Medicine of the Cherokee: The Way of Right Relationship

by J.T. Garrett, Michael Tlanusta Garrett

HEALTH / NATIVE AMERICAN (HARMONY AND BALANCE IN ALL OUR RELATIONS) Discover the holistic experience of human life from the elder teachers of Cherokee Medicine. With stories of the Four Directions and the Universal Circle, these once-secret teachings offer us wisdom on circle gatherings, natural herbs and healing, and other ways to reduce stress in our daily lives. "The truth, beauty, and simplicity of this book are almost overwhelming. The Garretts have captured the essence of mind, body, soul, and spirit healing through harmony and balance. All who read it will greatly benefit from its depth of sharing the old ways in new understandings." --(Oh Shinnah Fast Wolf, Native American ceremonial teacher and author of _Goddess as the Weaver of Life_.) "With simplicity, depth, and generosity, J.T. and Michael Garrett convey key insights from the very foundation of North American wisdom, in a way directly relevant to us today. _Medicine of the Cherokee_ will be a valuable addition to the library of anyone striving to become a true human being." --(Steven McFadden, author, _Profiles in Native Elders Speak About the Earth_) J.T. GARRETT, Ed.D., and his son, MICHAEL GARRETT, Ph.D., are members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee from North Carolina. As students and teachers of Indian Medicine, they draw on the ancient wisdom teachings of their Medicine Elders on the Cherokee Reservation in the Great Smoky Mountains. The Garretts have developed ways to present the "old teachings" to effectively guide people today to appreciate and understand living the "Medicine Way."

Genres: Native American, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Indigenous, Philosophy, Anthropology, Medicine

240 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 1996

Reviews

[Jeremiah Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book if you desire to learn more about the teachings of the Cherokee people and ways to incorporate them into your life. This is not a book for you if you have no knowledge of Cherokee beliefs or principles, but if you have a foundational understanding you can gain a lot from this book.

This book is written by a man tied to the Cherokee people of North Carolina. Many do not understand that there are three bands of the Cherokee people even today. Those in North Carolina are the Eastern band of the Cherokee people.

If you are interested in spirituality outside of religion and, in particular, interested in studying thoughts on peace and harmony and seeking balance in your life this is a great resource. The things taught in this book can easily be incorporated and combined with eastern spiritual practices as well.

[Allen Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating glimpse into Cherokee spirituality and mindset. It leaves me lamenting all the more what could have been a beautiful coming together of cultures had there been an understanding that the Great Spirit and Creator worshiped by the Cherokee was in fact the same YHWH God of Christianity. That we get the opportunity to look back on the divine providence for all peoples is truly astonishing. He's always been trying to reach all people through so many means...if only we could stop corrupting and start truly listening.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really two books in one. The first portion was interesting, but I enjoyed the second half far more.

[Chris Gleck]

This book is copyrighted 1996. I purchased it new at the gift shop for Smoky Mountain National Park while on a trip there with Elisa when she was in high school. I wanted to learn more about First American spirituality. While it took me almost 20 years before I read it, I'm glad I did, since I love their spirituality. I hope to benefit from trying to practice it. I will be keeping this book on my reference shelf since I want to return to it from time to time.

[William Crump · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really unique book written by a father and son team. It provided the details of the Four Directions and the Universal Circle that I needed to explain the Indigenous healing traditions and world view in my primary multiracial characters in my "Savannah's Hoodoo Doctor" and "Savannah's Bethesda". An easy read.

[Cheyenne · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books I have read all year. It dives deep into Cherokee spirituality. The authors are full of wisdom and guidance for people on a multitude of spiritual paths. I highly recommend this book!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Medicine of the Cherokee is very informative, however at times I would have to re-read several passages. A very helpful and informative book.

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very insightful. I loved the way it was written out explaining each of the Four Directions and the Rule of Opposites. I highly suggest reading this!

[Lars Winky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deep dive into native american wisdom. How to blanace all the dimensions of human, physical, spiritual, mind and natural environment.

[Kath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a lovely compilation of ways of 'being', an offering of a different way of thinking and interacting with the world than what we generally hold to.

Very interesting, and well worth the read.

[Charlane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exceptional read. A must read for anyone wanting to learn how to simplify and live a respectful, balanced life. The Way of the Circle (clearly outlined in chapter 6) is the manual for life. My fav is "always remember that a smile is something sacred, to be shared".

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting window into the Good Medicine path of the Cherokee, an Indian people of the eastern United States. Recommended to anyone interested in herbalism, Native American peoples, spirituality, or simply a more open-minded view of how to live peacefully on Mother Earth.

[Jesse Hanson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried but I just couldn't get anything of substance from it. Might have been some kind of mental block in me, I don't know.

[Todd Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a very informative book. I only rated it 3 stars because as I understand it, no medicine person of native Americans tells all they know.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. There are many helpful ideas and practices that I was glad to learn and will practice in my life.

[J.T.K. Gibbs]

Going to have to go back and take notes. Lots of solid information and food for thought in this book!

[Crystal · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointed. I wanted to learn more about the natural medicines my Cherokee ancestor was known to use. There is very little of this written here.
This book annoyed me more than anything regretfully but I respectfully* read through it anyway. Only bits of it are remarkable and worth some time to think on.