Mother Earth Spirituality: Native American Paths to Healing Ourselves & Our World

by Ed McGaa, Marie N. Buchfink (Illustrator)

Excellent Book

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

230 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

AKA Eagle Man

Reviews

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book about Native American Spirituality. Ed McGaa, Eagle Man is very, very thorough in his explanations. He goes into detail about the history of the Peace Pipe, the Sun Dance and other spiritual and healing ceremonies. He is passionate about his heritage and spirituality and teaching non-Native Americans the way of his people. He comes off as a very kind and caring person. I originally borrowed this book from the library and loved it so much I had to purchase it, I knew I was going to refer back to it many times.

I've always been interested in Native American Spirituality and medicine, this book is a great starting point for anyone new, and wanting to find out more, or doing research for a school project or even just for your own self.
I do have a story to share that made me even more interested in Native American healing.

A co-worker of mine had to take leave from work for many months, as she could not walk without the assistance of two canes. She didn't know what was wrong with her, and neither did her doctors or the specialists she was sent to. She was given numerous tests to try find what was causing her to be unable to walk or be mobile. There were days when she would literally not be able to move at all and wasn't sure when she was going if ever to return to work. She attended a Native American healing ceremony (more than one,i'm not sure how many), she now walks perfectly fine with absolutely no need of a cane, never mind the two she previously needed! She is back at work AND participates in the company's annual soft ball game. She and her doctors still don't know what the cause was, but it's amazing to see her now from how she was!
It's like one of those "miracle" healings you read about, it's really awesome!

[Aaron Urbanski · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read! This book has rejuvenated my spirituality, and was the catalyst to 3 supernatural feats I experienced this summer & I will cherish forever. The first half gives a little background information about Black Elk's vision and then moves on to Native American traditions such as the vision-quest, the sweat lodge, the sun dance etc. Highly reccomend to all!

[Rah~ri · Rating 4 out of 5]

So ya wanta learn about shamanism, hmm? : ) Dude. It's better to ask the aliens to come and get you right now ! Shamanism exists in every culture. In order to really learn about it though it's better (IMOHO) to chose a culture you love and go to the roots of it. The roots of that society/the religion/the cultural beliefs of the people that are so ingrained that the general populace don't even know they exist. Your looking at Native American stuff so a good way to get to the shamanistic stuff is to look their spiritual beliefs as a people (sorry for the generalization) This fellow Ed Mgaa is Oglala Sioux himself and a spiritualist in my opinion more than shaman.There is a difference : ) He talks about the beliefs and approach to life(following the good red road...i.e. "the Way") as well as going into some detail on ceremonies like the 7 "rights" and stuff . This can lead you deeper. Just like yin and yang have become such a integrated part of your own philosophy there are many little things to understand and allow into your own world view before the words make sense sometimes. In this stuff linage is very important for some people, they can get as bad as some martial arts folks! Ed comes from a good "line". Two, um?"teachers" he "studied" with were Chief Fools Crow and Chief Eagle Feather (2 Sioux Holy men, all around good guys I'm told, for the most part!) Think i may have met him at some point though i have no memory of it!...but oddly enough i do have an autographed copy of the book of Native Wisdom by him...Strange?

[Stephanie Barko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the October 2021 selection of South Austin Spiritual Book Group.
Brings Black Elk's predictions forward with more hope and additional admonishments.

[Reading Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of those dated artefacts, like Melody's crystal book, that so perfectly captures a moment in the New Age community that was full of hope and unity that it felt like putting on an old sweatshirt I haven't worn since college. McGaa exists in the wonderful time before cultural appropriation, insisting that the 'red way' is not just for Native Americans, but for all people, the 'rainbow tribe'. He invites the reader into the experiences, sharing basics he thinks everyone can participate in, giving enough information that you know what it's like. Like his sweat lodge description gives the reader a solid foundation--if they go to a sweat lodge and it even loosely follows his outline, they'll be getting the real deal and not some super watered down touristy stuff. Some rituals he keeps less open, and probably for good. It was fascinating to read about the Sun Dance and the Iyipu ceremony, really thrilling stuff and honestly I'd read a whole book just about these experiences. So, any recs for more like that, let me know!

[Scott Block · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful, straight forward look at spirituality. This book really gives you an understanding of Native American beliefs and their relationship with the earth and all things natural. It goes into all aspects of their religion, how they practice it, the ceremonies that are used to practice it, and how it is used in their everyday lives. It's an educational read, a spiritual read and, I believe, a book that anyone can read and come out a better person.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Similiar to "The Way", this book led me in the right direction for who I am today.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and fuels compassion for all living things. The Natives had it right. McGaa writes honestly and simply. I read this book very quickly.

