Product Description

A celebrated Native American author conveys the true spirit of Native American ways of knowing in these heartfelt meditations, poems, stories, and lessons. In 364 daily offerings organized according to the cycles of the moon, Sams offers stirring insights into the spirituality of the earth.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #318213 in Books
• Published on: 1994-10-07
• Released on: 1994-10-07
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780062510631
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
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From the Back Cover
Around the Year with One of Today's Most Beloved Native American Teachers

The true spirit of Native American ways of knowing shines through in these heartfelt meditations, poems, and stories. In 364 daily offerings organized according to the cycles of the moon, Jamie Sams offers stirring and poetic insights into the spirituality of the earth, connecting with our communities, and our own soul journeys.

Based on Native American creeds and legends, these meditations cut to the heart with their honesty, beauty, and authenticity. Sams teaches such grounded lessons as how to face an unknown future with confidence and conviction, how to rediscover the joy of curiosity, and how to develop a true intimacy with nature.

All those who have come to cherish the warmth and wisdom of Jamie Sams's spirit-filled voice--as well as those meeting her here for the first time--will find in her teachings a generous, challenging, and always consoling source of daily inspiration.

About the Author
Jamie Sams is a member of the Wolf Clan Teaching Lodge. She is the coauthor of Medicine Cards™:The Discovery of Power Through the Ways of Animals, author of The Sacred Paths Workbook, and (with Twylah Nitsch) Other Council Fires Were Here Before Ours.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Introduction

The first calendar that North American Indians ever had was Turtle's shell. Our Ancestors watched the passing of the cycles and seasons, noting that thirteen moons passed before the same seasons returned. Grandmother Nisa (Moon) was our guide. Through her changing cycles, she told women when their bodies were fertile and when they would experience their Moontimes, or menstrual flows. Grandmother Moon disappeared and returned, showing her full face thirteen times during the year. The Earth Mother, who was represented by the Most fertile creature on our planet, the Turtle, showed our Ancestors how to mark the passing of each moon cycle. Turtle's shell bore the thirteen moons of the year inside of a frame that formed the circle we call the Sacred Hoop, or Medicine Wheel.

This unifying circle represents the sacred relationship of all life to all life. The Sacred Hoop also represented the path across the sky or orbit that was our Earth Mother's yearly journey around Grandfather Sun. The orbit of Grandmother Moon's journey around our Earth Mother is another circle, giving the Ancestors an understanding of the import of all concentric circles bringing life into unity or harmony.

These thirteen moon cycles gave birth to the legends of the Thirteen Original Clan Mothers who represent the gifts and abilities humankind can develop during the Earthwalk, or physical life. These lessons of developing human potential contain the skills that every Two-legged human must learn in order to live in harmony with all life forms. When we learn what our potentials are and develop the skills of right relationship, we can offer to share those gifts with the whole of the Human Tribe. Generosity is the key to working for the benefit of all living things. If we give of ourselves and of our gifts, the blessings we have received are shared. We can then expand the boundaries and capabilities of all human potential.

When my editor approached me about writing this book, I began to see the value of putting together some lessons or thoughts for each day that could educate the reader about the ways of harmony that have imbued the best of Native American lifestyles. When these concepts are honored, the ideas of living in harmony within a community are easily attainable. Many non-Native friends have asked me to include some of the unspoken rules of etiquette that our Native American community observes in order to bridge Potential cultural misunderstandings. I have done this in this text because it benefits our urban Native youths who have not been exposed to the Ancestors' ways as well as educating non-Natives. These lessons of respecting others and their Sacred Spaces can be applied to any culture, resulting in harmonious living.

I was recently surprised when one of my Mohawk sisters told me that she did not know that I had written the poems that begin every chapter in every book that I have authored or coauthored. The only exceptions carry the two names of the writers I quoted. I chose to write some of the thoughts for the day in this text with poetry because the rhythms and cadence of poetry often open our minds to different ways of understanding. Other thoughts for the day are written as Medicine Stories, and all are original. That is to say that these writings are based upon the lessons I have been taught on my path, but none of this text is taken verbatim from other sources.

Harper San Francisco wanted all original material for this book, so I decided to look at events in my life that had taught me about harmony, self-discovery, sharing, love, and more. I then asked for the Great Mystery's guidance. I called on the Clan Mothers' spirits to assist me in knowing which lessons would best represent their creed of Life, Unity, and Equality for Eternity. Then I used my gifts of storytelling and writing to express the beauty of the Ancestors' ways of harmony, creating new material that could reflect these lessons to others. I trust that these lessons, stories, and poems will assist all readers in continuing on their paths of personal healing. My personal desire, in writing this book, is that each one of you claim your right to become your vision!

Customer Reviews

A book to begin your day with.
I have come across many books that include daily devotions, but none that have touched my heart like this one. I have found that I am able to absorb the knowledge I gain from the message as well as apply it to daily living. I share them with those persons that I feel can appreciate and use these words of wisdom. I plan on sharing these teachings with my daughter weekly in the hopes that she will gain the insights that I have, and carry them with her throughout her life. Thank you Jamie Sams I will be forever grateful for your contribution.

Wisdom made enjoyable
Once again, this respected Medicine Woman and author weaves wisdom with joy into an experience of harmony and happiness. Never ponderous or burdensome, it stands as an energetic tribute to the timelessness of ancient enlightenment brought to the modern world. Highly recommended reading for all people of all traditions.

Earth Medicine is Earth Magic
Over the years I have read a number of daily devotionals. The originals are still my favorites, with one exception and this is it. If you come from a Program background you will notice the authenticity and impeccability of the author. With clear intent she presents an option for education and enlightenment at one's own pace. The readings are designed to be read by the timing of the 13 original moons that occured within the cycle of the year. They are connected to the Earth's time, not man's time and so being, it seems easier to find our connection with her too. That is the magic we seek. That is the magic we find in Earth medicine