I Send a Voice

by Evelyn Eaton

The author describes her participation in healings inside a Native American sweat lodge.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality

178 pages, Hardcover

First published January 25, 1978

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This white woman started attending Lakota sweat lodge ceremonies in the early 1960s and eventually was given a medicine pipe which she used. As the Indian situation became more political she was asked to leave. I found her story fascinating but there is a lot of controversy about it. She's not an Indian but she has adopted their beliefs and changed them to suit her own perspective. While this is fine for her own spiritual quest, her writing about it is percieved as insulting and perhaps another form of oppression by some Indians. I can see how they would feel that way. I really enjoyed reading it and got a lot from it but I also kind of felt like I was "spying" on the religious lives of people who have had so much taken from them already. However it is a good and interesting read.

[Pupak Haghighi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story and an eye-opener in different ways of 'Medicine.' If you want to know how a white woman could become a Peace-Pipe holder, Evelyn could show you some clues. This book offers valuable insights in the way of the Pipe, the Sweat Lodge, the Medicine Way of the North American native people.

I learned about the Cry Dance from Evelyn when someone leaves the earthly plain. The way of the North American Native people has touched my heart in many significant ways with Evelyn's telling her tale.

[Elaina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evelyn Eaton’s account of the Sweat Lodge is raw and respectful. I was awed to learn about the power of the ritual. It showed me that physical endurance and prayer can be a way to loosen the tight grip of armor that is no longer protecting me. I found this work to be a compelling look at the dedication required for this spiritual practice.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting read for the bits of the author's experiences both in the ritual and actual "spirit" experience.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting and makes me ask more questions

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book, will change your life, if you have an open heart. You will never forget it.