Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire: What Happens When God's Spirit Invades the Hearts of His People

Amazon.com

As though blowing oxygen upon the dying embers of a fire, pastor Jim Cymbala revived a broken-down church in a rough-shod inner-city neighborhood through Christian faith. Twenty-five years ago, the Brooklyn Tabernacle could barely draw 26 people to a Sunday service. Nowadays the congregation is 6,000 strong--filled with converted prostitutes, pimps, drug addicts, and homeless people, as well as yuppies and wholesome families. Although he's quick to give God credit for this miraculous success story, Cymbala admits that there may be a few human decisions that led to this Christian triumph. Most significantly, he made sure his church community embraced everyone, from all walks of life--no matter how distasteful or foreign. "Christians often hesitate to reach out to those who are different," according to Cymbala. "They want God to clean the fish before they catch them. If someone's gold ring is attached to an unusual body part, if the person doesn't smell the best or the skin color is not the same, Christians tend to hesitate." Thus, Cymbala encouraged his congregation to adopt the very same tolerant and accepting attitude as their God does. The results? Let's just say a church thrives in Brooklyn. Accomplished cowriter Dean Merrill helps this tender true story stay satisfying and highly readable. --Gail Hudson

Book Description

Pastor Jim Cymbala shares the lessons he learned when the Spirit ignited his heart and began to move through his people. This book is for anyone seeking to live at the center of God's purposes, through experiencing the power of his Spirit. This softcover edition includes a study guide.

Customer Reviews:

An Appeal to the Power of Prayer.......2007-08-15

The Brooklyn Tabernacle's commitment to prayer is well-represented in the work. Rev. Cymbala is truly a humble man of God who seeks not to elevate himself but the Mighty God he and his Church serves. In addition to the rich Scripture that is cited in this work, there are numerous testimonies to the power of prayer, and historical accounts of church leaders who made prayer a number one priority as well. I also appreciated the simple plea of prayer that Rev. Cymbala ascribes to. Today, there are a number of church leaders who promote special techniques for prayer such as position, geographic location, and so on. How refreshing it was to hear a pastor appeal to calling on the name of the Lord that rested on the grace of God and His mercy rather than an individual's unique performance.

Fresh Wind and Fresh Fire is a book, which will leave one in awe to the power of God that is released when people unite and call upon the Name of the Lord.

Excellent Prayer Motivator!.......2007-07-25

I lead a weekly prayer group at my church and was becoming discouraged due to poor participation from the congregation. After 2 1/2 years I was getting ready to throw in the towl, but reading Pastor Cymbala's book has breathed new life into me! This book was a major encouragement to me, both in my personal prayer life as well as my corporate rone. While the book is written very simply and does not go too deep into theology, it presents some wonderful insights into the power of prayer and how God has hard-wired this world to work through the prayers of His children. Would highly recommend this book for all believers, especially those in leadership roles.

A Fresh Approach.......2007-04-27

Jim Cymbala brings us back to the basics of the early church. He demonstrates what happens when a church really starts to pray. The power talked about in the early church is still there.

Jim shows how we just have to let go of our formulas and programs, and we have to admit that our approach is not really calling down God's power. Real brokenness is essential for God's power to really flow, brokenness and a dedication to praying. This is what leads to spiritual breakthrough.

This is definitely a story of most of today's churches, and Jim shows us a way to focus on God's power. Do you believe that "great sermon" may stand in the way of god's moving?

The book is very readable.

Fresh Wind Fresh Fire CD.......2007-03-23

This CD Book was practically new (may have been new). The price was right and it was shipped in a timely manner. The people who sold this CD Book to me are top shelf in my book. Thank you.

YES! BUY IT!.......2007-02-15

Enough reviews that tell how good this book is, they are true! Just wanted to add to theirs in case someone wants to see what books I reccomend!

Average customer rating:

Not traditional but interesting nonetheless.
Everything that comes around goes around.
Very Enjoyable
A different approach to astrology
No such thing as "native astrology"

Medicine Wheel: Earth Astrology
Sun Bear , and Wabun Wind
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0671764209

Book Description

"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.

Customer Reviews:

Not traditional but interesting nonetheless........2006-04-26

I bought this book years ago (before Amazon.com even existed). I've met Sun Bear, Wabun and the whole Bear Tribe in person, when they were located near Spokane, WA. (I even met Medicine Story, one of the reviewers up there. Hi again!)

Several of the reviews take issue with the idea of an astrological-type system because there was no such thing among the native peoples of this continent. Well, Sun Bear himself said the same thing. The ideas in this book weren't meant to represent traditional Chippewa or Native American beliefs. They're a completely new idea, given to Sun Bear in a vision that he had.

Other reviewers mention that you are not locked in to particular personality traits due to the time of your birth, but that anyone can change. Sun Bear covered that as well. First, this system is just symbolism to try to give people some insight into how they are. It's not a hard-and-fast type of thing. It's more like Rosarch ink blots- just a tool to help you learn about yourself. Second, he says in the book that people often move around on the medicine wheel as they go through life, sharing traits with and seeing from the perspective of the various different totems.

As a self-analysis or self-help book I recommend Medicine Wheel. It's well worth a read.

