Product Description
Conversations on shamanism and mind-altering plants by filmmaker Jan Kounen, anthropologist Jeremy Narby, and writer/filmmaker Vincent Ravalec

• Explores how ayahuasca and iboga are tools for communicating with other life-forms

• Offers insights into the role this indigenous knowledge can play in solving the current problems facing the world

In the Amazon, shamans do not talk in terms of hallucinogens but of tools for communicating with other life-forms. Ayahuasca, for example, is first and foremost a means of breaking down the barrier that separates humans from other species, allowing us to communicate with them. The introduction of plant-centered shamanism into the Western world in the 1970s was literally the meeting of two entirely different paradigms. In The Psychotropic Mind, three of the individuals who have been at the forefront of embracing other ways of knowing look at the ramifications of the introduction into our Western culture of these shamanic practices and the psychotropic substances that support them.

With rare sincerity and depth, noted anthropologist Jeremy Narby, filmmaker Jan Kounen, and writer/filmmaker Vincent Ravalec explore the questions of sacred plants, initiations, hallucinogens, and altered states of consciousness, looking at both the benefits and dangers that await those who seek to travel this path. Focusing specifically on ayahuasca and iboga, psychotropic substances with which the authors are intimately familiar, they examine how we can best learn the other ways of perceiving the world found in indigenous cultures, and how this knowledge offers immense benefits and likely solutions to some of the modern world’s most pressing problems.
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Customer Reviews (5)

Not organized in any meaningful way
This is simply a transcript of conversations between experts in the field. I've tried several times to pick it up and get into it, but have not been successful. I would return it if I could.

It's a shame, because I was so enthralled by Narby's seminal work, "The Cosmic Serpent."

Save your $!

Please let Narby talk!
Like some other reviewers, I found the conversation taking far too much of an ego one-upsmanship turn throughout this book. I kept looking forward to the next time Jeremy Narby was to speak and wishing the others would just be quiet and listen to him.I think the English translation from French impacts the way it comes off to an English speaker a bit, too.
That said, there were some interesting thoughts and observations in the book, which is not an actual, well-organized book - just a printed conversation that does tend to skew off track from time to time.
Another review was correct in pointing out the lack of any real discussion of Iboga here. I'd have been interested in some comparing and contrasting with the Male energy/spirit of Iboga vs. the Female one of Ayahuasca, etc. from some who have encountered both.
This would not be the best introductory book to someone wanting to learn about or preparing to work with these Teachers. There are many others that would be superior, but it is worth a look for those who are drawn to read what they can about these great plant medicines.

Definitely a Worthwhile Read...
I have been studying plant medicine and journeying intensively for the past 4 years and found this book to be very helpful.
I disagree with the review that suggested that Vincent Ravalec was at odds with Kounen and Narby.Ravalec seemed to be
right there with them, often asking them for their views on a particular topic.There were a few moments, certainly, where Ravalec
seemed to be going off, but I felt it was just that he wanted to address certain things that weren't being addressed.If anything,
I feel this discussion would have been that much stronger had Kounen and Narby participated in an Iboga ceremony prior to their meeting.
From what I understand, Iboga is truly the mother of all plant medicines, more powerful than ayahuasca.I feel that a deeper
exploration of it was missing from the discussion, and perhaps that may have been from whence the slight tension was arising.
I say "yea" to more dialogues/trialogues such as this!

Mr. Narby, I expect better
I consider Jeremy Narby's previous books to have been excellent contributions to our understanding of the connections between 'science' as we understand it, particulary the 'social sciences', and the profundities of the 'science' or wisdom obtained by means of the ceremonial taking of the ayahuasca plant(s) for example, that native peoples have long practiced.

This book is simply a transcription of two conversations in which Mr. Narby participates, along with two other no doubt interesting, but unknown to me, guys on the general topic of their experiences using ayahuasca and other hallucinogens.

These two conversations may be welcome memories for the participants, but they are not fit for a general audience. The nuggets of insight that may be somewhere buried in the discussions, will in my view forever be buried behind the boring format of people talking, with no framing into a focused subject of general interest.

For 'conversation' to be newsworthy, it must be carefully edited and framed. Unless the participants themselves are newsworthy, like Einstein and Freud talking for example. This book is NEITHER!

66% effective
Having pre-ordered this book back in July, I was unaware that it was a trialogue; the edited transcript of conversations between the three co-authors rather than an extension of Jeremy Narby's fine work in THE COSMIC SERPENT. Thus, it started out as a bit of a disappointment for me, but i never-the-less found much to enjoy, particularly in exchanges between Narby and Jan Kounen. Indeed, i liked Kounen's contributions quite a lot.What made the book tedious for me was Vincent Ravalec's egotism and constant attempts at one-upmanship.

Throughout the book Ravalec seems to regard the experiences of the others with ayahuasca as inferior to his own experience with iboga. On occasion he'll make a big deal about raising a point and then later dismiss it as irrelevant when the others take it up. In short, it would have been a much better book if he'd been left out of the mix, not because of his disagreements but because of his disagreeable nature which left me with the impression that he was being disagreeable for it's own sake. Unfortunately, one pretty much needs to read the whole book to realize this, though now that I've told you, you'll likely pick up on it very (VERY!) early. He has his moments where he contributes positively to the discussion, but these moments do not compensate for what he detracts from the overall intent of the project. From time to time, both Narby and Kounen take Ravalec to task on either something he's said or the way he's said it and when they do he generally backs down. But this also distracted me from the discussion and I didn't need to waste my reading time dealing with his ego (I'm thinking maybe he needs a couple more of those ego-busting ayahuasca sessions). Let's just hope there's not a video of these conversations in the works.

