Spirits of the Earth: A Guide to Native American Nature Symbols, Stories, and Ceremonies (Paperback)

~ Robert Lake-Thom (Author) "When the first Europeans came to this country, they saw our Native American people praying to the Sun, Moon, Stars, Rivers, and Lakes; to the..." (more)
Key Phrases: shamanistic training, sacred sweat lodge, medicine shield, Great Creator, Native American, Grizzly Bear (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Native Americans believe that animal spirits can ultimately influence everyday lives. Lake-Thom, a healer and a descendant of three Native American tribes, combines his own experience, work with tribal elders, and readings from folk tales to explain the significance of good- and bad-luck symbols to these tribes. For instance, the hummingbird is considered to be a good-luck messenger that can carry a person's prayers to the Creator; in contrast, the owl is considered a sign of bad luck and a messenger of death. In a clear and straightforward writing style, the author defines symbols such as the turtle, bear, and coyote for Karuk, Seneca, and Cherokee tribes. He also includes several chapters on how one can get in touch with animal spirits through active participation in ceremonies and establishing sacred places. There is a helpful index and accompanying sketches. Recommended for public libraries.?Vicki Leslie Toy Smith, Univ. of Nevada, Reno
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

A Native American healer explores the symbolic meanings of animals in Native American legends and tales and explains how one can get in touch with animal spirits through dreams, ceremonies, or sacred objects and places. Original."

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Plume (August 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452276500
• ISBN-13: 978-0452276505
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #19,521 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A selection of stories from various tribes, September 24, 2000

By	W. Lambdin "Two Bears" (Ellensburg, WA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This book contains a selection of various legends from assorted tribes; such as Wiyot, Cheyenne, Crow, Yakima, Kickapoo, Cherokee, and others.

On page 80-160 or so, Mr. Lake-Thom lists probable omens for assorted animals, birds, insects, and Reptiles. What the reviewer "Moonwatcher from Earth" below failed to notice is that Mr. Lake-Thom repeatedly tells people to check into the local legends. Mr. Lake-Thom wanted people to pay attention to nature acting in an unnatural way, or animals appearing in places where it was uncommon for them to be.

The ceremonies in this book are sketchy at best.

In the medicine wheel discription Mr. Lake-Thom uses the colors of Black, White, Red, and Yellow like in Nick Black Elk's vision, but he reverses the places for Earth and Water (This is the 8th or 9th tradition I have seen for setting up a medicine Wheel.

Personaly; I found the stories of the Bobcat, and Snake farfetched.

I will not say that it is impossible because in my Shamanic experience I have personaly witnessed some things that should be impossible.

Questions or comments. E-Mail me. Two Bears

Wah doh Ogedoda

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spirits of the Earth, July 6, 2003

By	"hearing_leaves" (Iowa) - See all my reviews

I found this book to be extremely easy to read and understand. Bobby Lake-Thom incorporated Native teachings and stories with Western Scientific theories. I especially found it interesting when he discussed right and left brain thinking and how it relates to comprehension of Native signs and symbols.
He provides us with valuable insite into the stories and legends of many tribes. He shows us how important our oral culture is and was and how the people learned mores and values through listening to stories from the elders.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good book, but some parts don't make sense, August 2, 2000

By	Moonwatcher (Earth) - See all my reviews

This book is an enjoyable read and gives you a feeling for Native spirituality and animal symbolism. However, in the section that explains different animal's symbolism, the author often states that seeing a certain animal is an omen of something. For instance, in the section on Owls, it says that owls are an omen of sickness and death, and that if you hear an owl hooting near your home, someone close to you will become sick. But what if there happens to be an owl living nearby your home? You might hear it all the time. I find it hard to believe that it is *always* a sign of sickness and death, every time you hear it. After reading this book, I read Tom Brown's The Vision, which said that owls can be a sign of death *only* if the owl is acting strange when you see it. People see owls all the time, it can't possibly mean sickness or death every time. I would agree with Tom Brown.