This is an account from our new member pattyz, which she gave permission to repost. Quite a sordid story, hitting on followers inside sweatlodges, breaking up marriages, and a king sized ego. And I'd like to hear more about the pipe she mentions, if it was an actual sacred pipe he abuses, or he just pretends it is.
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Al,
I don't know that I personally have anything that important to add that you don't already know and I apologize in advance if this is a waste of your limited time and energy! I have no problem with sharing what happened, even if more detail is requested. Have always felt my life is an open book since my AA involvement/sobriety in 1980.
Because of one of my ancestors involvement in the theft of gold from the Black Hills, I felt compelled to fill in the blanks of my education in regards to the first peoples of this land and 'verify' my ancestor's recorded narrative. What I learned both sickened me and made me want to know more, first-hand if possible. A flyer from the "Present Moment" nuage shop announced Ed McGaa's upcoming seminar, offering me the opportunity to do just that. I thought. In the spring of '89 I attended one of McGaa's first workshops on Native American Spirituality with a friend of mine.
It really began that first evening during our introductory sweat with his hand on my leg. I was such a dope, what did I know...
After two months of seduction, lies, a two week affair, five more months of 'come here-go away', I finally learned some valuable lessons. It cost me a 20 yr marriage, my two daughters, 20 lbs and nearly my sanity. But I take full responsibility for my part in that. I felt so very flattered, desired and it was exciting to be singled out, included in the behind the scenes of Ed's 'business'.
One thing I learned was that I was not the first, just one in a growing line of 'seductees' that were used to boost Ed's ego. I was also not the last by far... Ed McGaa is a predator. Sixteen years later at age 69, I don't imagine he is still quite that active, but he's left a lot of wreckage in his personal 'path to sprituality'.
He also uses those he comes in contact with to gather 'stories' (which he changes to suit his own needs) for his latest book. ie: I'm in that 'Mother Earth Spirituality' along with a lot of other dupes. (In 1989 his only book was the juvie non-fiction of Red Cloud.) He also had a manuscript he passed around about the 'Blue Man' story, asking for 'feedback' which angered him when it came back constructive critisizm. He was told by publishers the manuscript was worth several books with lots of changes needed. His idea for his next book was on the Celts.
Ed's favorite, most used expression is: "F%ck 'em!!" It is also his basic attitude toward everyone, behind their back. His favorite posture is that of bomber pilot, which he works into the first personal conversation you have with him. But he does have a small place where he is terrified that he is offending his ancestors by his actions....I remember the look he'd get and the shivers down his back.
He is a master of knowing what buttons to push and where/when to stroke someone. He makes a good first impression and if kept casual or superficial he comes across sounding like he knows what he's talking about. Much of what he says has truth in it. He has a good sense of humor and is charismatic. If the harm he does to individuals and all of the NA community was not so devastating, he'd be a likable enough guy.
He'd always say: "I'm no 'Guru'." Yet he cultivated that attitude from people. Welcomed it until the clamoring for his attention and time became a burden. He'd say something to the effect of: "I've taught you what to do, now you go out and do it...you're on your own." That's not necessarily a bad way of being, but what he DOES is so harmful.
I can name names, dates, places and be more specific if needed for verification. Another NA I met showed me the error of my intent. Through that association I passed the pipe I had wrongly held and confronted that first group of 'Rainbow Tribe'ers. Their b.s. rationalizations were the same I see today online from so many others just like them.
Al, I leave it up to you to decide if this information is in any way helpful. Any part or none.
sincerely,
pattyz
