Sacred Fireplace (Oceti Wakan): Life and Teachings of a Lakota Medicine Man [Paperback]

Peter Catches (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1999

Long awaited by those who knew Peter Catches, Sr. (Petaga Yuha Mani) and his work, this book is a major legacy of his life and the essence of his teachings in his own words. The book describes his struggles to embrace Lakota traditions and language, as well as the Spotted Eagle medicine way. It offers reflections on the history and culture of his people and on his own life, together with Lakota stories and legends and accounts of healings, his personal visions, and traditions of Native American spirituality. 'The Sacred Fireplace' ('Oceti Wakan') is a vision shared by Peter Catches, Sr. and his son Peter Catches (Zintkala Oyate), both Spotted Eagle medicine men of the Oglala Lakota. Oceti Wakan represents a commitment to cultural and spiritual revitalisation in response to events that have devastated the Lakota over the last six generations. The Catches' dream of revitalisation -- encompassing spiritual, physical, educational, and social and economic development dimensions -- is focused on creating a place 'for the healing of the family as a whole by rekindling Lakota spiritual values and culture.'

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This is a beautifully presented exploration of the Oglala Lakotans' culture and spiritual beliefs as movingly related by the late, revered medicine man Pete S. Catches Sr. (Petaga Yuha Mani) and his son, Peter V. Catches Jr. (Zintkala Oyate) of the South Dakota Pine Ridge Reservation. The two men focus on the deep importance of understanding and living traditional Lakotan values in the face of (mostly white) men's aggressions and controls. Likewise, telling stories about their lives, sacred rites, and ceremonies, they eloquently and informatively reveal Lakotans' close and respectful relationships with one another, their surroundings, and their deity. Highly recommended for academics and professionals as well as for the general public.
-Suzanne W. Wood, SUNY Coll. of Technology, Alfred
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Pete S Catches Sr

Product Details

• Paperback: 250 pages
• Publisher: Clear Light Pub; 1st. Ed edition (October 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1574160362
• ISBN-13: 978-1574160369
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,121,685 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sacred Fireplace [Oceti wakan], January 30, 2000

By 

Louis Cossutta - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sacred Fireplace (Oceti Wakan): Life and Teachings of a Lakota Medicine Man (Paperback)

This book is a must read for anyone interested in Lakota spirituality. The author tells many stories from his life, the stories are so real and touching I could not put the book down.Just the chapters describing the various Lakota ceremonies, inipi,sun dance ,hanbleceya etc are worth the price of the book. I finished the book feeling uplifted and warm.The author's love and caring for his people,the earth and allits creatures is very apparent.Buy the [e-mail]

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT BOOK, August 1, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Sacred Fireplace (Oceti Wakan): Life and Teachings of a Lakota Medicine Man (Paperback)

This is a MUST have book. I was fortunate enough to meet "Grandpa Pete" before his death and was so excited when I saw this book. Not many have been through more than him, and he expresses his beliefs wonderfully in this book. even if you are new to Lakota spirituality, he explains things in a way anyone can understand. He was a great man, and left a great legacy with this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scared Fireplace, March 25, 2008

By 

Dianne B. Mayner "Dimples" (Luthersville, Ga USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sacred Fireplace (Oceti Wakan): Life and Teachings of a Lakota Medicine Man (Paperback)

I like this book, it is very enlightening. It tell about the struggles our people went through, and their hadships. Thanks for the wake-up call. Dianne