My Personal Favorite Book on ShamanismOctober 12, 2008 I've read dozens of spectacular and not-so-spectacular books on Shamanism. This book is by far my #1 favorite, in terms of depth of coverage, interest, points worth mentioning, etc.
This is a handbook of the Shaman - from solving personal problems in the life of your own, to those of others.
One of the main reasons why I love this book is because of the diverse array of (fascinating) ideas and recommendations for journeying. A book not to be put down! I often re-read it for inspiration and journey ideas.
not working for meJune 19, 2008 0 out of 2 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 16 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 15 out of 16 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.
