Perfect IntroductionOctober 17, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book is very good, and was my introduction to Shamanism back in 1995. It is very hands-on, it will share with you things that you can do yourself to practise this. I feel the book can't be beat in retrospect.
Review of Michael Harner - The Way of the ShamanAugust 21, 2008 0 out of 2 found this review helpful
I only read about half of this book. The chapters on the cultural and philosophical underpinnings of shamanic practice were interesting, but I couldn't care less about actual practical techniques of shamanism.
Harner starts by considering the universal nature of shamanism. He notes that most shamans do very similar things, so that these constants of shamanism must have fulfilled some ancient social or psychological purpose. This is pretty much the same thing with modern religion.
I did find his discussion on states of consciousness and alternate realities quite fascinating. He accepts that all states of consciousness are valid ways to look at reality, and even to look at a "hidden reality." From a primitive experiential standpoint, I can see how this make sense, and Harner does also state that these terms only apply to the specific context of shamanic religious practice. However, I have a few issues with it:
1. He says that shamans do not confuse non-ordinary reality (NOR) with ordinary reality (OR), and that the two realms are fundamentally separate. If this is the case, why do they feel that spirits from one reality can help them solve problems in another?
2. He uses the term "reality" quite vaguely. He seems to think that NOR is the same sort of reality as OR. He also states that every shaman's experience of the NOR is valid and true (45). These two statements seem incompatible; after all, the nature of this OR is that everyone agrees on it, for the most part. I do not see how we can know anything about what is real beyond our shared experience. NOR is different because it exists for selected individuals but not as a shared reality.
One major question this book raised for me is whether or not other animals have religion or superstition. Even something as human as language has lower equivalents in the animal kingdom; shouldn't religion as well?
In sum, I would place shamanism into the category of psychological therapy. It places a large emphasis on inner strength and being able to overcome illness. However, it is not "medicine" in the same way chemotherapy is, because we have no proof that it physically works or has a mechanism by which it works.
I would also say that shamanism makes sense given its cultural assumptions. If a culture really does see all creatures as non-material spirit, then it may think that medical practices based on this animism are valid. Also, without the idea of modern science and binary reasoning, they have less of the true vs. false concept instilled in their minds. Trying to understand whether they meant these "spirits" in a symbolic/metaphoric or literal way may be pointless if they do not even have such a distinction in their culture.
All in all, this is a good book with a nice balance between theory and practice.
Harner's Foundation for Shamanic Studies: [..]
A reading pleasure.July 10, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Michael Harner is a pioneer in revitalizing the teachings of Shamanism in North America. This book is interesting, well written, and has very practical information from cover to cover about Shamanism. Anyone wanting to learn about Shamanism should get this book, but you should also seek out a class/workshop in your area to get a real-feel for the teachings. A good place to start would be on the Foundation for Shamanic Studies (FSS) website where you can find workshops being held all over the country. Shamanism dot org.
Although I enjoyed this book, I held back one star due to some vagueness in parts I wish Michael had spent more time on.
ExcelentFebruary 8, 2008 This is a very good book .It is well written and you can see that the Author did some good research.
how-to guide for shamanismAugust 21, 2007 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Shamanism is not a religion.
A shamanic journey is something you can do, rather easily, if only you try.
you do not need anything other than this book.
Mr. Harner is not in the business of lying to you. He has no time for telling you "truths."
This is a "For Dummies" guide to shamanic practice.
Do not be afraid. If you are interested, buy the book. Do the excercises. See what happens.
