Dancing the Dream: The Seven Sacred Paths of Human Transformation

I believe this statement reflects Jamie's chief goal for this book: this statement is listed in the authors note, preceeding the text. I don't think it is possible to draw a universal map of consciousness applicable to all humans. The chief reason being is that some folks never get past the 1st commandment let alone rise to metaphysical heights described in the text. Further, unless the reader has more than a beginners background in the metaphysical - or enjoys flipping back and forth between the text and the glossary - the reading can be difficult. I gave this book five stars for what it DOES do, and that is a whole lot more than 99% of the metaphysical works I have read: It paints a picture of the onesness of all existence, even though most of existence sees itself as seperate from everything else; It bashes the notion that only enlighted earthly masters can achieve spirituality; It clearly describes the downfalls of anyone being overimpressed with their spiritual progress; It provides healers with a strong dose of reality: not to forget that therapy patients come to you because they are sick...there is pressure in them staying sick so you can make money; It confronts head on the notion that a healer can see oodles of people on end: a handful may be too many; It rightfully makes warriors out of beings immersed in the waters of daily life and it's endless tortures and misfortunes; It superbly raises these tribulations to the status of lessons, encouraging hope and joy in the struggle; It clearly points out that transformation is not a linear process; It describes this circular process as seven different paths: this description allows readers to compare, contrast, and analyze later; It describes the first hand accounts of Jamie in her path of transformation; Read the book for yourself: you can't put it down.

Great book! There's so much in here I barely know where to start. I had been feeling out of balance when I first picked up this book a year or so ago. It really spoke me me through the title, I knew nothing of Jamie Sams other than the medicine cards, before picking up this book. I love it. There is so much spurituality and philosophy in this book, it took me some time to read (plus the font size is small :) Through the book, Jamie takes us through seven sacred paths and with each one opens us to new ideas/levels of understanding in terms of recognizing and indeed dancing our dream, being true to ourselves - its just amazing. There's a poem in here by Jamie that rings in my head on days when work gets the best of me and I'm off my own sacred path....it starts out "teach me how to gather, the fragments of my soul..." Oh such a wonderful book. Its written honestly and openly, in an almost conversational way which makes understanding the ideas that much more enjoyable. She shares personal stories to give context and examples throughout the book. Its just terrific!

I purchased this book some time back and read only the first few chapters before I put it down and went on to something else. Shortly thereafter, I loaned the book to a friend. I realized after reading a few chapters the book was going to be very deep, and really thought the person I loaned it to wouldn't enjoy it at all. I was wrong. She returned the book and told me she loved it. This inspired me to sit down with the book again and stay with it until I had finished it. I probably wouldn't advise anyone to read this book unless they did read it through. The writing is good, but very deep and required your concentration into what the author was telling you. I'm a collector of Will Rogers books and after reading this, I could almost understand why Will Rogers was the kind of person he portrayed. Being of Cherokee decent myself, this brought my interest to this type of book. I've been studying the history of the Cherokee tribe and I do believe reading Jamie Sams book has helped me a great deal. This is not an ordinary book for someone just looking for a good read, but it is an excellent book on exactly what Ms. Sams has written about, Dancing the Dream....the seven sacred paths of human transformation. I recommend this to anyone searching Native American culture. But more than that, I think the Cherokee people had much to tell us, and still do, if only we would read what they write and open our minds to what they say. Jamie Sams has made a great contribution to our generation in the writing of this book.

Not long ago, I spoke with a long time friend and asked her why it was that I seemed to go through disciplines so quickly when I was looking for something, usually an answer to a question. A well recognized professional, her response was direct. "You're looking for the magic bulllet, and you won't stop until you find it...if you find it." So, on that note, I discovered, Dancing The Dream, and I began to read. When I reached the midway point I put the book down and began again. This has to be one of the most interesting and thought inspiring pieces of Wisdom Literature I have ever read. Simply put, read the book. Jamie Sams does not lecture. She speaks. She isn't a guru. She teaches by example. She includes successes, failures, foibles and her personal experiences.She uses simple language to guide and direct. But she never talks down to the initiate. She emphasises personal responsibility and provides the tools to develop the needed strengths. If the way of our ancestors is your way, and particularly if you are unable to connect with a techer, or a teacher you trust, start here. I promise, you will find your way in direct proportion to your faithfulness on the path and Jamie will guide you all the way. Read the book, read the book, read the book!

Beautifully written, nonlinear depiction of spiritual development combining three Native American traditions. Wonderfully down-to-earth roadmap, eschewing duality in spiritual outlook. Deeply respectful of the myriad variety of spiritual traditions, and lacking the tiresome new age pressure to "ascend". This is one of three or four books I have ever read which I know I will reread many, many times. It is grounding, and spiritual, simultaneously. She has a gift for writing, a sense of humour. Although maturity is depicted as having "seven levels of 'initiation'", these are not 'levels' in the linear sense.