Spirit Song: The Introduction of No-Eyes

No Eyes: A Native American Shaman #1

by Mary Summer Rain

The first volume in a series of books written by Mary Summer Rain about her experiences with an extraordinary Native American shaman called "No-Eyes," Spirit Song has become one of the best-selling and most important books in the literature and philosophy of what has been called the "new-age." Mary Summer Rain was the last student of the blind-from-birth Chippewa visionary, and spent many days in the remote cabin in the mountains with the woman who would become her beloved friend and teach her the many lessons of the spirit and of the Earth Mother. But it is the unique interaction between the two that provides the emotional power behind the profound teachings of the old woman. The wonderfully lyrical descriptions of the vivid seasonal beauty of Colorado serve as a backdrop for this unfolding narrative.

Genres: Spirituality, Native American, New Age, Native Americans, Religion, Inspirational, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Mary Summer Rain is a naturalist philosopher and prolific author whose lyrical writing and deep insight have inspired generations. Best known for her works on nature, dream symbolism, feminine spirituality, and prophecy, she brings clarity to complex subjects. Her novel Ruby was a finalist for the New Age Retailers 2005 Narcissus Award, and she appeared on NBC’s Ancient Prophecies. Mary lives in the Rocky Mountains, sharing a woodland cabin with rescue dogs and a crow named Merlin.

Reviews

[Velvetea · Rating 4 out of 5]

BEAUTIFUL expression of God: God as the universe, as nature, as alive within each other. As Mother Earth and Great Spirit~ again that male/female duality, a perfect balance.

She takes us through her psychic visions and spiritual experiences along with an adoration for her surroundings and the present moment. In this, I found correlations between everything I love about Christianity, Zen, Buddhism, Paganism, and other ways of life which all emphasize the same ideals, mainly that of loving and accepting yourself and others along the path of life, as you pursue the personal meaning it gives each of us. At least I find this book's greatest attribute to be it's specific teachings, yet anonymous as to one particular faith, or label. The word "God" is used, but to me, "God" is only a 3-letter word we use to somehow try and express in language the inconceivable yet undeniable Force that created Life. After all, it's all around us every moment, and I love how Summer Rain takes the time to notice.

Her wise friend No-Eyes reminded me of an elderly friend of mine, whom was teaching me about the heart of Buddhism prior to my move to Japan. She had that same genial sass, a whole lot of stubborn pride, and a feeling that she just "knows". She is a precious person in my life.

[MizzSandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes you read something you needed to read. It wasn't until the end of this book that I sort of realized what it's message for me was, what it was I needed to hear. Up untill then it hadn't held much news to me or had much to teach me, and I'll admit I was a little bored with all the scenery descriptions. I prefer to experience nature, to having it described to me. Either way, it ended up getting its message across. Not what I wanted to hear or see, but there was no escaping this one. It saddened and scared me, but it's not the first time I've had this hinted at me. And here it was even more vividly. Not sure how to respond to this message, but if I listen, I'm sure I'll get that message when I need it, too.
So, now I'll just wait .. And see.

[Gary Reads (garysbooksnthings) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most unusual book i have ever read. I had all emotions while reading this. I was happy one minute and frightened or sad the next. I can not give a proper review for i am still trying to recover. It definitely......

[Mack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given the series of Mary Summer Rain’s books. Spirit Song is a spiritual journey of a relationship with No-Eyes, a Chippewa medicine woman and Mary Summer Rain, who moved with her husband to Colorado to be closer to nature and earths calling. No-Eyes allows Mary to see visions of the future and imparts a wisdom and knowledge for everyone to follow their own path and destiny. I would read this writing again for the insight it offers.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book over and over in my early 20's. When I was introduced to this book it had such a profound affect on me. I didn't want the story to end. With the Authors descriptions, I felt as if I was there as well. This is a book that I have purchased for others, but I don't think they experienced it quite like I did at that time in my life.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book, lots of interesting information regarding the paranormal and shamanism. This is the first book in the "No Eyes" series by Mary Summer Rain and it provides a quick overview of their interactions from Mary's meeting of No Eyes through the end of their time together and Mary's reactions to the loss of her teacher. The next book in the series is "Phoenix Rising," which purports to give a prophecy regarding the period of time during which Earth will go through a major change and general uplifting of the spirit. However, since the time given in this book until that period is 16 years, and Mary met No Eyes in 1982 and the book was published in 1985, it appears this is yet another prophecy that wasn't quite on the mark. Nonetheless, this book should be of interest to those who are interested in spirituality and shamanism.

[Mari Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting, very thought-provoking. Many tell me there is nothing but the here & now, nothing beyond, but after reading this book, and many others by Mary, you will wonder about the veil which gently separates today from tomorrow and yesterday.

[Draagonfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very powerful. No Eyes' observations are witty and full of wisdom. Mary's telling of the story is also entertaining. Loved this book but have to say it's the only one of Summer Rain's that I kept on my shelf because it was the best one. The subsequent tales didn't live up to this one.

[Brenda Bethke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved her writing from the moment I started reading. She explained her feelings through it all. I felt I was there with her and when she finally found no eyes I felt so happy I could have cried which I did when she died. It's just beautifully written.

[Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love no-eyes. Though the topics are a bit dated now.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

i just finished this book and in all honesty would suggest this book to every person who reads this is a story about a native american and how the world changed sh was born blind yet she lived a full lif it tells about things that are currently happening in todays society about how people forget where thy came from and who would survive without the older generation knowledge ..i can totally get what the writers trying to get across as we do not know when we will live in chaos no electric gas ect it makes so much sense to at least have knowledge of the older ways and i do think every person should have a person that can teach them i definatly know after reading this book makes me want to go and learn them from my mother great story i read the 1985 version

[Melvin Marsh · Rating 1 out of 5]

Now, I am pretty much as open minded as they come as far as "experiences", and I rarely doubt someone. Shamanism, ESP, Ghosts, Spirits, whatever.

However, some of this is so general that one wonders. Additionally, the very precise quotes which are said to be the real accurate quotes (yet someone did not record things when they were being spoken) just makes me wonder, as a scholar, about how truthful the rest of the book. Additionally, on p 109 in my edition, it basically says she was told to write the book because automatically people will believe the author.

I want to believe, but I don't. I know better and that is coming from someone who loves weird things. The book has more the markings of someone who is trying to make a quick buck than someone who is real and legitimate.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

In my top 10 list of all time favs

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book brought me back to knowledge of my own connections to nature and spiritual things. It made me yearn for my own teacher.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating read. Thought provoking, challenging issues and well written. Consider the impact if each of us were receptive to the gifts of No-Eyes in our lives.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much that as soon as I finished it the first time, I read it a second time.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the characters in this one and I always love stories about "connectedness"--to the earth and to other people.

[Giniti Bey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pre-lude to Phoenix Rising. Both very good.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing book, very inspirational and touching.

[Kylli Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mary Summer Rain’s Spirit Song is a book that walks the fine line between deep spiritual wisdom and sheer incredulity. At its core, it’s an intimate account of the author's apprenticeship with No-Eyes, a blind Chippewa visionary who imparts lessons about nature, prophecy, and the interconnectedness of all things. The book is rich with poetic descriptions and a reverence for Native American traditions, making it a compelling read for those interested in mysticism and personal transformation.

However, there’s an undeniable strangeness to the story that makes it hard to fully embrace. The way No-Eyes speaks—almost like a cryptic sage from a movie—feels unnatural at times, and some of her prophetic visions seem overly dramatic, even veering into the realm of apocalyptic fantasy. There’s also the lingering question of authenticity—was No-Eyes a real person, or is she a fictionalized spiritual mouthpiece? The lack of verifiable sources makes it difficult to take everything at face value.

That said, whether or not one believes in the literal truth of the book, Spirit Song undeniably inspires introspection. It carries a powerful message about environmental responsibility, spiritual awakening, and the unseen forces that guide us. Even if the mystical elements seem too far-fetched, the themes of respect for nature and self-discovery remain valuable.

Ultimately, Spirit Song is either a profound spiritual revelation or an elaborate piece of creative storytelling—and perhaps, it’s a little of both.

[Aaron Erhardt · Rating 1 out of 5]

Such a short book to display boundless incoherency populated with snippits of accidental brilliance and a mush, more than a melding, of judeaocathlochrisitio myths with older, Native American Mysticism.
Cognitive disruption ****
Lyrical incontinuity ****
Spiritual floundering ****
I so very much wanted to like this book. I was so very disappointed.
Except for the end - I was grateful it was over.
This book begs for a rewrite.
This review has been written by someone who has experienced hundreds of out of body experiences, induced a few dozen of those, and witnessed our Sun and Earth from a distance where the Sun was indistinguishable from any other star.
Spoiler: The world as we knew it, ended in 2001-ish.

[Nancy Visco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and others by Mary Summer Rain. Filled with lots of wisdom, journeys and stories.

If you relate to Mother Earth, Gaia, this is the book for you. Mary's descriptions of the Colorado Mountains places you there with the sights and smells of wonderment.

Her struggles are my struggles, and she reinforced my beliefs with brillance.

[Mark Bourdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to this book by my newly discovered elder, who is beginning to teaching me the Chippewa ways. Spirit Song has given me a lot to think and learn about. We are limited by our own experiences and mind, forgetting what already exists within each of us. Spirit Song challenges the reader to open to the Great Spirit, Great Mysteries, the universes energies, and Earth Mother.

[Paula Meyerhoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learn more from the two i read then I have all those year listen to white man

And I would recommend her book looking forward to read more of her work can't wait to start the next

[Ahmad Addam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Introduction of No-Eyes is an exquisite story, a Journey of a spirit seeking to be unleashed to its inner ability. I really liked how Summer and No-Eyes met, creating a fantastical bond of master-apprentice relationship.

[Kyra Alexis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved it and felt very connected besides the concept of hell that was described and the ,,bad“ that was about to come to humanity without other timelines mentioned left me unsettled and reminded me strongly of my Christian raised household

[Lorri Lennox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it

[Krista · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's rare that I don't finish a book that I've started, but this is one of those occasions.

[Elaine Batty · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a skeptic to all things mystic/religious this was an interesting read. I really enjoyed the relationship between Summer and No-Eyes and I think there is much to be learned from this book.