominent figure within his tribe, emphasizing the profound impact of these moments on his life's trajectory.

Furthermore, the quote captures Black Elk's deep connection to his cultural heritage and the spiritual practices of his people. His reference to the horse dance and the vision he received at a young age reflects the centrality of traditional rituals and spiritual beliefs in shaping his worldview and guiding his leadership.

In conclusion, the quote from Black Elk encapsulates the transformative moments in his life that led to his spiritual awakening and his emergence as a revered leader. It offers insight into the profound spiritual experiences that informed his role within his community and underscores the significance of cultural traditions and spiritual guidance in shaping his identity. Black Elk's journey serves as a testament to the enduring power of indigenous wisdom and the enduring legacy of visionary leaders within Native American communities.