Customer Reviews

Rainbow Medicine: A Visionary Guide to Native American Shamanism

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

My purpose for writing this review is by no means motivated by any intent to slander the author in any way. In fact, after reviewing the author's website and other books, I think my review can be applied to all bookstore shamans. Unforunately, it seems that many of you non-natives are unable to distinguish authentic native spirituality from this type of material. My concern is for the interests of the reader. The approach that most Native Americans have taken in response to this type of misrepresentation of culture has not been a peaceful one. There is no shortage of protests and lawsuits against mispresentation in Indian country. There are many people today who are taking advantage of Native American people through their presentations of bogus teachings. I implore you to use common sense. You must know that today, in this modern age, there are many charlatans at work, especially in this genre. I do not mean to insult the intelligence of the readers but what you have here by "Wolf Mood Dance," is a romanticized version of Native Spirituality. In a sense, maybe this book's information is what you "want" to hear. If it adds something positive to your life, ..fine. But for those of you who are genuinely interested in learning about Native Spirituality, you must approach these presentations in a skeptical manner. Real Medicine healers are few and far between. Again, you must use common sense on this one. Authentic Native spiritual leaders usually keep to themselves and live a simple life usually among their own people and not in a corporate headquarters. It would seem very fishy to my people if our spiritual leaders were to suddenly begin to write books and create websites in order to promote an image. For those of you who seek spiritual guidance from an authentic leader, I'll leave you with a few points to contemplate. In short, you must seek the authentic healer in the proper place, and that is NOT in a bookstore. Also, each tribe has its own cosmology and heirarchy of deities and spirit helpers. It is not a case of lumping a Native practices in to one group and labeling it "Native Spirituality." As I seek to bridge the gap between non-indians and my own people. I am willing to share what I have experienced and how a genuine Native American percieves life. I do not "KNOW IT All" but I do know my culture and offer my hand for the sake of helping another in life, however I can. yellowrobe@hotmail.com

The author does many things right and I only have two minor nitpicks.

Nitpicks first.

1 In a few places the author seems to go down to a children's level.

2. She associates the elemnts with other directions than I, but on page 39 she does allude to other traditions for casting a medicine wheel.

My praise for this book.

1. the text is clear and easily understood.

2. On page 20 and other locations the author makes it abundantly clear that Shamanic practitioners should abstain from mind altering drugs. (a refreshing departure from Carlos Castaneda!) She prefers meditation to enter the shamanic state of consciousness, and I concur!

3. The author teaches that you only need a few items to practise real shamanism, and more importantly you should have no difficulty finding them at the nearby store if you do not already have them.

4. The ceremonies are extremely simple to perform.

5. The importantance of the proper frame of mind (a feeling of thanksgiving and gratitude)

6. the importance of giving small gifts (cornmeal, tobacco, small stones, etc) as a way of saying thank you to mother earth.

and other reasons

This book is a contemporary teaching tool to reach out to all people that strive for a better life. Many would say that this isn't "traditional" material or that shamans don't write books. The idea of this book is to reach out to the public in a contemporary Native American spiritual way, and allow people to find happiness in a difficult world. This book accomplishes the goal, and succeeds in being an excellent healing tool. Doubt or anger is not what this book is about. It is about sharing a vision (contemporary) and helping people to have a guide for self healing and happiness. No, this isn't "tradional" Native American writing, but it IS great contemporary Native American writing. We are all on this earth to share our ideals and culture, so do yourself a favor and read all of Wolf Moondance's work. Native American's do write books and they also share their visions with the rest of the world. Remember anger and negative opinions do NOT mend the hoop. The book is a great beginning to help people get acquinted with spirituality whether it is Native American or a personal experience. The book is a quality experience and I recommend it highly.

I think there are a lot of ways t see a Truth and I want to say this book is full of truth. I was sad and very angery at the lies that are told about good people and the indian ways. I was lost and drunk and this book pened me up to the memories of my Grandmother and father. I remembered the love and the truth and I'm alive and teaching school because of the book. Please, if you need spirit and are looking to learn grab this one and keep it close-It is Great!!! Carol Smith

I'm a young one and I have the book it is great. My grandmother is Native American and she thinks we need to remember the magic of our people and not live in the anger and hate of the old days. We almost lost the spirit of our people and we need books like this to remember. I find the book easy to read and great to learn from. It make my Granny smile. Wolf Mooondance is a good writer. Thank you Frank from South Dakota

This book is so amazing. I have found such a clarity in my life and my future path. I loved it so much, that I bought all of her books, including the tapes from her website. I just can't say enough about it. I'm pleased that I read Wolf's books before some of the other books on Shamanism. Had I read those first, I would have been too scared to continue.

I got this book Rainbow Medicine right after meeting the Author in 94. What a powerful person and book I read it over and over. The spirits in this book open doors to healing each day of my life. I will always trust the writings of Wolf Moondance. It will help all who look. Dan Bentely

What a spiritual awakening. Wolf Moondance's Rainbow Medicine is a magical blend of visioning and cermonies to bring forth an awakening in the imagination.This book is an excellent book!! I have small children and they have totally enjoyed the creativity used in the book. My family have created the ceremonies together and united in a much stronger family unit. Thank you!!!

I received this author's books for my birthday. I want to tell people how wonderful the work is. The books are creative, spiritual, and geared towards all ages. I recommend that you get all of the books as they are a series. I have especially enjoyed her new book Rainbow Spirit Journeys which as beautiful art to enhance the talented writing. I also have just ordered her new audio tapes from Nightingale-Conant called Sacred Voices! Lets all hope this author produces numerous works! Thanks

My only hope is that this book finds every reader in AMERICA!! This books offers spiritual growth, and exciting lessons that will enhance anybodies lives!! This book should be on the bestseller list!! Thanks to Wolf Moondance for her excellent work!!