Everything that comes around goes around........2004-06-16

I have only read one book by Sun Bear and was facinated by the fact that anyone, Native or not, could find peace by just doing something spiritual like this. I am a member of two Ojibway tribes, and yes, I did grow up on three different reservations in my life so I feel I can speak with confidence on this matter. I do not care if people agree or disagree with the Native religions because they are all different and it is not up to me,or anyone else, to tell you what is native or non-native so if you believe you can find happiness from reading "astrological" points of view from Sun Bear then buy the book because it is better to love and practice something than to practice nothing at all. I would also recommend traveling to a nearby "Rez" for an introduction to religion, and they don't have to be Chippewa like myself or Sun Bear, because I know the best spiritual advise cannot be found in books. To correct a few reviews and from an Anthropological view, the Chippewa, or Ojibway, were not buffalo chasers like the plains natives, but fisherman and farmers from Canada with a HEAVY influence from the French (hows that for a European astrology connection) so please correct your review Apacheman because we, the Chippewa, are woodland indians so how could you know if we kept a calender or not (especially the Apaches being a Mexico indian). Native religions do not hate like others do so please do not give us a bad name because I read your profile and it seems all your reviews were negative. And as far as two bears is concerned I would like to know who named you or what naming ceramony you attended because we all have two lives, the one everybody see's and the one we hide(naming yourself does not constitute an indian name).

Very Enjoyable.......2001-11-27

This book has come off the shelf multiple times. It has interesting insight and is enjoyable to read. If you like things like horoscopes and such, you'll enjoy Sun Bear's take on it all.

A different approach to astrology.......2001-05-24

I first read this book in 1988 and got it out again today as I recommended it to someone. Am glad to see that it is still in print.

Astrology based on moon at time of birth is a different idea, but in my case being a brown bear really is on target. I liked all of the information on minerals and plants, too.

I've read several of Sun Bear's books and find them thought provoking.

No such thing as "native astrology".......2001-04-03

Sorry, but anyone native will tell you the whole premise of this book is ludicrous. Plains tribes didn't keep calendars, so why would they have astrology? Astrology is a European thing, not native. Sun Bear, Wabun Bear, and their cult the so-called "Bear Tribe" are not respected among native people because of stunts like this, making up fantasies to exploit whites who are honestly seeking out native spirituality. If you want a truthful view of native religion, try Vine Deloria's God Is Red or any of his other great books. Go to a powwow or take an anthropology course. But don't fall for silliness like this. You will be angry and disappointed and no closer to understanding native cultures.

Dance of the Four Winds: Secrets of the Inca Medicine Wheel

Average customer rating:

Indiana Jones move aside
Now one of my favorite books
good book good seler
Reality or fiction?
reads well

Dance of the Four Winds: Secrets of the Inca Medicine Wheel
Alberto Villoldo , and Erik Jendresen
Manufacturer: Destiny Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0892815140
Release Date: 1994-12-01

Book Description

Dance of the Four Winds recounts the adventures of the American psychologist Alberto Villoldo as he journeys to Peru to explore the visionary ceremonies of the native shamans. Here Quecha masters use the jungle plant ayahuasca to further their spiritual progress along the four paths of the Medecine Wheel. Entering a magical realm of enigmatic sorcerers and powerful animal totems, Villoldo confronts the hidden powers of his own mind as he unlocks the secrets of the human psyche.

Customer Reviews:

Indiana Jones move aside.......2007-09-08

One of the best books I ever read. Great insights! A book one can always return to and learn from. I highly recommend this and Villoldo's other books.

Now one of my favorite books.......2007-07-05

I absolutely loved reading this story, and haven't read any story as stimulating since The Celestine Prophesy.... the difference, of course being - that this book recounts true life experiences. This was an engaging, enjoyable read with many eye opening insights into other ways and worlds. I have vivid memories of the images and experiences described in this book. Fascinating!

good book good seler.......2006-06-29

a great and by-now classic book on the theme of shamanism by an anthopologist and psychologist. I LIKE THIS BOOK BECAUSE HE TRIES IN IT TO DECRIBE HIS PERSONAL EXPERIENCES IN COMMON WORDS

Reality or fiction?.......2005-05-04

For those seeking more info about Dr. Villoldo's lack of detail and other concerns regarding truthfulness in contemporary shamanism, please see "The Selling of the Shaman and the Problem of Informant Legitimacy" which appears in the Summer 1990 issue of 'Anthropological Research', Volume 46, Number 2. Dr. Villoldo is prominently featured.

reads well.......2002-12-19

In this book Villoldo, perhaps one of the most well known teachers of Inca shamanism in the West, describes his initial encounters with the shamanic world. The book is devoted to Villoldo's experiences with two Peruvian healers - don Ramon Silva (an ayahuascero from the Peruvian Amazon) and don Antonio Morales, (a Qero style healer and philosophy professor!). Villoldo's recounting of Peruvian healing practices is gripping and the final chapter, in which he describes the death of his teacher's teacher in a little cottage on the Peruvian altiplano, is simply breath-taking. I also quite liked the description of the "operation" which allowed V. to see energy patterns and his animal allies.

If V. only recounted his experiences with the old shamans, the book would have been superb. Unfortunately, he decided to insert into the book his own personal issues and musings on the nature of reality (which tend to go on and on) and which to me seem to be rather cliche-y. this guy is a doer, not a thinker and all the theory just detracted me from the magic of his experiences. V. also seems to be unduly impressed by his newly acquired Ph.D. in psychology (from a little known local college) as if a degree means anything these days.