Yet overall,it is worth the read, especially if you are contemplating an ayahuasca experience of your own. As for iboga, there's not much in here about it because Ravalec is the only one of the three who claims to have had the experience.He has his own book out on iboga which I wanted to read before i wrote this review, but because of the trialogue format of PSYCHOTORPIC MIND i wanted to get that info out there and clear to potential buyers and readers. ... Read more

Product Description
[The author] explores the core and essence of shamanism bylooking at its ritual, mythology, symbolism, and the dynamics of itscultural process. In dealing with the basic elements of shamanism, theauthor discusses the shamanistic experience and enlightenment, theinner personal crisis, and the many aspects entailed in the role ofthe shaman. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

By far, the best book to be found on the subject
A fundamental work for those beginning their study of shamanism, as well as an essential volume for the initiated, The Nature of Shamanism offers a singularly thorough and profound treatment of the subject.Densely written and filled with seemingly endless layers of meaning, it can be used as a reference and should be read again and again.Each time I return to this book with a new level of understanding, it is as if I am reading each section for the first time, as new and more profound meanings are revealed.

I could not agree more with this reviewer's comments: "This book is provocative!It is a 'thinking book'; the reader cannot remain passive.It makes one realize that truths are constantly being rediscovered in all cultures throughout time - how we create culture and how culture in turn creates us - the circle of truths, ancient and modern.I was sometimes awestruck by the comprehension of the author.A profound and powerful work, I enjoyed it to the last sentence."
-- Lana Clark

This book is an invaluable contribution to the field, and I would readily recommend it above all others. ... Read more

Product Description
Shamanism is the oldest spiritual path on this planet, with roots tracing back more than 50,000 years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Waste of Money!
I was fooled into believing that "Principles of Shamanism" is a different book from "Way of Shamanism" - THEY'RE THE SAME BOOK!!!! Buy one or the other - buying both is a waste of money!

At least buy one of them though, it's a great book.

An Excellent Introduction to Shamanism!
I am always a bit suspicious of books that makes claims such as the subtitle of this one: "The only introdution you'll ever need." However, Leo Rutherford does an excellent job of covering the major aspects of Shamanism in enough detail to give the novice (or curious) a basic sense of what is entailed in this ancient spiritual path-- all in a scant 160 pages.

The book-- in a concise fashion-- covers a definition of Shamanism and mythology, then introduces the reader briefly to the concepts of the Medicine Wheel; the "tools" of Shamanic living-- including ceremony and ritual; journeying and soul retrievals-- including "non-ordinary" realities; Trance Dancing as a path to healing; and "Teacher" plants from nature. Rutherford concludes with a section on "Shamanism Today," and includes an appendix with assorted resources-- however, please note that the resources are somewhat "skewed" towards the UK, where this book was published.

Final thoughts: Highly recommended! (10 out of a possible 10 bookmarks) Very readable, and highly worthwhile, introductory text on Shamanism.

and the journey begins
This is a great guide and over-view of all the major aspects of shamanism!! ... Read more

Product Description
A new edition of the highly acclaimed manual of freestyle shamanism, suitable for all those inspired by such figures as Austin Spare and Aleister Crowley, and who feel the imperative to develop their own unique magical way. Visual Magick aims to build vision, imagination, and creative magick. It shows how magicians, witches, artists and therapists can improve visionary abilities, enhance imagination, activate the inner senses, and discover new modes of trance awareness. The emphasis is on direct experience and the reader is asked to think, act, do, and enjoy as s/he wills. 'One of the best books on magick I have read in a long while.' Phil Hine in Pagan News 'A practical modern grimoire.' The Cauldron ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

One of the best
I stayed away from this book because I am not fond of Thelemite work, but discovered, in a borrowed copy, that Crowley is mentioned, but not re-canned into a new wrapper here.

But I discovered something else as well. This book contains one of the clearest and most thorough expositions of Sigil Majik that has ever been put to paper. I've been working with the Spare technology for a while, and not only did he manage to validate some of my ideas (which are pretty antithetical to most of the writing on the subject) from his experience, but explained in a very succinct way how he came about these same insights. I've been hoping to discuss these matters from a fresh perspective, but in this agenda-laden craft, that's not easy. Jan provided the the other side of this conversation in a clear and concise way.

There is also the shamanistic side of this exposition - some parts of "freestyle" approach the aesthetic benchmark I am guiding my practice towards without costing a king's ransom, and for that I am grateful. I am not really fond of the style of writing, and I really don't see the point some of the exercises, but neither of these objections gets in the way of the content. If you are looking to find something on natural majik that is inspiring and practical, this book is excellent. If you're a beginner, you could do a lot worse than starting here. If you take what you need and leave the rest, there probably won't be so much "rest" to leave.

