This is a lovely book but it may be helpful to peek inside to determine if it's the right book for you. I had hoped for more specific wisdom about plants, animals and nature in general. This is more of a general book about these topics with little exercises to help you meditate, get in touch with nature, etc. This would be a good book for those who are not in touch with nature and looking to experience it more. Ultimately, I didn't get much out of it though.

If you’re looking for a book to help you connect with nature and integrate it into your daily life then this is the book for you.

Thank you to the Publisher and Netgalley for the advanced e-reader copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Granddaughter Crow takes us on a journey to find ourselves and learn how we can connect with nature to improve many areas of our lives such as health, relationships, and business. This is a book about how to connect with different aspects of nature, the Medicine Wheel, and our shadow selves, not a book about Earth Magick like some might think. I found it very informative and easy to understand. The exercises included were easy and helpful. I do feel like this may be a book geared more towards beginners than more experienced practitioners as some of the information included were things I already knew. Overall I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in connecting with nature.

This is such a great book for anyone who is interested in connecting with Nature and learning how it can be used in our every day lives. I found this book both easy to follow and informative. I also enjoyed the different exercises that were included.

It's always fascinating to meet another culture and learn new ways of thinking.
This is an excellent book that made me reflect and I loved the style of writing and the clarity of the explanations.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Some introductory information about Navajo/Native American teachings. Connection to Nature in different ways/areas of our lives.

Wisdom of the Natural World by Granddaughter Crow
Spiritual and Practical Teaching from Plants, Animals and Mother Earth

~ Connect to the earth and embrace its teachings ~

This book has basic information that been shared before in a variety of ways BUT I found myself reading what was shared, thinking about it and then trying to apply what I read to my life circumstances. It is a book that will have pertinent information no matter what age the reader might be.

Tidbits and Takeaways:
* Goal: to walk in balance in all areas of our lives
* Connecting and learning through nature – really seeing it – applying what is seen to relationships, romance, business, health and well being
* A listing of different types of intelligence (not new but interesting to revisit)
* Four animal Kingdoms identified, attributes discussed, applications: Four-legged, Winged, Water, Creepy Crawlies
* Plant Kingdom: types, attributes, discussion of
* Totems: Animal and Plant
* Landscapes – Environments: carry spirits & contain energy, some are more attuned and hear stories, types listed with attributes and discussion of where we live and who we are and how the two might be in conflict: desserts, forests, mountains, grasslands, jungles
* Seasons and Weather Cycles: Four Seasons, Equinoxes and Solstices
* Medicine Wheel/Sacred Circles: how to make them, what to put into them, correspondences between animals, elements, nature, plants, etc
* Listening Circle: had just read something similar in another book
* Application of the information provided and review to provide empowerment

I found it interesting to think about myself and people I know or have relationships with then trying to decide what animal, plant, or season they might be in and how that would impact my relationship with them. It is a bit like astrology and which houses are most compatible. It created some interesting images of fish eating worms or bears eating fish or spring-like friends contending with winter-like spouses. I think that the main takeaway from this book, for me, was opening my eyes to a new way of looking at nature, my life, and all around me.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Will I use the information I read in the future? I believe I will.

Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn for the ARC – This is my honest review.

4.5 Stars

Fascinating Insights, But...

When I saw this book at one of my favorite book review sites, I thought it would be a little different from what it is. I thought the author would get specific about the wisdom gained from particular plants, animals, or other aspects of the natural world. The book is far more general, which is fine. She groups plants, animals, and landscapes into different types and encourages us to figure out which general types we are. She further discusses how, as one of a type, we tend to act and interact in relationships and at work. I gleaned so many insights from this book. She also looks at the seasons, weather, and the medicine wheel. I thought the writing was a little stilted and awkward at times. For some reason, too, the author had a love of false subjects, which are constructs using the word “there” when it has nothing to do with a physical location, usually paired with a version of a “to be” verb, e.g., “there is,” “there are,” “there was,” and “there were.” I counted just over 200 of these. As a copy editor, I specifically look for these in my author's writing as they are considered weak constructions because they hide the true subject/actor of the sentence. They just stuck out to me like a sore thumb because the book was filled with so many (and sometimes several in one paragraph), and many of these could easily have been turned into more active sentences. Despite this, I found this to be a fascinating read, even if the book wasn't quite what I thought it would be.

