Book Review – The Medicine Wheel by Barry Goddard
Book Review
The Medicine Wheel:
Maps of Transformation, Wholeness, and Balance
by Barry Goddard
Publisher: Moon Books
320 Pages
Publication date: October 1, 2022
Barry has done a great job of presenting the Medicine Wheel in a completely different fashion. As did many of us did during Covid lockdowns he had an opportunity to embrace a shift in his way of thinking. Although the inspiration for his book may have been born in 2006 when he began his shamanic and astrology blogs it was not until 2021 that he began assembling this longer piece of writing to share his learnings.
While Barry does use the traditional Medicine Wheel as a starting point he adds on many layers. He dedicates a chapter each to exploring, in great detail, the many aspects of the four cardinal directions.One chapter is also dedicated to revealing the secrets held within the four inter-cardinal directions. Yet another chapter speaks to how to use the wheel with a final chapter linking the wheel to Jung, Archetypes, Astrology and the Mandorla.
Barry suggests that to correctly use the Medicine Wheel one must not only explore the tradition of the wheel but approach it with a creative attitude. Although he associates different elements with the directions he encourages us to be authentic and make it our own.
He uses his experience in creating his own Personal Medicine Wheel as an example of how this can be done. He supports a theory that Medicine Wheel teachings are universal and have been inspired by many cultures. He introduces many perspectives that can be viewed through the lens of the Medicine Wheel.
If you were looking for a “How To” book about the Medicine Wheel then this book is not for you. If you are willing to explore the some of the traditions of the wheel and develop an understanding of how it can be an integral tool for your wellbeing – then I would strongly encourage you to get a copy of this book!
Barry Goddard first came across the Shamanic Path in the mid 1990s, when the organised Buddhism that he had been around for 15 years was no longer working for him. The idea that the Earth herself is alive, and that a meaningful life does not involve ascending to a ‘higher’ realm, was deeply appealing to him. Within a few years, Shamanism changed his life completely, and did so again another 15 years later. For Barry, Shamanism is a path of alignment and engagement with the Spirit, and the often challenging transformational processes that come with that. For the last 20 years, Barry has been writing about and teaching both shamanism and astrology. He lives in Devon, and walks regularly on Dartmoor.
Find out more about Barry at www.shamanicfreestate.blogspot.com and www.astrotabletalk.blogspot.com
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About the Author:
Linda Bischoff
For as long as she can remember Linda has wanted to help people find joy and beauty in their lives. She recalls that some of her happiest childhood memories were of exploring nature’s playground on the farm in rural Manitoba where she grew up.This provided her with the foundation and understanding of how natural elements impact our well being.
Her business, Avalon Lane Studio, focuses on creating meaningful connection with the environment. Linda combines her knowledge of Interior Design, Biophilia and Feng Shui to help create balance and harmony in homes and workspaces.She lives in Halton Hills, Ontario. Visit Linda at avalonlanefengshui.ca and follow her on @avalonlanestudio.
