For centuries, a persistent and important component of Lakota religious life has been the Inipi, the ritual of the sweat lodge. The sweat lodge has changed little in appearance since its first recorded description in the late seventeenth century. The ritual itself consists of songs, prayers, and other actions conducted in a tightly enclosed, dark, and extremely hot environment. Participants who “sweat” together experience moral strengthening, physical healing, and the renewal of social and cultural bonds. Today, the sweat lodge ritual continues to be a vital part of Lakota religion. It has also been open to use, often controversial, by non-Indians. The ritual has recently become popular among Lakotas recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. This study is the first in-depth look at the history and significance of the Lakota sweat lodge. Bringing together data culled from historical sources and fieldwork on Pine Ridge Reservation, Raymond A. Bucko provides a detailed discussion of continuity and changes in the “sweat” ritual over time. He offers convincing explanations for the longevity of the ceremony and its continuing popularity.

Frank Fools Crow, Ceremonial Chief of the Teton Sioux, is regarded by many to be the greateset Native American holy person since 1900. Nephew of Black Elk, and a disciplined, spiritual and political leader, Fools Crow died in 1989 at the age of 99. This volume reveals his philosophy and practice.

To the Plains Indians, the Sun Dance has traditionally been a profound religious ceremony, the highest form of worship of the Most Holy One. Thomas E. Mails was invited to attend and record in detail the Sioux Sun Dances at Rosebud and Pine Ridge. This was a singular honor no white man has been accorded before or since. The result is this groundbreaking work, illustrated with rare photographs and stunning four-color paintings.

You’re no idiot, of course. You know that shamans are also known as medicine men and women, who use the power of the mind and call on spiritual helpers to heal the afflicted. However, this ancient art has been put to more modern uses, including problem solving, empowerment, and personal mastery. But you don’t have to trek through steamy Amazonian jungles or frigid Siberian tundra to become enlightened in the ways of shamanism! The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Shamanism will show exactly how to discover your own shamanic power—and how that power will guide you in your everyday life! In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: --Shamanic history—from its origins in Paleolithic times to its spreading influence today. --Power animals—where to locate them and how they communicate with you. --How to take a shamanic journey—traveling through the Lower, Upper, and Middle Worlds, and exploring your past or future. --Shamanic healing techniques in use with modern medicine.

Designed for ease of use with maps, a detailed subject index, an extensive bibliography, and cross references, this book is sure to fascinate anyone interested in Native American culture and heritage.

Shemsu Hor, the Followers of Horus is a journey taking us in Ancient Egypt and the Hopi Nation. Two cultures separated by thousands of miles yet both have similar connections from the deep past regarding spiritual burial practices and reeds. Reeds are central connecting both cultures, reeds which were used to construct the first temple is Ancient Egypt and the reed depicted in the emergence story of the Hopi from the third to the fourth world. The first mound of the Ancient Egyptian temple and the sand ridge of Hopi ceremonial practice in their Kivas is explored and more including DNA. The journey then takes us to the here and now, how the Shemsu Hor have planted clues in stone for us to decipher regarding events unfolding today. Perhaps, we are not alone as well on our journey as human beings.

xts across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, North & South America and Oceania.