Insightful manual about shamanism.
I was looking for a different perspective about modern shamanism, and after reading some reviews about this book, I decided to give it a try.Visual Magick is a treasure chest filled with pearls of wisdom like no other book I have read before.Fries' tone made me feel like I had walked right in the middle of a conference taught by him.He provides insights about several aspects of magick that are invaluable to beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.However, it may be difficult for beginners, since there is no general introduction to magick before starting with sigil magick in Chapter 1.

This is how the book is organized:

Preface
Chapter 1 The Seed
- How is the sigil made?

Chapter 2 The Ritual
- How do we transmit the sigil?

Chapter 3 'Automatic Drawing'

Chapter 4 Sigils, Sex and Beyond

Chapter 5 Visualization
- Waking the senses
- Exercise one
- Magick requires good imagination
- Exercise one - in the wild

Chapter 6 Access to Imagination
- What have the astral doorways and the god forms in common?
- Exercise two - banishing and invocation
- My dream of being x
- An Approach To Colour
- Exercise three - what colours may reveal

Chapter 7 Imagination and Prayer
- Cup meditation
- Invoking the elements
- Invoking earh: an example
- The cup meditation in a group

Chapter 8 Mandala Building
- A personal mandala
- Connecting ideas to the plants
- Tree and plant lore
- Smaller plants

Chapter 9 Spirits of Nature
- Exercice four: creative hallucination
- Exercise five: shape shifting
- Earthing

Chapter 10 Waking the Beasts
- Exercise six - waking the beasts

Chapter 11 Coming to Earth
- What do you do with it?

Bibliography and Index

The book feels disjointed on first glance, but once I got past Chapter 4, I knew it wasn't an ordinary book.In this book, Jan Fries shares his experience and wisdom about his magickal practice.I definitely want to read it more than once to make sure I haven't missed something that may be important to me.

Superb Postmodern Grimoire
Jan Fries has done a fine job with this work.The book is sub-titled "A Manual of Freestyle Shamanism," and to anyone in the know that seems to fit the books nicely.This work is very much for working magicians who are not afraid to leave their comfort zones.Fries has exercises in every chapter of the book corresponding to the philosophy covered, a rarity in occult works these days.This book is an important text that I believe all modern practitioners should have a copy of, if not for themselves, for potential students.This work will save the would be occultist YEARS of sifting through booshwa to get the facts about magic.In regard to this, the section on sigil magic alone is worth the price of the book. If one truly wishes to the deep transformations that are meant to be brought about by occult workings, this is perhaps one of the best places to start.

As an aside I must mention that this work will not be for those searching for "traditional" forms of shamanism, primitivism or "neo-shamanism."Rather the work is a mix of psychology, NLP, trance, chaos magick, and shamanic technique that blend together to form superb practice.I recommend this book highly to all seekers on the path.I do not recommend that the practices employed be used in a group working, unless all have been working together strictly using said practices.Rather this book works at the core of the occult, personal transformation.Also, the work makes no religious claims or clarifications, another rarity in occult works.This book can be used by a magician, witch, sorcerer, etc. of any stripe.It is so non-judgemental about individual beliefs and practices that it can even easily be employed by an atheistic occultist, and yes they do exist.The only reason that I have not given this book a four star rating is that I do disagree with the author on a few points made in regard to tradition, but otherfise a most excellent work.

Ryan

Excellent Material
This book is fun to read, and has quite alot of fresh material. Im not fully convinced it is all shaminism, as you usually think of it, but it is excellent material. The methods are explained well, and the tasks are easily do-able by most anyone.
Highly recommended!

Simply put: awesome!!
Really this book opens a door on the subject.It really enlightens one about sigils, how to contact desire, and moreover magick as life.A terrrific read for anyone remotely interested in the subject.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Poet-shaman
Steven B. Herrmann, PhD, MFT
Author of "Walt Whitman: Shamanism, Spiritual Democracy, and the World Soul"

The first comprehensive examination of the relationship between Walt Whitman and shamanic Ecstasy was George Hutchinson's wonderful study "The Ecstatic Whitman: Literary Shamanism & the Crisis of the Union," published in 1986.Hutchinson saw correctly that the proper way to approach Whitman is by focusing on his poetry as a technique of ecstatic role-taking, whereby, on behalf of the culture, the poet-shaman undertakes a series of life-threatening dangers that culminate in a transformative experience of Ecstasy for both the poet and the reader.In Hutchinson's view, for the poet-shaman the technique of Ecstasy is not a private affair.It is conducted for purposes of cultural and spiritual transformation (55).The author shows clearly that the transformational process that takes place in Whitman's famous "Song of Myself" is the climactic Ecstasy of the poem that "initiates the poet into his new function into the community and initiates the audience's self-realization" (69).This is a vitally important book because it examines not only the transformative impact of Ecstasy on Whitman's body and psyche, but also the potential impact upon the reader, as one can hear in the following lines: "Extending Whitman's cycle beyond the text, its aim is a much larger convection by which all America, and ultimately the world, moves toward ecstatic triumph, by endless cycles of creation" (73).In his analysis of the 1860 poem "So Long!" moreover, the author asserts that the reader: "is actually the lover whom the poet embraces as his mate; Whitman has become the spiritual spouse" (131)!Hutchinson gets at the very heart of Whitman's vocation, opening the reader up to his new vision of the poet that is mind altering.Whether Hutchinson's claim in the Introduction that Whitman's "revitalization" of religion, through "personalism," would lead to a nation of "prophets and cosmos en mass" where "every man would be his own shaman" can be taken as a literal truth or not, the idea that Whitman is a ground breaker to a new verse-technique in America whereby a writer may at times tap into the transformative energies of the shamanic archetype can indeed be verified empirically through direct personal experience.While this was not the first attempt to examine Whitman's role in the culture as a poet-shaman, it was probably the most comprehensive effort in the 1980's and it had a large impact on Whitman scholarship following its publication.This influence is not always direct and has involved the emergence of a number of interesting synchronicities, following Albert Gelpi's August 10, 1976 Seminar conducted at Stanford University with the poet-shaman William Everson prior to my becoming his TA in his legendary course "Birth of a Poet" at UCSC, between 1980-1981.Although I was not aware of Hutchinson's book until 1998, William Everson was the first to introduce me to this seminal idea in my reading of his interview with Gelpi "The Poet as Prophet" in 1980.My conversations with Eveson in 1992-1993 became the source material for my 2009 book "William Everson: The Shaman's Call."

