Dancing the Dream: The Seven Sacred Paths Of Human Transformation (Religion and Spirituality) [Paperback]

Jamie Sams (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 5, 1999 | Series: Religion and Spirituality

FIND YOUR SACRED PATH

Widely recognized as one of the foremost teachers of Native American wisdom, Jamie Sams reveals the seven sacred paths of human spiritual development and explains how exploring each path leads to shifts in our personal relat

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A magnificent blueprint for transformation."

-- -- Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Healing Words

"A magnificent blueprint for transformation." -- Larry Dossey, M.D., author of Healing Words

"Sams draws upon sources of indigenous wisdom, the metaphoric world, and the depth of her own experience to become a guide for all who wish to grow wise themselves. Dancing the Dream illuminates paths of initiation through the difficulties and opportunities that life provides." -- Jean Shinoda Bolen, M.D., author of Crossing to Avalon and Close to the Bone

About the Author

Jamie Sams is a member of the Wolf Clan Teaching Lodge. She is the coauthor of Medicine Cards™:The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals, author of The Sacred Paths Workbook, and (with Twylah Nitsch) Other Council Fires Were Here Before Ours.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: HarperOne (May 5, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062515144
• ISBN-13: 978-0062515148
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (35 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #11,728 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Native American

More About the Author

Jamie Sams is a member of the Wolf Clan Teaching Lodge. She is the coauthor of Medicine Cards™: The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals, author of The Sacred Paths Workbook, and (with Twylah Nitsch) Other Council Fires Were Here Before Ours.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

91 of 98 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Found the Magic Bullet, November 4, 2000

By 

"caledoniaskye" (Tacoma, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dancing the Dream: The Seven Sacred Paths Of Human Transformation (Religion and Spirituality) (Paperback)

Not long ago, I spoke with a long time friend and asked her why it was that I seemed to go through disciplines so quickly when I was looking for something, usually an answer to a question. A well recognized professional, her response was direct. "You're looking for the magic bulllet, and you won't stop until you find it...if you find it." So, on that note, I discovered, Dancing The Dream, and I began to read. When I reached the midway point I put the book down and began again. This has to be one of the most interesting and thought inspiring pieces of Wisdom Literature I have ever read. Simply put, read the book. Jamie Sams does not lecture. She speaks. She isn't a guru. She teaches by example. She includes successes, failures, foibles and her personal experiences.She uses simple language to guide and direct. But she never talks down to the initiate. She emphasises personal responsibility and provides the tools to develop the needed strengths. If the way of our ancestors is your way, and particularly if you are unable to connect with a techer, or a teacher you trust, start here. I promise, you will find your way in direct proportion to your faithfulness on the path and Jamie will guide you all the way. Read the book, read the book, read the book!

45 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "I have endeavored to draw the map of consciousness that applies to every person on every path:" from the Author's note ., September 13, 2005

By 

Connie C. Cox (Henderson, Nevada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dancing the Dream: The Seven Sacred Paths Of Human Transformation (Religion and Spirituality) (Paperback)

I believe this statement reflects Jamie's chief goal for this book: this statement is listed in the authors note, preceeding the text. I don't think it is possible to draw a universal map of consciousness applicable to all humans. The chief reason being is that some folks never get past the 1st commandment let alone rise to metaphysical heights described in the text. Further, unless the reader has more than a beginners background in the metaphysical - or enjoys flipping back and forth between the text and the glossary - the reading can be difficult.

I gave this book five stars for what it DOES do, and that is a whole lot more than 99% of the metaphysical works I have read:

It paints a picture of the onesness of all existence, even though most of existence sees itself as seperate from everything else;

It bashes the notion that only enlighted earthly masters can achieve spirituality;

It clearly describes the downfalls of anyone being overimpressed with their spiritual progress;

It provides healers with a strong dose of reality: not to forget that therapy patients come to you because they are sick...there is pressure in them staying sick so you can make money;

It confronts head on the notion that a healer can see oodles of people on end: a handful may be too many;

It rightfully makes warriors out of beings immersed in the waters of daily life and it's endless tortures and misfortunes;

It superbly raises these tribulations to the status of lessons, encouraging hope and joy in the struggle;

It clearly points out that transformation is not a linear process;

It describes this circular process as seven different paths: this description allows readers to compare, contrast, and analyze later;

It describes the first hand accounts of Jamie in her path of transformation;

Read the book for yourself: you can't put it down.

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars exceptional:Native American view of spiritual development, June 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Dancing the Dream: The Seven Sacred Paths of Human Transformation (Hardcover)

Beautifully written, nonlinear depiction of spiritual development combining three Native American traditions. Wonderfully down-to-earth roadmap, eschewing duality in spiritual outlook. Deeply respectful of the myriad variety of spiritual traditions, and lacking the tiresome new age pressure to "ascend". This is one of three or four books I have ever read which I know I will reread many, many times. It is grounding, and spiritual, simultaneously. She has a gift for writing, a sense of humour. Although maturity is depicted as having "seven levels of 'initiation'", these are not 'levels' in the linear sense.