Voices of Ancestors

In her first book, Ywahoo seeks to show that her native Cherokee tradition of respect for the Earth, for human beings and for a Great Spirit can help modern America find strength during a time when many fear nuclear war, crime, pollution, loneliness and disease. She points out universal elements in Cherokee customs. Cherokee mythology, for example, includes a creation story, 12 tribes, a virgin birth and a divine trinity. Moreover, the Cherokees practiced meditation and used crystals for healing and guidance. Unfortunately, Ywahoo has not found an appealing voiceher writing often lapses into New Age jargon, political rhetoric or dry academic prose (""Desire to manifest Peacekeeping Mind sets one on a course of conflict resolution''). It leaves one wondering how much of the material is Cherokee and how much is California. (December)