... Read more

Product Description
An exploration of shamanism and the archetypal symbolismthat sits at the foundation of all human life.* Not just an academic work. Helps the reader experience the actual* mindset of the shaman.* Presents a cohesive view of the recurrent patterns of symbolism and* visionary experience that underlie all religion.

The human psyche contains archetypal patterns largely lost tocontemporary society but which shamans have employed for over 30,000years to gain access to the spiritual world. Shamanic symbols bothaffect and reflect these durative patterns that exist, with uncannysimilarity, in civilizations separated by expanses of time anddistance. The Strong Eye of Shamanism draws together the many facetsof the art of shamanism, presenting a cohesive view of the recurrentpatterns of symbolism and visionary experience that underlie itspractice.

The strong eye of the title refers to the archetypal symbolism thatsits at the foundation of all human life--whether in Paleolithic cavesor today's temples. The author asserts that society has becomeseparated from the power of those symbols that lead us into deeperunderstanding of our spirituality. In today's world of splinteredpsyches, a world in which people are in search of their souls,shamanism survives as an age-old technology of soul recovery, a livingRosetta stone that reminds us of the shared foundation that existsbeneath even the most radically different perspectives. Through itsstudy of shamanism, archetypal psychology, and symbolism, The StrongEye of Shamanism encourages individuals--and society--to look inwardand remember that the deepest forms of awareness begin with theknowledge that the answers reside within us. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

History of Shamanism over the last 35,000 years.
This book is a History of Shamanism over the past 35,000 years.

If you are interested in practising Shamanism; this Book will not help you.

This book explains the role of the Shaman in his or her culture. acting as mediator between the spirit world and the physical plane, and as healer.

If you are interested in practising Shamanism; please skip over this book and view my Shamanism, listmania list.

Please E-Mail me if you have questions or comments; Two Bears.

Wah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)

Shamanic Underground
This is a decent book on the shamanic roots of Paleolithic cave paintings.But frankly, I've gotten a little tired of seeing so many praises of C.G. Jung's influence on art, folklore, literature, the occult, science, mathematics, mythology--and now shamanism.And you hear it every other page--Geez!Enough already!The book would have lost a quarter of its pages if he'd said it only once.The focus is also on most famous examples of European cave-art (largely to the exclusion of Australian Aboriginal cave-art, which may more concerned with hunting magic, btw).A book better than and foundational to this one is Gertrude Rachel Levy's superb "Religious Conceptions of the Stone Age" (which is absolutely priceless if out-of-print).Ryan's book is well worth reading but, to me, its like an updated appendix to Levy, with some important new information on the Mayans and other meso-American cultures. In fact, the most important thing about this book to me was the reference to Levy (for which I thank another reviewer).

Archeological aspects of theology, psychology and religion
Not since G.R. Levy's "Religious Conceptions of the Stone Age" and "The Sword from the Rock" has archeology revealed so much of man's spiritual origins. Well researched exposition revealing mankindsheritage; 30,000 years of insights into our relations with the transcendantReality of all faiths. This may turn out to be one of the mostcontroversial books published in recent times. Read it! ... Read more

Product Description
The witchcraft confessions given by Isobel Gowdie (in Auldearn, Scotland in 1662)are widely celebrated as the most extraordinary on record in Britain. Their descriptive power, vivid imagery, and contentious subject matter have attracted considerable interest on both academic and popular levels. This book,written by Emma Wilby, author of the critically acclaimed Cunning Folk and Familiar Spirits, provides the first full-length examination of the confessions and the life and character of the woman behind them. The author's discovery of the original trial records, deemed lost for nearly 200 years, provides a starting point for an interdisciplinary endeavor to separate Isobel's voice from that of her interrogators, to identify the beliefs and experiences that informed her testimony, and to analyze why her confessions differ so markedly from those of other witchcraft suspects from the period. In the course of these enquiries, the author develops wider hypotheses relevant to the study of early modern witchcraft as a whole, bringing together for the first time recent research into Amazonian 'dark' shamanism, false-memory generation, and mutual-dream experience, along with literature on marriage-covenant mysticism and protection-charm traditions. Emma Wilby concludes that close analysis of Isobel's confessions supports the still-controversial hypothesis that in 17th-Century Scotland, as in other parts of Europe in this period, popular spirituality was shaped through a deep interaction between church teachings and shamanistic traditions of pre-Christian origin. She also extends this thesis beyond its normal association with beneficent magic and overtly folkloric themes to speculate that some of Europe's more malevolent and demonological witch-narratives may also have emerged out of visionary rites underpinned by cogent shamanistic rationales. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

