[( Spirits of the Earth: A Guide to Native American Nature Symbols, Stories, and Ceremonies[ SPIRITS OF THE EARTH: A GUIDE TO NATIVE AMERICAN NATURE SYMBOLS, STORIES, AND CEREMONIES ] By Lake-Thom, Bobby ( Author )Aug-01-1997 Paperback By Lake-Thom, Bo...

by Bobby Lake-Thom

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."

Genres: Native American, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Mythology, Indigenous, Religion, History

Paperback

First published August 1, 1997

Reviews

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am reading this right now, on loan. I really love this book by Bobby Lake-Thom. A good guide for the modern person trying to re-acquaint themselves with the natural world all around them. As we are continually bombarded with day to day life in a modern world full of tasks far removed from or distracting from the natural world it is great to have someone show us the path back to our friendship with the earth around us. .. ...

[Иван Величков · Rating 4 out of 5]

Симпатично четиво със своите плюсове и минуси, както всяка книга на религиозна тематика. На мен ми влезе доста освежаващо.
Робърт Лейк-Том е лечител и лектор, един от хората борещи се за възстановяването на "старите пътища" сред своите хора. Има дългогодишен опит, учил е с много "шамани" и лечители от различни племена из цяла Северна Америка. Книжката е леко и четивно въведение в част от неговите вярвания.
Съдържа част автобиография, част - леки обяснения за индианскитевярвания, каталог на някой вярвания, по-точно какви знамения носят появяванията на различни животни, птици и насекоми, извън обичайния си хабитат или поведение, на адепта, няколко много симпатични истории свързани с тях, няколко ритуала и полезен списък с литература от която да се започне запознанството с вярванията на индианците.
Все повече се обеждавам, че Фран Хърбърт е прав и няма смисъл от комуникацията между различни общества, защото всеки търси тъклкуване на културния обмен на база собствените си разбирания. ТОва поражда само грешни представи за заместители, но както и да е. Боби ЛЕйк не прави изключение, като в частта отправена към "западните" читатели търси алтернативни обяснения на неща, които той разбира на интуитивно ниво и от гледна точна на собствена културна база. ТОва създава объркване. Аз, може би се лаская, но се опитвам да проумея тези чужди виждания от необременена културно гледна точка. Дали успявам е друг въпрос. Малко в страни, точно за това харесвам книгите на Сузуки за дзен, защото той не търси "алтернативни" пътища, но там самия подход на учението е директен.
При всички положения книгата си заслужава за начално влизане във вярванията. Лейк-Том успява да покаже една природорационалност в част от вярванията си, която е доста правдива и полезна.

[Jonellys Maldonado · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Mother Earth is not only becoming polluted but she is also becoming weak and very sick... If she dies, we all die; it is as simple as that. Thus, what I have tried to present here is not a metaphysical and romantic motion but a different form of truth and reality"

This book is filled with knowledge on the Native American legends as well as with a deep understanding of communicating with Mother Nature. keeping an open mind is a must if you plan on reading it!

[Al Gritten · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good general overview of diverse Native American understandings of signs, symbols, and omens, including stories of the earth, creation, and the relationship of indigenous peoples to the animals and nature. It is very difficult to generalize Native American beliefs as they vary, sometimes considerably, from tribe to tribe, but Lake-Thom does a good job of giving a general overview and then adding specific understandings from a variety of traditions.

[Kenley Raye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book and continue to return to it constantly. It has such great advice and wisdom. A must have book for anyone's book shelf!

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Good book for someone starting out on their Journey to understanding how we are all connected.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only problem with this book is the sheer number of wasicus claiming it as a fantastic piece of shamanistic literature. If you are planning on reading this book and doin these ceremonies by yourself without being a member of any groups indigenous to Turtle Island, then I have one thing to say to you...Go back to where you came from colonizer. It is still a useful tool (even for whites) if you don't use it in an appropriative way.

Here's my tips to do so:

Don't do the ceremonies (unless maybe you have an actual member of the tribe whom the ceremony belongs to)

Don't just read this book to satisfy your exoticism fetish, also educate yourself on the ongoing colonization of Turtle Island and support movements such as MMIWG, NoDAPL, and AIM

Use this book as a tool to train yourself to be aware of messages in nature, but use your own culture

[Chiara Celi · Rating 5 out of 5]

If everyone read this book, I think our life on earth could be preserved & saved. Very grateful for all that was shared.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book as I was trying to figure out the symbolism of a dream-tiger, and then I found it such an incredible book I couldn't put it down and I find myself reading it over and over again. Bobby Lake-Thom explains the importance of communicating with Mother Earth and respecting Nature. There is always this conflict between intuitive thinking and rational thinking in our society. He uncovers this mysterious world of animal spirits and their meaning in our lives. It is such an insightful guidebook!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. First published in 1997, it takes me back to my younger days of learning about various earth-based spiritualities. I very much like the many stories about animals, insects, reptiles, and birds from our part of the world. I also value the reverence and respect for the teachings of the elders. Many stories from many different nations. Inviting images.

[Michael Cozzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to revisit this book after being visited by a king snake at camp in Zion Canyon National Park. The king snake is a good sign and a healing power. My family and friends know the importance of this visit to me .