Customer Reviews:

Black Dawn, Bright Day.......2007-03-10

This book is truly one of the BEST. It will raise your consciousness of the way we're living. And at the same time treating that which is providing us with life. I have ordered extras to pass out to try and help others have the same light bulb moment. I believe that nature has had ENOUGH of our craziness as far as the way we have treated earth mother. This book breaks it down to exactly what we've been doing all over this planet. We are not going to survive if this madness continues. PLEASE read and pass it on. We must change our ways in order for our future generation to have a chance.

Black Dawn,Bright Day.......2006-11-06

Sun Bear has given an excellent account of how we have abused the earth and what the consequences of that abuse will be. He also provides instructions on how to survive those 'consequences'. Sun Bear has great understanding and insight regarding the earth and its resources. It's very sobering reading and not to be taken lightly.....since many of the prophecies are already happening.

Yatahey! An Old Friend...redux.......2005-09-05

Long before, while I lived "back east", I found some wonderful books that have changed my life path, among them, I found Sun Bear. The first book of his I read was "Black Dawn, Bright Day". It struck me, as very powerful and a tad scary, but, to my then naieve self, the "millenium" was sooooo far away it was hard to take as viable, despite my mistrust of [our's most especially] government officials. We had gas shortages, we made it through Viet Nam, we know about the Ozone layer, we have learned -- I believed that they would surely do the "right thing" and fix it before his worse prophecies could materialize. With the recent onset, and increasing intensity, of many natural, and unnatural crises [eliminating "Mother Earth's Parasites i.e. humans], and now "Katrina" coupled with the [not yet declared war in Iraq], I am curious to see just how accurate the predictions were [as a personal aside, around a few months ago, the resident eagles were missing for a long while, and whales have been grounding themselves again, and I couldn't help recall that this was one of the portents Sun Bear spoke of, re: huge changes afoot]. Recently the Eagles have returned, sporadically, and I can only hope that they are letting us know that if we "do the right things" we still may have a good chance of turning things around. What I want to say to potential readers is, at worse, this book is written beautifully, with the late great Sun Bear's voice and wit, and at best, it's a hopeful warning. I'm going to peruse my shelves and /moving boxes right now for a reread myself.

Prophecies of the Bright Day.......2001-10-28

For a long time I had heard and read other individual's positive views on this book: "Black Dawn,Bright Day" by Sun Bear. Finally 3 weeks ago I order the book. I think in my opinion that this book is the best of the Native American prophecies books I had read thus far. In this age when the popular religious fever view seems to be to look forward to escaping the earth and flying off on a cloud...a book such as this that focuses on a spiritual purification of out earth and then it's renewl="The Bright Day" hope instead of it's destruction...is very refreshing. Indeed, there are "some" Judeo-Christian groups who embrace the hope of the renewl of our earth..but they usually lacked the understanding of helping taking care of our earth NOW as part of the plan to one day see the renewl of the earth and they lack the Native American's understanding and view of viewing the animals and nature as being in a kinship with us humans..Unforuantly, instead of viewing the animals and nature in this positive way that the Native Americans do...they (our white culture)tends to view the earth, animals and nature as somehting to exploit selfishly to our own benifit. To me, if we disrespect the creation...then we disrespect the one who create it and all life there upon it..the Creator. This book helps us understand all this and the harm of the "Ladder Approuch" philosophy held in our culture that is ruining our earth. My complaint would likely be that the book towards the back gets a little too doom-ish, in much they way most of these restored earth believing Judeo-Christian groups get. But other than that...I liked it alot.

Renewed Earth Press
P.o. Box 142
Ojai,CA 93023

A valuable resource relevant to Y2K and Earth Changes........1998-12-15

As a former investigative reporter for Post Newsweek TV Group, I became interested in the late Sun Bear's "Black Dawn/Bright Day", which does a very comprehensive job of explaining the upcoming Earth Changes that Native Americans and other indigenious people from around the world have been predicting for many centuries. Sun Bear begins with an in-depth, informative look at how we have gotten ourselves into the mess we are experiencing: earthquakes increasing in number; destruction of 51 acres of tropical forests every minute; consumption of 35,000 barrels of oil every minute; 1692 acres of productive dry land become desert every hour; 1800 children are dying of starvation every hour; 25,000 die of water shortage or contamination every day; etc.He also presents a fascinating account of Indian prophecies, warnings that are now becoming a reality. One in particular is the Iroquois prophecy about the wrestling match between the serpents. The white and red serpents both have the same goals of domination, conquest, and control of Planet Earth. These two serpents were seen to be wrestling with each other until the rivers boiled and the fish died. Soon the black serpent would come into the battle and defeat the red and white serpents. As the black serpent looked toward the indigenious people of Planet Earth to further his wrath, he would see the coming of the great light of Deganawida and become frightened, flee, and never bother the people again.Through contact with the Great Spirit, Sun Bear learned the white and red serpents represented the United States and the Soviet Union. Through our atomic testing we have literally killed off fish and rivers have boiled. Also through the many years of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union supplied weapons to others in the names of democracy and communism. Now the black serpent represented as the Moslem countries has appeared on the scene and gotten the United States and the Soviet Union into conflicts that still plague our world through terrorism. Sun Bear saw the next stage as war among the Moslems and uses the occupation of Kuwait leading to the Gulf War. Yes, Sun Bear does paint a fact-filled, gloomy picture for Planet Earth; however, he also sees the tremendous benefits of "the cleansing" that will soon occur. He sees this leading to the transformation of a planet plagued by greed, lust, and hate to one eventually of peace, abundance, and love. He already sees the whiteman coming to the Native Americans to learn the ancient ways of Planet Earth and how to restore peace, abundance, and love. Sun Bear shares with us how we can prepare ourselves for survival during the Earth Changes and even shares "safe areas" as he saw them through visions and the experiences of traveling through out the world. I used his map of "safe areas" for the United States for my research on the small towns mentioned in my forthcoming book "Survival Manual for Y2K & Beyond."

