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The World We Used to Live In: Remembering the Powers of the Medicine Men Kindle Edition
by Vine Deloria Jr. (Author), Philip J. Deloria (Preface, Other Contributor) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (144)
Explore the ancient powers and spiritual traditions of Native American medicine men in this captivating collection of eyewitness accounts.
In The World We Used To Live In, beloved Native American scholar Vine Deloria Jr. unveils the realm of the spiritual, sharing fascinating anecdotes from tribes across the country. Discover healing miracles, sacred rituals, and the extraordinary abilities of medicine men, from moving the sun to controlling the weather. This compelling work, drawing upon a lifetime of scholarship, reveals:How ancient powers fit into our modern understanding of science and the cosmos
The enduring wisdom of Native American traditions
The strength future generations may draw from the old ways
For readers interested in Native American history, spirituality, and the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, this book offers a unique and insightful journey into a world where the spiritual and physical are deeply intertwined. Prepare to be awed and inspired by the power of Native American medicine men and their connection to the cosmos.
==
V. Wolf
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant and Amazing
Reviewed in the United States on 13 April 2013
This is a brilliant and fascinating account of the mystical ways of the old shamans and medicine people in many native traditions. It is rare to find the kind of information De Loria shares here, and he is deeply respectful of these traditions. I am so grateful to have this historical record to validate the beauty and depth of native american spiritual traditions, and to show how vital they were to native survival and culture. Everyone should read this, it is great!
White Iron
5.0 out of 5 stars The World We Used To Live In: Remembering the Powers of the Medicine MenReviewed in the United States on 9 June 2011
Verified Purchase
In his last writing, just as Nicholas Black Elk, the brilliant Vine Deloria Jr. returns to the "Ancient Way" and conjures up the miracles preformed by the "Medicine Men" and or "Holy Men" of many North American cultures! Using written accounts of the anthros and others in the predominant society, as well as Native accounts, Mr. Deloria reminds everyone that one could view "Miracles" in the Mystery of Turtle Island and that there were Masters of that Mystery in every Culture from the Atlantic to the Pacific;Arctic to Mexico and beyond! The book is ,as usual, well written and well put together and is meant to be a sweeping overview! I, for one, will miss his new insights and will have to revisit his works again and again ( which, fortunately, I can do since I own most of them )! You will be hard put to find a more insightful and balanced human being ( now through his writing alone since he has passed over the Star Road ) capable of an objective critique of the way the modern society has mistaken and distorted the reality of life on Turtle Island before during and after the " American Holocost "! This is a must read for anyone who loves this land and the people who are the living embodiments of the Ancient Wisdom! Finally, the book left me with the impression ( just an inkling, a slight hint ) that the Miracles, are still around us every day in the spiritual forms a Great Mystery always engenders and that when you open your mind to IT you will see the Masters are still being born and doing their deeds! Mitaque Oyasin!!
11 people found this helpfulReport
Anthony Hernandez Sr
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, a must read.Reviewed in the United States on 3 September 2021
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
One of my most favorite piece of native American literature, it brings pride to see one of my own capable of teaching others of our ways. Whenever I feel down I always read this book in it inspires me to do better.
5 people found this helpfulReport
Bibliophiledw
5.0 out of 5 stars Dreams & Powers & Medicine MenReviewed in the United States on 27 July 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Vine Deloria, Jr. died just a few years ago and it's our loss. An amazing man and life. This book describes just how much, not only the American Indians lost, but all of us by the disappearance of a way of life so in touch with Mother Earth, Brother Animals, and, firstly, the Great Spirit or Great Mystery they called Wakan Tanka. This book recounts the stories of their Medicine Men and from many Nations. I accept the work of their Medicine Men as true bc they reminded me of two "weather" things my Irish mother taught me as a child and which I could do, also. I'd forgotten all about them. I absolutely believe in the Medicine of American Indians without understanding their "how" beyond knowing they were in touch with the Great Mystery - it was part of their life - for all the People, not just the Medicine Men. Who knows how much they could have offered us if they'd been allowed to and had we the humility to ask. Our Mother Earth would not be in its present state.
15 people found this helpfulReport
5/0
4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Overview of the Medicine Man Role(s)Reviewed in the United States on 14 January 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
“The World We used to Live In”, remembering the powers of the Medicine Men by Vine Deloria Jr.
Deloria has pulled together a splendid array of reports, stories, observations, legends and accounts from a lengthy list of sources spanning the 1600s – early 1900s to show us the nature of the American Indian Medicine Men when they really were figures of power. It is some fascinating and though-provoking reading for anyone with a philosophical, theological or metaphysical bent.
