Sometimes the Great Spirit communicates with humans through dreams.
Thanks to their gifts of interpretation, the shamans and the elders, men and women recognized for their wisdom, helped members of the community understand messages from the spirits. In addition to being the community’s healers and herbalists, the shamans and elders also passed on legends and shared knowledge, and guided the ceremonies.
For many Iroquoians, interpreting their dreams is very important. Sometimes dreams can predict the future, prevent illness, reveal buried secrets or revive ignored or stifled feelings. Dreams could therefore send messages that should be taken seriously.