Synopses & Reviews
"The Medicine Wheel is a springboard of power that will allow you to link up to all the energies of the universe." —Sun Bear
Millions of people around the world have incorporated Native American philosophy into their everyday lives. Now, with this special 25th anniversary edition of the late Sun Bear's classic bestseller, readers old and new can benefit from the teachings and techniques of the Medicine Wheel.
In The Medicine Wheel, Sun Bear and Wabun put forth a whole new system of earth astrology to help guide people not only in their daily living but also in their life paths. In the authors' own words, this book was written to "help all people relate better to our Earth Mother...and find a kinship with the universe." The Medicine Wheel is a beautiful and inspiring approach to graceful, holistic living in trying modern times. The Medicine Wheel's philosophy is derived from a basic principle known by all people who live close to the earth: Once you fully embrace the elemental forces of nature, you become a part of the whole. Let this book be your first step toward finding peace and prosperity -- and your own special place in the circle of life.
Review
"[A] compendium of fascinating information about various animals, minerals and plants, including their characteristics, their healing and spiritual qualities....This is a new vision [for] our times."
-- Medicine Story, author of Return to Creation
Review
Medicine Story
Out of a secure traditional wisdom that once maintained the harmony of Creation in this land, Sun Bear and Wabun bring a needed message to the children of a confused and disintegrating civilization. It is a message of balance, of self-reliance, of attunement with the spirits of the natural world -- skills well nigh lost to our overspecialized, pre-packaged, left-brained education. This is more than just another system of personality classification and analysis, it is a compendium of fascinating information about various animals, minerals and plants, including their characteristics, their healing and spiritual qualities, as well as the uses made of them by the native people of this continent. This is a new vision, a vision for our times.
Review
"Sun Bear is a proud example for the generations to come....I am proud that I have lived at the same time as this great, warm, loving and caring person."
-- Elisabeth Kuebler-Ross, M.D., author of On Death and Dying
Review
"His medicine power is authentic and hard-won; his caring wisdom is real. Sun Bear is one of the quiet heroes of our time."
-- John White, author of Pole Shift
About the Author
Sun Bear, a sacred teacher of Chippewa descent, is the founder and medicine chief of the Bear Tribe, a multiracial educational society. He is a world-renowned lecturer and teacher and the author or coauthor of eight books. He is publisher of the magazine Wildfire and founder of the World Earth Fund.
Table of Contents
ContentsAcknowledgments
Author's Note
A Vision of the Medicine Wheel
Introduction
THE MOONS AND THE TOTEMS
Earth Renewal Moon (Snow Goose)
Rest and Cleansing Moon (Otter)
Big Winds Moon (Cougar)
Budding Trees Moon (Red Hawk)
Frogs Return Moon (Beaver)
Complanting Moon (Deer)
Strong Sun Moon (Flicker)
Ripe Berries Moon (Sturgeon)
Harvest Moon (Brown Bear)
Ducks Fly Moon (Raven)
Freeze Up Moon (Snake)
Long Snows Moon (Elk)
THE POWERS OF THE DIRECTIONS
How Buffalo, Eagle, Coyote and Bear Began to Help the Spirit Keepers
Waboose, Spirit Keeper of the North
Wabun, Spirit Keeper of the East
Shawnodese, Spirit Keeper of the South
Mudjekeewis, Spirit Keeper of the West
THE ELEMENTAL CLANS
How Turtle Helped to Build Our Land
Turtle Clan -- Earth
Why Some Frogs Left the Water
Frog Clan -- Water
How Butterflies Learned to Fly
Butterfly Clan -- Air
How the Thunderbird Came to Be
Thunderbird Clan -- Fire
Frog-Turtle (Water-Earth)
Thunderbird-Butterfly (Fire-Air)
Butterfly-Turtle (Air-Earth)
Butterfly-Frog (Air-Water)
Thunderbird-Frog (Fire-Water)
Thunderbird-Turtle(Fire-Earth)
Same Clan Combinations
TRAVELING THE MEDICINE WHEEL
CONSTRUCTING A MEDICINE WHEEL