One of the few excellent sources for this subject
It is high time (ahem) this collection of writings receive the praise it is due.Offerings on this subject have proliferated in recent decades, but far too many of them have little to offer those seeking genuine knowledge and understanding.Here, packed in one volume, is an assortment of excellent articles exploring various aspects of how hallucinogenic plants and fungi figure in ritual uses across culture.This is a work of anthropology, not lightweight stuff for those who want to beat their own drum playing "New Age shaman" (instead of learn about shamanism as an aspect of other cultures to which such practices actually belong).Later in his career, Harner abandoned this type of scholarly work and went with a more commercialized route that was far less interesting (unless, again, you want to become a Harner Core Method ® Shaman yourself). But this volume amply testifies that in his early career Harner did some excellent work, such as his field studies among the Shuar Indians (popularly known as the Jivaro), whose culture is steeped in shamanism and applications of hallucinogenic plants.(Incidental irony: many of the Shuar shamans state that they took up their practice in order to get rich!)

One of the most fascinating and informative pieces in this book is Harner's article on the use of belladonna and related plants by peasant herbalists accused of witchcraft in mediaeval Europe.The evidence he presents is strong and persuasive, but watch out!It tends to demolish more fashionable and ideologically polarizing interpretations of history, such as (a) there were no "witches," the very idea is preposterous, the whole notion just a paranoid projection from the hysterical imaginations of superstitious people in a pre-scientific age; (b) witches were real, and Evil!, worshippers of Satan, even if they didn't exactly fly on broomsticks; and (c) witches were real and Good!, noble practitioners of an ancient pagan goddess-worship religion.No, its all much more interesting than any of that, turns out.

The selections in this volume are generally well written, although in the scholarly-academic sense, i.e., with the intention of informing, not merely entertaining, the reader.A favorite, unique highlight herein is "The Mushrooms of Language," which astutely interprets Mazatec Indian customs concerning psilocybin mushrooms.The final section of the book raises an interesting question, of the extent to which experiences with hallucinogenic drugs may tap into something beyond cultural soft-wiring of perception, although none of the evidence offered could be described as conclusive, only suggestive.

This book came out in the early 1970's, before the discussion and exploration of this subject got derailed by the "Castaneda effect" and similar "New Agey" influences.It is founded not upon exploitation and sensationalism, but intellectually open-minded curiosity and a desire to explore and learn with feet planted firmly on the ground."Hallucinogens and Shamanism" is baby without dirty bathwater, and as such is highly recommended for those with serious interest.

Good topics, drab writing
Despite the fact that I am absolutly facinated with Shamanism (more so Ethnobotany than the new age stuff) I found this work to be more of a textbook in the school sense and at times really dragged on. I do recommendthis work for the content. Getting through the content can be a littlearduous though

Entheogens: Professional Listing
"Hallucinogens and Shamanism" has been selected for listing in "Religion and Psychoactive Sacraments: An Entheogen Chrestomathy" http://www.csp.org/chrestomathy ... Read more

Product Description
Bomohs are shamans from an Islamic Unani tradition. While in Borneo with the Peace Corps in the 1960s, Ann Drake made contacts which eventually would draw her into this lineage connected with historic indigenous practices. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent contribution to the psychology/shamanism literature
Drake makes an excellent contribution the relatively small body of literature attempting to bridge indigenous and shamanic healing arts with Western psychology.There are plenty of shamans who make ridiculous statements like "healing with me/the spirits/whatever will shift what years of therapy could not". These folks have not worked with complex trauma, are often relationship-phobic, and don't understand that soul retrieval won't suddenly show people how to be wise and loving in relationships.So, as a seasoned clinician Drake does not reject the wisdom and benefit of Western psychology and psychotherapy or display "I am an important shaman" snobbery or "psychotherapists are the enemy" insecurities, which I am grateful for.

Also, there are a larger number of folks who are either 1)just doing shamanism in the context of therapy or 2)basically doing Western style psychotherapy but incorporating some shamanic techniques, both of which are fine but neither of which are really integrative.Aside from C. M. Smith's 1997 text on Jung and Shamanism and maybe a few other Jungians, Drake offers one of the only real attempts at integration currently available.

As a student and practitioner of both Western psych and shamanism, the only thing I would have liked would have been greater exploration of the shared terrain between the two, more fleshing out of the potential for a true integration.Psychology needs more of this to break out of a reductionist, materialist worldview, and I suspect Drake has all the skills and knowledge to make an even greater contribution to this cross-cultural dialogue if inclined to write a follow-up book directed toward her more stodgy but potentially receptive colleagues in the field.

Thanks for an excellent book!