Average customer rating:

A Gripping Mystery of the Navajo Culture
Blood Retribution/David&Aimee Thurle
A Craftily Written Novel Rich in Navajo History
SHADES OF SCARPETTA
Super mystery

Wind Spirit (Ella Clah)
Aimee Thurlo , and David Thurlo
Manufacturer: Forge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0765343975
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Book Description

When an arson fire claims the life of the wife of a Navajo Councilmember who spearheaded gun control measures, tensions flare throughout the Rez. Navajo Police Special Investigator Ella Clah's search for the killers is hampered by what happened to her a few days earlier.That day, Ella had acted quickly when an underground explosion triggered the collapse of an abandoned mineshaft. Seeing a child sliding into an exposed tunnel, Ella saved his life but was trapped underground for several frightening, airless minutes. Ella's brother Clifford, a Navajo medicine man, believes that Ella died and that his hataalii abilities showed her wandering wind spirit the way back to her body. Traditionalist Navajo are reluctant to speak to Ella, fearing that she has been contaminated with chindi and become evil. Even some of her fellow police officers are uncomfortable in Ella's presence.Undaunted, Ella continues her quest for justice. But she knows that her experiences underground have changed her permanently. Perhaps she will find a new way to walk in beauty . . . .

Customer Reviews:

A Gripping Mystery of the Navajo Culture.......2007-09-04

I am definitely a fan of Aimee Thurlo and Davide Thurlo's Ella Clah mysteries. Yes, they have supplanted Tony Hillerman for me. At last, an intelligent female Indian officer who is embroiled in this book with the closing of the uranium mines in New Mexico. For those who have the eyes to comprehend, she deftly brings in the illnesses the Indians experience because of the mining. Few people are aware of how the mining on Indian reservations contributes to their health, but also their poverty.

This book brings out the subtle effects of a near-death experience, the superstition and fanaticism of people who cannot understand that there is something beyong death. The authors weave a realistic tale of conflict between the traditionalists and the modernists that is intense and holds the reader's attention. Bettye Johnson, award-winning author of Secrets of the Magdalene Scrolls.

Blood Retribution/David&Aimee Thurle.......2006-08-24

I have been a Tony Hillerman fan, then I got onto the Thurlo's also like the Coel Book that I chose. Am going to order more Thurlo's because our local library does not handle. Thank you so much for your (Amazon) speedy shipping and thd books were in perfect condition.

A Craftily Written Novel Rich in Navajo History.......2004-06-07

Aimee and David Thurlo have added a ninth installment to their Ella Clah series. These novels take place on a Four Corners, New Mexico reservation where Clah is a special investigator for the Navajo Tribal Police. Her family is "traditionalist" and her brother Clifford is a respected hataalli, or medicine man, who at the start of the book is singing hatals. "These songs of blessing compelled the Navajo gods to bring good luck to the land the yellow dust had corrupted and give it new life. Navajo prayers were not petitions. If recited just right, it was believed that the gods couldn't fail to comply."

The rituals are part of a ceremony to kick off the demolition of warrens of abandoned uranium mines that are a danger to the population. Their demise fills the hopes of the tribe, which are vested in "NEED, which stood for Navajo Electrical Energy Development ? the Navajo Nation's first step toward a more prosperous future." The abject poverty on the Rez is palpable and the "lack of funds still took a heavy toll on the tribe's ability to provide and maintain emergency services. Police equipment was badly outdated and salaries hadn't been improved in years. Even the hospital was understaffed."

Ella follows her nephew and his friend when they wander away from the crowd. She sensed the danger they were in as they played "somewhere behind a cluster of boulders several yards away." After a quiet "lecture" about learning patience and warning them about the sick land, her nephew falls off a plank and was pulled into an ever-widening hole. "He dangled helplessly over the edge, staring at her with terrified eyes. 'I'm going to fall!' " Finally, she manages to lift him up to safely. As she tried to save herself, "a wall of sand came sliding down and before she could cry out, Ella felt herself plummeting down a narrow tunnel." When she is found and rescued everyone thinks she is dead. The EMTs are no longer working on her and have covered her with a sheet. At first even her brother considered her to be dead. But after an out-of-body experience, "Ella pushes [the sheet] aside and sits up. No need for CPR ? it worked." Ella is back. But for a Navajo just "coming back" is not that easy.

Various and sundry legends, stories, myths and rituals comprise the traditional and modern Navajo belief systems. Some of these are contradictory and put Clah in the strange position of having to prove she has not been "touched" or "contaminated" or "taken over" by evil spirits. She had an experience the year before that convinced her that "she'd discovered ? skinwalkers --- Navajo witches known for their practices and rituals associated with the dead --- [who] were using [the] old mines for their own purposes." But on this happy day she was convinced that "skinwalkers had apparently stopped using this site after authorities had destroyed a few of the larger shafts."

Clifford says, "Her wind spirit has drifted. We, as Navajos, are taught that life begins when wind enters the body at birth and that death happens when it leaves through the fingertips. I've tried to convince the [traditionalists] that once the wind spirit leaves ? it never returns to the person it left behind. It waits for another to be born. So you couldn't have been dead."

