Mystic Visions: Black Elk's Great Vision Clarified - Tapa blanda

Quentin H. Young has helped put the breath of life into the vision of the great holy man Black Elk. I do believe Black Elk’s spirit must have given him guidance and inspiration. I only hope the reader will be touched by this knowledge and understanding of how we can all, together, dance under the great Tree of Life as one people within the sacred hoop. Then, the vision of Black Elk would come as a beautiful sunrise and bring a new re-creation to humanity. Thank you, my friend. We are all related.

~ Chief Steve McCullough, Salt-Creek Sun Dance.

Quentin H. Young has accomplished for me what no other author has ever been able to do. For the first time in my many attempts to understand Black Elk’s vision, I have an understanding thanks to Young’s breakdown of the vision. Paragraph by paragraph the vision is broken down into understandable bits, like devouring a great lunch one morsel at a time. Added to the information are the tidbits from Young’s own life and visions, making it a personal story as well as a story that history is still searching answers for. Young’s great descriptive phrasing of his visions took me with him, giving answers about why one Sun Dances or seeks a vision quest. Not a holy book, but a human book, making sense and explaining many Lakota terms and customs I never had the privilege of knowing. An exciting read, full of humor, spirit and the interpretation of a knowledgeable man willing to share his own visions as well as that of Black Elk. This book is for those who wish to understand Black Elk’s Great Vision, the spirituality behind it, and an insight as to why modern man still seeks visions, and where these visions may take him or her.

~ Sharon Hogue, Society Editor - Menominee News, Retired.

Based on the compelling vision of Nicolas Black Elk as written by John G. Neihardt in Black Elk Speaks, Quentin H. Young has unlocked its messages, as he clarifies each detail of the vision. A vision given for all people of the world then, now, and for the future, and explains why a vision given to a young Lakota boy in 1872 has relevance today.

Black Elk Speaks:

As Black Elk, the bay horse, the blacks, whites, sorrels and buckskin horses all marched; they came to a cloud shaped like a tepee with a rainbow for its door. When Black Elk looked through the rainbow door, he saw six old men (Grandfathers) sitting inside. The eldest Grandfather spoke to Black Elk in a gentle manner and said; Enter and do not be afraid. As the Grandfather was speaking, all the horses whinnied, showing their support for Black Elk. He entered the lodge and stood in front of the Six Grandfathers. They looked older than men of the earth could be. The eldest Grandfather said; Your Grandfathers are having a gathering, and have sent for you, to instruct you. Black Elk said he knew these were not just old men; they were the powers of the six directions, and he was frightened.