Customer Reviews

Walking in the Sacred Manner: Healers, Dreamers, and Pipe Carriers--Medicine Women of the Plains

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Walking in the Sacred Manner is a must read for anyone wanting to learn more about Native American spirituality. It not only gives wonderful accounts of several "medicine women" and how they were called to serve, but gives the "Lakota creation story", and the story of the "White Buffalo Calf Madien" who brought ceremony and rituals to the people that are still practiced today. This book is "good medicine".

Walking in the Sacred Manner by Mark St.Pierre and Tilda Long Soldier

I originally picked up this book because I thought it would have information on Native American herbal healing. If I had bothered to read the back of the book, I would have known this was not the case, but hey, I was in the middle of Holliday shopping.

What the book did turn out to be is a collection of Lakota legend and beliefs. It is filled with many first hand accounts of Medicine Women and witnesses who had been present at ceremonies. This is definitely NOT a how-to book. What it is, is a good overall view of the history and culture of the Oceti Sagowin (Lakota, Dakota and Nakota peoples, collectively known as the Sioux by the whites) and other Northern Plains tribes.

I found this to be a well put together narrative of interviews and history. Tilda Long Soldier was raised on Pine Ridge Reservation and grew up with the traditions of her people. Mark StPierre has spent 20 years among the Lakota and is a professor of sociology, anthropology and creative writing. All these things show through in this book. I think this book would make an ideal text for an anthropology or sociology student wanting to learn more of the culture.

There is a lot in this book I have yet to absorb. Aside from insights into the culture the one thing that I came away with is that these women were just that, women. They still lived their lives, raised their family and carried on a normal life. The things that they worked with were sacred, but they were not. They were simply women, doing the job that the spirits had asked of them. I am glad to have had this glimpse into a way of life now almost gone.

I got this book over a week ago and on the way back from Rosebud I read it to my boyfriend while we drove back to oklahoma. We both agreed that this book should be a must for all native American students and also anyone that wants to know about the Lakota Woman. I'm still trying to consume it all. Great book!!! Linda mcgann and Joe Hacker....

Walking in the Sacred Manner by Mark St.Pierre and Tilda Long Soldier

I originally picked up this book because I thought it would have information on Native American herbal healing. If I had bothered to read the back of the book, I would have known this was not the case, but hey, I was in the middle of Holliday shopping.

What the book did turn out to be is a collection of Lakota legend and beliefs. It is filled with many first hand accounts of Medicine Women and witnesses who had been present at ceremonies. This is definitely <b>not</b> a how to book. What it is, is a good overall view of the history and culture of the Oceti Sagowin (Lakota, Dakota and Nakota peoples, collectively known as the Sioux by the whites) and other Northern Plains tribes.

I found this to be a well put together narrative of interviews and history. Tilda Long Soldier was raised on Pine Ridge Reservation and grew up with the traditions of her people. Mark StPierre has spent 20 years among the Lakota and is a professor of sociology, anthropology and creative writing. All these things show through in this book. I think this book would make an ideal text for an anthropology or sociology student wanting to learn more of the culture.

There is a lot in this book I have yet to absorb. Aside from insights into the culture the one thing that I came away with is that these women were just that, women. They still lived their lives, raised their family and carried on a normal life. The things that they worked with were sacred, but they were not. They were simply women, doing the job that the spirits had asked of them. I am glad to have had this glimpse into a way of life now almost gone.

I love this Book, had to get another one for my Daughter. Have let several people read it. I will also remain in my Library.

Thank you
Joyce Pacifico

I liked it so well, I bought another copy as a gift. This is full of truths about the native culture of medicine women and a few men as well. Much is not recent history, however it does try to illustrate what has happened to native tribal members with some of the 'not so good' influences of modern day. Many references also have further detail to help one get a 'feel' for growing up pre-reservation and living on a reservation in the early 20th century. The best part is how the healers work. Different methods depending on the need.

A must read for anyone who is interested in the spiritual ways of the Lakota Native American.

Excellent reading - a very comprehensive presentation of Native American concepts of spirituality and all things sacred

This book only contains brief biographies from five winan pejuta (medicine women), but does not teach the spiritual beliefs of these medicine women.

If you want to read about some of the abilities of medicine and holy people this would be a fairly good place to start.

If you want to understand the spiritual beliefs, and possibly work toward becoming a medicine or holy person; look elsewhere.

My Indian, and Shamanism listmania lists can help you in that search for spiritual beliefs of the American Indians.

I encourage questions and comments about reviews; Two Bears

Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)

I really enjoyed reading and learning from this book. I have been studying the Native American Medicine Wheel. Found it really interesting to read the ways of another tribe.