To clear her path and remove the shadow of death that has now shrouded her, Ella must assuage the fears of some of her people. She must be the focus of an obscure ceremony or "Sing" that is required in the circumstances. Clifford tells her, "Only one hataalii knows the Sing you need --- hastiin sdni which means 'old man'; [so aged he] was to be in his nineties. [Unfortunately] the Singer [she needs] has gone off on a spiritual journey. He's visiting the shrines of his clan and could be nearly anywhere." Clah knows she has no choice but to go looking for this person, and the sooner she gets started the sooner the Sing can be performed.

At first she has no luck in tracking the old man down. But in the interim she's called out on a vandalism call and then an arson/murder. Both are connected to the activism of the victims who are fighting for handgun registration on the reservation. The woman who died in the fire had been in a wheelchair for years as a result of a gunshot wound. She and her husband were at the vanguard of the new legislation and obvious targets of the rednecks who saw them as enemies.

As events unfold Ella is caught up in maintaining her dignity and keeping the respect of the people to whom she feels responsible. WIND SPIRIT is a craftily written novel that is rich in Navajo history and life on the reservation. Both the lead and supporting characters are deftly fleshed out, which adds verisimilitude to the different issues that confront them throughout the novel. Tension is high when the vandals keep at their ugly mission, a hostage crisis becomes full blown, and dead bodies mount as gunshots ring out in deafening finality.

By the end of the book Clifford speaks to his sister: "I heard from the hataalii we've all been searching for. He's finished his other business and will be here today. The Sing can begin this afternoon." When he left her and she took stock of her situation she found "it was clear that she'd have her work cut out for her during the coming months [despite the cleansing of the Sing] but for now she'd restore her own inner balance and harmony by joining her family. It was time to walk in beauty."

--- Reviewed by Barbara Lipkien Gershenbaum

SHADES OF SCARPETTA.......2004-04-29

I liked this book in spite of myself. It is a prime example of the "detective-as-target" school of mystery writing. Ella Clah not only has to cope with assorted bad guys trying to kill or maim her, she must also deal with being shunned by many of the traditionalist Navajos. Shades of Patricia Cornwell's persecuted heroine, Kate Scarpetta.

What redeemed the book in my eyes was that the Thurlos successfully mix Clah's police activities with details of the traditionalist practices of her mother and brother. The only homicide in the story is solved early. The remaining complications arise from factional conflict on the reservation. A couple of Ella's antagonists from previous books get their comeuppance. A pretty slight plot, but an enjoyable read.

Super mystery.......2004-03-31

During the closing of the uranium mines at Four Corners in the Navaho Reservation in New Mexico, a child almost falls through an abandoned mine shaft. Navaho Police Special Investigator Elle Clah rescues him but falls in the hole and the ground offers no hard holds to pull herself out. She manages to attract someone?s attention but before she can be rescued, she is drowning in a sea of sand. When she is taken out, they pronounce her dead and put a sheet over her, but she suddenly jumps up very much alive. She had a near death experience and everything she believes about the afterlife is challenged.

The shaft she fell in was once used by Skinwalkers and because of that the fact that she was declared dead, the traditionalist and the new traditionalists want her to have a special sing to remove the taint of death that clings to her. Only one man alive knows it and nobody knows where he is. A crime wave of arson, murder and numerous attempts on Ella?s life breaks out and Ella is hampered in her investigation because many Navaho won?t deal with her until she has the sing.

Aimee and David Thurlo always writes a great Native American police procedural but this work is one of the best because after almost being killed Ella realizes she has to make some changes in her life. WIND SPIRIT is as much a mystery as it is an anthropological story of the Navaho lifestyle. It is fascinating to see how many different cultural groups live on the reservation. The authors educate as well as entertain the readers by incorporating social issues that must be addressed into the plot.

Book Description

Throughout the ages, shamans and mystics have recognized that all created things share some level of consciousness, and that ordinary and nonordinary realities interact at some point. This book by a well-known Celtic American shaman explores those interactions and interconnected pathways, looking at the interdependence of our material life with our inner life and that of nature. Each chapter is a small window into the mysteries of nature and soul as they infuse daily life. Cowan draws on the teachings of medieval mystics, fairy legends, Celtic songs, present-day poets and seekers, Native American stories, and other traditions. From these strands he weaves a Celtic knot of spirit that is both beautiful and strong.

Customer Reviews:

charming collection.......2007-08-05

Delightful reading - and now we're taking turns reading it aloud to each other in the evening. A very positive book - just what we need right now.

An absolutely wonderful little book.......2007-06-01

This book is a true delight! Full of the light and magic of the world all around us, Tom Cowan's words are sure to make you think and to move your soul.

Sound advice.......2007-05-13

Tom Cowan's Celtic Reflections is a wonderful read. Every chapter contains pearls of wisdom. The book is also written in a way that builds on concepts presented earlier to make the point later in the book. The reflections draw on Celtic traditions and myth, as well as Cowan's personal life. His explanation of spirit and living "in the spirit" was particuarly poignant. I plan read sections again to try to pull out individual practices and meditations. Although they are presented in almost every chapter, I wish there had been a summary or methodology to the techniques that were presented. Overall, though, an excellent book worthy of reading and study, whether you are into Celtic traditions or simply want to experience another way look of seeing the world.

An Absolutely Inspiring Text That Gives Great Insight Into The Heart of Celtic Theology........2005-11-27

I found "Yearning for the Wind" to be an absolutely inspiring text that gives great insight into the heart of Celtic Theology. Of particular interest to me, and something I hold as a personal belief is the Celtic mystery tradition, going back to the time of Plato, that all created things share in the divine life of the Creator (pp. 56). I believe that the spirit of God is in each of us.

