Sacred Tree: Reflections on Native American Spirituality

by Patricia Morris, Judie Bopp, Michael Bopp

Bestselling Native American title exploring Native American spiritual teachings.

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

87 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

Reviews

[Sarina · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, I would like to thank the Indigenous community for sharing the wisdom and knowledge that has been passed down from generations. This was an awesome and very helpful short book about First Nations spirituality. Must read for anyone who is looking for insight to spirituality.

[Amal · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you love to hug trees and you are in love with nature and curious about native American spirituality, the book is for you, yes I mean it...... for you!

[J.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read more into Native American spirituality for a long while now. My family has already so i've always been around it in one degree or another, but now I can finally connect all the dots myself by reading books like this one. It's very to the point with nice illustrations (some of which looked kind of creepy, btw), and a lot of interesting information about the medicine wheel, which my mother built one in our backyard some time ago but never properly explained to me what it really was, so reading this really opened my eyes in that regard.

There were many things in it that I completely agree with, so for me that made the reading all the more engaging and interesting. I recommend to anyone who is even slightly curious about Native American spirituality, or books about symbolism, Mother Nature, and trees.

[Cristiano Luchini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring!

[LeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the Anishinabe of our NW Wisconsin community encounter the Jesus of the Bible (as opposed to the Jesus of 19th-century missionaries), they are often drawn to him, but struggle with the question, how can I follow Jesus without losing my identity as Anishinabe? The Sacred Tree; Reflections on Native American Spirituality is not specifically Anishinabe. It is workshopped by representatives of several tribes, mostly Western US, but claims to represent views common to most, if not all, indigenous peoples. In the resulting lack of specificity, I saw nothing that could not be compatible with “the Jesus way.” In fact, I frequently wanted to delve into a Bible verse about what was being said about wholeness, identity, the role of volition, etc. I had already been thinking how helpful the approach would be for those struggling with addiction before I saw that the book was, in fact, funded by the National Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program of Health and Welfare Canada.

The Sacred Tree planted by the Creator (shades of Genesis and Revelation) is a place of “healing, power, wisdom and security. The roots of this tree spread deep into the body of Mother Earth. Its branches reach upward like hands praying to Father Sky. The fruits of this tree are the good things the Creator has given to the people: teachings that show the path to love, compassion, generosity, patience, wisdom, justice, courage, respect, humility and many other wonderful gifts” (p. 7). The book constantly refers to symbols, so I’m not too worried about the terms ”Mother Earth” or “Father Sky.” The teaching is organized around the Medicine Wheel and sets of four, including four aspects to our nature (physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional) and the importance of holding these in balance through volition. The emphasis is on a vision of the full person you want to be and conscious decisions that take you there. There is even a doorway through which one must pass to begin this journey (John 10:9).

In short, I think it is worth thinking more about how this philosophy may reflect the Good News that God longs for reconciliation with every tribe and nation.

[Bekki Shining Bearheart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book in the late 1980s, and it is the best introduction I have found to the core beliefs that link Native tribes in North America. While each tribe has its own set of teachings, this book explains the core of spiritual practice that they all share. What's more, many of these teachings are shared by indigenous people all over the globe. It is a short book and can be read in one sitting, but there is information in it that can be savored for a lifetime. Whatever your heritage or spiritual practice is, these teachings will illuminate and educate.

[Wanda Luthman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this spiritual book. It explained an ancient Native American belief about the sacred tree. If you study this concept in depth, you learn more and more and go deeper and deeper into a spiritual understanding of how everything is connected. This is one of those books that I will re-read again and again and I know I will pick up new perspectives each time.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living connected to ourselves, each other, and the natural world. This is a book to return to and read again and again to remind ourselves to stay centered.

[Natasha Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful, concise writing on the Sacred Tree. I'm so humbled to read the ways of indigenous peoples! The parallels with biblical principles is astonishing. I will be looking over the medicine wheel and the four directions many times!

[Jaime M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book really helpful. I’ve read it a million times. It’s a good book for those trying to understand some First Nations philosophy that centres on the medicine wheel.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reflections on the medicine wheel as a symbol for an individual's path in life. Very nice book, especially for people who are feeling unsure of themselves and who are seeking their path. Lots of white space on the page and lots of illustrations make the book seem like a quick read. In truth, each statement can be reflected upon so you could take quite a while to absorb each of the statements. It's a book that you can return to again and again for inspiration.

[Al Gritten · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent overview of Native American spirituality. Of course, there is variation from tribe to tribe, but the general understandings offered in the book give insight into overall spiritual thought of Native Americans. It also offers insight into the commonality of thought between biblical understandings and aspects of Native American faith understandings.

[Gabino Arizola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Great book for those who don't understand the true rituals and Spirituality of our Native people. This book will open the eyes and minds of the fake healer and pretend shamans that are playing with a part of our culture that makes people look at Native American Indians as Savages instead of Spiritual people.

[Ishita · Rating 3 out of 5]

A detailed introduction to some central aspects of Native spirituality. The explanation of the medicine wheel, and the gifts associated with it, in particular is evocative and representative of an Indigenous worldview.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little book about the basic tenets of the medicine wheel. There is a lot of information packed in 81 pages.

[Momowithamic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very poignant and inspiring. Similarly to a religious text, Sacred Tree gives all the basics for understanding life and our paths through traditional Native American Spirituality.

[Dayna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, very simple and basic intro to Native American beliefs. Obviously since beliefs are so varied among tribes, this is very general - but a short, enjoyable and enlightening read.

[Quacinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Analu · Rating 5 out of 5]

On my top favorite that I can re-read and have.

[Emilee Layden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of wonderful ideas for reflection, evaluation and application.