Native Wisdom: Perceptions of the Natural Way

Dear Eagle Man, For the past few weeks my family and I have been on a journey of discovery. The first week was about discovering Yellowstone and Wyoming. While camping and at one with nature, I was able to free my mind of the ties to the illusion of life that man has created and instead, be come reconnected to to the way life should be. I felt connected and at peace. Soon after reading a book I found in Cody, WY called The Soul of the Indian by Charles A. Eastman, I found myself at the Crazy Horse memorial in the Black Hills of South Dakota. There was a calling for me to be there as my interest was piqued to learn more about the way the Indians viewed life, religion, nature, and spirituality. That is where I discovered a woman selling beads, jewelry, etc. It was as if she called me from across the room without saying a word. She introduced herself as your daughter and began telling me about the four books she had of yours. I bought them and started with "Native Wisdom" because it seemed to be right were my mind was. I cannot tell you how much this book has opened my eyes. It truly has hit home with me in a way I cannot describe. It has helped me see clearly in a way that I have never been able to. I have always felt a connection with nature but this book has helped me reach a new level of discovery. I feel connected in a way I never have before. I truly believe that this book could change the world if enough people were exposed to it. With this statement I mean that I believe there is a hunger for something people can attach to and believe in. There are so many of us spiritual people who are turned off to the ways of the preacher, the church, catholicism, and the man-made organized religions of the world. Especially in light of what the leaders of this country are interpretting religeon and using as a tool to keep support in their cause. I believe that if the words of yours and Black Elk were to reach out to more people, it could cause a monumental change in the lives of the people of the world. Your approach to writing this was done perfectly. It was in a manner that did not come across as preaching to the reader. It left the reader to decide if was something they could accept and understand. I find myself so attached to nature. More than ever. I've been showing my young children the ways of the Sioux and Black Elk. It is something they really can relate to. If you are ever speaking in the NY State area or on the east coast, please let me know. I'd truly like to thank you in person and ask you a few questions. Thanks brother Eagle Man. Your ability to communicate in this manner, truly reaches down into the readers soul and makes it so that they can't help but make them understand your point of view. It has changed me forever. It truly has. If there is any way I can help you in spreading your message, please let me know. I think it is important for more people to hear about these thoughts. It could

Eagle Man makes a compelling plea for environmental and social responsibility, in a context of First Nations (specifically Oglala Sioux) history, spirituality, and worldview. I found this book was a great introduction to Oglala culture including information on further resources and an extensive glossary of Lakota terms. It has inspired me to pursue further study of Lakota spirituality. I look forward to reading Eagle Man's other writings.

There is MUCH I agree with in this book and some I disagree with.Disagreements first.1. On page 94 Mr. McGaa implies that Word Processors updates files on disk incrementaly. Only some word processors do this.2. On page 149 Mr. McGaa categorizes his wotai (personal stone) as a portable altar. I disagree because it is only a stone. I have been carrying a personal stone for years. The Cherokee word is watai.3. On page 198. Mr. McGaa purports that Democracy was an invenion of the Native Americans. If memory serves Democracy was first practised in the days of Aristotle and Plato. Furthermore the U.S. was not set up as a Democracy. It was set up as a Republic. Now it IS true that the U.S constitution was loosely based on the Iriquois constitution.4. On page 199, Mr. McGaa perpetuates the myth of the seperation of church and state in the Constitution. There is NO comment of "Seperation of church and state in the constitution. That comment was written by Thomas Jefferson in the Federalist papers not the Constitution.6. On page 205 Mr. McGaa talks about abortion and contraception. I vehemently disagree with his philosophy of abortion, but do agree with his notion of contraceptives.Agreements:1. On page 6: I appreciate Mr. McGaa's humility in his comment "I may be wrong. You might be right. I don't know."2. On page 30: Mr. McGaa purports that "A good teacher welcomes questions." I could not agree more.3. On page 112: Mr. McGaa purports that the pipe can be considered as a portable altar and I agree completely. The pipe bowl represents the feminine aspects of creation, and the pipe stem represents the masculine forces of creation. Furthermore the smoke is offered to the 7 sacred directions.4. On Page 112 Mr. McGaa cautions about adding halucinogens in the smoke mixture and I agree completely.5. On page 121-128 Mr. McGaa lists several things done by some members of the "church". I only wish he has included that the "church" was responsible for the black death. (cats that had kept the rat population in check. were wontonly destroyed because that might be "witches familiars").6. On page 207-8 Mr. McGaa discusses homosexuality. I agree completely that Great Spirit does not make mistakes and EVERYONE should be treated with dignity regardless od sexual preference.7. On page 229 and beyond Mr. McGaa lists words from the Lakota Sioux language, and the English translation. Unfortunately; it is listed by the Lakota words making it extremely difficult to find what you are searching for.8. On page 241 and beyond Mr. McGaa lists some Lakota Sioux songs used in ceremony.9. on the cover Mr. McGaa demonstrates a medicine wheel as described in Black Elk's vision. Now Black Elk (mentioned in "Native Wisdom") Is NOT the same gentleman that co-authored "Black Elk: The Sacred Ways of a Lakota" with William S. Lyon, and furthermore the two gentlemen were not even related.If you have questions or comments; E-Mail me. Two Bears.Wah doh Oged

Thankyou so much, Mr McGaa, for this life and perception altering offering of wisdom, clarity and hope. Your book, written with respect, honesty and humility, is one I give to people I care about. It certainly answers more questions than those that are posed. Sharing your 'worldview' is indeed a gift, which I hope the inhabitants of our Mother Earth take to heart.

If you have any questions about "Native Spirituality", read this book. Eagle Man again makes the logical reasonings of the Native American easy to understand. I personally met him about 3 years ago, and he is the person he comes across as in his books-straight,honest,sincere,kind, & willing to share his knowledge with the world. More of us need to listen to him!!