[Tommy /|\ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this book, but found some aspects of it to be somewhat problematic. For instance, the continual use of the word 'Shaman" in respect to what is being described and taught within the pages. The term is utilized from a white, colonial perspective to describe the healers of First Nations' tribes. I would term the perspective as that of a Seeker. Looking for knowledge that can be translated into one's own perspective without uprooting cultural perspectives of First nations' cultures. With that out of the way, the true prize in this particular book are the stories and tales that the author showcases throughout. These tales are a wonderful window into a perspective that embraces Nature as a part of its daily world-view. In that respect, this book is a complete gem. As a white, who works with First Nations' Gods on a regular basis, I feel that the ceremonial aspects of this book, as well as the magickal inference that is available throughout, should not be placed on the same level as that of the Medicine-folk - because its not. The ceremonies detailed are available to all, and can be utilized in daily life...not as "Shamans" but as people who are trying to find balance within their own Nature. Aside from the clumsy terminology, this is a good book that I am happy to have on my shelves.

[Autumn Green · Rating 2 out of 5]

No. Just— no. The author states animals have either a negative or positive energy and proceeds to put them in one of those categories… but then he says that all animals are different and personal to the individual, so you yourself can decide if they’re positive or negative. He then proceeds to give examples of personal experiences “proving” these animals warning the person of dangers, which seem like a huge stretch to me. He even has the nerve to say some people died or had bad things happen to them bc they didn’t heed the warnings of the animals involved. Sounds like a bunch of bullshit to me. THEN he has to go and piss me off by saying that turtles shells are used as totems and that some turtles SACRIFICE THEMSELVES so the person can use their shells. BOLOGNA!!! The part at the end about connecting with nature on a deeper level of as nice. Too bad it was only about 10 pages of the entire book.

[Gael Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had a profound impact on me. It offered a thoughtful and respectful explanation of what animal spirits represent, without resorting to vague or generic interpretations. I especially appreciated that the author did not lump all tribes or clans into a single belief system, but instead acknowledged the diversity and nuance that exists from tribe to tribe. The book educates while honoring Native cultures rather than simplifying them.

What stayed with me most was the idea that, for some Native traditions, animals are seen as messengers from God, carrying meaning and guidance to people. That perspective deeply resonated with me. It opened my mind to the idea that of course God might speak through nature and animals, and that wisdom can come through the living world around us. After reading this book, I was never quite the same. It expanded my understanding of spirituality and gave me a much deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of all of nature.

[Doodles R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great, informative read. I really appreciated the authors variety of information, especially giving real life stories. It helped me be able to understand the meanings better and apply it to my own life. I studied anthropology and psychology at university and I really appreciated the authors use of popular psychologists or anthropologists like Carl Jung. It helped me be able to understand specific meanings or examples better when I was reminded to understand it from my anthropological background. I'm excited to read his other books and learn as much as I can about Native American culture.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.9 listened to audio version, well done yet probably would have served better in paper/electronic version for referencing many indexes. A dour read, lots of “bad” signs outweigh the later comments of “check your local legends and personal history” since interpretation is very soul-journey personal (ex. hawks for me are pay attention not you’re going to wreck soon). Also the angry finger pointing lecture at the end is out of place with author Lake-Thom’s dedication to bridging divides between groups and I’m grateful for his generosity in undertaking this necessary challenge; may others join in our collective healing, specifically between nature and humans.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Book and the content, but being in the uk I’m not Likely to encounter a bear, skunk or crocodile so that part of the book was kind of useless.
The stories also made no sense to me 🤣 but that could be because I’m a white westerner?
It certainly made me want to strengthen my connection to Nature language, and while reading the book I had a few encounters like a honey bee landing on me. But I would need to take notes from the animals in my part of the world and what they mean to me.

[Debra Petersen (Queen of Historical Fiction) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart is full of so much love. It brought back so many memories from my college days reading books that focused on feeding the soul through literature. From the Jung theory and Hero’s Journey in the beginning of this work, to the interesting background stories of the spirit guides, it all flowed across the page. This was a beautifully written set of introductory stories that looked into some of the mythology, stories, symbolism and spiritual meaning into the Native American way of life.

[Shadow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok so I loved the information in this book. However I don't like the part where having a period makes a woman unclean to go to sacred sites. Having one should make them more clean to go to one as it is such a natural process.

[William Hubbartt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartfelt message to non-native individuals giving insights to the natural world and the importance of relating to nature in order to preserve the worlds resources told through numerous tales and myths to aid the reader in understanding the message.

[Michella Prokop · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was full of fascinating stories and information. The older I get, the more I realize that the Indigenous people held all the answers through Nature, and we are all making our way back to those answers.

[Lydia Freier · Rating 5 out of 5]

five minutes into reading this book written by a medicine man profoundly guided by the raven i found a dead bird and then received a message from a raven through a friend. thank you!!!! medicinal, soul book thank you. affirming and grounded in spirit.

[Andrea Soukup · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Grand View

It was a blending of cultures. Eye opening in its plea for acknowledgement. I will be referring to it often.

[Jeffrey Philips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Great insight to the different meanings of symbols, stories, and ceremonies.

[Kyla Stan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent book about Native wisdom and symbolism. A great reference for writers as well!

[J.W. Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book with so much knowledge

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome guide for anyone interested in Native American shamanism and connection with the natural world.

[Kayla Solis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful. Inspiring. Informative.

[Becca McCulloch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful book for becoming more acquainted with First Nations stories.

[Rana · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half is philosophy with outdated left/right brain stuff but the later half is the titular guide I was looking for