not working for meJune 19, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
There are some interesting ideas in here for taking inner journeys. They did not engage me. I guess I am needing to be present rather escaping.
cat's cradleMay 22, 2008 1 out of 3 found this review helpful
I enjoyed reading this book. As with some of the other books on neo-shamanism, there is a finely-tuned good humour and sensitivity to aspects of nature seen through the windows of the imagination. An open and childlike awe of life is psychologically healthy and it is as it should be. I do find, with regard to New Age shamanistic books, that it helps to use what is said opens ways to expand your mind and perspectives, that the message to take from one's reading is that there are ways to live more fully. To read in such a way is to develop one's understanding of one's own mind and how to develop it more fully. Nonetheless, I would not like to see anyone take as a message from this book that there are actual fairies at the bottom of their gardens.
not impressedMarch 7, 2008 0 out of 14 found this review helpful
ok honestly ive only gotten through chapter one so far. and based on my interpretation of what he said is that if i want to practice shamanism i shouldnt copy tradtions but make my own. That to me is like saying pratice but dont do it in the way it was meant to be done. Peopsoanlly i think you can make it your own but first you have to understand why they did things the way they did. he sends alot of mixed messages. He also said that some people hide who they are... the only reason i can see people hiding who they are and living in fear of being "exposed" is that theyre not comfortable with who they are in the first place. not that they should go shout from the mountian tops or anything but hiding who you are is like saying what your doing is wrong or bad. Persoanlly i dont like to live life with fear constatnly present. Hopefully the next chapter is better...I would however reccoment the book "the way of the shaman" by michael harner
Shamanic journeying for AmericansJanuary 18, 2007 13 out of 14 found this review helpful
As the author makes clear, becoming a Shaman is a rare, intensive, dedication to a way of life few modern Americans (or any other culture) would embrace. The Shamanic Journey for power animals and guides is quite another matter. My own experience closely corresponds to Cowan's. My teacher, co-Director of the Fire and Wind Institute ([...])was also a student of Michael Harner. The practice has opened new and wonderful vistas for me. Highly recommended.
Not even halfway throughDecember 18, 2006 7 out of 8 found this review helpful
And this book is already amazing. I love the way Mr. Cowan writes and how he explains things in a witty, informative manner. This is the only book I've read on Shamanism and I haven't actually journeyed yet, but I can already tell that this book will help me on my shamanic path for the rest of my life. The stories in this book are also really wonderful. All I can recommend for people exploring Shamanism for the first time is to read this book before any of the others out there. You won't be disappointed with this purchase.
This book has made me want to explore Mr. Cowan's other works.
