Cave and Cosmos: Shamanic Encounters with Another Reality

by Michael Harner, Amanda Foulger (Narrator)

In 1980, Michael Harner blazed the trail for the worldwide revival of shamanism with his seminal classic The Way of the Shaman. Now, in this long-awaited sequel, he provides readers with dozens of fascinating narrative accounts of the experiences of contemporary Westerners during shamanic ascension. Extracted from the decades-old archives of the Shamanic Knowledge Conservatory, the striking similarities between the case studies suggest that these celestial realms, as well as the beings who live in them, do indeed exist.

But Dr. Harner doesn't just stop there--he shows readers how to discover these realms for themselves in the privacy of their own home and without the ingestion of mind-altering substances. Using his innovative "sonic driving" technique, readers will learn how to use rhythmic drumming to journey to the Upper World, where they can explore and map their discoveries, find and communicate with their own personal spirit teachers, and return later at will for additional healing and advice.

Written by a bonafide shaman and the world's leading expert on shamanic studies, Cave and Cosmos is a must-read for anyone interested in shamanism, spirituality, comparative religion, near-death experiences, healing, anthropology, and the works of Carlos Castaneda.

Praise for Michael Harner and The Way of the Shaman

"What Yogananda did for Hinduism and D.T. Suzuki did for Zen, Michael Harner has done for shamanism--namely, bring the tradition and its richness to Western awareness. Michael Harner is widely acknowledged as the world's foremost authority on experiential and practical shamanism, and has had an enormous influence on both the academic and lay worlds." --from Higher Wisdom, by Roger Walsh and Charles S. Grob

"Wonderful, fascinating.... Harner really knows what he's talking about." --Carlos Castaneda

"An intimate and practical guide to the art of shamanic healing and the technology of the sacred. Michael Harner is not just an anthropologist who has studied shamanism; he is an authentic white shaman." --Stanislav Grof, author of The Adventure of Self Discovery

"Harner has impeccable credentials, both as an academic and as a practising shaman. Without doubt (since the recent death of Mircea Eliade) the world's leading authority on shamanism." --Nevill Drury, author of The Elements of Shamanism

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Anthropology, Religion, Psychology, Occult, Philosophy

16 pages, Audiobook

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

The founder and president of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, Dr. Michael Harner (Michael J. Harner) pioneered the introduction of shamanism and the shamanic drum journey to contemporary life and is recognized as the world leader in this movement.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the book for you if you want to understand as much as possible about the shaman; who they are, how they do the work that they do and the worlds that they travel to. It is like Mircea Eliade's "Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy" in scope and depth but extremely user friendly as it is is written from the point of view of the practitioner AND scholar. I think of this book like a series of first hand reports from the first sailors who set off for the new worlds and reported that the world was not, in fact, flat. Harner wants to show you this new world/other reality- and to show you its maps. The many encounters noted reflect a universality of experience and give ample support for the existence of another reality. Of course, I needed no convincing of this as I am a practitioner myself. I am also a student of Harner's. The book contains a bit of memoir from Harner as well as hundreds of examples of shamanic experiences from his students. Do not read this book if you like to be surprised and you have not yet undertaken such journeys and plan to do so. As a person who has dedicated my life to this work, I read this book with great interest. Harner is a master story teller and this book may ignite your interest in exploring this other reality if you have not yet done so. Don't take Harner's word for it. In the appendix, instructions for making your own forays into this other reality are also there. I keep very few book and send most to the library or give to friends.. This is going in the permanent collection as this will be a resource I return to again and again.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Examines both the history and practice of shamanism, but this is not an academic text so much as it is a field guide to shamanism. Ergo, pretty spacey writing, but I am Luna Lovegood and spacey is my game, so I thoroughly enjoyed this.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published 33 years after his groundbreaking first book "The Way of the Shaman", Harner shares the wealth of experience he has gathered in training thousands of westerners in the ways of shamanic practice that he has distilled from hundreds of indigenous cultures across the globe. This is Harner's magnum opus published only years before his recent passing. His is truly a breathtaking legacy. Harner compares reports from shamanic cultures and ancient religious texts with reports from the trainees that he has compiled over the last decades to provide a survey of the spiritual landscape accessed through shamanic methods and notes the parallels to reports of near death experiences and parapsychology research that are well documented elsewhere. Harner's work has remarkable implications that cannot be easily dismissed. The idea of westerners reviving ancient shamanic traditions is a very challenging concept for which Harner makes a remarkable case. For anyone prepared to have their worldview radically challenged this is a fascinating read.