Daniel / SF Bay Area, CA, USA / [...]

a must have for any practicing shaman
My mentor, a practicing shaman for more than 20 years, recommended this book to me a few years ago---she had said she had never read anything like it.What a I loved about this book was the discussion and comparison of psychology versus shamanism, and especially the concepts of transference and projection, and how that could be described in terms of energy as an energetic exchange.

Most of the books I have read on shamanism have come from either a North American indigenous perspective, an Inka and Amazonian perspective, or the Tibetan perspective.This is the first one I have read from the Indonesian peoples.If you are a practicing shaman, or you have a fascination with shamanism and indigenous medicine and how we can apply these techniques in our western society, you will want this book in your library.

Healing of the Soul: Shamanism & Psyche
A fascinating read, insightful, thought-provoking. This was one I couldn't put down. I was carried along with the author's adventures encountering shamanism in Matu, Borneo (Malaysia), where she and her husband were stationed in the Peace Corps in 1967. There she met the Bomoh (Islamic Unani Shaman). The author has studied with other contemporary shamanic teachers, including Tenzin Wangyal Rimpoche, Sandy Ingerman, Michael Harner, and Robert Bosnak.
In this book, Ann Drake seamlessly mixes personal experience, theory, and case studies; these aspects enhance each other. The author recounts in detail many of her own spiritural journeys, meetings with and assistance by various spirit guides, shamanic retrievals of lost soul parts of clients. Many of the clients in these case studies had horrific backgrounds and problems, yet were helped by shamanic work.
Part I of this book is largely autobiographical, but explains much about traditional and contemporary shamanistic practices. Part II is about the integration of Shamanism and Psychotherapy, and includes a discussion of energy exchange, the chakras and energy cords, and the dreambody. Part III continues the discussion of traditional vs. modern cultural differences, soul loss and psychological disorders, psychosis, and the violence inherent in American Culture. Part IV begins with a chapter on "Thought Forms and the Creation of Reality" and concludes with a discussion of energetic imprinting. ... Read more

Product Description

This book takes you to the "classical academy of shamanism", Siberian tribal spirituality that gave birth to the expression "shamanism." For the first time, in this volume Znamenski has rendered in readable English more than one hundred books and articles that describe all aspects of Siberian shamanism: ideology, ritual, mythology, spiritual pantheon, and paraphernalia. It will prove valuable to anthropologists, historians of religion, psychologists and practitioners of shamanism.

Product Description
Heal your life, your loves and your losses with the practical power of shamanism.Mary Stoffel, shamanic practitioner and teacher, de-mystifies the ancient wisdom of shamanism, showing how you can use the practical technique of the shamanic journey to regain control of your life.This step-by-step guide helps you solve problems in finances, health and relationships by accessing information and guidance from the spiritual realm.Sample exercises help you define your goals and track your progress. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

even more than I expected!
Mary introduced me to shamanic practice years ago, but back then I didn't feel it was right for me.Lately, however, I've gotten back into it and so I eagerly got her book and drumming CD.The drumming is deep and soothing and the book contains practical exercises and a journal area too.That was an expected bonus!I look forward to using this as one more tool in my problem-solving, personal growth toolbox.WAY worth it! ... Read more

Product Description
Vincent Van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, and Karen Finley are just a few of the well-known artists who have used shamanistic techniques to access visions. Mark Levy explores the use of seeing dreaming and ritual by these and other artists seeking the kind of visionary experience that has long been the wellspring of creativity. Since humankind first learned to use imagination and dreaming there have been seers and sages eager to press beyond the known and verifiable to see what they can see. This is their story. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A tough read
I had to read this for a course I was taking and really did not care for it at all. I'm afraid I can't think of anything I gleaned from it. It was a tough read for me.

Seeing the World through Artist and Shaman Eyes
TECHNICIANS OF ECSTASY takes the reader on a scintillating, scholarly tour through the work of several artists. While not all artists see the world as shaman do, there are some artists who see, dream, and perform in much the same way as the shaman. Some of the 27 artists included in TECHNICIANS OF ECSTASY are: Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Alex Grey, Henri Rousseau, Salvador Dali, Man Ray, Ann McCoy, and Jonathan Borofsky.

What makes this book so fabulous is the way it demonstrates ways that spiritual meaning and wisdom is at the heart of much of the world's best art. The world's best artists know how to break out of habitual modes of looking, and in sharing their visions, empower all who view their art by helping people open their eyes to new ways of seeing. Author Mark Levy explains, "In shifting attention from common sense or 'consensus reality,' artists as shamans succeed in expanding their consciousness and the consciousness of their communities and offer blueprints for spiritual development." I particularly loved the shamanic techniques mentioned to stimulate creativity, as these exercises indeed are part of the core of all shamanic training: isolation, not-doing, prolonged looking, the strong eye, and setting up dreaming.

TECHNICIANS OF ECSTASY is essential reading for everyone who is excited by meaningful art, as well as for anyone wishing to better understand how to see the world through the artist's and the shaman's eyes. I give this book my highest recommendation!

