Nature's Way is a uniquely fascinating book written by Ed McGaa, Eagle Man of the Sioux Nation that describes intimate details of native history, thought and ritual. McGaa is also a board-certified attorney who earned his J.D. at the University of South Dakota. For obvious reasons, his knowledge and experience of the law
comes through in his story of the native people. The initial section of the first
chapter explains the significance of the interpretation of Eagle, for whom the author is named, to the Sioux. McGaa notes that "The Sioux consider it to be the creature that best symbolizes immense wisdom." (McGaa 1) He goes on to describe this wisdom as one that transcends times and space that is passed down from generation to generation. With four very poignant words he ends this subsection with the phrase "Wisdom is our spirit." (McGaa 1) Each one of the further chapters in this text carries a title theme that corresponds with an animal that is significant to the native people. The sixth chapter is my favorite and is titled "Seek Truth: Lesson of Owl". Owl is, in a way, the Eagle's counterpart who brings
about the wisdom of the night in both literal and figurative ways. McGaa explains the differences in anatomy between an eagle and an owl in both sight and stealth. He then uses this knowledge to make an epistemological statement about how the owl's anatomy shapes what the owl knows to be true. The owl has some of the best eyesight of any animal in the world and can shape shift its face to direct near silent noise directly to its ears. This is significant to the native people because, as McGaa claims, "Owl reminds us of the qualities and strengths that can be developed and used in ceremony, with the guidance of the Great Spirit, to demonstrate connection with the hidden parts of Nature in the Spirit World." (McGaa 130) A wonderful read that I can not recommend enough.
Rev. Thomas