Earth Medicine: Revealing Hidden Teachings of the Native American Medicine Wheel

by Kenneth Meadows

To Native Americans "medicine" is more than a means for treating illness--medicine is the vitality and power that exists in all of nature. This new edition of Meadows' bestseller draws on the secret teachings of native shamans and provides new techniques for tapping your own personal medicine.

Genres: Spirituality, Native American, Religion, Nonfiction, Paganism, Herbs, New Age

352 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1990

About the author

Kenneth Meadows (1925-2002) is internationally respected for his work in adapting shamanic wisdom to a contemporary context.

He was the author of a number of bestselling books, including Earth Medicine, The Medicine Way, Rune Power, and Where Eagles Fly, and was founder of the Faculty of Shamanics.

Reviews

[Joff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kenneth Meadows is my aunt's father-in-law. Sadly, I met him for the first and only time at my grandfather's funeral two decades ago. I had been previously given and read his book via my father and was very excited to meet him. Kenneth was very kind and gave a lot of his time to answer my questions and curiosities at what was a decidedly unhappy time and place for the extended family.

The book's teachings have always stayed with me. I've always kept close the copy that Kenneth signed and it comes out for a partial re-read every now and again. In retrospect this book helped me find my spirituality and strongly influenced my belief system. Looking back over the descriptions for birth animal totems I still find them remarkably accurate - they describe the positive and negative aspects of personality, relationships, sexuality and so much more.

[Lynnette Rozine Prock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book as it explores the zodiac through Native American teachings. Kenneth Meadows is clearly one with human, plant, animal, and spirit life. While great for picking up for reference, this book is not an easy read. The philosophy shared is complex and constructed meticulously from a variety of opposing sources, creating a unique perspective on personality and character traits.

[Angela Stahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life. Changing. Book. Excellent author!

[Awenydd Orchantra Faeryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Earth Medicine quickly, eagerly,while those who were around me asked questions, laughed, reflected and flipped through as well.

II will be purchasing a copy of this for my home library, as I found many resonancies and synchronicities-I already copied down 18 pages worth of notes from Earth Medicine in my journal/BOS/grimoire.

It combines many teachings I have read from other sources- witchcraft/paganism, buddhism, 'new age', astrology. Not a bad collection of information for one place.

[Gianetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good reading; this book stretched my brain as I tried to wrap my mind around some of the initial chapters. I particularly liked Part Two of the book that focuses upon the twelve birth totems and the corresponding personality expressions.

[Tony March · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely enlightening and brilliant

[Isaiah · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s just a patch work of different esoteric, cultural, and spiritual beliefs that’s all put on top of one another. Interesting points to learn from for sure but in general not very concise or accurate to any particular practice

[James Sevier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It confirmed athe spiritual richness of my Native American ancestry.

[Arvi Glenn]

Informational read, very interesting!

[Manuela Timofte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Earth Medicine is a profound book that serendipitously entered my life two decades ago. For the reason that I believe nothing happens by chance, I approached this text with pleasure and curiosity. Over the years, it has become more than just a book to me; it’s a trusted companion that I revisit whenever I need reflection or guidance.
"So our weaknesses can become opportunities – opportunities to develop new strengths. For by recognizing our weaknesses rather than ignoring them or pretending they aren’t there, we no longer need to make excuses for them. If we accept them positively, not as liabilities but as opportunities, we develop our individuality and strengthen our personality." (Earth Medicine)
This insightful work offers a pathway to self-discovery, inviting readers to delve into their own thoughts and feelings. It encourages a sense of empowerment, urging us to take charge of our own lives rather than viewing ourselves as mere victims of our circumstances or the actions of those around us. In this journey through life, “Earth Medicine” serves as a vital tool for understanding ourselves and also the people we encounter along the way.
"To the North American Indian, ‘medicine’ meant more than a substance to restore health and vitality to a sick or maladjusted body. ‘Medicine’ was energy – a vital power or force that was inherent in Nature itself. A person’s ‘medicine’ was their power – the expression of their own life-energy system. ‘Medicine Wheel’ meant a circle of generated energy – personal empowerment generated from a source that is within." (Earth Medicine)
Exploring the depths of our own identity and the complexities of human behaviour the book offers invaluable insights. Therefore, it becomes a profound resource and has the potential to transform lives and reshape perspectives in remarkable ways.
"Quite literally, Earth Medicine can transform your life and give purpose and direction to your Earth Walk."(Earth Medicine)

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good and interesting - could use a change in format. More of a reference book than a "read cover to cover" type, yet it is not set up for information to be easily accessable. Worth the time if you're interested and willing to commit.

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. A college friend had it and we all did our birthdays and it described all of us perfectly at the time. I pull it out from time to time and friends get a kick out of "reading" about themselves.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

I skipped much of the new age stuff that seems designed to appeal to people who hate our culture's values and effects without wanting to give up its comforts and freedoms. Aside from that, it's the most accurate kind of astrology I've ever come across.

[Natasha 4E · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't care about anything having to do with personality types or astrology, but I still give this book three stars because there were a lot of interesting things in there that provided me with more insights about the stuff that was in the other book.

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that I read for the first time many years ago. I always go back it.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is well researched, and it was very interesting. I don't know that I would recommend it though. It's pretty much the same as astrology with a slightly different angle.

[Morgan Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

not a read cover-cover book but was completely spot on with me. I read from my mother's copy and may just have to get one for my own use.. Definately insightful for the open mind.

[K. Farrell Germain · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a volume that has a lot of good information for those wanting to practice or know more about natural healing in the Native American belief system.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's one of my favorites!

[Annalee]

Very good read.

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great writing accesible info, enjoyable read