It’s also Class A reading for anyone interested in the culture(s) of American Indian tribes. I recommend it to any such reader.
Deloria’s underlying premise is that the spirituality of today’s American Indian tribes is a lot like that of today’s Christian congregations – a lot of claimers but many fewer believers. He bemoans the fact that rituals, rites and ceremonies being preformed today are mostly of a perfunctory “walk-through” nature that doesn’t produce even a shadow of the spiritual power enjoyed by Medicine Men prior to the early 20th century. And, of course, he beseeches modern American Indians (and everyone) to try to recapture the spirituality of the past.
8 people found this helpfulReport
Patrick Moore LMT BA
5.0 out of 5 stars Reports of "Miracles" done by Native Americans of past centuries.Reviewed in the United States on 6 July 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
A collection of reports of the amazing deeds and perceptions of natives of the past. For this alone the book is worth the price.
This book is the original reports, rather than conclusions or interpretations of them. Deloria does have some comments but he mostly holds his tongue in this book. He is the gatherer rather than the interpreter here.
This book should be used in workshops and classes to begin an inquiry: assuming these reports are true, how did the people come to have the perceptions of things at a distance or in the future? How did they come to do things some would say are miraculous? The people themselves attributed these powers to Badger and Wakan Tanka and other beings outside themselves, animal beings, plant beings, the world being and the creator. If these deeds and perceptions were done before, could they be done again? What relationship with nature does one need to have to sense more than five senses worth? To influence elements to do things they don't usually do? This book should be alongside the gospels to begin a nondenominational study of "the miraculous".
25 people found this helpfulReport
M. Gill
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding ExamplesReviewed in the United States on 28 March 2021
Verified Purchase
All cultures create the realities of their people, including modern science. In this book, Deloria presents glimpses of the realities of the North American Indian that are no less valid than those of the modern Western worldview. In fact, these realities make us more connected to ourselves, our communities, and the natural world. The accounts of the numerous spiritual events are instructive and remind us that, in the end, there is no true dichotomy between the physical and the spiritual.
2 people found this helpfulReport
D. R. Hamilton
5.0 out of 5 stars The World We Used to Live InReviewed in the United States on 22 May 2008
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This may be Vine Deloria's finest and most appreciable work. It is the kind of literary rarity that, when you realize the man has passed away, makes you weep that nothing more may be forthcoming from his genius. The collection of accounts and anecdotes is surprisingly complete to get his point across, namely, that the post-natural civilized world we live in today has forgotten something of great importance. The narrative is divinely inspired.
19 people found this helpfulReport
==
From other countries
Carol L. Navarrete
5.0 out of 5 stars Spirituality....Not Just for Sunday MorningReviewed in the United States on 8 February 2008
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Anyone with an iota of knowledge about Vine Deloria Jr.'s scholarly background could accuse him of being a sentimental crack pot fallen prey to tall tales and rural legends. Finally someone who is not afraid to be taken for such has written about paranormal encounters with powers that actually exist beyond special effects studios. However, those who like to imagine that only THEIR cultural/ethnic group has been chosen will find it disconcerting that Native Americans have had an on-going relationship with God and spiritual forces for thousands of years. This is an unapologetic as well as unsensationalized account of personal experiences with the real powers of the world.
37 people found this helpfulReport
Kipp Laase
5.0 out of 5 stars Deloria strikes again! Another literary masterpiece by the master of expansive thinking.Reviewed in the United States on 7 October 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Although he is no longer with us in this realm of human form, his spirit pervades and prevails as one of the greatest iconoclasts of Native American history and achievement. His writings have always had a special place in the heart of this young traveler. This book reveals so much that I'd often wondered about and I think of it as the pinnacle publication of his diverse career. May the drums and voices of thousands sing his praises.
-Kipp "Owl Bear" Laase
One person found this helpfulReport
Tad W. Cronn
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating insightsReviewed in the United States on 14 July 2021
Verified Purchase
The author does a comprehensive job of outlining the deeply held beliefs and miraculous powers of Indian shamans, backing up the stories either eyewitness accounts. A must for anyone interested in Indian culture.
Report
Paul Talbot
4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting anthologyReviewed in the United States on 29 April 2017
Verified Purchase
With little commentary, the author, in his final work, offers up a compendium of primary source material attesting to the powers utilized and displayed by the medicine men of old. This, of course, begs the question: "Why don't we see this anymore?".
