Interesting, informative and helpfulJanuary 9, 2007 11 out of 12 found this review helpful
I have heard some opinions about Villoldo that he's not authentic enough, that he distills the techniques and ideas too much. However, I feel this book is a good introduction to soul retrieval and other shamanic techniques and ideas. It is well-organized, and laid out in an easy-to-understand and easy to follow fashion. The techniques are easy to learn and try. I think he should explain more forcefully in the beginning that these techniques carry a lot of power and that readers should not use them on others unless they have been trained by a teacher. Other books I would recommend for those who want to learn about shamanism are The Shaman's Body by Arthur Mindell and Keepers of the Ancient Knowledge by Joan Parisi Wilcox. You should also become familiar with Chakras and so read The Chakra Handbook by Sharamon & Baginski. You will also probably end up working with power animals and might like Animal Talk or Animal Speak I forget which it is.
The Art of Healing with Ancient Medicine MenOctober 17, 2005 19 out of 22 found this review helpful
The mystery of shamans are explored and honored in this book by Alberto Villoldo, a seasoned medical anthropologist who has studied with native healers in South America for over 20 years. Beyond the distorted visions of shamans being witch doctors ... the book brings to light ancient beliefs and practices that were once the knowledge of the chosen few. Not only does it reveal new paradigms of intense healing but also a cultural renewal of aboriginal tribes whose survival and wisdom has been threatened by modern culture. Dr. Villoldo contributes both a healing perspective as well as a preservation of an ancient society.
This book could change your lifeSeptember 6, 2005 77 out of 77 found this review helpful
I have been on my own personal journey for a few years now, searching for answers to a few key problems I had been experiencing for much of my life. Certainly I had been working diligently to work through my beliefs, thoughts and attitudes etc that I believed were holding me back. But after quite some time, I became frustrated that I had been unable to make a break through in areas related to my health and direction in life.
Just when I was about to give up, this book came along....
If you have taken part in visualisation exercises as I had, you might think you know what is going to happen when you follow the instructions in this book. However, it is likely that you will have an experience quite unlike anything you have had before!
The instructions in the book guide you through certain exercises which take you to various parts of yourself that cannot usually be accessed except via the shamanic journeying technique. Thankfully, the experience is described in an easy to understand manner and the concepts are further described by way of storey-telling to reinforce understanding.
The effects of working with this book are almost immediate. Health problems I have had for years evaporated within days of doing the exercises in this book. Other areas of my life cleared up almost as quickly. After wondering for 20 years what I was supposed to do with my life, I finally got my answer! So if you have some big challenges and are looking for a way to really make some inroads, try this book and see if it doesn't make a difference!
If you are on a Healing Path, buy this book.September 5, 2005 30 out of 30 found this review helpful
This book is great. So far the information about the Shaman's techique seems to be very similar to techiques used by ancient Hawaiians known as Kahunas and also another technique which I am trained in doing which uses quantum physics as well. I have studied the Ancient Hawaiians' culture for several years and it is always interesting to read about other ancient teachings. In fact, the more I learn about the different ancient teachings the more I feel that they are all just ONE TEACHING. I am already interested in looking into a seminar which I found on the author's website.
Dr. Villoldo writes in simple language and states his information in a clear concise way. He actually outlines how to do the process for yourself. When I finish the book I am doing the process for myself.
You'll find it quite interesting.
recommendedAugust 3, 2005 22 out of 26 found this review helpful
Many of the processes covered in the book are taught in Dr. Villoldo's Healing the Light Body School. I found that having the techniques,outlined in book form, very helpful as a reference guide. The personal experiences of the clients and author enrich the learning experience.
