Not even halfway throughDecember 18, 2006 8 out of 9 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.
A must read!December 6, 2006 12 out of 13 found this review helpful
Shamanism: A Spiritual Path for Daily Life is far and away the most comprehensive and far reaching book currently available for those who wish to walk a shamanic path. Tom Cowan does his best to cover all the bases and succeeds. For those who want to understand shamanism as a life strategy, this book is highly recommended.
Excellent beginner's guide to modern shamanic practiceNovember 11, 2005 30 out of 31 found this review helpful
Right from the start we're advised to put aside any thoughts of lifting practices from specific cultures, and instead focus on a contemporary approach to spirit journeys that builds on universal techniques that have worked since the dawn of humanity, along with more contemporary concepts from "modern" religions like Buddhism and Christian mysticism. How much more reasonable could a spiritual practice be? Cowan knows his subject, is an excellent writer, is thoughtful in his approach, and is intellectual, spiritual, and practical in his approach modern shamanism. Sufficiently detailed to hold a discerning reader's interest but presented simply enough to put into practice immediately, this is an excellent beginner's guide to modern shamanic practice.
Solid FoundationJune 2, 2004 19 out of 30 found this review helpful
This book should be in every shaman's library. It gives a good overview of many viewpoints, remember to widen your scope is to enlarge your knowledge!.
ExcellentFebruary 13, 2004 34 out of 39 found this review helpful
This is an excellent book for those who, like me, are trying to understand what is shamanism, with the eventual perspective of becoming shamanic practitioners. The matter is tidily presented. This book is CLEAR! It was written by a person who has CLEAR ideas in his mind. It delivers knowledge (which doesn't mean it'll make a shaman out of the reader, of course). It explains the difference betweeen a psychotic, a shaman and a shaman pratictioner. It explains why people may want to journey in the non-ordinary reality. It is a book written for the reader. The only criticism I have is that journeying is presented as easy as eating breakfast. Potential problems are totally down-played.
