“White Eagle Medicine Wheel: A Native American Way of Life” by Wa-Na-Nee-Chee is an excellent introduction to the tools that shamans use. This book is divided into learning from three groups – animals, grandmothers and grandfathers, and totems. In addition, Wa-Na-Nee-Chee inserts himself into the book to guide the reader into the inner mysteries of shamanism. By doing the card spreads and readings, the reader has a safe way to begin the practice of shamanism. The reader can discover their own meanings of each concept that “White Eagle Medicine Wheel” presents.
Although, Wa-Na-Nee-Chee presents his book and card set as “Native American” wisdom, people would do better by learning the cultures of specific tribes. Medicine Wheels are usually found in Plains Cultures, and Totem Poles in only Northwest American Cultures. You would not find the two together in the same culture, as the author seems to imply.
Although, the writings of the animals are similar to “Medicine Cards” by David Carson and Jaime Sams, the beautiful cards do offer an intuitive way to know the animals. In addition, the animal teachings can be read alone or with teachings such as ‘record keeping’ and ‘birthing’. To learn how to integrate animals into a shamanistic practice, the reader is well served by this book. However, if the reader is interested in learning more about animals or Native American cultures, they should seek out other books instead of this one.
Extract from BEAR:
Bear is treated with great respect: of all creatures it is thought to be the one most like a human. It was Bear who taught us native people which plants were good to eat. And we say that Bear is the main creature who will lead us to medicine, as it holds great knowledge of healing plants.
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Va. Carper
August 8, 2005