An enthralling, well written subject
I found Mr. Levy's work on shamanic techniqes as it applies to contempoary artists particularly fascinating.His research navigates the theory that mondern artists (visual as well as performance) such as Van Gogh, Kahlo, Dali and others were able to produce the transcendental content of their work through classic shamanic practices.Mr. Levy clearly illustrates the multiplicity of the creative process therein giving reverence and relevance to shamanic techniqes and towards the comprehension and appreciation of modern art. A must read for any art appreciator!

An enthralling, well written subject
I found Mr. Levy's work on shamanic techniqes as it applies to contempoary artists particularly fascinating.His research navigates the theory that mondern artists (visual as well as performance) such as Van Gogh, Kahlo, Dali and others were able to produce the transcendental content of their work through classic shamanic practices.Mr. Levy clearly illustrates the multiplicity of the creative process therein giving reverence and relevance to shamanic techniqes and towards the comprehension and appreciation of modern art. A must read for any art appreciator!

Well-researched and academically argued
Although the casual reader (that is, a lazy reader looking for easy, New-Agey content) might find Levy's book too rigorous and academic, I felt that he was scrupulous and thorough in making a case for his theory that many contemporary artists use traditional shamanic techniques to achieve the spiritual and metaphysical content in their work. The profiles of individualartists and their specific uses of certain techniques or processes was especially illuminating, and I appreciated the fact that he included seminal figures like Joseph Beuys and performance artists like Karen Finley-- whose radical content sometimes obscures the powerful social critique it carries. Levy was clear in revealing how work by an individual can heal or benefit an audience of viewers or an entire community. The sections in the back of the book wherein he describes specific shamanic techniques in detail for those who want to experiment with them was especially valuable. Contrary to what another reviewer wrote, there was nothing spacey, indulgent or Druidic about this scholarly work! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

outstanding on Jung and Shamanism
This is a lost masterpiece I wish more people knew about.I am a Jungian therapist and mythologian graduate student.This is one of my favorite books in the Jungian canon.The prose is stellar and popping, and provides a remarkable articulation of archetypes and Jungian psychology.It can serve as an introduction to Jung or to Shamanism, and provides links between these esoteric fields that few attempt and even fewer master.Excellent.

Disappointed in the price
I guess my timinng was wrong and I hooked up with the wrong boodseller because the price I paid was 2 and 1/2 times what the suggestedretail was and shortly thereafter I saw prices on used that were a fraction of what I paid. ... Read more

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Explores shamanic and Tibetan Buddhist attitudes toward dreams. ... Read more

Product Description
Please note: this volume is an updated and combined version of Ecstasy: Shamanism in Korea (0-930878-33-7) and Shamanist Folk Paintings: Korea's Eternal Spirits (0-930878-39-6) by the same author.
Northern-type Shamanism seeks ecstatic trance to commune with spirits. Here its psychology and techniques are analyzed.

The top twelve deities in Korea's Shamanist pantheon are explained in this book the Mountain Spirit, the Dragon King, the Seven Stars who control human fertility, as well as the three magic monk-spirits who walk on water to prove their blood-tie to their father.

The later part of the book describes via photo-essays the Shamanist rituals still occurring today those which summon the deities, the "Ten Thousand Spirits" who may arrive in answer to the shaman's call. These include the famous generals of history, who will drive away disease, one general so fierce he walks on sharpened knives, a performance the shaman duplicates without being cut! The female ruler of the earth spirits, a patroness of diviners, also comes and sometimes hungry ghosts direct from the underworld; they gobble their food but cannot swallow. Then Pali Kongju may come, to rescue souls from the clutches of brutal guards of Hell.

Also disclosed are the life stories of various individual shamans, the mudang (spirit houses) who invite possession by the gods, so that they may cure disease. Photos suggest the unbridled ecstasy felt when the spirit enters within, the superhuman strength these frail women can exert, evidence of their freedom from the choking constrictures of Confucian lifestyles. 228 color plates and 75 b/w plates. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

not bad
A coffee-table art book filled with photos rather than a work of critical scholarship. The first-half, which concerns itself with the art of shamanism, is pretty good. The second half is an analysis and description of shamanstic rituals; it's not so good. The author clearly knows and cares a lot about Korean shamanism and its art; and he gives a fair coverage of both. But just as clearly he's not a profesional photographer or scholar of religion. I really wanted to know about Korean shamanism and the book was helpful, so even though it's expensive I don't regret buying it at all. If you also really want to know, you won't regret it either.

a useful source with very nice pictures
The first half, focusing on the spirits and the iconography, is excellent. The rest of the book is, frankly, weak on content. It has a good bibliography and some good photography. The book is helpful if you plan to visit Buddhist temples or witness Shamanist kuts. On the other hand, if you are looking for academic work, this isn't it. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (13)

I Red it and Read it and Read it!!!
I got this book Rainbow Medicine right after meeting the Author in 94. What a powerful person and book I read it over and over. The spirits in this book open doors to healing each day of my life. I will always trust the writings of Wolf Moondance. It will help all who look. Dan Bentely

The Book is Grand it saved my life.
I think there are a lot of ways t see a Truth and I want to say this book is full of truth. I was sad and very angery at the lies that are told about good people and the indian ways. I was lost and drunk and this book pened me up to the memories of my Grandmother and father. I remembered the love and the truth and I'm alive and teaching school because of the book. Please, if you need spirit and are looking to learn grab this one and keep it close-It is Great!!! Carol Smith

