Black Elk: The Sacred Ways of a Lakota Paperback – 11 September 1991
by Wallace Black (Author), W Lion (Author)
4.8 out of 5 stars 119 ratings
Part of: Religion and Spirituality (3 books)
"An unprecedented account of the shaman's world and the way it is entered."
STANLEY KRIPPNER, PH.D., coauthor of 'Personal Mythology: The Psychology of Your Evolving Self' and 'Healing States'
"Black Elk opens the Lakota sacred hoop to a comic
"An unprecedented account of the shaman's world and the way it is entered."
STANLEY KRIPPNER, PH.D., coauthor of 'Personal Mythology: The Psychology of Your Evolving Self' and 'Healing States'
"Black Elk opens the Lakota sacred hoop to a comic humanism for everyone. His book will stretch the common definition of shamanism and lift the Buckskin Curtain to the characters behind the great visions."
KENNETH LINCOLN, author of 'Native American Renaissance', in the 'San Francisco Chronicle'
"Simply one of the most inspiring and authentic books I have had the delight to read this decade."
TOM BROWN, JR., author of 'The Vision'
"Both the personal story of Black Elk and the teachings woven into the narrative are a rare gift to contemporary western peoples."
JOAN HALIFAX, PH.D., president, 'Ojai Foundation'
Wallace Black Elk, a Lakota elder and shaman, was born in 1921 on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota. He has traveled widely throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, addressing large groups and conducting healing ceremonies. Anthropologist William S. Lyon has taught at Ashland College in Oregon and at the University of California, Berkeley. He has worked with Wallace Black Elk for more than ten years.
Publisher : HarperCollins US (11 September 1991)
Language : English
Paperback : 224 pages
4.8 out of 5 stars 119 ratings
Mr G Hulme
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful insight into this culture and way of life.Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 15 October 2021
Verified Purchase
Simply a must read for those studying Shamans, Healers and those who comune in altered states.
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heather charnley
5.0 out of 5 stars shamanic seerReviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 24 March 2019
Verified Purchase
I found this book very insightful for understanding the skills that a shamanic seer can reach towards. It gives a different understanding from other books, so it is well worth reading.
2 people found this helpfulReport abuse
W Black
5.0 out of 5 stars BrilliantReviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 10 March 2019
Verified Purchase
One word. Brilliant
3 people found this helpfulReport abuse
gavin mercer
3.0 out of 5 stars Rambled.Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 12 April 2020
Verified Purchase
Rambled on a lot. Maybe full of wisdom? Not sure.
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Julia
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant. Shocking the way this person has been treated ...Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 1 June 2016
Verified Purchase
Brilliant. Shocking the way this person has been treated over the years and how much knowledge he has to share if only people had the ears the listen
2 people found this helpfulReport abuse
===
Apr 20, 2009Sandy rated it it was amazing
Shelves: native-american
LEARN FROM THOSE WHO KNOW
Buy this for Wallace Black Elk's picture on the cover--and for everything inside. Black Elk's state is written all over his face. The man's soul comes right through this book. My spiritual teacher, who was from India, told us to study masters who could impart the experience of God, not people who wrote about people who had experience. Black Elk fits the category of those who know. (less)
flag6 likes · Like · comment · see review
Jul 02, 2012Denise rated it it was amazing
Shelves: memoir
This is a wonderful book and I actually met Wallace Black Elk, what a wonderful, kind, gentle soul.
Spent time helping out the Lakota in South Dakota after suffering a terrible time when a tornado came through and people lost their homes. He is a true teacher and shaman and would love to be in another lodge with him!
flag4 likes · Like · comment · see review
Aug 06, 2012Eliza Buffalo rated it it was amazing
Oh I just loved this man...Wallace Black Elk - not to be confused with one of his elders Nicholas Black Elk...still very much the medicine man and holy man... He is a character not to be missed. lol
flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review
Jan 15, 2016Kimberly Ann rated it it was amazing
Shelves: autobiography, culture
I had the honor & pleasure of knowing and spending time with Grandpa Wallace (not related to Nicholas). He was a great man and was willing to share his knowledge & wisdom with anyone who was willing to listen. He was funny too, but many people didn't catch his subtle sense of humor.