Some may ask how the spirit of the divine can be found in those who are not godly, yet we find this too explained in "Yearning for the Wind" and in Celtic Theology in general. In the text a story is related of two groups of sheep. One group being white and the other being black. From time to time one of the white sheep would wander over to the group of black sheep and would itself turn black. And, later a black sheep would wander into the white flock and would thereafter turn white. I took this to mean that we tend to take on the likeness of those with who we associate. So... when we associate with those lacking an abundance of the divine spirit we ourselves show a lack of this spirit too. Yet, the divine spirit that is in us will grow when given an environment that is nurturing to the spirit.

Along this same line however, we are never completely black, nor are we ever completely white. In "Yearning for the Wind" we see this reflected in the story of the tree, half of which is on fire, the flames blazing up to the top of tree; while the other half of the tree is green, leafy and beautiful. Although not explained in great detail I found the story of the burning tree to be similar to the Chinese theory of yin and yang. Each is the opposite of the other, yet yin flow into yang and yang flows into yin, and at the heart of each is the essence of its own opposite. In each person we can find the rage and flames of the burning half of the Celtic tree and at the same time we can find the shade, and leafy beauty of a tree in the fullness of its bloom.

I believe it is what we do with that that is found within each of us that dictates the course of our lives, and how brightly the spirit of the divine is reflected in us. In Celtic Theology we read the story of Dagda's harp, the music of which affected the soul of man. It is the music of sleep that brings us to that state beyond joy. The Buddhists call it `satori' and the Hindus call it `nirvana', but in each case it is simply realizing the spirit of the divine living within each of us. When we reach a state where we realize that inner divine spirit we can thereafter use that spirit to aid others ~ as with the Celtic songs of healing, which heal those who hear them as well as those who sing them.

We must not think however that Celtic Theology is all mystery and hidden spirit. Those of the Celtic faith are very much in tune with life in this world. We see this reflected in the reply of one of Finn MacCool's men when asked by St. Patrick what had sustained him before the `Gospels'. "The warrior-hunter answered `The truth in our hearts, the strength in our arms, and the promise on our lips'." This clearly summarizes the Celtic Moral Code: "To live from the deep inner knowledge of the heart and soul, to manifest it by physical action, and to be true to one's word." (pp. 83)

Although every religion attempts to offer a code or commandments to guide the moral lives of the faithful, I believe that this Celtic insight into morality says it best. For if a man follows the deep inner knowledge of his heart and soul, does he not draw upon the spirit of the divine that is within us all? And, by drawing upon this inner spirit of the divine a man's physical actions with be brave and right and strong. With strength of spirit, and strength of deed, our word will surely be honorable and true.

A journey to understand the wind and soul.......2005-02-21

Tom Cowan's Yearning of the Wind: Celtic Reflections on Nature is truly wonderful. I imagine that I will reread sections of this book time and time again--each time taking something different with me, each time seeing it from a different perspective. His writing is easy. Flowing from word to word and thought to thought, he takes you on a journey of the soul. It's deceptively simplistic and easy to read--but the depth is tremendous. In a few pages, his words convey universal meanings that strike a chord deep within me.

Cowan writes "Live courageously even though circumstances frighten you. Push through fear, knowing that ultimately nothing can harm your soul."

Wise words from an eloquent man.

Average customer rating:

An excellent guide to the medicine wheel.
Rather suspicious.
What a fabulous learning tool!
Super Resource
A gift from Mother Earth

Dancing with the Wheel
Sun Bear , Wabun Wind , and Crysalis Mulligan
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0671767321

Book Description

The Native American philosophy behind the vision of the Medicine Wheel is that all things and beings on the earth are related and, therefore, must be in harmony for the earth to be balanced. Dancing with the Wheel teaches you how to apply this philosophy to your daily life through many practical exercises and ceremonies. These exercises will help you gain energy from the spirits, which can heal both humans and the earth.

Through Dancing with the Wheel, the second book specifically devoted to the Medicine Wheel, those familiar with this vision will gain an increased understanding of the wheel and its developments over the last ten years. Those new to the Medicine Wheel will be ushered into the teachings and technique of what has come to be a source of comfort and direction for thousands of people around the world. Whether you are in the middle of the wilderness or the middle of a city, this book and its exercises will help you center yourself and establish peace with the earth and other beings.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent guide to the medicine wheel........2007-01-10

This book is an excellent guide to the medicine wheel and its applications and use in every day life. The first thing I do with any book before I buy it is read parts of it so that I can check the integrity of the information and where the author is at conscious wise in their journey (to save me buying 'new age' junk). That said, I really like the work integrity of Sun Bear's work and highly recommend it. (I also have bought his other book Walk in Balance and found it to be useful).

This book is one of the better presentations of the medicine wheel I've seen in writing. It clearly explains each of the directions in detail and all of their associations (elements, plants, minerals, animals, colors etc.). All of this is included in a very handy reference chart. It enables you to find your spot on the medicine wheel, your birth place and the associated meaning. Astrologers would find the information here very useful.

