Run Toward the Nightland: Magic of the Oklahoma Cherokees

This book by two Cherokee authors, both of whom spent their careers in education and wanted to translate ancient tribal magic in the form of incantations for the preservation of the Cherokee heritage. The scope of these magical rituals shown here are wider than was previously understood on the subject. The incantations are serviceable for a number of different purposes together with procedures for their use presented in this book. They include help in such things as hunting and fishing, controlling weather, winning in games, lawsuits, and love, creating good will and suppressing evil, and gaining protection. The types of darker magic are presented as well--parts of the Cherokee heritage which have had a salient place in Cherokee society. Many of the incantations are exceedingly beautiful, filled with the flight of birds and the dazzle of colors. "Valuting nobility" of the original phraseology comes through in the sensitive translations. This is a book that is a joy to read as well as a major contribution in American Indian anthropology.