The Shaman and the Medicine Wheel

by Evelyn Eaton

"The more we meditate on the Medicine Wheel and on the Cosmic Wheel above, relating these to the circles, spheres, and mandalas of other traditions, the deeper our realization grows of the oneness of the many paths leading to the Center." Although Evelyn Eaton walked principally the Native Indian path, this book reflects her belief in the strength and beauty of all religious traditions. This is the personal account of her triumph over cancer through Native American healing rituals. Of white and Native American ancestry, Eaton was a Metis Medicine Woman.

Genres: Spirituality, Indigenous, Native American

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Cynthia F Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books that mysteriously 'fell' into my hands, from the shelves of the public library in Fairfield (Woods), CT., and quite simply changed my life. And i've never said that about any other book i've reviewed or read. ;-) This is not because it is so outstanding, in terms of literature, but because the book has a spiritual power, for those who are ready for its' message.

When I found it, I'd been seeking a book on wise women, and how to become one. Evelyn Eaton provided the answers i needed at that point. Although the author was writing this memoir as she was about to pass away, from cancer, it is not morbid. One of the things that most touched me about her life journey is how multi-cultural it was, and how the beliefs she had were well tested, by experiences in several cultures. Written in 1982, long after she'd ceased writing novels, it appeared in my life in 1994, and it set off quite a series of strange occurances!

When I finished reading it, i went out into my back yard, and tried to lay out a medicine wheel of stones, as described in the book. Realizing I was not able to do this justice, I prayed that somehow i might be able to learn more, for this book had opened a door in some way i had yet to understand.

Four days later my phone rang, and a woman i hadn't seen in almost 20 years, Susan Grace Lawton said, 'I've felt compelled to look you up via People Finder on the Internet...I'm a medicine wheel teacher now. My teacher was Joy Bishop, who was taught by Evelyn Eaton...' How many authors have reached out to you in such a way, from beyond the grave?

Do i need to tell you that the hair stood up on the back of my neck? You cannot make these things happen, but when they do, pay attention. Many other things have unfolded for me since then, on this path some call the Red Road.

She also wrote 'I Send A Voice' which I highly recommend. Good luck on your spiritual journey. I hope you'll find the right companions along which ever way is right for you.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my review for "I send a voice"

[Elaina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eaton's work bridges the gap between Western intellect and indigenous wisdom. For me, the Medicine Wheel became a framework for understanding balance. It helped me see where I was overthinking and underfeeling.

[Robin Ferguson · Rating 4 out of 5]

inspirational