This book is written about his experiences in life and with Tunkashila (Creator). There are many good teachings offered in this book and for anyone interested in modern Native American spirituality this book is a must. (less)
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
Aug 06, 2014Lee Van Ham added it
Having lived in Nebraska for 16 years, I visited a Black Elk monument and came to understand the great contribution made by University of Nebraska professor John Neihardt to appreciation for First Peoples. He'd given priority to a relationship with Black Elk and wrote up much of Black Elk's shamanic story in the Lakota's own words. So a book co-authored by Wallace Black Elk is a great treat to me—a treasure on my shelf.
(less)
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
May 26, 2013Sue rated it really liked it
Shelves: indios
Wallace Black Elk. I thought there was only one Black Elk. Come to find out, there’s Nick Black Elk, Ben Black Elk and now, Wallace. Maybe more.
A sweet, beautiful story. Kinda hard to read, because of the roundabout style but too much editing might weed something out. Requires concentration and inspiration, I guess. Couldn't finish this, too many parables.
(less)
flag2 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review
Nov 22, 2009Beckett rated it it was amazing
Shelves: proverbs-native-american
Wallace Black Elk touches the reader on a spiritual level, addressing that what has been handed down through the generations as part of our genetic codes.
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
Feb 21, 2012Jaime rated it liked it
Definitely interesting but only pick it up if you're already interested in learning more about shamanism; the text isn't conducive to making you more interested if you aren't already. (less)
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
Mar 10, 2015Angela rated it liked it
I wanted to like this book more than 3 stars... it probably deserves more than that. But I fall into the category of people Black Elk refers to as "educated". Which means I've been to school, college, etc and some of the more basic truths have probably been schooled right out of me. I did like the ideas he talks about, how we've lost a lot of basic knowledge about how we are integrated with other systems, because we feel we know so much already, and have made so much progress with science and technology. We question these older cultures, how could they know anything we don't? We say their ways are uneducated just because we can't explain them with our science. His attitudes on what we are doing to our planet and our children, they all make sense. But It took forever to read (I started it over a year ago). There was a lot of repetition, and it wasn't written in a very organized fashion. It felt like reading a transcript as if you were listening to someone sitting around the dining table telling stories. I had a hard time believing some of the details. But I did enjoy seeing the world through a completely different perspective, and was horrified to read about the way this man was treated after fighting for America in the war, simply for being Lakota and for having non-Christian spiritual beliefs and for practicing his spiritual beliefs. He is an interesting man with a big heart. Overall, an interesting read. (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Oct 17, 2015Cherop rated it really liked it
Shelves: native-american, spiritual, cultural
Enjoyed this short book but would have to read it several times to really understand it all. Not so sure I believe the section that spoke about UFOs. Although I have heard it said that the Anazazi depicted UFOs in their cave drawings I've yet to hear this about any other tribe in North America (it doesn't mean they don't have the teachings, just that I haven't heard about it yet). There were a few instances near the end of the book where I started to wonder how much of what was written was influenced by new age thoughts or even Christian teachings. (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jul 11, 2008Aaron rated it it was amazing
This is one of my personal favorites. As a shaman/medicine man in training I've found this book not only extremely helpful but absolutely hysterical. The Amerindian sense of humor is absolutely invaluable to the world. ...more
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Apr 04, 2010Michael marked it as to-read
I went to my first lodge yesterday and want to go deeper in reverence. Deeper into Lakota culture & history, deeper into myself and feel the heartbeat of the earth. I will never forget the beauty of this first lodge of mine.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Oct 22, 2013Joan rated it really liked it
Amazing, amazing, amazing. This is an account of unimaginable realities and mysteries. Very highly recommend to anyone with an interest in indigenous spirituality and how it deepens our experience of life and nature.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jan 23, 2014Donna rated it really liked it
So much is lost to so many!
