Marsha Scarbrough

Yesterday I was feeling a bit lost, and then I picked up your book. Read it in as close to one sitting as my schedule would allow (less than 24 hours).
AND LOVED IT!!!!
Not only is the writing just wonderful--so simple and clear and personal without being self-serving or sentimental or condescending--it is a page turner. Even more, it just slapped me in the face with my own responsibility for all I am feeling and exactly where I am in my life. It is exactly what I need when I need it. I don't know that I'm going to run out to a sweatlodge or a medicine dance, but your example is inspiring in so many ways. I want to make sure all my friends read your book and that I keep your wisdom in mind as I continue to figure out what the hell I am doing with my life. Thank you...thank you...thank you!

Deb Falb

I have received the phenomenal book Medicine Dance by Marsha Scarbrough and would be honored to interview her on Evolution Revolution. She offers great wisdom and insight as she maintains her human element. Powerful!! Thank you for the opportunity to review this inspiring book!

Dulcinea Contreras

I devoured your book this weekend. It was so powerful and wise, I stopped a lot to deeply think about what you were writing and evaluate my own life. It was so humble and refreshing. In fact, I was so moved by it, I emailed my friends and said "you must read this book". I got a message back from one of my friends this morning that she ordered it on Amazon last night and it was perfect timing because she'll be going to a sweatlodge soon. Just wanted to share my thoughts.

Nicole Beauchamp


You are an excellent writer...and have a lovely way of relating your experiences through good storytelling.
I loved getting to know the idea that emotions are neither good or bad, they just are. And, the being the empty bone......what a lovely way to express permission to experience our own human-ness....while not being controlled by our human emotions.

Dianne Theil McNinch

Medicine Dance is a very well-written, first hand account of the thoughts and emotions that accompany ill health, and provides an insight into Native American Shamanism as a possible mechanism for unravelling those thought processes and emotions. Well worth a read, as it deals with a difficult subject in a warm and sensitive way. Julia Heywood, author of The Barefoot Indian (O Books)

I want to tell you how much I enjoyed your book. Your story is quite something- and well told! I have had a some powerful experiences with Native American practice, and sweatlodge, but nothing that comes close to what you took on and endured/survived. Whew!
--Betsy Rose, Singer/Songwriter

This is an incredible book! You are such a gifted storyteller. You not only artfully describe your own feelings and experiences, but you also have an incredible gift for putting hard-to-explain concepts into easy-to-understand words. It's remarkable. I've read a lot of books that would fit into this general category, but I've never read anything of this quality before. I am really in awe. (And truth be told, I am seldom in awe.)

Katy Koontz

You had me hooked from the first page. From the moment I read “truth is fluid,” I knew I’d be quoting my new favorite author – Marsha! I enjoyed your book and will be telling everyone I know to run out and get their own copies. Thank you!

Deanna Reynolds, CHTP, Life Coach/Author

I have just read, with great pleasure, your Medicine Dance book, dear Marsha!

When you read us the hummingbird excerpt at Crones Counsel, I knew I had to read it. The rest proved to be a passionate journey.

Your section about the hand and the meaning of the fingers resonated like a drum for me. It was something I needed to know. Thank you.

I also needed to remember that "we heal ourselves by giving thanks every day for our life...." And, that blaming others for what happens to me is futile and dangerous.

I have done sweatlodges before and your descriptions reminded me again of the wisdom that comes from that holy womb of darkness.

Thank you for your clear voice.

All my relations,
Alexa Aho West


Dear Marsha,

Thank you! What a journey, one that only you could experience and be present to all the phenomena within this emotional, mental and spiritual roller coaster ride. I sometimes ask the question as to what brings us to Crones Counsel for it truly is a unique group of women that attend gatherings. I then observe and listen and what I have found for many is the willingness to step into the fire of our own healing. For many of us, the expected mold of who we were to become, somewhere along the way got derailed because we just heard a different sound. From my experience, the greatest insights to self understanding have been when I have run into a wall (figuratively and literally).

Your journey is one that is shared on many different levels, dealing with the emotional as well as the practical of our parent’s illnesses and deaths, facing our own physical limitations and then realizing that we are the authors of our own lives. This is a huge shift when we look at self through this new set of eyeglasses. When we are open to that which is around us, we know each person is there by design and for growth. Your friends Phoebe, Joseph, the hummingbirds and countless others that have been part of your journey, make a great story! Drumming for three days and then hitting the pole at the Sun Moon Dance speaks of this commitment to self discovery and understanding. Wow!

Thank you!!!!!!

Sharon Hoery


what a huge gift to my heart you are providing.
the words were compelling through the reading, it was hard to sleep
and hard to leave the bed hard to leave the words.
the ongoing sense of experiential description that allowed me to
follow you, through new mexico, through college through the red mud
the dry heat, the sweet juice, the sensual touch, the deep heart scars
that heal in your communion with them.
i felt by the end the absolute perfection of receiving this book,
which would otherwise have been lost to me.
i know your experiences aren't mine, and i cannot live them as you
have, but i do feel that you have managed to express truths in such a
true way that they have impact in the reader, (in me!) and that
healing happens in this place.
--jo cobbett