Lakota Star Knowledge: Studies in Lakota Stellar Theology

Lakota Star Knowledge was recommended to me by my boyfriend, who is Lakota. The recommendation came at the "perfect time." Reading Lakota Star Knowledge lead me to an insight, which has facilitated the synthesis of information, I have been working on for 20 years. It has helped me to get over my writers' block for my own book, "Create the Space & Be: Healing and Wholeness in the 21st Century, which is now nearing completion, thanks to Ronald Goodman's work.Ronald Goodman did an excellent job in his building relationships with members of the Rosebud Lakota and Sinte Gleska University faculty to bring forward the stories which lead to his studies in Lakota Stellar Theology.If Lincoln would have been aware of the Knowledge and Wisdom that the Oglala Sioux Tribal members possessed, as well as, their other Native American Brothers and Sisters, he would not have allowed the injustices that our Brothers and Sisters survived! They knew this land, this world, and the Laws of Nature, long before the "Age of Reason or Enlightenment," which prompted the "discovery" of America.As Ray A. Williamson, Senior Fellow of the Space Policy Institute at George Washington University, points out in his preface, "Native American groups throughout the hemisphere have been avid watchers of the sky, and have carefully noted the cyclic patterns of the sun and moon, the stars and planets. In earlier years,they had to heed the teachings of celestial events in order to survive."Goldman himself states, "Research into Lakota Stellar Theology has added new dimensions to our understanding of how the People generated the mentality for experiencing the sacred. It shows that they felt a vivid relationship between the macrocosm, the star world,and their microcosmic world on the plains. There is a constant mirroring of what is above by what is below. Indeed, the very shape of the earth was perceived as resembling the constellations."At this time in our world, the 21st Century, it would be wise if we looked to our Native Elders who had essential knowledge of the cycles of nature. Until the Euorpeans arrived on this land, the Lakota lived in perfect harmony and balance with nature.The Lakota realized that the past patterns predict the future. They knew that everything is connected to everything else. This was Eons before Superstring Theory, M-Theory or Newton's Law of Relativity!Intuitively, the Lakota knew what was above mirrored what is below on this star we call Earth. They knew this thousands of years before what is recorded in the Bible as "Know therefore this day, and consider it in thine heart, that the LORD he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath," Deuteronomy 4:39 (KJV)Lakota Star Knowledge can help the reader to understand the temporal spacial dimension of life here on earth. As we near the potential "hysteria," due to the ending of the Mayan calendar in 2012, the Lakota's wisdom reminds us:"All is part of the cycles of change and "shift happens."(B.Czarnopys)Lakota Star Knowledge is a wonderful treasure of the Lakota's oral tradition regarding the stars and creation itself. We are so fortunate that the Elders kept their stories alive, over time, passing them down to their children.They continued to do so even as their entire culture was slated for destruction.Wakan Tanka, the Great Mystery, "created the Heart of Everything," according to the Lakota. The Lakota knew that it was important for the "Circle to remain Unbroken."This time of great change for our country. We can learn a lot about ourselves, our brothers, our country, and the world if we would reconnect with our tribal roots. The Lakota gave Goodman a gift and he has shared it with the world.It is said,"We are all brothers and sisters in the eyes of the Lord." The Lakota not only believed this to be true, they lived it in their everyday life. Ronald Goodman captures the true essence of the Red Road, Lakota Spirituality, or what may be referred to as the Straight and Narrow path of the Lord in Christian Theology.Isaiah 42:16 (KJV)"And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them."If we would but look at the "paths" and teachings of our Lakota Brothers and Sisters, we would understand we have much to learn to restore balance to ourselves, our relationships with one another and Maka - the Earth and thus all of our relations.For many, the Lakota teachings are the "paths that they have not known." However, it is promised by the Lord or Law of Nature, Tunkasila, "I will make darkness light before them."President Obama and his cabinet would do well by reading and taking to Heart, the wisdom contained in Lakota Star Knowledge: Studies in Lakota Stellar Theology by Ronald Goodman. It seems that the Lakota are the original keepers of Hope. It was through Hope and Preserverence that they have survived. We are Blessed they have shared their Wisdom with the World. Now it is our turn to bring ourselves back into Balance & Harmony.Mitakuye Oyas'in (All My Relations),Bunny B. Czarnopys, LSCSW, LCMFT"Ota Cante Winyan"

About 20 years ago, I went to SD to do several vision quests and to do acupuncture on the Sundancers. I learned a lot while I was on Pine Ridge and Rosebud reservations. When I was there I met a woman who was reading this book and i always wanted to read it. This book explains why the Black Hills are so sacred to the Lakota beyond the fact that they are their homelands. The mirroring of the land with celestial events, the shape of the tipi and how it relates to the stars, the world tree, the timing of ceremonies is all beautifully explained and leaves one wanting to learn more and connect with these caretakers of Mother Earth to heal the Mother's fever and create a new vision of harmony.

I like learning about the constellations and this book made it easy. Clear and concise. The pictures tell the story.

Studies in Lakota Stellar Theology offers an indispensable general introduction of Stellar theology to non First Nation Person audience. Familiar places we might have visited in a 'National' park acquire new meaning which would otherwise be overlooked. Hopefully the reader will enjoy hidden aspects of the natural landscape while noticing the power of time occurring through star arrangement. Although not as regularly known as Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza, the book provides enough information to mention key locations that respect and honor powerful stellar events channeled through landscape.

Its a good book but only 60pg and missing a lot of the ancient ideas of lakota astronomy.Paying to much would be a disappointment while a new bigger improved version would beMost welcome. As much of this knowledge as possible should be preserved!

Lakota Star Knowledge is a valuable source for continuing the traditional ways of the Lakota People. While the written form of learning is a pale comparison to traditional oral teaching, Lakota Star Knowledge is an excellent source of knowledge. Lakota Star Knowledge is a detailed text which relates the link between the movements of the ancestors through the Black Hills and the path of the stars in the sky as seen from Paha Sapa. Once again I would recommend this fine source of knowledge for the serious student of tradition.Kevin Thomas Author of  A Common Man (Ikce Wicasa) Modern Lakota Spirituality and Practice: Words and Wisdom from Sidney Keith and Melvin Miner

Detailed information on the Lakota relationship with the stars and how their lives and ceremony were influenced by the star nation. So much explained so clearly, making the timing of major annual events on the land to correlate with the movement of the stars. I wish I had this book 20 years ago, as my understanding is greatly heightened. I now understand "as on earth as in the sky".

Great homeschool book