The dating of the book reflects some of the contents - the concern w/ nuclear weapons was most likely the worry of the day as was it a worry in the book. Nonetheless, the importance of all of the lost culture is prominent.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Sep 11, 2016B rated it it was amazing
Beautiful sacred book, describing ways of being (and people) that are fast disappearing from this world. I do wonder though about the seeming lack of the feminine in all this and any female shamans (and their respect).
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Nov 18, 2007Dale rated it really liked it
though I am skeptical about the existence of spirits, i liked his humor and perspective.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jan 26, 2009Melanie rated it really liked it
Interesting ideas about Shamans and spirituality - Makes me want to jump into a sweat lodge and call in the gourd people. :)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jul 18, 2009Jody rated it liked it
I have read only the preface to this book and I already have gained more understanding about the Black Elk Speaks visions.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Sep 17, 2009Mada Dalian rated it it was amazing
Another wonderful book that is both revealing and entertaining.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Oct 27, 2009Rainbowheart1978 marked it as to-read
Shelves: native-american
This book is on hold for now. I had to return it to the library. I will check it out again sometime.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jan 30, 2013Eileen (Elana) rated it it was amazing
One of my favorite books! Very insightful!
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Oct 07, 2013Joseph Kavajecz rated it it was amazing
A great understanding and teaching of the Sacred Pipe.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Feb 28, 2016Luce Cronin rated it it was amazing
It took me quite a while to read this book as it is better if you stop and reflect on just what he is saying. A very important book if you are interested in the ways of the Earth People.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Aug 01, 2018Cynthia rated it it was amazing
One of my favorites!
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jul 05, 2020Wendy rated it really liked it
Once again, a reinforcement of all the things we do not learn in school or church about Native American cultures and religions, and some amount of insight into the historical injustice.
I found this interesting, and the narrator's voice, Wallace Black Elk, so very charming and humble. Here is a man who has repeatedly used his shaman gifts to help and aid other people, yet he remains egotistically untouched. He good naturedly pokes fun at modern technology and medicine, but not in an offensive way, rather to draw contrasts and make the reader think.
Highly recommended - stay with it, worth the read. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Nov 09, 2020Stan rated it liked it
Shelves: native-american, non-fiction, religious, spiritual
An interesting look into the world of native American religion. The book describes rituals in how the author approached various requests for spiritual intervention in order to help others or seek guidance in life's path. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Dec 23, 2020Nathan rated it it was amazing
A must read. Black Elk explains the importance of Native spirituality in his own words and explains the magical power of the chanunpa. Calls you to ask which parts of your life you are forgetting to thank.
flagLike · comment · see review
Feb 01, 2021Rebecca rated it it was amazing
Shelves: tribalism
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in tribal, Native American, and Lakota ways of life. I love how throughout he jokes about "educated people" who don't know things that are very basic to him. He also jokes about being a "dumb Indian", when in fact he's knowledgeable in things that aren't valued anymore. This book taught me that we have a lot of soul-searching to do about the types of knowledge or ways of being that we think are valuable. ...more
flagLike · see review
Nov 17, 2021Rebecca rated it it was amazing
They knew everything in their teepees, we are all apart. Amazing read
flagLike · comment · see review
Apr 22, 2022Mike Huckabee rated it it was amazing
This is a amazing book I first seen this book has a gift from Cherokee medicine man medicine turtle him and henry red cloud lakota wrote a great book together
flagLike · comment · see review
Apr 20, 2009Sandy rated it it was amazing
Shelves: native-american
LEARN FROM THOSE WHO KNOW
Buy this for Wallace Black Elk's picture on the cover--and for everything inside. Black Elk's state is written all over his face. The man's soul comes right through this book. My spiritual teacher, who was from India, told us to study masters who could impart the experience of God, not people who wrote about people who had experience. Black Elk fits the category of those who know. (less)
flag6 likes · Like · comment · see review
Jul 02, 2012Denise rated it it was amazing
Shelves: memoir
This is a wonderful book and I actually met Wallace Black Elk, what a wonderful, kind, gentle soul.
