The Cherokee Full Circle: A Practical Guide to Ceremonies & Traditions is one of the best self-help books I have found. The authors both hold doctorate degrees and are experts in their fields. They teach Indian medicine and hold a Full Circle gathering -- a concept of the cycle of knowing, being and doing to achieve and maintain harmony or discover and correct disharmony -- each year in the fall.

The title can be misleading -- The Cherokee Full Circle is not about Cherokees, but rather, written by Cherokees.  The title indicates that this "Full Circle" is of their creation, although they tell you on the back cover that these ceremonies and traditions have been gathered from different tribes throughout America.  It is a merging of the beliefs into the basic underlying theme: all things are interconnected and the individual must be in balance within themselves and with their surroundings.

This book thoroughly explains the Cherokee belief system and principles about harmony between the directions, seasons and elements of the Circle of Life, known throughout the Native American culture by varying names: Sacred Circle, Sacred Hoop, Medicine Circle, Medicine Hoop and so forth. Regardless of the name, the principles remain the same: There must be harmony and balance throughout this circle for a healthy relationship within our self or with others.

The book is divided into three parts: "Traditional Ways," "Wellness & the Healing-Way" and "The Healing-Way in Full Circle." More than a quarter of the pages are devoted to techniques and exercises; it could be considered a workbook for wellness. The techniques, including sourcing, reframing and switching, will astound you with their simplicity and concrete effectiveness. If you utilize these techniques, you may undergo an inner alteration and see changes in your relationships.

The most influential portion of this book, in my opinion, is chapter 4: "Underlying Assumptions." These six pages can radically change your mindset and inner balance. The 13 assumptions contained in these pages are life-altering! They are the true backbone of this program and the authors have done a fantastic job of presenting them with clarity.

The authors also have presented their material in a simple-to-understand way. The techniques and exercises are easy to follow and can be used by anyone. There are Native American stories and anecdotes to entertain and amuse you while teaching you important lessons about life. These stories keep the writing fresh and lively instead of having it become a dry, technique-laded self-help manual. There are gorgeous, highly detailed illustrations and diagrams dispersed throughout the pages.

After reading this book, I have decided that I must attend one of the authors' Full Circle gatherings. I encourage everyone to get a copy of this book and utilize the techniques and exercises as a routine part of your life.

Michael Garrett is the author of Walking on the Wind. J.T. Garrett authored The Cherokee Herbal: Native Plant Medicine from the Four Directions and Meditations with the Cherokee: Prayers, Songs and Stories of Healing and Harmony. Together, they are co-authors of Medicine of the Cherokee.