Fools Crow: Wisdom and Power

by Thomas E. Mails

Frank Fools Crow is regarded by many as the greatest Native American holy person of the last hundred years. Nephew of Black Elk, and a disciplined, gentle, spiritual and political leader, Fools Crow died in 1989 at the age of 99. Fools Wisdom and Power is the only book to reveal, often in his own words, the philosophy and practice of this historic leader.
Over a period of years beginning in 1974, author Thomas E. Mails met many times with the remarkable Sioux holy man Frank Fools Crow, and was entrusted with the powerful, transformative and healing teachings of this important leader. Fools Crow healed and touched many lives, and continues to do so in this cherished classic of Native American spirituality.
This edition of Fools Wisdom and Power includes additional photos of Fools Crow (some previously unpublished), an afterword with an overview of the great teacher's Seven Ways of Healing , and a foreword by Russell Means.

Genres: Native American, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Native Americans

200 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1980

Reviews

[Joseph Kavajecz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being of Cheyenne, Blackfoot, Apache and Huron background I find this book very helpful in my journey along the Red Road.

[Digrevelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for preserving this wisdom

Words cannot express my gratitude for this book and the insight Fools Crow had to share his life and work so that others can benefit. The robbery at his home, of his ceremonial items and clothes, unfortunately, speaks volumes of where our society is at in regard to respect. I found that heartbreaking for a man who has done so much for others, well....really for all of us, native and non native. The world is in dire need of more people like Fool Crow.

[Giselle T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative, inspiring, beautiful.

[Geoffrey Szuszkiewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really accessible book, in easy to follow language, teaching us the healing and spiritual practices of the Lakota. Coming from a wasichu perspective, I found a lot of wisdom in here when it came to relating to Wakan Tanka and seeing ourselves enmeshed in nature with all of our surroundings as alive. These are all important understandings that I wish were taught to all of us. Perhaps then, we would have a better relation to life on this planet and act as more responsible stewards for ecological wellbeing. A beautiful book, with a beautiful message. I feel inspired to make my own medicine wheel now.

[Milly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book for me was fascinating, and I found it quite sad at the end because although this man was quite extraordinary, he never quite seemed to get the recognition he deserved. Insightful and a must read for people who are interested in the cultural or healing arts. Highly recommended.

[Lecturesdophechups · Rating 5 out of 5]

chronique entière : https://www.livraddict.com/profil/les...

je tiens à dire que j'ai été totalement bluffée par cette lecture pour laquelle j'ai eu, avouons-le, une certaine appréhension sur le contenu, qui a très vite disparue dès les premiers chapitres. J'ai découvert un homme exceptionnel à la sagesse immense et aux pouvoirs incroyables, ainsi qu'une conception du monde et de la vie qui se rapprochent beaucoup de ce que j'ai pu lire chez d'autres grands hommes comme, par exemple, Gandhi. J'aurai d'ailleurs tellement aimé que ces deux grands hommes se croisent et se parlent... Les 15 chapitres se lisent très facilement, et l'excellente bibliographie en début et fin d'ouvrage m'ont permis d'approfondir mes recherches sur cet homme et son peuple, ce qui est encore un bon point. Décidément, cette collection "Nuage rouge" des Éditions du Rocher est pleine de surprises, et je pense lire très vite le premier ouvrage de Thomas E. Mails sur cet homme illustre : "Fools Crow : l'homme-médecine des Sioux"

[Feisty Harriet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars. Fool's Crow was an important Lakota medicine man, healer, and holy man. This book is in-depth conversations about his work, his process, and his views on the earth, the greater powers, and healing. It was really interesting and I ended up highlighting a lot of pieces that I found important, comforting, or echos of other religious theology. This is actually the second book about Fool's crow by Thomas Mails, and he often refers to the first one (which I've since requested).

[Debbie Tremel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful

The teachings directly from Fools Crow were amazing. I was impressed with the detail and depth that he was willing to share about his healing and curing work. These parts of the book were 5 star. I was less enthused with the authors frequent narration. I found some comparative information interesting, but there was too much of him where there could have been more Fools Crow. He was obviously trusted to pass on these teachings though, and did so with great respect.

[Lizz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find myself somewhat conflicted with this book. I got this book expecting it to be a biography of sorts of Frank Fools Crow. What I found instead almost read as a Native American/Lakota spiritual guide.

Thomas Mails, in this second book, does not really speak about Frank Fools Crow's life, as I guess he does in his first book, just titled "Fools Crow," but instead takes an in-depth look at the rituals and spiritual beliefs of Frank Fools Crow, the famed Oglala Lakota Medicine/Holy Man.

A lot of what he relates is quite far-fetched, but he claims to have seen it with his own eyes, and that's part of the ritual as he mentions several times in the book. Believing in it. If you're interested at all in Native American/Lakota religion/ritual/spirituality, give this book a read. However, if you're looking more for a look at the life of Fools Crow you'll have better luck with his first book, "Fools Crow."

[Momowithamic · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half was a bit annoying as Malis simply put Fool's Crow on a pedestal with reverent, somewhat gaudy language. However once he got into the process of a medicine man's work, I was very interested. The detailed descriptions were great for the subject and I appreciate Malis' respect of all tribes and all beliefs.

[Ralphe Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, together with Mails' remaindered 'Fools Crow' has shown me a snapshot of one of the most truly spiritual beings I have encountered in my reading (including the Dalai Lama, Jesus and Buddha). I am in awe.

[Nina]

I read this for a class on primative religion.

[Earththunder1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spiritual Leader of the Rosebud Reservation. Truth and Wisdom - he walked as he lived, he shared with all, just as GrandMother Earth shared with his families.

[Susie Dunbar]

This book is filled with traditions once thought lost. A humble man sharing his teachings of the ancient ways.

[Sheila Rocha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Westernized distortion of Fool's Crow's words. Christianized beyond Lakota recognition. Unfortunate.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it..

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it.

[Sandra Bernsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book! I gained so much knowledge regarding the spiritual and healing beliefs of the Native Americans.

[T M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting.

[Jason Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read, that shares the essence of one of the greatest holy men & his walk/understanding of Wanka Tanka. Many teachings....very humble despite his access to great power & wisdom.

[Robin Reichert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read this book three times. Need I say it is one of my favorites? Fool's Crow was a modern-day avatar and healer, one I highly recommend reading about.

[Catherine B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spiritually renovating