The book though is also LOADED with practical tools you can use and detailed guidelines as to how to use them (alone or in groups), it includes areas such as smudging, ceremony, ritual, chanting, receiving help from the medicine wheel, how to build a medicine wheel. The major benefit though is the clarity, simplicity and ease of presentation which makes it easy to use and refer back to and the depth of the instructions, explanations and descriptions of how to do the exercises and what the various associations are (I find usually other authors describe them in superficial ways). There are plenty of ceremonies, tasks, exercises and practices if you're a practitioner that will keep you busy for a long time. Alsoi included is a bibliography for further reading.

Other books you may want to check out are Loren Cruden's 'Spirt of Place' (one of the most practical guide to integrating the medicine wheel teachings I've come across), and her book 'Compass of the Heart'.

If you're interested in the medicine wheel, this is definately a book you would want to own.

Rather suspicious........2005-04-18

At a first glance this book seems very cool. It's a lot of book for the money. It's tidy, with picturesque schemes, drawings and pictures. However, at a more careful reading, it sounds like a Native American version of the Western zodiac astrology. The wheel is split into four quadrants (the directions), each quadrant is divided into three sectors, thus making 12 "months" (aren't there 13 moons in the Native American tradition?). Each sector is symbolized by one stone, one plant, one animal. Everything is geometrically boxed. Everything makes perfect sense. Every page is smudged with a little bit of tribal names, a little bit of tribal cosmology, a little bit of the Kokopelli stuff, a little bit of do-it-yourself ceremonies ... Of course, the Great Spirit is there, as are Mother Hearth and the Thunderbird.
Cheesey New Age at its best in my humble opinion.

What a fabulous learning tool!.......2004-07-31

I enjoyed each and every page of this book. The depth to which he explains the conecepts of and the actual construction of Medicine Wheels is mind boggling! I cannot wait to build my own Medicine Wheel out in the woods! GREAT reference book. Thank you, Sun Bear!

Super Resource.......2003-11-04

This is my first book on medicine wheels and ceremonies. I first became interested when my family and I went to Sedona for Christmas a few years ago and spent the day with a woman who took us on a hike and did a drumming ceremony and visulaization. This book has excellent info that has not only helped me understand more of the background and meaning of the different ceremonies and symbolism but also the grounding to do them myself.

The first chapter (I love the title) is called "The Dance Begins." It steps through things like what a medicine wheel looks like, what it represents and how to make one. Then there is a section on "hearing the earth's song" - this is almost a meditation of sitting quietly and listening to your own heart beat and that of the earth. Then there are pages on the different clans (I especially love the Butterfly Clan). Ceremonies like smudging are described as well as centering through use of drums & rattles. There are chants to sing, discussion of the different pathways, using the medicine wheel for healing, using stones/minerals, totem animals. Plants are also discussed. Oversll quite a comprehensive book - one that can keep you busy for quite a long time because its so full of information and activities.

A gift from Mother Earth.......2000-11-29

This book teaches us the how to communicate in a deeper and more personal way with ourselvs and the earth. It teaches us healing ceremonies and songs, it teaches us how to build our own wheels with the help of plants and stones and colors, with wonderful illustrations and instructions to guide us every step of the way. It will teach you how to see the spirit inside each living thing from the single stone on a trail to the mighty hawk high above us. I believe with the help of this book we as brothers and sisters can finially begin to heal our earth.

Dreaming With the Wheel: How to Interpret Your Dreams Using the Medicine Wheel

Average customer rating:

Many helpful techniques for remembering dreams

Dreaming With the Wheel: How to Interpret Your Dreams Using the Medicine Wheel
Sun Bear , Wabun Wind , and Shawnodese
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0671784161

Customer Reviews:

Many helpful techniques for remembering dreams.......1998-11-12

This is one of the most comprehensive and easily accessible books I've read on techniques for remembering dreams and categorizing their importance. I liked it so much I'm buying my own copy! I'll use it extensively as an ongoing workbook.

Walking on the Wind: Cherokee Teachings for Harmony and Balance

Average customer rating:

Timeless teachings applied to modern experiences
walk in harmony
Read this book only if you dare to see you as you really are
Outstanding!
Wonderful teachings!

Walking on the Wind: Cherokee Teachings for Harmony and Balance
Michael Tlanusta Garrett
Manufacturer: Bear & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Accessories:

ASIN: 1879181495
Release Date: 1998-05-01

Book Description

Using storytelling, Michael Garrett inspires us to discover our own unique Medicine. These traditional Cherokee teachings passed down by Michael's great-grandfather instruct us that all things are connected, have purpose, and are worthy of respect and reverence.

Customer Reviews:

Timeless teachings applied to modern experiences .......2007-08-24

Excellent reading. Michael Garrett has become a fine teacher like his father before him. A true student of life Michael takes the Cherokee ancestral stories, mixes in some modern day experiences and relays a wonderful message. If harmony and balance are traits you would like to have within your own life I highly recommend this selection.

walk in harmony.......2007-02-19

If you want to find balance in your life, this book is an excellent way to start on that pathway.

Read this book only if you dare to see you as you really are.......2006-06-09

Michael continues his journey of a Helper in the truest form of "being Cherokee". I am amazed at how simple God our Creator is revealed in our self induced complexity of life. Thank you Michael for helping to remove the scales of our heart and spirit. For those of you who are Christians, I would encourage you to use Michael's book as a help in your journey through the Bible.

Blessings

Outstanding!.......2005-01-03

I came across this book while exploring my recently discovered Native heritage. It fit the bill perfectly, helping me learn about universal Native traditions, practices, and thinking. I could go on and on, but it's enough to say that this book is well written, informative, and enjoyable. Michael Garrett has a lot to offer.