Spent time helping out the Lakota in South Dakota after suffering a terrible time when a tornado came through and people lost their homes. He is a true teacher and shaman and would love to be in another lodge with him!
flag4 likes · Like · comment · see review
Aug 06, 2012Eliza Buffalo rated it it was amazing
Oh I just loved this man...Wallace Black Elk - not to be confused with one of his elders Nicholas Black Elk...still very much the medicine man and holy man... He is a character not to be missed. lol
flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review
Jan 15, 2016Kimberly Ann rated it it was amazing
Shelves: autobiography, culture
I had the honor & pleasure of knowing and spending time with Grandpa Wallace (not related to Nicholas). He was a great man and was willing to share his knowledge & wisdom with anyone who was willing to listen. He was funny too, but many people didn't catch his subtle sense of humor.
This book is written about his experiences in life and with Tunkashila (Creator). There are many good teachings offered in this book and for anyone interested in modern Native American spirituality this book is a must. (less)
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
Aug 06, 2014Lee Van Ham added it
Having lived in Nebraska for 16 years, I visited a Black Elk monument and came to understand the great contribution made by University of Nebraska professor John Neihardt to appreciation for First Peoples. He'd given priority to a relationship with Black Elk and wrote up much of Black Elk's shamanic story in the Lakota's own words. So a book co-authored by Wallace Black Elk is a great treat to me—a treasure on my shelf.
(less)
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
May 26, 2013Sue rated it really liked it
Shelves: indios
Wallace Black Elk. I thought there was only one Black Elk. Come to find out, there’s Nick Black Elk, Ben Black Elk and now, Wallace. Maybe more.
A sweet, beautiful story. Kinda hard to read, because of the roundabout style but too much editing might weed something out. Requires concentration and inspiration, I guess. Couldn't finish this, too many parables.
(less)
flag2 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review
Nov 22, 2009Beckett rated it it was amazing
Shelves: proverbs-native-american
Wallace Black Elk touches the reader on a spiritual level, addressing that what has been handed down through the generations as part of our genetic codes.
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
Feb 21, 2012Jaime rated it liked it
Definitely interesting but only pick it up if you're already interested in learning more about shamanism; the text isn't conducive to making you more interested if you aren't already. (less)
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
Mar 10, 2015Angela rated it liked it
I wanted to like this book more than 3 stars... it probably deserves more than that. But I fall into the category of people Black Elk refers to as "educated". Which means I've been to school, college, etc and some of the more basic truths have probably been schooled right out of me. I did like the ideas he talks about, how we've lost a lot of basic knowledge about how we are integrated with other systems, because we feel we know so much already, and have made so much progress with science and technology. We question these older cultures, how could they know anything we don't? We say their ways are uneducated just because we can't explain them with our science. His attitudes on what we are doing to our planet and our children, they all make sense. But It took forever to read (I started it over a year ago). There was a lot of repetition, and it wasn't written in a very organized fashion. It felt like reading a transcript as if you were listening to someone sitting around the dining table telling stories. I had a hard time believing some of the details. But I did enjoy seeing the world through a completely different perspective, and was horrified to read about the way this man was treated after fighting for America in the war, simply for being Lakota and for having non-Christian spiritual beliefs and for practicing his spiritual beliefs. He is an interesting man with a big heart. Overall, an interesting read. (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Oct 17, 2015Cherop rated it really liked it
Shelves: native-american, spiritual, cultural
Enjoyed this short book but would have to read it several times to really understand it all. Not so sure I believe the section that spoke about UFOs. Although I have heard it said that the Anazazi depicted UFOs in their cave drawings I've yet to hear this about any other tribe in North America (it doesn't mean they don't have the teachings, just that I haven't heard about it yet). There were a few instances near the end of the book where I started to wonder how much of what was written was influenced by new age thoughts or even Christian teachings. (less)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jul 11, 2008Aaron rated it it was amazing
This is one of my personal favorites. As a shaman/medicine man in training I've found this book not only extremely helpful but absolutely hysterical. The Amerindian sense of humor is absolutely invaluable to the world. ...more
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Apr 04, 2010Michael marked it as to-read
I went to my first lodge yesterday and want to go deeper in reverence. Deeper into Lakota culture & history, deeper into myself and feel the heartbeat of the earth. I will never forget the beauty of this first lodge of mine.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Oct 22, 2013Joan rated it really liked it
Amazing, amazing, amazing. This is an account of unimaginable realities and mysteries. Very highly recommend to anyone with an interest in indigenous spirituality and how it deepens our experience of life and nature.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jan 23, 2014Donna rated it really liked it
So much is lost to so many!
