Customer Reviews

Cal 99 Medicine Wheel Calendar: Earth Astrology

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I bought this book years ago (before Amazon.com even existed). I've met Sun Bear, Wabun and the whole Bear Tribe in person, when they were located near Spokane, WA. (I even met Medicine Story, one of the reviewers up there. Hi again!)

Several of the reviews take issue with the idea of an astrological-type system because there was no such thing among the native peoples of this continent. Well, Sun Bear himself said the same thing. The ideas in this book weren't meant to represent traditional Chippewa or Native American beliefs. They're a completely new idea, given to Sun Bear in a vision that he had.

Other reviewers mention that you are not locked in to particular personality traits due to the time of your birth, but that anyone can change. Sun Bear covered that as well. First, this system is just symbolism to try to give people some insight into how they are. It's not a hard-and-fast type of thing. It's more like Rosarch ink blots- just a tool to help you learn about yourself. Second, he says in the book that people often move around on the medicine wheel as they go through life, sharing traits with and seeing from the perspective of the various different totems.

As a self-analysis or self-help book I recommend Medicine Wheel. It's well worth a read.

I have only read one book by Sun Bear and was facinated by the fact that anyone, Native or not, could find peace by just doing something spiritual like this. I am a member of two Ojibway tribes, and yes, I did grow up on three different reservations in my life so I feel I can speak with confidence on this matter. I do not care if people agree or disagree with the Native religions because they are all different and it is not up to me,or anyone else, to tell you what is native or non-native so if you believe you can find happiness from reading "astrological" points of view from Sun Bear then buy the book because it is better to love and practice something than to practice nothing at all. I would also recommend traveling to a nearby "Rez" for an introduction to religion, and they don't have to be Chippewa like myself or Sun Bear, because I know the best spiritual advise cannot be found in books. To correct a few reviews and from an Anthropological view, the Chippewa, or Ojibway, were not buffalo chasers like the plains natives, but fisherman and farmers from Canada with a HEAVY influence from the French (hows that for a European astrology connection) so please correct your review Apacheman because we, the Chippewa, are woodland indians so how could you know if we kept a calender or not (especially the Apaches being a Mexico indian). Native religions do not hate like others do so please do not give us a bad name because I read your profile and it seems all your reviews were negative. And as far as two bears is concerned I would like to know who named you or what naming ceramony you attended because we all have two lives, the one everybody see's and the one we hide(naming yourself does not constitute an indian name).

I first read this book in 1988 and got it out again today as I recommended it to someone. Am glad to see that it is still in print.

Astrology based on moon at time of birth is a different idea, but in my case being a brown bear really is on target. I liked all of the information on minerals and plants, too.

I've read several of Sun Bear's books and find them thought provoking.

Believe it or not, this book helped my marriage; maybe even saved it. My husband was born during the Cornplanting Moon., which makes him like his totem, the Deer. Once I understood this and could relate to what the book said about deer poeple I was able to adjust myself to providing my husband with what he needs from our relationship. I found this book so helpful that I'm buying it to keep as a reference.

Sorry, but anyone native will tell you the whole premise of this book is ludicrous. Plains tribes didn't keep calendars, so why would they have astrology? Astrology is a European thing, not native. Sun Bear, Wabun Bear, and their cult the so-called "Bear Tribe" are not respected among native people because of stunts like this, making up fantasies to exploit whites who are honestly seeking out native spirituality. If you want a truthful view of native religion, try Vine Deloria's God Is Red or any of his other great books. Go to a powwow or take an anthropology course. But don't fall for silliness like this. You will be angry and disappointed and no closer to understanding native cultures.

This is a great book. It says many things about plants not only as totems but how someone can use them to heal or just feel better,it also says many things about the animals, ther way of life and ther influence to people that were born under ther moon...I've learned so many things about my self, nature, and others from this book and I'm thankfull.

This purchace was to replace my original copy that had been sadly lost during a move! I had no idea that the book had been updated with modernized drawings. I was given the original copy by my shamen during a long period of time that I was out of balance with myself and my surroundings, reading it showed me the path to restore health and serenity to my journey through life. I used it as a reference book to maintaining good spiritual balance, and to help others do the same!
The lose of my original copy was tramatic to myself and those who had become accostomed to referencing it's pages. I recently came into some unexpected income and was finally able to replace my beloved Medicine wheel earth astrology book.
This is not a book of horoscopes it explains the relativity of nature's influences on us in regard to our birth. It also aides in choosing items for one's own medicine bags, and natural health! I am again peacfully at balance!!

This book has come off the shelf multiple times. It has interesting insight and is enjoyable to read. If you like things like horoscopes and such, you'll enjoy Sun Bear's take on it all.

I have previous Medicine Wheel Calendars. They provide a daily connection to Earth, Nature, and Self to start a day. What else can I say; there is no more to say or needs to be said.

I did not care for this book.

This book implies that your life is set based on the time of your birth. This is nonsence.

You may have traits that you find yourself following out of habit, but you do not have to follow them.

If you have the desire, and the will to change your life you can!

I am living proof of that statement. This is why I use the natural name Two Bears (to remind me of the two very different people I have been in my life).

If you have questions or comments E-Mail me. Two Bears.

Wah doh Ogedoda