Customer Reviews

Earth Medicine: Revealing Hidden Teachings of the Native American Medicine Wheel (Earth Quest)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

On the whole, I really liked the book ... good exercises, nice layout, comfortable style. However!... be warned. This book sufferes from the "All Shamans are Native Americans" syndrome. I would take any book written by a European about any of the Native American traditions with a grain of salt. Although the general ideas here are good ( and overall I recommend the book for those who know absolutely nothing about any Native American cultures nor want to become more than lightly emersed in it ), it misses the point that Shamanism is world wide, not just a practice of the Lakota of North America. And, it misses the mark entirely by lumping ALL Native Americans into one religious / philosophical system. Can one really confuse the philosophy and traditons of an Inuit with a Navajo? The book is obviously written with sincerity, but one could do better to learn about a culture from someone who has either lived in that culture or who will honestly admit that what they know comes from an outside source. For a very clear introduction to Lakota traditions, check out anything by Ed (Eagle Man) McGaa. Use this book if you like well thought out exercises.

I will try and refrain from being too harsh here, however...I feel this needs to be said from someone who actually knows something about these things.(I am Oglala Lakota) First off, if you want to know the TRUTH about Lakota spirituality, don't buy a book from some European out to make a quick buck. This book, as well as his others are filled with pieces from this and that, speculation and cliche' and has little to nothing to do with the truth. (The Lakota people do not, nor ever have had "Shamans") This type of book not only serves to perpetuate the disintigration of our sacred ways, but it also dishes out lies, misconceptions, and other non-truths. I highly suggest that this, and books like it, not be supported so that those who are truly searching, won't have to be loaded down with junk, before they find the true treasure.

I was first introduced to this book almost seven years ago. I was immediately intrigued by what I read, and ever since, I have had a vast respect and interest in Native American philosophy and teachings.

There are certain tribes - particularly the Lakota tribes, as I understand it - that do not agree with the material published in this book. While I respect their differences, I have found this book to be an immeasurable tool in self-discovery.

Surprisingly, I have not had much interest in the other books published by this author. I read this book first, and was certain that I would enjoy reading more from him, but this seems to be the book that speaks to me the most.

This book has changed my life. It has made me appreciate the Earth more and my role in this world. It has helped me find myself again after a pretty messy divorce. It has helped to guide me in the way I want to raise my daughter as well.

I got this book as part of a free offer. Thank goodness I didn't spend any money to support this book. This book leads you on interesting exercises to ... nowhere! I felt like I was just exploring things to give me "warm fuzzies" rather than searching out any spiritual truth or real growth. Indeed, I felt like this book was harming my spiritual growth!

Really, I should have known better than to buy a book claiming to teach "native american beliefs" -- most, if not all, are on a bandwagon to take the money of good people who are simply searching for spirituality. If you are interested in nature-based religions, start by reading "Drawing Down the Moon" by M. Adler and learning about yourself via meditation or perhaps a journaling book such as "Life's Companion" by C. Baldwin. Seek a path closer to your own heritage. And if your heritage is Native American, or you are REALLY deadset on learning a Native American belief, then talk to a real Native American to understand the truth. Don't get your info from a "plastic shaman".

Please DON'T make the same embarrassing mistake I did! Be smarter than me! :)

Highly recommended! I am a Calligrapher and Illustrator who for years have researched my Native American and Celtic heritage and traditions. This book revealed many "secrets" to explain and enhance my understanding of my own personality and life direction. An excellent book for those who long to comprehend their purpose in life. Correllating the Chinese Yang-Yin hexagrams and Nordic Runes, Mr. Meadows weaves these ancient systems into the Earth Web to create a vast tapestry of self-discovery and spiritual awareness. Not just another "astrology" or "self-help" book. Mr. Meadows explains in easy to understand detail, without the condescending attitude displayed by other authors who "share their knowledge". Thank you, Mr. Meadows. I wish I'd discovered this years ago.

This book is not as good as "Shamanic Experience" by the same author, or some of the other books I have reviewed. Click on my nickname above to see the other reviews I have written.

Mr. Meadows uses the term "American Indian" as if there were only one tradition. This is NOT so. There were more than 500 American Indian nations speaking about 175 different languages, and MANY different traditions are used.

If his tradition speaks to you, use it. If another tradition speaks to you use it instead.

In this book the author implies that your medicine is determined by the time of year you were born. The soul evolves, and your medicine will change over your lifetime (Mine certainly has!). My advice is to not become dogmatic. On page 175 of "Shamanic Experience" Mr. Meadows says "Be certain of nothing, was an admonition I was given along with the Sacred Laws, for let it be understood that as soon as you are certain about anything you may be certain you are wrong."

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

This is my second copy. The first I loaned out and they liked it enough to not return It. It is a great book.

I bought this book over 10 years ago, the 1st time, at a native american pow wow. I enjoyed it and used it so much it fell apart. This purchase was to replace the 1st purchase.

I am just going to go ahead, be honest, and say it: I have no idea how legitimate to Native American spirituality this book and its specific teachings are. To me, it looked like eclectic mix of world beliefs under the guise of a Native American aura.

But if one is okay with that, this book proves to be quite fascinating. The way I saw it, it celebrated that earth spirituality and the similar concepts that unite so many versions of personality and spirituality readings. It discusses the concept of connections between the self and the surrounding world as well as the zodiac. It gets one thinking about one's self and his/her interaction with nature and the universe, and the author certainly stresses that what is most important is how we take in these teachings; it encourages personal thought and interpretation.

The book is set up a great way. The medicine wheel is progressively made as the concepts are developed, and the accompanying diagrams are extremely handy. The book words from that medicine wheel to the standard personality profiles to further thought and meditation.

I'm not too sure how well this book would stand up to spiritual and religious scrutiny of just what Native Americans believe, but it does provide a great tool of introspection and an interesting way to bring in nature and totems. Heck, I was quite impressed with the references to so many other cultures.

The idea behind this book is certainly worth something, and I enjoyed my read.