The dating of the book reflects some of the contents - the concern w/ nuclear weapons was most likely the worry of the day as was it a worry in the book. Nonetheless, the importance of all of the lost culture is prominent.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Sep 11, 2016B rated it it was amazing
Beautiful sacred book, describing ways of being (and people) that are fast disappearing from this world. I do wonder though about the seeming lack of the feminine in all this and any female shamans (and their respect).
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Nov 18, 2007Dale rated it really liked it
though I am skeptical about the existence of spirits, i liked his humor and perspective.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jan 26, 2009Melanie rated it really liked it
Interesting ideas about Shamans and spirituality - Makes me want to jump into a sweat lodge and call in the gourd people. :)
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jul 18, 2009Jody rated it liked it
I have read only the preface to this book and I already have gained more understanding about the Black Elk Speaks visions.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Sep 17, 2009Mada Dalian rated it it was amazing
Another wonderful book that is both revealing and entertaining.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Oct 27, 2009Rainbowheart1978 marked it as to-read
Shelves: native-american
This book is on hold for now. I had to return it to the library. I will check it out again sometime.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jan 30, 2013Eileen (Elana) rated it it was amazing
One of my favorite books! Very insightful!
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Oct 07, 2013Joseph Kavajecz rated it it was amazing
A great understanding and teaching of the Sacred Pipe.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Feb 28, 2016Luce Cronin rated it it was amazing
It took me quite a while to read this book as it is better if you stop and reflect on just what he is saying. A very important book if you are interested in the ways of the Earth People.
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Aug 01, 2018Cynthia rated it it was amazing
One of my favorites!
flag1 like · Like · comment · see review
Jul 05, 2020Wendy rated it really liked it
Once again, a reinforcement of all the things we do not learn in school or church about Native American cultures and religions, and some amount of insight into the historical injustice.
I found this interesting, and the narrator's voice, Wallace Black Elk, so very charming and humble. Here is a man who has repeatedly used his shaman gifts to help and aid other people, yet he remains egotistically untouched. He good naturedly pokes fun at modern technology and medicine, but not in an offensive way, rather to draw contrasts and make the reader think.
Highly recommended - stay with it, worth the read. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Nov 09, 2020Stan rated it liked it
Shelves: native-american, non-fiction, religious, spiritual
An interesting look into the world of native American religion. The book describes rituals in how the author approached various requests for spiritual intervention in order to help others or seek guidance in life's path. (less)
flagLike · comment · see review
Dec 23, 2020Nathan rated it it was amazing
A must read. Black Elk explains the importance of Native spirituality in his own words and explains the magical power of the chanunpa. Calls you to ask which parts of your life you are forgetting to thank.
flagLike · comment · see review
Feb 01, 2021Rebecca rated it it was amazing
Shelves: tribalism
I would recommend this book for anyone interested in tribal, Native American, and Lakota ways of life. I love how throughout he jokes about "educated people" who don't know things that are very basic to him. He also jokes about being a "dumb Indian", when in fact he's knowledgeable in things that aren't valued anymore. This book taught me that we have a lot of soul-searching to do about the types of knowledge or ways of being that we think are valuable. ...more
flagLike · see review
Nov 17, 2021Rebecca rated it it was amazing
They knew everything in their teepees, we are all apart. Amazing read
flagLike · comment · see review
Apr 22, 2022Mike Huckabee rated it it was amazing
This is a amazing book I first seen this book has a gift from Cherokee medicine man medicine turtle him and henry red cloud lakota wrote a great book together
flagLike · comment · see review
