Recommended Reading
These are Lak'weh's recommendations on books that have nourished her spirit deeply over the years. Many of these are meant to be sipped slowly with intention, like a warm cup of green tea on a chilly autumn morning. They will guide you, raise you up, and steep you with wisdom attained with intentional spiritual lessons. These are must-reads and are ready to be dived into again and again!
Black Elk: The Sacred Ways of a Lakota
An immensely powerful resource for understanding Lakota ceremony & indigenous understanding of the world we live in. "Grandpa" (as I call him affectionately!) Wallace Black Elk (a different man from the famous "Black Elk Speaks") describes his life experiences in a potent and heart-opening way, revealing deeper understanding for what is possible through working with the Spirit-- God. This book shows a unique perspective with spiritual teachings you don't always hear described in such detail. I am thankful for Grandpa Wallace's prayers & the legacy he has left with us-- and a poignant read I return to again and again.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants
This book is abundantly overflowing with indigenous teachings interwoven with real-life scientific reflections on the ways of natural ecosystems, plant medicine, and Anishinaabe stories as told by Robin Wall Kimmerer. A must read for anyone interested in the healing power of plants, understanding a worldview that reveals our natural compassion & guardianship for this world.
The Raven's Gift: A Scientist, a Shaman, and Their Remarkable Journey Through the Siberian Wilderness
This book reveals the relationship between healing, a shaman's ability to journey into untangling illness, and a scientist's perspective on approaching the metaphysical. A deeply transformative book overflowing with surprises, medicine, and Siberian shamanism. One of the many cultures that is celebrated today & has shared a deeper understanding in cultivating a shamanic foresight & relationship to medicine.
Womb Wisdom: Awakening the Creative and Forgotten Powers of the Feminine
For any womb carrier who feels their connection has been broken, strained, or irreverent to the feminine & their inner goddess. Especially for women who struggle to connect with their Moon time (menstrual cycle) in a sacred way. This book provides many helpful exercises for restoring your natural connection & power to this powerful portal of Life, generating healing power & a harmonious relationship to your body & the power it holds.
Your Soul Purpose: Learn How to Access the Light Within
Kim Russo is a beloved medium known by me since her appearances on the TV show "Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal"-- a favorite since I was a child, and one of the first places I began learning that I may be carrying more gifts than burdens! Kim Russo is a delightfully practical & compassionate medium who shows us the hidden realms in ways we can easily digest & integrate.
Sun Dancing: A Spiritual Journey on the Red Road
Chief Michael Hull was the first white man given the privilege of handling a Lakota Sundance-- and he details this journey with humility & grace, with especially compassionate & detailed descriptions helping us of a Western mindset better understand Lakota (and other indigenous) traditions, ceremony, and overall, a better spiritual understanding. I especially resonate with his teachings of the Hollow Bone, and how he shares we can clean out our inner altar to make room for God, as well as establish a better relationship with our Creator (whom he calls Walter) if we have felt this power's name has been misused, or we feel afraid of it. He's also a pretty humorous guy, which I love!
Zen Bridge: The Zen Teachings of Keido Fukushima
For any person called to meditation, who may struggle to understand how or why we do this process, this is an incredibly helpful book that explains the how and why of this process, as well as detailing many humorous stories from the path of Zen, and helping us to better understand our journey of life through the lens of Zen. Highly recommended for those interested in Eastern philosophies.
Buffalo Woman Comes Singing: The Spirit Song of a Rainbow Medicine Woman
Brooke Medicine Eagle presents a wonderful book jam-packed with teachings that are full of insight, wisdom, and a delightful sense of humor! She details her journeys and challenges as a woman raised in a world of ceremony, which is a healing path, but also reveals the specific challenges we face with abusive spiritual leaders, and finding clarity after these circumstances. A powerful voice for unity, healing, and weaving together the Cangleska Wakan (Sacred Hoop) Medicine Eagle calls us together to join hands as humanity heals through some of the most troubled times our world has to offer. I recommend reading this one with a cup of tea in hand, and a fluffy blanket over your shoulders! This is potent feminine wisdom!
Growing Up Psychic: My Story of Not Just Surviving but Thriving--and How Others Like Me Can, Too
Chip Coffey, director of AMC's TV show "Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal" was the very first inspiration for me to dive deeply into my intuitive gifts. He's a celebrated Medium with gifts that have helped set countless hearts free over decades, and he deeply details some personal life experiences that put him on his path, as well as helpful insights for those struggling with their own gifts, or raising kids with intuitive abilities. I just love Chip-- and I love his book deeply!
Thunder's Grace: Walking The Road Of Visions With My Lakota Grandmother
Mary Thunder, a renowned Native American spiritual leader, details her life's journey beginning with her struggles with childhood abandonment by her mother, addiction, relationship problems, and so much more, while finding herself spiritually on the Red Road, guided by her adoptive Lakota grandmother, Grace. This book is deeply touching as she shares her stories on trauma, deep healing, and a beautiful way of life through Lakota ceremony. I find myself brought to tears countless times through this read....especially potent for anyone dealing with childhood trauma, healing from absent parents, and finding their way as a person of mixed lineage. I was especially touched when I first opened this book and read the acknowledgements where William Baker is thanked, a Dakota Elder who introduced me to the Red Road in 2020. Knowing he has been part of her life moved me deeply & instilled me with trust in Thunder's message!
Clowns of the Hopi: Tradition Keepers and Delight Makers
This is a delightful book that details the traditional character, appearances, rituals, and roles that Hopi clown play in traditional society, with many humorous & clownish passages that left me crying with laughter. For the clowns of this world, I find it deeply important to understand traditional ceremonies & presentations that help us understand the nature of these sacred beings, and how they weave deeply into our lives through laughter, joy, and highlighting potent truths with permission to be silly, profane, and deeply spiritual through their antics! What a delightful read.