[Miri Villerius]

Certainly interesting from an anthropological or ethnographic point of view. It also presents shamanism as an interesting form of hyper-suggestive meditative practice. To be very clear, this isn't about or supporting neo-shamanism which can often be an immensely ethnocentric and suspect tradition. This being said, a lot of the psychology and (many) anecdotes are definitely not very well explained, supported, or believable.

[Azra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wasn't a quick read. The info is more dense than it first appears. There are also plenty of first person experiences in the book to illustrate the points being made. I ended up putting the book down several times, just so I could let the info perk through my head for a while.

[Aelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, especially the parts where the author recounts his visits to Ameridian population in 50-s, and 60-s as part of his first ethnographic study and later as beginner shaman, mentioning on the path Alan Ginsberg, Carlos Castaneda and others. First few chapter give a sense of that time.
Deliberately, I skipped parts which were analysis of westerners journeys. Thereby I mean narratives of what the author (together with his organization) has collected throughout years of facilitating drumming-accompanied trance journeys. At this point, I do not want to be influenced by those narratives.

At last, the author argues for 'core shamanism' which he claims is devoured of cultural context. Hence his thesis is that all over the world we had shamanic practices, which were embedded in certain culture, but that there are also techniques (e.g. drumming) that can be isolated from its socio-cultural context. I have some difficulty accepting this thesis. I even noted as a question mark on the book, is culture -free shamanism even possible?

I will return to this book, and read about drumming instructions in near future for now I am holding it aside.

[Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be somewhat disappointing. Mr. Garner's aversion to Underworld travel speaks more of his own personal prejudices against the Dark Mother than it does about the nature of the Underworld itself. His early encounter with a female Spirit named Elieth (whom he potentially equates with Lilith) only serves to encourage his "Western" worldview of good vs. evil. The ancient, shamanic worldview was not always so straightforward. Pele, Hawaiian goddess of the volcano was both destroyer and creator. Kali-Ma, fearsome with her garland of severed heads, often blessed those on the fringe of Indian society: lepers, women, and old people. Ereshkigal, Sumerian Queen of the Great Below, only showed her wrath to those who would disrespect her.

And yet Mr. Harner encourages a rather one-sided brand of Shamanism, filled only with fluffy white clouds and bright blue skies. He chooses only to explore the Higher Realms, not seeming to realize that only by delving into the shadowy depths of the Underworld, can a shaman actually become a shaman. There is a reason they are known as the"wounded healer" This is dangerous, as She will continue appearing to him in more terrifying form until he acknowledges and respects her. "What we resist, persists."

[Melvin Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on shamanism

It's really hard to go wrong with this author who was one of the leading experts on shamanism when he was alive. I wish he was still around so I could learn from him directly.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great source about Shamanic journeys with detailed anecdotes. A little promotional though about the author's workshops, but still relevant.

[Zack Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though Harner had a frustrating lack of empiricism (especially given his experience in academia), this was pretty interesting.

[Clivemichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, compelling overview of the process. Well described and defined.

[Maria Ripoll Cera · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un imprescindible para quien quiera saber qué es el chamanismo, basado en las experiencias personales y de sus alumnos de uno de los grandes introductores de esta técnica de conexión con los espíritus, en Occidente. Este libro explica en qué consisten las técnicas chamánicas, qué son los espíritus, cómo se les contacta, cómo ayudan a sanar, y comparte muchas experiencias directas de viajes chamánicos de alumnos de Harner.
Un libro ideal para la persona que busca respuestas prácticas.

[Laurie McNeill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well-written account of some of Michael Harner's further experiences with spirit and his life as a shamanic practitioner and teacher of shamanism. I enjoyed being able to tag along with Harner for these encounters, but must admit the thrust of the book lacked the freshness of discovery I felt that The Way of the Shaman conveyed. This may have been just my own state of being at the time of reading, but I did not enjoy it as much. Still, it was well worth the time and attention.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very good obviously. Michael Harner was an anthropologist who became interested in shamanism through his experiences with shamans in different cultures. In this book, he almost casually imparts vast amounts of information. His recent death is a huge loss. I've now bought copies of Way of the Shaman and Cave and Cosmos to put in my reference library.