Wonderful teachings!.......2003-11-29

This is a wonderful book - the lessons, the stories, the exercises, all are superb. Through these different avenues/activities Michael Garrett really conveys not only native american rituals (what, how) but also such deep meaning and connection with mother earth (why). Its a fun book to read, very open and honest style that becomes a real page turner. I love the opening poems to the different chapters that set the stage. Here's the oe for the chapter entitled The Rule of Opposites: "The good road and the road of difficulties; you have made me cross; and where they cross, the place is holy." There are wonderful drawings throughout the book as well. This is definitely one of those books that you read and you think about life in its purest sense. The exercises at the end of each chapter give you good real-world things to do to really understand the teaching. I love it!! Highly recommended!

Whispering Winds of Change: Perceptions of a New World

Average customer rating:

Insightful and Spiritual Diagnosis of the World's Pain
Whispering Winds of Change
Arrogant, dated, offensive...just plain HIDEOUS!
Unique Perspectives
A Celestial Perspective on Humanity's Evolution - Awesome!

Whispering Winds of Change: Perceptions of a New World
Stuart Wilde
Manufacturer: Hay House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1561701602

Book Description

Stuart shows that through quieting the ego and creating a rotation out of the three-dimensional world of external reality to the fourth dimension of the inner being, we can offer serenity and healing to ourselves and the rest of the world.

Customer Reviews:

Insightful and Spiritual Diagnosis of the World's Pain.......2006-04-13

Stuart Wilde is either a madman or he has it all together, in a way like no one else I have read, in his diagnosis of how we came to be where we are. I don't think he is mad. I think he is coming from a right-brain, artistic-spiritual perspective.

If you wonder, like I have, why there seems to be so much lack of real character and morality in the world today (particularly in the Western countries, which are supposedly Christian) then READ THIS BOOK! I think he explains it quite well.

His diagnosis fits.

Whispering Winds of Change.......2005-02-19

Wilde's stuff is pretty good, pretty inspiring and very imformative about the nature of human being. You simply have to know where to pick out the pearls and toss the stones.

Also, when I read Wilde's short biography about himself and I read his tongue in cheek style, I cant help but to think that alot of what he says may be bogus, and that the man is laughing all the way to the bank. However, he does inspire me to start my own "new age/self help" system, with all sorts of little books with scribblings off the top of my head and perhaps sell pictures of my feet so that the buyer can have something to meditate on whilst reading my books. Wilde is a clever man, I admire him for that.

Arrogant, dated, offensive...just plain HIDEOUS!.......2004-01-14

I have to agree with "Not Happy"...I could go through this book line by line, paragraph by paragraph and just tear it to shreds, it's so full of contradictions, half-truths, and misinformation. This is NOT meaningful spirituality, folks, but rather typical trendy, shallow New Age (dated) fare with a dash of right wing politics, if you can believe that.

Wilde takes fundamental (largely accurate) observations about people's growing alienation from the dominant culture ("fringe dwellers"), the fiction of the boob tube, oppressive governments and religion, etc. -- stuff that could have made for a unique (i.e. intelligent) New Age read -- and twists, distorts, and warps them into explanations and conclusions that are just mind-bending, and NOT in a good way. Worse, he seems to have some kind of hidden right-wing political agenda. He doesn't believe in global warming, despite the overwhelming evidence (guess he doesn't "buy the science"...now who does that sound like?), he doesn't support taxing the wealthy to help the less fortunate (a point he hits at several times) -- again, doesn't this sound familiar?... of course, he also says we should be less materialistic, so why he's so concerned with defending the rich heaven only knows...oh, and he doesn't seem to care much for the homeless either. What a surprise.

Wilde also has little to no respect for aboriginal people's wisdom (too "tribal"), earth religions, goddess worship, etc. He repeatedly implies that Western New Age spirituality is far more evolved than the spirituality of people from less materially developed societies. He talks about our spiritual evolution as requiring a break with our mother (mother earth, the earth religions) -- very Freudian, very patriarchal, very lame. (Like the song says, "we've got to get ourselves BACK to the garden"...of course, Wilde also says the earth isn't a victim. Has he not left the house in 20 or 30 years?)

The author is correct about one thing -- the New Age has really hit a wall of sorts, for over a decade now, if sales of New Age merchandise are any indication. Books like "Whispering Winds" tell me this may be a good thing.

Unique Perspectives.......2002-04-09

Wilde is one of my favorite authors and this book was again an engaging read. I doubt, however, is this title is of the same quality as his classics like Affirmations and The Force. This book was published in 1993 and I suspect he might already have been proven wrong in some of his political predictions. Also, sometimes his thoughts meander and it becomes difficult to make out exactly what he wants to say. Nevertheless, there are brilliant passages and his dissident and unorthodox views of stuff like global warming are excellent. His analysis of government misrule, especially in the manipulation of money, is also very valid. His explanation of historical events based on the wave/particle duality is original and interesting. So yes, a thought-provoking book and a good read, but not his best.

A Celestial Perspective on Humanity's Evolution - Awesome!.......2001-07-11

Powerhouse authors like Noam Chompsky, Michael Parenti, and Paul Hawken illuminate WHAT is occurring politically, socially, and economically on earth right now. In "Whispering Winds" Stuart Wilde astutely provides a cosmic perspective on the WHY of humanity's current plight. With compassion, wit, and humor Stuart offers profound insight into our ego-based trajectory and the unfoldment of our evolution on this planet. This is one of the most influential and life-changing books I've ever read.

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