Compass of the Heart: A Novel of Discovery

Winona Trilogy #2

by Priscilla Cogan

"Love is very tricky," warns Winona Pathfinder, the elderly Sioux medicine woman who has introduced psychologist Meggie O'Connor to the spiritual ways of Lakota prayer and healing. Soon, however, Meggie's teacher and friend will cross over to the Other Side, leaving Meggie, just forty and newly divorced, to make her way on her own. But before she goes, Winona nudges her younger cousin Hawk to walk alongside Maggie on a journey of the heart and soul. It is this story that is at the center of Compass of the Heart. Priscilla Cogan, bestselling author of Winona's Web, winner of the Small Press Book Award, is the weaver of this lyrical, incandescent tale of love in all the directions. With the enigmatic words "It's a teaching pipe. Maybe, just maybe, she'll have the luck I did and meet a man worthy of her spirit," Winona asks Hawk to give Meggie her lightning pipe. This gift marks the beginning of Hawk and Meggie's relationship. As they turn toward the seven directions of prayer, the Pipe calls forth the Spirits, and leads both Hawk and Meggie deeper into a world of sacred mystery. For the first time in years, levelheaded Meggie has to reckon with romance and the risk of passion. Hawk, a medicine teacher, like his cousin, is torn between his love for the white woman and his loyalty to the red road. Wary yet optimistic, these two seek out the Pipe Road -- the path that will lead them to harmony with the world and with each other. All the while, Winona watches over them and their circle of friends and family. Children scar and heal, husbands betray pained wives, aged sisters ease into the late afternoon of their lives, and animals teach the human beings the true meaning of sacrifice. Love may be very tricky, they all eventually discover, but it's a road that can be navigated with faith and hope. "Maybe we don't have to circle round and round in life," muses Meggie, "chasing the ancient tales. I'd rather warm myself in the creation of a new story." Filled with Cogan's sensuous, intimate renderings of Native American ceremony and custom, as well as her compassion for her characters (whether man or man's best friend), Compass of the Heart is that magical new story, a novel of great insight and artistry.

Genres: Fiction, Spirituality

352 pages, Hardcover

First published October 2, 1998

About the author

I was a psychologist for 29 years, so that experience is very present in my books. Back in 1979, I became involved in Native American ceremonies, propelled by some strong dreams. I did 3 visions quests, the last one for 3 days and 3 nights, on a hillside with no food or water. When my husband, Duncan Sings-Alone began his own inipi community (after 7 years of training), we had two sweat lodges - one for men and one for women. Lots of paranormal experiences. We NEVER charged for any Native American ceremonies or healing. The Winona series reflects the different viewpoints and healing practices between that of Psychology and that of Native American medicine work. It is when you contrast two very different viewpoints, interesting questions arise as to the nature of reality.
You will also notice a lot of humor in my 6 published novels, because the Spirits taught me that in everything serious, there is something funny and in everything funny, there is something serious!
From psychologist to novelist and now to play writing. I love the magic of what happens in the theatre, between the actors, the script, and the audience. There is an immersion that does not happen for me in the world of cinema but does in the theatre. My first play, The Summer Cottage, won an award and is a comedy. My second play, while funny, also tackles stereotypes of age and race. My third play is very dramatic and historical about racism and also being a young vulnerable female. I suspect my next play will be an adaptation of Winona's Web.

Reviews

[Heather Bridson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in this series, and it is wonderful! Not the kind of book I usually read, but it is full of great characters, spirits, and so much more! Great story..and I will never have a fox terrier based on the trouble Fritzie gets into!

[Kristine Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story in this book even though it followed a fairly predictable path. I loved the location being so close to home and that it was during the holidays. I was intrigued by the ceremonial elements and thought it was great that Maggie latched onto the culture so eagerly.

[Cheryl Vickroy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only Priscilla Coogan could write this, her very own story. A tender hearted love story for all time.

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

If we could all simply slow down, listen to the earth, we could love each other so much better.

[Luce Cronin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to read this novel for such a long time, and what a disappointment. It is yet another novel featuring a romance between an aboriginal man and a white woman, but predictably, the woman is one receiving "wisdom" from an occult source ..... and the guy is conflicted about following a shamanic path while romancing a white woman...... Really. So overdone, that i gave up on it.

[Silverbear · Rating 4 out of 5]

second in Winona series. see Winona

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a recommendation by Raych's mom Rosanne. I'm getting through it slowly but surely.

[Hope4flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet love story that gives a glimpse of Native American culture and explores the types of obstacles any lovers who are from vastly different cultures face

[Alessia · Rating 3 out of 5]

È il secondo libro della trilogia e il non aver ancora letto il primo non è stato assolutamente un problema. Molto appassionante!

[Mellodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable.

[Alexaele]

Really enjoyed the read, learned more about the Lakota tradition and love