We teach a form of traditional nature based witchcraft that targets students in urban environments here in Tokyo. I am always seeking out excellent works that bring more insight from other traditions and cultures to the table for our students. Granddaughter Crow has done us a profound service in creating a book that represents her culture and traditions in ways that can be integrated into the practice of any other magical practitioner.

I found this book to have amazing synergies with the Animist magical traditions from Japan that are at the core of what we teach. Yet, Granddaughter Crow reaches into to wisdom that is distinctly different while still tapping into the very fundamental lessons of connecting with and being a part of the natural cycles and patterns around us.

I have added this book to our essential cultural references list for our students.

I went into this book thinking it was going to be predominantly influenced by Native American teachings. While the author is Navajo and a lot of the information in the book is influenced by her heritage, it is also heavily influenced by a plethora of other cultures. Had I gone into this book with no expectations I might have enjoyed it more, but I don't think this book was for me.

First things first, nowhere in the synopsis of this book does it say that the topic is Native American traditions and techniques for tapping into the wisdom of the natural world. I made that assumption and it was a mistake. That aside, I still wasn't thrilled with this book. It is packed with information and well written, but I didn't personally find the information useful and I was often thrown off by the quantity of cultures referenced (probably due to my assumption that this book was on one specific heritage.) A lot of the information presented was a little repetitive and all over the place. I wasn't expected to get Buddhist meditation and the Celtic wheel of the year all in one book. It's just too much. I know that the author has studied religion, but I feel like too many varying spiritual paths were packing into this book.

If you're new to your spiritual path and looking for a book that helps you connect with nature a little more, this book would be perfect for you, especially if you're still figuring out which practices you really identify with.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Granddaughter Crow guides you into the Great Mystery using Navajo teachings.to illuminate your divine spark and help you understand why you're here. The natural world: plants, animals, seasons, landscapes, these are our teachers. We also learn about the Medicine Wheel, our Shadow Self and empowerment.
The book then moves on to exercises. 14 wonderful exercises for these stressful times which include animal and plant totems, breathing and mindfulness, reacquaint with nature, listening.
Wisdom of the Natural World is very inclusive and a terrific resource for anyone who is interested in, or practices, shamanism or any other earth based religion, anyone who loves nature and wants to be more in touch with nature, anyone who feels out of touch with the world and wants to reconnect.
#netgalley #WisdomOfTheNaturalWorld

Granddaughter Crow has written a remarkable book that if followed will bring harmony and balance. I have been using the simple exercises and the wisdom and actually feel better already. The author is half Navajo and half Caucasian. This material is a bridge between two worlds. The world of ancient knowledge and the modern world of psychology and our current values. IMO it is done in a very positive way that makes a LOT of sense when actually done as directed. From breathing and daily exercises outdoors to making your own deck of creature cards and related synbols. The great thing about this very well written book it that the exercises are meant to become a part of the life of the reader. When this happens nature awareness occurs I am finding out. I picked my backyard as the place in nature I would go to daily. Since doing this I have noticed the animals change that visit during the day and night. The wind changes direction and the shadows change. Not only they are changing but so am I ! This book is what I have been looking for . Integrating simple natural beliefs with my life is a goal I have wanted to do for a long time but I know no one that can help me get a program started. Wisdom of the Natural World is the path I am taking this year.I look forward to going outside and learning what the Earth has to teach me now. Remarkable and practical are the two words that I feel summarize this book.

This is a fantastic amount of knowledge in this book. I feel so lucky having this book in my hands but the anticipation of what this book might hold makes me want to open it. This beautiful book introduces you to a bit of everything. There are spells, rituals, rites and potions. Get closer to the Earth and feel as one as you develop your relationship with the Earth. This book answered many of my questions and exceeded my expectations. I definitely recommend this book.