Profiles of Healing Reviews
"A delightful book with generous appeal to anyone interested in Native American cultures or the techniques of natural, magical, and spiritual healing." — SageWoman, Spring 2003
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Book Review by Elizabeth Barrette
SageWoman Spring 2003
Walking Thunder: Diné Medicine Woman
Bradford Keeney, editor
Ringing Rocks Press 2001
Book and audio CD
45 color photos
71 b&w photos
176 pages
Hardcover $39.95 (978-0-9800543-5-4)
Softcover $18.95 (978-0-9800543-6-1)
This is an excellent book from the Profiles of Healing series. It explores the healing traditions of the Diné (Navaho) people. Bradford Keeney presents Walking Thunder, a woman skilled in various methods of physical and spiritual healing. Lush photos bring the rich colors and textures of Diné culture to life. The book comes with a CD of stories and songs — the lyric beauty of Native American languages must be heard to be believed.
The book itself delves into herbalism, sand paintings and healing ceremonies. I was intrigued to read the explanation of why sacred sand paintings must be done just so, without variation, and why permanent sand paintings sold as art must never be 100% authentic in their design. Walking Thunder also talks about her use of native plants, including peyote. Descriptions of the rituals and customs are evocative and fascinating to read. Healing in the Dine tradition spans science, art, and vocation.
Walking Thunder: Diné Medicine Woman is a delightful book with generous appeal to anyone interested in Native American cultures or the techniques of natural, magical, and spiritual healing. I'm delighted to see the publisher doing such a respectful showcase of indigenous healing traditions, to record much that might otherwise be lost. Most highly recommended.