Sun Dancing
Book Description
When Lakota elder Leonard Crow Dog extended an invitation to participate in the Sun Dance ceremony, Michael Hull embarked on a spiritual journey that would challenge everything he understood about faith, community, and personal transformation. As the only white man to achieve confirmation as a Sundance Chief by traditional Lakota elders, Hull offers readers an intimate window into one of Native America's most sacred and powerful ceremonies.
The Sun Dance represents the cornerstone of Lakota spiritual life, a ceremony believed to sustain the people for another year. Hull's participation in this tradition sparked controversy within the Lakota community, where many questioned whether their most sacred practices should be shared with an outsider. Through years of dedication to walking the Red Road, Hull gradually earned acceptance among people who had previously rejected attempts by white America to appropriate their spiritual heritage.
This deeply personal account reveals how ceremonial practice serves as a life-giving force within Lakota culture. Hull confronts the transformational power of indigenous spirituality while honestly examining the complex dynamics of cultural exchange and spiritual seeking. His journey illustrates the profound changes that occur when someone commits fully to a spiritual path, even when that path leads through unfamiliar territory.
Endorsed by respected Lakota spiritual leaders including Leonard Crow Dog, Charles Chipps, Mary Thunder, and Jamie Sams, this narrative bridges two worlds while honoring the sacred traditions that made such transformation possible.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 256 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Indians of north america, rites and ceremonies
- ✓ Explore Sun dance
- ✓ Explore Lakota Indians
- ✓ Explore Religion
- ✓ Explore Rites and ceremonies
- ✓ Explore Indian dance, north america
- ✓ Explore Indians of north america, religion
- ✓ Explore Spiritual biography
