Customer Reviews

Medicine Wheels: Ancient Teachings for Modern Times

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This book is an enlightening book on the subject of Native American medicine wheels. The text includes in-depth discussion of the physical wheel itself as well as symbolic teachings associated with each part. Grandfather Wilson also relates the wheel to other similiar meditative representations in other spiritual traditions. A workbook to be used in creating and using a medicine wheel has also been written by Grandfather Wilson.

Exhausted by the constant news driven by spoiled Hollywood types and D.C. politicians, I was looking for some connection with the Earth and my Native American heritage. I remember the feeling of visiting years ago the medicine wheel in Wyoming, and wanted to learn more.
In "Medicine Wheels" by Roy I Wilson, I found even more: a connection between the Native American beliefs and thos of both Jewish and Christian beliefs. Using the directions of the wheel, Wilson also brings in the fours colors of race (yellow, white, black and red), bringing them into concert.
The book did not cover completely my original desire to build a medicine wheel in my yard, but did give me insight into more of the meaning and much more than I expected of the philosophical point of view of those who turned to medicine wheels over time.
While I looked to the wheel as a place to find peace and connection with the earth,reading the book made me see the continuity of that desire - one which transcends location, race and religion, and ties us all together.
For those wishing to create a modern version as landscape, I also recomment "The Medicine Wheel Garden" by E. Barrie Kavasch. Conbining what I learned from both books, I have been able to create a wheel which seems to bring a sense of peacefulness to all who visit.

The author uses the book to note the similarities between Native American Medicine Wheel usage and the Hebrew and New Testaments. Comparisons are sometimes strained. Nonetheless, interesting food for thought.