Report
I AM JUST ME
5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT ๐ SERVICEReviewed in the United States on 11 January 2021
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Soooo happy with the shape this book is in! Plus it arrived most quickly, HAPPY with the book and the service! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Report
Candy L. Griffin
5.0 out of 5 stars Vine Deloria Jr. Remembering the owers of the Medicine MenReviewed in the United States on 6 September 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I love anything Vine Deloria writes. He writes with a beautiful passion and clarity. The book is in near pristine condition and I received it very qyuickly from when the order was placed.
Report
Art Lady
3.0 out of 5 stars Slow!Reviewed in the United States on 10 February 2013
Verified Purchase
I found the many narratives with no commentary very slow reading. It didn't pull together until the last chapter.
Some of the problem was the format. It was very difficult to check the endnotes, etc. I wish I had purchased the hard copy.
3 people found this helpfulReport
Lynda
4.0 out of 5 stars Four StarsReviewed in the United States on 23 October 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
good book
Report
Janice Beauvais
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read for all people all agesReviewed in the United States on 17 January 2020
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Valuable information
Report
JILL MATTHEWS
5.0 out of 5 stars The world we can live inReviewed in the United States on 2 November 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The world we used to live in tells us about the world we could be living in.
We are taking the long way around evolution!
Report
==
tali
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!Reviewed in the United States on 5 April 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Very good read!
One person found this helpfulReport
Jan W.
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent info and wonderful for all to readReviewed in the United States on 9 June 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Superlative writing, excellent info and wonderful for all to read.
Report
S.T.S
5.0 out of 5 stars Great bookReviewed in the United States on 6 December 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Vine Deloria, getting on in years and better with every page.
Report
FLYING EAGLE
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book.Reviewed in the United States on 24 April 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I loved this book, magical.
Report
Camilla Novelli
5.0 out of 5 stars COMMENTSReviewed in the United States on 17 December 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Vine Deloria is a great writer in any case. Beside this, the colelction of firsthand witnesses is of great great value
Report
Danderson
5.0 out of 5 stars Great readReviewed in the United States on 5 August 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
A must read!
Report
Victoria Karns
1.0 out of 5 stars The book has magical powersReviewed in the United States on 3 November 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Every time I start reading it I fall asleep. I am open to mystical occurrences but we are talking some wild stories here. The author criticizes society for commercializing Native American religion and in a sense making it a joke. Yet, the very action of writing this book encouraging people to take an interest in the Native American ways by tempting them with the powers they could attain is commercializing it.
7 people found this helpfulReport
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on 12 February 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Love this book
Report
June Edington
2.0 out of 5 stars I gave the book to my Nephew who liked it.Reviewed in the United States on 21 April 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I could not get into the story line if there was one. I gave the book to my Nephew who liked it.
Report
==
This is a brilliant and fascinating account of the mystical ways of the old shamans and medicine people in many native traditions. It is rare to find the kind of information De Loria shares here, and he is deeply respectful of these traditions. I am so grateful to have this historical record to validate the beauty and depth of native american spiritual traditions, and to show how vital they were to native survival and culture. Everyone should read this, it is great!
White Iron
5.0 out of 5 stars The World We Used To Live In: Remembering the Powers of the Medicine MenReviewed in the United States on 9 June 2011
Verified Purchase
In his last writing, just as Nicholas Black Elk, the brilliant Vine Deloria Jr. returns to the "Ancient Way" and conjures up the miracles preformed by the "Medicine Men" and or "Holy Men" of many North American cultures! Using written accounts of the anthros and others in the predominant society, as well as Native accounts, Mr. Deloria reminds everyone that one could view "Miracles" in the Mystery of Turtle Island and that there were Masters of that Mystery in every Culture from the Atlantic to the Pacific;Arctic to Mexico and beyond! The book is ,as usual, well written and well put together and is meant to be a sweeping overview! I, for one, will miss his new insights and will have to revisit his works again and again ( which, fortunately, I can do since I own most of them )! You will be hard put to find a more insightful and balanced human being ( now through his writing alone since he has passed over the Star Road ) capable of an objective critique of the way the modern society has mistaken and distorted the reality of life on Turtle Island before during and after the " American Holocost "! This is a must read for anyone who loves this land and the people who are the living embodiments of the Ancient Wisdom! Finally, the book left me with the impression ( just an inkling, a slight hint ) that the Miracles, are still around us every day in the spiritual forms a Great Mystery always engenders and that when you open your mind to IT you will see the Masters are still being born and doing their deeds! Mitaque Oyasin!!
