Metaphors: Why do the metaphors of mating and birth, hibernation, and migration? Why do the metaphors of mating and birth hibernation of migration appear unusual? Consider that the stone burial chamber found in Mendota was never meant to be exposed. This burial was sacred and secret. The builders never expected it to be disturbed. Thus, the builders who embrace the secret knowledge, which clearly underpins the composition, could express themselves in an unguarded manner. They could modify a stone nest and add an egg between the bodies of the deceased Eagle clan without reservation. Birds are born from eggs in a nest. Souls of the deceased are born in the spirit world from the symbolic egg and a stone chamber in the shape of a nest. Such observations are a window into clan lodge secrets. And I think this is as clear as I can get to them being sort of new to run guard, ordering defended in the symbolic aspect of that burial. There may be other things, but I think that's what they intended here and Eagle clan. The interpretation the turtle pointing to the descent of the moon and as long as dark is meant to connect those alive under the living son with the deceased ancestors living with the Sun and the underworld in the spirit world. The meeting of the Eagles and the birth of the eagle accents birth on this plane for the deceased Ho-Chunk and for the Ho-Chunk equal clan. This is a confirmation of Mallove's contention that the ceremonies conducted at such sites are intended to balance the living with spirits of deceased. Then, because of the equinox connection and the construction of the stone raved chamber as a modified nest, the souls of the deceased members of the clan buried in...