[Summerrain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Native American Spirituality, Loved It!

[Gwendoline Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tattered and worn cover from the library copy I checked out of this book should've been enough to convince me that I'd find Mother Earth Spirituality as riveting as previous readers, but alas, I remain beyond pleased and touched by the contents of its pages.

Ed McGaa introduces us "two-legged" folks to the realm of Sioux spirituality, offering ceremonies and symbolism for greater connection to each other and Mother Earth. McGaa lays down the foundation with forays into the medicine wheel, the peace pipe, the significance of four (directions), the hoop, stones, natural name ...

The bulk of the book talks through the 7 ceremonies meant to honor the Great Spirit. Although these are structured ceremonies, the honoring of the Great Spirit and of Mother Earth is spontaneous and constant, present in all that we do and in the simple act of "being." A big part of being able to honor the spirit, per McGaa, is going beyond the ego and allowing for belief in something different than our dominant norms.

The ceremonies:

- The Peace Pipe Ceremony and Crystal (tools to connect you to spirit)
- The Sweat Lodge Ceremony (purification)
- Crying for a Vision (personal, understanding your purpose and mission in this lifetime)
- Sun Dance (thanksgiving, coming together of tribes)
- Yuwipi, or Spirit-Calling Ceremony (calling spirits to the holy or medicine person to bring wisdom to the living)
- Making of Relatives (cementing friendships into relationships)
- Giveaway Ceremony (giving away a deceased's possessions one year after death)

A few gems:

- Chief Seattle's letter to the US President, 1854: "But in your perishing you will shine brightly, fired by the strength of the God who brought you to this land and for some special purpose gave you dominion over this land and over the red man. That destiny is a mystery to us, for we do not understand when the buffalo are all slaughtered, the wild horses are tamed, and the view of the ripe hills blotted by talking wires. Where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone. And what is it to say goodbye to the swift pony and the hunt? The end of living and the beginning of survival. So we will consider your offer to buy the land."

- Native Americans already practiced democracy and personal freedom (speech, council, vote, election, etc.) because of their deep ties to Mother Earth. Being unmaterialistic, politics weren't intertwined with material gain, and society, therefore, was essentially classless. The arrival of the pilgrims is the ultimate irony, for they flee a land of tyranny, peasantry, and strife and arrive in a new land professing superior experience in and knowledge of democracy and equality. Whatever system the pilgrims came from drove them away from their mother land, both in political climate and resources, to excavate and take what they could of the Native Americans. (p. 20 - 21)

- "The Hurons decried the European obsession with money that compelled European women to sell their bodies to lonely men and that compelled European men to sell their lives to the armies of greedy men who used them to enslave yet more people. By contrast, the Hurons lives a life of liberty and equality. According the Hurons, Europeans lost their freedom in their incessant use of thine and mine." (p 21)

- "Those who seek a sincere reach into the spirit world should follow the example of the devout andselfless holy persons who maintain their yuwipi power to serve the people [keep the body clean, no chemicals/drugs/alcohol/sugar/etc, honest, noble, etc.]. To achieve this communication, model yourself after the ways and lives of the yuwipi persons who have conducted these ceremonies for generations. Men, especially white men, you must learn to subdue your egos if you want to ever come close to becoming a real shaman. You must also develop and respect your feminine side and learn to balance your skills and knowledge with the female. Correspondeingly, woman must learn to develop her masculine side and dispel all hatred of or antagonism for the male, regardless of past sufferings at his hands." (p. 101)

- "It is good to be a relative, but the horse tails remind us to remain free and flowing and not to hold each other back" (p. 114)

- "Both (holy men) insisted that to properly conduct ceremony, absolutely no alcohol or other chemicals were to be consumed, and this included the cactus bud called peyote. 'We get our visions from our own juices,' Bill would tell me." (p. 190)

- "Holy men and women who are schooling aspirants look for the absence of ego in their proteges. Ecocentricity is considered an unwelcome trait for those who seek leadership in ceremony. One who has a large ego, even with the counterbalancing traits of sharing and generosity, would still be considered a poor risk for the powerful position that the holy man or holy woman occupies. We have all seen how some religious leaders on television have severely misused their spiritual stewardship. Native American spirituality has not projected itself on such a grandiose scale, but the disheartening and harmful results can be very similar." (p. 190)

- "Freedom more excess materialism is another prerequisite ... " (p. 190)