11 people found this helpfulReport
Anthony Hernandez Sr
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful, a must read.Reviewed in the United States on 3 September 2021
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
One of my most favorite piece of native American literature, it brings pride to see one of my own capable of teaching others of our ways. Whenever I feel down I always read this book in it inspires me to do better.
5 people found this helpfulReport
Bibliophiledw
5.0 out of 5 stars Dreams & Powers & Medicine MenReviewed in the United States on 27 July 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Vine Deloria, Jr. died just a few years ago and it's our loss. An amazing man and life. This book describes just how much, not only the American Indians lost, but all of us by the disappearance of a way of life so in touch with Mother Earth, Brother Animals, and, firstly, the Great Spirit or Great Mystery they called Wakan Tanka. This book recounts the stories of their Medicine Men and from many Nations. I accept the work of their Medicine Men as true bc they reminded me of two "weather" things my Irish mother taught me as a child and which I could do, also. I'd forgotten all about them. I absolutely believe in the Medicine of American Indians without understanding their "how" beyond knowing they were in touch with the Great Mystery - it was part of their life - for all the People, not just the Medicine Men. Who knows how much they could have offered us if they'd been allowed to and had we the humility to ask. Our Mother Earth would not be in its present state.
15 people found this helpfulReport
5/0
4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Overview of the Medicine Man Role(s)Reviewed in the United States on 14 January 2014
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
“The World We used to Live In”, remembering the powers of the Medicine Men by Vine Deloria Jr.
Deloria has pulled together a splendid array of reports, stories, observations, legends and accounts from a lengthy list of sources spanning the 1600s – early 1900s to show us the nature of the American Indian Medicine Men when they really were figures of power. It is some fascinating and though-provoking reading for anyone with a philosophical, theological or metaphysical bent.
It’s also Class A reading for anyone interested in the culture(s) of American Indian tribes. I recommend it to any such reader.
Deloria’s underlying premise is that the spirituality of today’s American Indian tribes is a lot like that of today’s Christian congregations – a lot of claimers but many fewer believers. He bemoans the fact that rituals, rites and ceremonies being preformed today are mostly of a perfunctory “walk-through” nature that doesn’t produce even a shadow of the spiritual power enjoyed by Medicine Men prior to the early 20th century. And, of course, he beseeches modern American Indians (and everyone) to try to recapture the spirituality of the past.
8 people found this helpfulReport
Patrick Moore LMT BA
5.0 out of 5 stars Reports of "Miracles" done by Native Americans of past centuries.Reviewed in the United States on 6 July 2015
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
A collection of reports of the amazing deeds and perceptions of natives of the past. For this alone the book is worth the price.
This book is the original reports, rather than conclusions or interpretations of them. Deloria does have some comments but he mostly holds his tongue in this book. He is the gatherer rather than the interpreter here.
This book should be used in workshops and classes to begin an inquiry: assuming these reports are true, how did the people come to have the perceptions of things at a distance or in the future? How did they come to do things some would say are miraculous? The people themselves attributed these powers to Badger and Wakan Tanka and other beings outside themselves, animal beings, plant beings, the world being and the creator. If these deeds and perceptions were done before, could they be done again? What relationship with nature does one need to have to sense more than five senses worth? To influence elements to do things they don't usually do? This book should be alongside the gospels to begin a nondenominational study of "the miraculous".
25 people found this helpfulReport
M. Gill
5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding ExamplesReviewed in the United States on 28 March 2021
Verified Purchase
All cultures create the realities of their people, including modern science. In this book, Deloria presents glimpses of the realities of the North American Indian that are no less valid than those of the modern Western worldview. In fact, these realities make us more connected to ourselves, our communities, and the natural world. The accounts of the numerous spiritual events are instructive and remind us that, in the end, there is no true dichotomy between the physical and the spiritual.
2 people found this helpfulReport
D. R. Hamilton
5.0 out of 5 stars The World We Used to Live InReviewed in the United States on 22 May 2008
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
This may be Vine Deloria's finest and most appreciable work. It is the kind of literary rarity that, when you realize the man has passed away, makes you weep that nothing more may be forthcoming from his genius. The collection of accounts and anecdotes is surprisingly complete to get his point across, namely, that the post-natural civilized world we live in today has forgotten something of great importance. The narrative is divinely inspired.
