People of the Circle, People of the Four Directions [Paperback]

Scott McCarthy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 20, 1999

Publisher Marketing: A Gathering of Native American Prayers, Rituals, and Traditions. People of the Circle, People of the Four Directions explores the common spiritual symbols of the Native People of North and South America. Drawing on poems, stories, ceremonies, and ethnological writings, Scott McCarthy gives examples of the use of circles, the four directions, and the number four, both individually and in combination, as common themes that run through all the Native cultures of the Americas. The ceremonies and lifeways presented here will encourage a sharing and understanding between cultures, as cultures meet, sometimes colliding, sometimes entwining.Contributor Bio: Born in London, England, Scott McCarthy received a Master of Divinity, and a Master of Arts from St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, California, and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1974. Over the years he has attended numerous Native ceremonies throughout North and South America. He currently serves as pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Carmel Valley, California, and as director of the diocesan Native American ministry.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Born in London, England, Scott McCarthy received a Master of Divinity and a Master of Arts from St. Patrick's Seminary in Menlo Park, California, and was ordained a Catholic priest in 1974. In 1979, he received a Doctorage of Ministry from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, California. A pastor since 1974, he is presently serving at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Carmel Valley, California, and as director of the diocesan Native American ministry. Over the years he has attended numeerous Native ceremonies throughout North and South America.

Product Details

• Paperback: 712 pages
• Publisher: Blue Dolphin Publishing (October 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577330137
• ISBN-13: 978-1577330134
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,812,061 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gathering of Native American Prayers, Rituals, & Traditions, November 10, 1999

By 

Sharon Hermes (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: People of the Circle, People of the Four Directions (Paperback)

Within these 685 pages the author presents countless "Ceremonies and Lifeways" of the native peoples of North, Central, and South America as seen through the writings of scholars, ethnologists, teachers, personal observers, and the People themselves. Categorized by cultural area, cross-referenced alphabetically and by tribe, and followed by McCarthy's comments, they illustrate the recurring themes of the circle, the cardinal directions, the number four, and the appearance of these symbols in vastly different times and places.

In the thought-provoking introduction, the conclusion, and extensive list of sources and recommended books, readers are encouraged to explore the sacred ways within their own and other cultures, to enter more deeply into a dialogue and a sharing of this spiritual nourishment to recognize the interconnectedness in all creation, and to be open to the Spirit's activity within it all. A great reference book and source of inspiration.

4 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Explores the common spiritual symbols of the Native People, March 5, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: People of the Circle, People of the Four Directions (Paperback)

In People Of The Circle, People Of The Four Directions, Scott McCarthy explores the common spiritual symbols of the Native People of North and South America. Drawing on poetry, stories, ceremonies, and ethnological studies, McCarthy provides examples of the use of circles, the four directions, and the number four (both individually and in combination) as common themes running through all Native American cultures. An invaluable, highly recommended contribution to Native American studies, People Of The Circle, People Of The Four Directions will encourage a sharing and understanding between the different Native American cultures and broader Eurocentric American culture as they interact and sometimes collide.