Sacred Medicine of Bee, Butterfly, Earthworm, and Spider: Shamanic Teachers of the Instar Medicine Wheel

This book was loaded with wonderful information in regards to the medicine wheel and observing life from the perspective of insects.Using the information to create a chakra meditation, invoking the beauty of an insect into each chakra was a big takeaway for me.Well written.Extremely interesting and supportive of Shamanic Energy Work & teachings.

This book is filled with so much wonderful information. It really helps you to learn about the spiritual side of nature. I helps you to go deeper than the surface level of what we see in nature; this books helps you to see 'The whole Picture'.

I just love the way this book encourages us to view the nature around us and take inspiration from the insects that we so often take of granted or overlook. It's well written and a soothing and calming read.

This book has given me a whole new understanding of how valuable insects are on this Earth. I have an entirely new respect for all insects

I had the pleasure of interviewing Linda Star Wolf a couple of years ago when she was promoting her book VISIONARY SHAMANISM, and it was always my hope that I would be able to speak with her again and allow her to take us on another level of her journey. In her new book with Anna Cariad-Barrett called SACRED MEDICINE (of Bee, Butterfly, Earthworm, and Spider) she gives us not only words of encouragement but examples that are all around us of what is possible in our own lives.I was reminded of what the Bible teaches us in Proverbs 6:6 about the lessons of the ant, how it is a creature that, although lowly shows forethought and plans ahead. That is what I got from SACRED MEDICINE as well: the ability to see where we are, where we can go and the journey there.One of the most powerful examples in the book is that of the Earthworm. The authors write that it reminds us to "practice humility staying close to the Earth by being grounded and placing authentic service at the center of our sacred purpose." Though small the earthworm contributes so much! It also reminds us that when the world (earth) is pushing against us that we have to keep moving forward.Another great lesson that is found in the book is that about the butterfly and the moth. We treat them differently because of looks, however the authors of SACRED MEDICINE help us in our perspective with them as well. Contrasting the vibrancy of the butterfly with the darkness of the moth the book says this: "It is essential for us to learn to love and acknowledge all parts of ourselves--the light, the dark, no difference. Limiting our sense of self to a sunny persona constrains the flow of life-force energy in our lives..." The book also reminds us that "they teach us that darkness and light are an integrated co-creative force."What lessons can you learn from nature and the creatures around you? That is the question I have been asking more each day after I read SACRED MEDICINE. We are all in this world together, and the book really helps us to identify with that which can make us better and stronger.

Some have lamented the fact we weren't born with an instruction manual, but I daresay the teaching of the Instar medicine wheel go far and wide toward providing a truly insightful guide on the art of being human. This amazing book is a body of work that not only reveals the nature of insects, but powerfully shows us the medicine that they hold for us as they also help us reveal the nature of our human condition, both individually and as a whole. I have always gravitated toward the insect world and have intrinsically understood their power. In a psyche class in college we were asked to say what animal a particular person in the class reminded us of. I was actually pleased when someone said that I was a damsel fly. The insect world is quite potent and high energy. And this book gives us a well rounded guided tour of how these beings fit on the medicine wheel, what they represent to us and how we can utilize their energies to both identify where we may be on our life's journey, as well as how to call to the spirits of the insects for healing and empowerment. This is a book that can help connect you to nature, to the land and to the insect world in a beautiful way. You'll never look at them the same way again, after you have read this wonderful book!

As a beginner bee keeper, keen gardener, and all round insect lover, I’ve found this book helps me deepen the poetic connection to my landscape. Its also helped me express another aspect of the complex, loving, and spiritual connection I feel for my garden and all the magical wonders within.

I love what StarWolf and Anna have brought to our attention of the insect world and how they have applied it to the medicine wheel. It really gave me a new look and respect for our little friends. I was especially drawn to the dragonfly as I have always been attracted to their multiple changing colors and they show up in my life alot. I learned that the dragonfly is a scared kachina figure to the Zuni and Hopi Indians and definitely a messenger of wisdom.I also loved the chapter on the butterfly and how it symbolisms birth, beauty, death and transformation of the soul. After reading this chapter I did a wonderful meditation in which I was a butterfly and experienced all aspects of transformation within myself.Also there is a super CD included by Jim Wilson of crickets in meditation that can be used when you meditate. Again StarWolf with Anna has given us a gift of their knowledge and their souls journey into another dimension.

AWESOME book! I loved it :)

Loved this book - Along with all of Star Wolf's others. Highly recommend to everyone - how we are connected to all life force no matter how small. Going to use this one as well in our 'unschooling' curriculum. Bravo ladies!