Customer Reviews

Dancing the Wheel of Psychological Types

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I read a lot of books by Jung/Jungians and work with versions of the Medicine Wheel. Loomis successfully relates the two. I found her writing clear even in territories of the psyche which by their nature involve ambiguities and complexities. Fine for those with no prior knowledge of these subjects, but the joining of the two traditions makes it intriguing for people well-versed in them. I recommend it as a first read in Jung's psychological types if you find Jung a little dry and dated. For further reading on the Jung side I recommend Lectures on Jung's Typology by Van Fronz / Hillman.

This book takes you step by step through the analysis of your personality type using both Jungian psychology and Native American principles. Using the Star Maiden Circle, Dr. Loomis lays out a path for developing and improving your life situation. I have read it seven times and get something more every time I read it. I'd give it 10 stars if I could.

Loomis's source for American Indian teachings, Harley "Swiftdeer" Reagan, is one of the most widely known frauds and exploiters of American Indian culture. Google him and you'll find that nearly every major figure in the American community denounces him along with other "plastic shamans." He is actively protested by the American Indian Movement, and the Cherokee Nation denies his claim of Cherokee ancestry. Besides his ancestry, he has made numerous claims to his credentials which have been proven false.

From looking over the book, Loomis seems to be a sincere Euro-American who wanted to learn about American Indian teachings and combine them with Jung's theories, and was duped into believing that Reagan offered real Native traditional knowledge. Her synthesis of Jung's ideas and the process of development he advocated seems good, better than most popular descriptions of Jung. But this book is meant to serve as a combination of Jung's psychology and Cherokee/Navajo beliefs, and as it is based on fraudulent and fabricated traditions, it has no value in that respect.

When you are doing any exploration of American Indian culture and traditions, ALWAYS CHECK YOUR SOURCES - make sure they come from widely-respected Native individuals and that the teachings are meant to be shared with non-native people. People like Sun Bear and Harley Reagan are widely denounced exploiters who will offer you no real insight.

For an in-depth comparison between Jungian and American Indian worldviews by a highly-respected Native scholar, check out "C.J. Jung and the Sioux Traditions" by Vine Deloria Jr.

For more of a workbook for personal self-development based on Medicine Wheel teachings, written by widely-respected Native leaders (some of whom were familiar with Jung's work), together with Euro-American educators - and made available to non-native people - check out "The Sacred Tree" by Phil Lane Jr., Judie Bopp, Michael Bopp, and Lee Brown.