Secret Native American Pathways: A Guide to Inner Peace

The most important thing I learned from this beautiful book, illustrated by the author, is that Native American religion is active, not passive. Prayer includes making something, doing something, going somewhere, not just standing & singing, sitting and listening to sermons, just observing rituals, trodden along a well worn path. It makes everything fresh, present, now. Thomas Mails has made accessible to anyone what was passed down one on one for millennia by individuals in separate tribes. This is a basket of gifts, a bundle of gifts of Spirit. Enjoy! Gotta do it to "get it" not just read about it. These practices could be used for children in schools, rehab for those torn down by our abrasive society, elders with diminishing horizons, really an unlimited demographic.I hope some Natives, worn down by reservation life, can rekindle the fire in their hearts, light in their eyes, by dipping into this book.Every time I do the practices Mails writes about here, I'm refreshed, have a new and deeper awareness of life, am more grateful.

I just loved this book.Well written, great insights.Very respectful of our Native American culture that has lost so much already.I used this book for some research on my own stories.If you want to learn more about the native American spiritual word you have to read this book.C. FlemishAuthor of:The Devil's Whorehouse

I found help in this book. I think it fulfills the intended purpose, for those of us who were not raised within the culture to find peace within ourselves using the terminology of the Native American to break us out of our linear thinking. I don't believe the author meant for the book to be a guide to "becoming an Indian" or anything like that. This was the first step on my road. It has also helped me to understand some of the things my Grandfather said to me. I feel very strongly that this book can help those who may be searching for a spiritual way to connect with the Universe, so much so I am here today buying one for a friend.

This book is for people who are interested in different tribes and their rituals on becoming peaceful inside and how they coped through their stress; and stress they had as white eyes came and took over their land. It first goes into 4 different tribes and how they worked and lived, then into some of their ceremonies. Finally at the end how you can apply these ceremonies to yourself in modern day ways. They show good examples on how to make certain ceremony items that are needed and give many suggestions on how to work a ceremony for these days.

As one who is not Native, but has spent decades trying to assimilate the Native culture and spirituality, I found that this book offered some interesting perspectives on how to incorporate Native spiritual concepts into daily living.

well researched

I detest writing negative reviews, but when the author says the following on page 230. My hands are tied."I do not in any instance give you enough guidance to duplicate any of the rituals. The native Americans would be rightfuly displeased if I did, amd I would be breaking confidences."If Mr. Mails did not have permission to release accurate information he should not have written the book!Now to my minor nitpicks about the book.I was personaly offended at the title of chapter 4 "Marauding Apache".On page 189 Mr. Mails talks of women as well as men being pierced in the sundance. Both sexes may participate in the sundance but only the men are pierced.On page 211, 258, and 259 the author discusses the Sioux medicine wheel, and he lists different colors associated with the directions.Page 211& 259: West-Black, North-Red, East-Yellow, South-White.Page 258: West-Black, North-White, East-Red, and South Yellow.Page 258 has the correct color associations according to Nick Black Elk's vision, and these same colors are shown on the cover of "Native Wisdom" Ed McGaa.I have no idea why the author would have the colors right on page 258 and wrong again on the very next page.If you have questions or comments E-Mail me. Two Bears.Wah doh Ogedoda

Good book, good info with drawings

Awesome! Great Product! Great service!