I love the book-It helps!
I'm a young one and I have the book it is great. My grandmother is Native American and she thinks we need to remember the magic of our people and not live in the anger and hate of the old days. We almost lost the spirit of our people and we need books like this to remember. I find the book easy to read and great to learn from. It make my Granny smile. Wolf Mooondance is a good writer. Thank you Frank from South Dakota

The Real Thing
This book is a contemporary teaching tool to reach out to all people that strive for a better life.Many would say that this isn't "traditional" material or that shamans don't write books.The idea of this book is to reach out to the public in a contemporary Native American spiritual way, and allow people to find happiness in a difficult world.This book accomplishes the goal, and succeeds in being an excellent healing tool.Doubt or anger is not what this book is about.It is about sharing a vision (contemporary) and helping people to have a guide for self healing and happiness.No, this isn't "tradional" Native American writing, but it IS great contemporary Native American writing.We are all on this earth to share our ideals and culture, so do yourself a favor and read all of Wolf Moondance's work.Native American's do write books and they also share their visions with the rest of the world.Remember anger and negative opinions do NOT mend the hoop.The book is a great beginning to help people get acquinted with spirituality whether it is Native American or a personal experience.The book is a quality experience and I recommend it highly.

sorry people.This is not the real thing!!
My purpose for writing this review is by no means motivated by any intent to slander the author in any way. In fact, after reviewing the author's website and other books, I think my review can be applied to all bookstore shamans. Unforunately, it seems that many of you non-natives are unable to distinguish authentic native spirituality from this type of material.My concern is for the interests of the reader.The approach that most Native Americans have taken in response to this type of misrepresentation of culture has not been a peaceful one.There is no shortage of protests and lawsuits against mispresentation in Indian country. There are many people today who are taking advantage of Native American people through their presentations of bogus teachings.I implore you to use common sense.You must know that today, in this modern age, there are many charlatans at work, especially in this genre. I do not mean to insult the intelligence of the readers but what you have here by "Wolf Mood Dance," is a romanticized version of Native Spirituality.In a sense, maybe this book's information is what you "want" to hear.If it adds something positive to your life, ..fine.But for those of you who are genuinely interested in learning about Native Spirituality, you must approach these presentations in a skeptical manner. Real Medicine healers are few and far between.Again, you must use common sense on this one.Authentic Native spiritual leaders usually keep to themselves and live a simple life usually among their own people and not in a corporate headquarters.It would seem very fishy to my people if our spiritual leaders were to suddenly begin to write books and create websites in order to promote an image.For those of you who seek spiritual guidance from an authentic leader, I'll leave you with a few points to contemplate.In short, you must seek the authentic healer in the proper place, and that is NOT in a bookstore.Also, each tribe has its own cosmology and heirarchy of deities and spirit helpers. It is not a case of lumping a Native practices in to one group and labeling it "Native Spirituality."As I seek to bridge the gap between non-indians and my own people.I am willing to share what I have experienced and how a genuine Native American percieves life.I do not "KNOW IT All" but I do know my culture and offer my hand for the sake of helping another in life, however I can. yellowrobe@hotmail.com ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good, but not complete.
This is a great guide for assembling different Northern magic practices into a coherent practice.It does not contain any really deep information on these required skills, however.If you already have experience in Rune magic, Seidr, shamanic journeying, etc... then you can jump right in.If not, be prepared to study those subjects first.

guide to galdr
This book is a great guide to galdr and other asatru subjects. these folk have a different view of the world tree than most other asatruers but don't insist that their view is the only one.Great book

Galdrbok
I have thoroughly enjoyed the book.It is interesting, informative and has an easy style.The information is invaluable for any Anglo Saxon heathen and a MUST if you follow the path or even wish to have a greater understanding of what makes us as we are.This is the Shamanism based on the Anglo Saxon or Northern European culture and it is great to have this information. ... Read more

Product Description
Why do Koreans use shamanic ritual even though prejudice against shamanism is universal? Why do so many Koreans employ a practice that is widely stigmatized and despised as superstition? Shamanism has a contradictory position within the Korean cultural system. This has led to the periodical suppression of shamanism and has also, paradoxically, ensured its survival throughout Korean history. This book examines the place of shamans within contemporary society, exploring shamanism as a cultural practice in which people make use of shamanic ritual, and disputing the prevalent view that shamanism is "popular culture", "women's religion" or "performing arts". Chongho Kim also disputes the common view among medical anthropologists that places shamanism firmly within the realm of traditional medicine. Drawing on case studies within Korea, Kim presents a study of indigenous anthropology with ethnographic material drawn from an insider's perspective and offers an understanding of the appeal of this indigenous folk practice in a highly industrial society.Directly confronting the prejudice against shamans and their paradoxical situation in a modern society such as Korea, this book reveals the cultural discrepancy between two worlds in Korean culture, the ordinary world and the shamanic world, and shows that these two worlds cannot be reconciled with each other. Kim explains that it is the difference between them which explains why shamans are necessary but also despised. Focusing on ordinary people who make use of shamans, rather than focusing merely on "the way of the shaman", this study of shamanism offers a significant contribution to the growing field of studies in indigenous anthropology and indigenous religions. ... Read more