- "Establishing a sense of purpose and relaxed surroundings are essential for conducting ceremony. Fasting before conducting the ceremony is also a worthy preparation. Politeness, respect, brevity, straight-forwardness, truth, and impeccable honesty are strict prerequisites to being a ceremonial leader. Double-talking, skepticism, ulterior motives (such as pleasing or impressing your audience), and self-aggrandizement are to be avoided in a leader. Being smart-mouthed, rude, or inconsiderate are also obstacles to the successful conduct of a ceremony. Avoid the grandiose. Be sincere." (p. 191)

[Dave Holt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eagle Man Ed McGaa loves the American Indian history like I do, in fact, he's always inspired me to recognize the good stories that are often drowned out by memories of the massacres, forced marches, genocide, victories in battle that turned into defeats. All that history is true also. But the noble spiritual traditions of the people developed in their philosophy and stories become shared inspirations that work together for the common good of our human family. Through his father's employment on a military air base, forcibly removed from the reservation, he had the experience of attending a public school instead of the Holy Rosary Mission Boarding School that his brothers and sisters were forced to attend. He also was blessed with the guidance of Nicholas Black Elk, Fools Crow and Eagle Feather who taught him the ways of being a spiritual teacher.

[Buck Wilde · Rating 4 out of 5]

That's the stuff. Eagle Man sketches an outline of Lakota belief structure focusing around the most dynamic rituals, interspersed with a fairly interesting autobiography, and third-party pipe carving testimonials. If you are interested enough in the subject matter to pick up the book, you'll be pleasantly surprised. I learned a lot.

[Phil hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mother earth

This book relies on you to have an open mind to see things from the native American perspective. It is wonderful intriguing and well worth the read.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very deep. I see much truth in Mr. McGaa's words.

[Christy Foust · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m grateful to the author for sharing insight about Lakota traditions and ceremonies. This is a beautiful book that reminds that we are all connected and related.

[Steve J]

January 1, 1990

[Cheryl Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want insight into the red man's way, this book can help. Ed McGaa, aka Eagle Man, believes that it is time for all people to learn the way of the Native Americans before it is too late. He teaches re-attachment to Mother Earth thru ceremony. An inspiring read that should be taken deep within our souls to help us understand and see what is happening to our planet.

[Mary Helene · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's unsettling to read something published 25 years ago and to feel how our communal viewpoints have shifted and not shifted. Ed McGaa (Eagle Man) writes very honestly. I could feel this book is coming out of a culture foreign to me, and yet shaped by the same cultural institutions. It is primarily a spiritual book written by a Marine, lawyer, professor and tribal leader with a voice clearly Indian.
I am now paying closer attention to Standing Rock; this text is surely background to that phenomena.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommended by Gloria Steinem as being a good representation of a spiritual belief system that includes women as equals. This book goes explain that very well.

Eagle Man lifts the veil on sacred Sioux spiritual activities - sweat lodges, spirit guides, sacred stones, vision quests, the White Buffalo Calf Woman, peace pipes and more are explained in detail. Eagle Man advises he wrote the book for all of us, not just the red man, to be able to use the ways of the red man to grow closer to Mother Earth, who is in dire need of help. It is his thought that by sharing the American Indian ways to communicate with Spirit that we will take better care of the Earth (the mother of us all).

This is a beautiful and fascinating book, and provides a great introduction to the Sioux spiritual practices.

[Reuel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book while attending an Intercultural Communication conference in Banff, Alberta. Although the book was too spiritual for me, it presented the perspective of native American tribes and fit well with the conference and location.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book for getting a foundational knowledge of native American (plains) spirituality. McGaa is a second generation learner and does not have a pure Indian outlook, not to mention that he is quite opinionated, but it is worth the read.

[Francesca Lorenzini · Rating 2 out of 5]

I contenuti non sono bene organizzati; è più un flusso di ricordi, riflessioni e appelli.
E' interessante in quanto testimonianza diretta di un nativo oglala che ha assistito alla rinascita della spiritualità del suo popolo e al progressivo recupero delle tradizioni.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

it is a clear explaination of Lakota spirituality
It is also a great way to live your life in balance

[Jeni Hogenson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great look at Native ways of honoring spirit, ourselves and the earth

[Sean Glover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really moving book, one can feel the truth in it.

[Lynn Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really important book for those who are interested in the well-being of earth. Also of interest for anyone interested in Native American beliefs and practices.

[Janel · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was ok.

[Cecilia Callan]

I will be looking for more books by Eagle Man McGaa

[Nocturn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shamanism, environmentalism, idealism, Culture/religion co-existence.

[John Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grounding. I've read it twice.