Finding Sanctuary in Nature
Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition for Healing Yourself and Others
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.
BLURBS!
"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.
“Jim Pathfinder Ewing’s book will assist people in creating a personal relationship with Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit. . . This book provides for the right relationship with Creator.”
-- Suzanne Looking Back Woman Dupree, Miniconjou Sioux Pipe Carrier (C'anapa Wakan), Cheyenne River Agency, author of Looking Back Woman Speaks (www.lookingbackwoman.com)
“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
Comments on 'Finding Sanctuary'
(Five Stars) 'Finding Sanctuary' Recommended, July 7, 2007
Reviewer: Sarah Ann
"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."
Finding Sanctuary in Nature: Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition
for Healing Yourself and Others
Reviewed 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 becoming your power animal through dance.
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