The article is a fascinating look at the way an anthropologist tries to come to terms with his craft, and the way it alters and possibly threatens the ways of life that he is studying. Villoldo is only an ancillary figure in the story Joralemon is telling, the principal character being Don Eduardo Calderon, a Peruvian jungle shaman/entrepreneur. The author is generally quite honest in the way he lays out his thoughts.

Note also that the full title of the periodical is 'Journal of Anthropological Research'. [One might have a very difficult time searching libraries for the journal 'Anthropological Research' since it doesn't really exist.]

The aforementioned reviewer is probably one of those folks who attempts to forge a reputation based on slandering others, then thumping his/her chest about what a great person he/she is for seeing through the foibles of those whom he/she has unjustly depicted as villains.

Villoldo has suffered many times at the hands of students who have become furious and slanderous because he doesn't fall into the trap of trying to depict himself as perfect. Some of these silly folks are looking to project upon him the archetypal "guru" role, e.g. expecting him to look and act and think like one of their previous 'Eastern' gurus. Others criticize his teachings for blending in techniques that they cannot verify as being from South America. In actuality, he is only using such methods to help [Westerners] access the spirit of the Andean seers/shamans/healers, by effectively moving aside their/our occidental prejudices and ways of being/seeing. The rites of passage which his students undergo under his guidance are arguably genuine and life-transforming.

Still other former students/critics don't like the fact that he is making a good living doing what he loves the best. Too bad for them, I guess. There was even a certain married couple who for years pulled all sorts of shenanigans behind his back, whose real motive was probably to take over his foundation/organization, rather than sweating to build up their own.

Anyway, please buy/read this book--it's a really good one. Read in combination with Joan Parisi Wilcox's 'Keepers of the Ancient Knowledge: The Mystical World of the Q'ero Indians of Peru' and Elisabeth B. Jenkins' 'Initiation : A Woman's Spiritual Adventure in the Heart of the Andes', you'll get a phenomenal tutelage from three excellent writers, all whom have studied/journeyed in Peru under the guidance of some of the same medicine people. And two of Villoldo's earlier works, which tell the story of his own journeys into Inca shamanism, are definitely worth checking out as well. They are 'Dance of the Four Winds' and 'Island of the Sun'.


AN ELOQUENT MASTERPIECE FILLED WITH WISDOM   May 9, 2002
 11 out of 14 found this review helpful

This book was in a way, my first introduction to shamanism. Although quite familiar with the works of Carlos Castaneda, it was only after reading this book that I realized that the type of 'sorcery' described by Castaneda is at its essence, a form of shamanism.

Dr. Villoldo's writing style is engaging and reflects an inner elegance and sobriety. He has learned much and has much to teach us. His training as an Anthropologist in the Western world coupled with his extensive training with Incan shamans allows him to convey and adapt ancient teachings in to a form that is compatible with the mind-set and lifestyle of the modern day person. In addition, the book provides practical exercises that one can use to begin one's own personal journey on a Path of Knowledge. I recommend this book to anyone with a true interest in shamanism.

Also recommended: 'The Chakras'(Patricia Mercier), 'The Path' (Esmeralda Arana)


A must have for Lightworkers   May 2, 2002
 4 out of 5 found this review helpful

I've read this one twice! Appears to have been written from the heart. Very informative. I keep it on my bookshelf along with B. Weiss, N. Walsh, D. Virtue, and J. Redfield


The book that turned the lights on.   April 24, 2002
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

I was reading alot of self-help books to improve areas of
my life and one day. I received this book. This is the book
that turned the lights on for me. We go through life not knowing alot of things about ourselves, spirits, and ancestors.


The titles says 'energy medicine of the AMERICAS'   March 5, 2002
 12 out of 22 found this review helpful

I took classes by Villoldo's students. After two years of learning a tradition called Inca, I found out I was learning medicine techniques that had no origin in South American shamanism and was a total fabrication of Villoldo. What a disappointment. I suggest if you want authentic stories and teachings on South American shamanism look elseware.