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Energetic Essences
Finding Sanctuary in Nature
Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition for Healing Yourself and Others
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Amazon "Product Description"
These spiritual lessons are based on Native American shamanism but fit a wide range of interests from yoga and alternative medicine to Bible study and nature hiking. Hands-on exercises, step-by-step instructions for ceremonies, and sketches by the author's wife explain how to clear spaces of unwanted energy, create simple ceremonies, connect with spirit guides and angels, and interpret symbols. An extended discussion tells how to make a medicine wheel that resembles a labyrinth and use it as an engine for distance healing. Additional ceremonies for daily living, healing the earth, and soul retrieval are also described, and the spiritual quest itself is shown to follow the process of choosing a sacred place in nature, finding a sacred place within oneself, and connecting to the inner and outer worlds. Readers are encouraged to keep a notebook about their spiritual growth and refer to the key words and suggestions for internet research that are included.
ARTICLE, Reprinted from the Clarion-Ledger:
June 4, 2007
American Indian spirituality focus of books, drum circle
By JC Patterson
Special to The Clarion-Ledger
I'm sitting at a drum circle on a Saturday night in downtown Lena. More than 20 people fill a circular pattern in an upstairs room; the scent of sage permeates the air.
Drums, rattles, candles and other artifacts are strategically positioned throughout the room. A wiry, bearded man in jeans and a ceremonial shirt is at the head of the circle. He's teaching American Indian principals through the four directions: East, South, West and North. These make up the circle known as the Medicine Wheel.
This is sacred space. The man is calm, centered, at peace. When he finishes speaking on the principals of a particular direction, the approaching season and insights just over the horizon, the man smiles at the group and calmly says, "Let's drum."
For the past seven years, Jim PathFinder Ewing has opened his Lena residence to the curious, the learned and those seeking spirituality through nature. His drum circles are held monthly by invitation. Drumming disperses negative energy and invites in a spirit of peace, he says. It's a liberating experience that's been going on for thousands of years.
UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
Bestowed the title Nvnehi Awatisgi (Cherokee for Pathfinder), Ewing, also an editorial writer for The Clarion-Ledger, serves as medicine man for his community. He sponsors workshops and lectures on shamanism, energy medicine and American Indian spirituality.
He also writes articles and books. Finding Sanctuary in Nature: Simple Ceremonies for Healing Yourself and Others is the second in his three-book series, following last fall's Clearing: A Guide to Liberating Energies Trapped in Buildings and Lands.
Simply written and expertly explained, Ewing speaks in a universal language to include all religions. Through a series of shamanic teachings, Ewing shows us how to appreciate the spiritual forces in every living thing. Exercises in prayer, singing, rituals, ceremony, sacred space, the elements, symbolism and connecting with spirit guides only begin to cover the scope of this small yet powerful guide.
For those seeking enlightenment in American Indian spirituality, it's an honor to have an authentic shaman such as Ewing within an hour's drive. But even more convenient is the availability of his teachings in these fine collections.
Clearing and Finding Sanctuary in Nature are remarkable tools towards a richer, more rewarding life.
Endorsements
"A powerful 'listening walk' into spiritual awareness that provides delight at every turn. . . . Ceremonies no doubt will be a valuable textbook on shamanism and Native American spirituality for many years to come."
—Sandi Sedgbeer, Editor of PlanetLightworker Magazine
"Jim PathFinder Ewing shows us the real meaning of sanctuary - a sacred and healing space of tranquility . . . to create our own special, healing connection with nature and within ourselves.”
-- Darby Davis, Editor of Awareness Magazine
“With this book, PathFinder gives a great gift to the world, the blessing of opening a doorway for all peoples to enter the world of Spirit. It’s a piece of mastery, of beauty and power. . . . Achukmahoke! (“This is good!”).”
-- Boe “Many Knives” Glasschild (Bvshpolawa), Choctaw shaman, author of The Shores Within.
“This book is a valuable manual for those seeking to become whole.”
-- Kathleen Spider Lawrence, Taino, Caney Indian Spiritual Circle, author of Songs Of Bleeding
"The message of this book is both beautiful and practical . . . to help readers find and create practices that are personally meaningful." —Pathways Magazine
Review by Jennifer Haggerty Bellis
The message of this book is both beautiful and practical. The sanctuary of nature is all around us and within us; whether we are in rural Virginia or downtown Washington we can find sacred spaces for simple healing ceremonies. Jim Pathfinder Ewing has studied with teachers from Native American tribes and the spiritual traditions of the East, but the ceremonies of his book are not specific to any group. Instead, his purpose was to help readers find and create practices that are personally meaningful.
Pathfinder Ewing takes a balanced, non-dogmatic approach to his material. Both the anger some Native Americans feel about their ceremonies being “stolen” and the desire of outsiders to enrich their lives by adopting native beliefs are acknowledged and respected. Pathfinder Ewing takes a middle way, honoring the spirit of native ancestors by adapting ancient ceremonies for today’s world. He weaves world history, personal experience, modern science and ancient myth into his narrative.
Finding Sanctuary in Nature is well organized. The first three chapters end with review points and internet key words for further research. The information and exercises in these chapters provide the principles, tools and techniques for performing Native American based ceremonies. Subsections include Tricking the Trickster, Harnessing the Power of the Medicine Wheel, and How to Pray. The heart of the book, the fourth, largest and final chapter, contains the ceremonies. These include distance healing, creating a sweat or moon lodge, soul retrieval, vision quests, and honoring your power animal through dance.
Amazon Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars Finding Sanctuary in Nature, February 8, 2008
By Linda D. Servis (Hopkins, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
I loved this book. It was so informative about the ceremonies that are so much like native americans use. I really appreciate their way of worship because it includes every minute of every day. It is so nice to get God (creator) out of the building and to thank him for all the little things that our religions forget about.
I am so glad that Mr. Pathfinder is not afraid to explain the concepts and rituals of his ancestors. I was so thrilled to read this book that I sent it to my son in prison. He in turn gave it to a native american friend of his and the friend said it helps he and his friends to worship and get back to the faith that they lost or never had. They are learning to be native again. I love it! I am so glad that I could help them just a little.
I wonder how many people ever think of the people in prison. They are not throw away people. They are like us. They are seeking what they didn't have before and it must feel so good when they reach back to their ancestors and discover what they were missing.
Thank You Mr. Pathfinder,
5.0 out of 5 stars recommended, July 7, 2007
By Sarah Ann - See all my reviews
I enjoyed every page. The author explained simple ceremonies without violating tribal privacy. Though I have participated in ceremonies for many years, I still found descriptions in the book where I thought "oh, so THAT'S why we do that". The book was easy to read thanks to the clear and direct writing style. I hope Jim PathFinder Ewing continues writing.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Spiritual Guide, January 13, 2008
By Andy Burkhart "EL LOBO" (D'Lo, MS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)
I would tell you this is the best book I've read, but I haven't read a book from cover to cover in over 35 years !!! I've never found a book that seemed important enough to waste my time with, until now. Jim's talk in this book is so spiritual and of pure intent it's almost overwhelming !!!