19 people found this helpfulReport
==
From other countries
Carol L. Navarrete
5.0 out of 5 stars Spirituality....Not Just for Sunday MorningReviewed in the United States on 8 February 2008
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Anyone with an iota of knowledge about Vine Deloria Jr.'s scholarly background could accuse him of being a sentimental crack pot fallen prey to tall tales and rural legends. Finally someone who is not afraid to be taken for such has written about paranormal encounters with powers that actually exist beyond special effects studios. However, those who like to imagine that only THEIR cultural/ethnic group has been chosen will find it disconcerting that Native Americans have had an on-going relationship with God and spiritual forces for thousands of years. This is an unapologetic as well as unsensationalized account of personal experiences with the real powers of the world.
37 people found this helpfulReport
Kipp Laase
5.0 out of 5 stars Deloria strikes again! Another literary masterpiece by the master of expansive thinking.Reviewed in the United States on 7 October 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Although he is no longer with us in this realm of human form, his spirit pervades and prevails as one of the greatest iconoclasts of Native American history and achievement. His writings have always had a special place in the heart of this young traveler. This book reveals so much that I'd often wondered about and I think of it as the pinnacle publication of his diverse career. May the drums and voices of thousands sing his praises.
-Kipp "Owl Bear" Laase
One person found this helpfulReport
Tad W. Cronn
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating insightsReviewed in the United States on 14 July 2021
Verified Purchase
The author does a comprehensive job of outlining the deeply held beliefs and miraculous powers of Indian shamans, backing up the stories either eyewitness accounts. A must for anyone interested in Indian culture.
Report
Paul Talbot
4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting anthologyReviewed in the United States on 29 April 2017
Verified Purchase
With little commentary, the author, in his final work, offers up a compendium of primary source material attesting to the powers utilized and displayed by the medicine men of old. This, of course, begs the question: "Why don't we see this anymore?".
Report
I AM JUST ME
5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT ๐ SERVICEReviewed in the United States on 11 January 2021
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Soooo happy with the shape this book is in! Plus it arrived most quickly, HAPPY with the book and the service! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Report
Candy L. Griffin
5.0 out of 5 stars Vine Deloria Jr. Remembering the owers of the Medicine MenReviewed in the United States on 6 September 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I love anything Vine Deloria writes. He writes with a beautiful passion and clarity. The book is in near pristine condition and I received it very qyuickly from when the order was placed.
Report
Art Lady
3.0 out of 5 stars Slow!Reviewed in the United States on 10 February 2013
Verified Purchase
I found the many narratives with no commentary very slow reading. It didn't pull together until the last chapter.
Some of the problem was the format. It was very difficult to check the endnotes, etc. I wish I had purchased the hard copy.
3 people found this helpfulReport
Lynda
4.0 out of 5 stars Four StarsReviewed in the United States on 23 October 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
good book
Report
Janice Beauvais
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read for all people all agesReviewed in the United States on 17 January 2020
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Valuable information
Report
JILL MATTHEWS
5.0 out of 5 stars The world we can live inReviewed in the United States on 2 November 2013
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
The world we used to live in tells us about the world we could be living in.
We are taking the long way around evolution!
Report
==
tali
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!Reviewed in the United States on 5 April 2019
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Very good read!
One person found this helpfulReport
Jan W.
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent info and wonderful for all to readReviewed in the United States on 9 June 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Superlative writing, excellent info and wonderful for all to read.
Report
S.T.S
5.0 out of 5 stars Great bookReviewed in the United States on 6 December 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Vine Deloria, getting on in years and better with every page.
Report
FLYING EAGLE
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book.Reviewed in the United States on 24 April 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I loved this book, magical.
Report
Camilla Novelli
5.0 out of 5 stars COMMENTSReviewed in the United States on 17 December 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Vine Deloria is a great writer in any case. Beside this, the colelction of firsthand witnesses is of great great value
Report
Danderson
5.0 out of 5 stars Great readReviewed in the United States on 5 August 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
A must read!
Report
Victoria Karns
1.0 out of 5 stars The book has magical powersReviewed in the United States on 3 November 2012
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Every time I start reading it I fall asleep. I am open to mystical occurrences but we are talking some wild stories here. The author criticizes society for commercializing Native American religion and in a sense making it a joke. Yet, the very action of writing this book encouraging people to take an interest in the Native American ways by tempting them with the powers they could attain is commercializing it.
7 people found this helpfulReport
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on 12 February 2017
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
Love this book
Report
June Edington
2.0 out of 5 stars I gave the book to my Nephew who liked it.Reviewed in the United States on 21 April 2016
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
I could not get into the story line if there was one. I gave the book to my Nephew who liked it.
Report
==
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