[Marc · Rating 2 out of 5]

C’est un livre très intéressant, qui offre une lecture empirique, selon une approche anthropologique (donc de type scientifique), du phénomène des esprits. Harner, comme son contemporain Castaneda, a étudié le chamanisme (les médiateurs des esprits) et a lui-même été initié comme chamane. Il a partagé sa vie entre l’enseignement de l’anthropologie dans les grandes universités américaines et la diffusion des savoirs et méthodes chamaniques, notamment chez les Occidentaux, mais aussi dans quelques cultures indigènes où ils avaient été interdits par les grandes religions et la Science. Fascinant, mais pas de la grande littérature qui aurait appelé plus d’étoiles. Une lecture pour ceux et celles qui veulent comprendre toute la complexité de notre monde.

[Angel Andújar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction to shamanism for anyone that hasn't been born within a tribe. You have noticed to have a special reception to the invisible world but don't know how to advance, this book will give you clarity.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

In invaluable resource for those delving into the experiential practice of shamanism.

[Nikolas Alixopulos · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best books on shamanism that I have read. Michael Harner speaks from his own experience both as a scholar and practitioner.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite academic in tone

[Von]

Interesante aunque repetitivo. Un cúmulo de anécdotas personales más que una visión antropológica o psicológica.

[Steve Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting study and interesting conclusion draw on the experiences of the author and his "students."

[Elaina Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harner is a legend in this field. This book invited my own curiosity into whether there are realities accessible beyond the ordinary five senses. It became a practical guide for a time when my interest in the 'journeying' aspect of spiritual practice was active and focused.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cave and Cosmos is an update to Harner's groundbreaking 1982 book, The Way of the Shaman. Since his first book, which described the use of hallucinogens by Shamanic practitioners in South America, Harner had discovered through the meticulous collection of information from all over the world, that many practitioners do not use drugs to achieve an altered reality. Harner gives a map to the commonalities of what some people call nonordinary reality. It is an excellent text for anyone interested in shamanism. The general reader may find it more accessible than The Way of the Shaman.

[#DÏ4B7Ø Chinnamasta-Bhairav]

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}--- :}|{:-:}|{:- * FOLLOW 4 FOLLOW * -:}|{:-:}|{: ---{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}--------:}|{:-:}|{:- * LINKS * -:}|{:-:}|{:----------{~
~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~
~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~
***********************************************

* -:}|{}|{:- ? -:}|{}|{:- *

* -:}|{}|{:=:}|{}|{:- *

* -:}|{}|{:- ? -:}|{}|{:- *

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

* -:}|{}|{:- * SUMMARY * -:}|{}|{:- *

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

* -:}|{:- * RATING * -:}|{:- * /10 * -:}|{:- *

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

* -:}|{}|{: =EXPERIENCES=&=DISCERNMENTS= :}|{}|{:- *

* -:}|{}|{: = ? = }|{}|{:- *

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

To SEE a WORLD in a Grain of Sand,
And a HEAVEN in a Wild Flower,
Hold INFINITY in the palm of your hand
And ETERNITY in an Hour"
~ William Blake ~

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

Form is Emptiness; Emptiness is form.
Form is not different than Emptiness;
Emptiness is not different than form
~ Heart Sutra ~

Like the ocean and its waves,
inseparable yet distinct

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

" I and The Father are one,
I am The Truth,
The Life and The Path.”

Like a river flowing from its source,
connected and continuous

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

Thy kingdom come.
Let the reign of divine
Truth, Life, and Love
be established in me,
and rule out of me all sin;
and may Thy Word
enrich the affections of all mankind

A mighty oak tree standing firm against the storm,
As sunlight scatters the shadows of night
A river nourishing the land it flows through

~}- - - - - - - - - - - - - -:}|{:- - - - - - - - - - - - - -{~

~}-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-:}|{:-{~

[Kamila · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some points and ideas were really interesting, but this very strange citation has underminded my trust in the author´s critical thinking:

"Early in 2004 I was diagnosed with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1AT). A1AT is synthesized in the liver, and when deficient, results in emphysema. Replacement therapy is available through weekly IV infusions since 2004, however, my lung function continued to decrease."
The narrator then attends the Foundation´s course on Shamanism and is healed during a group exercise. This healing resulted in the followiwng:
"The chest X-ray showed virutally no signs of emphysema, although some tissue damage was still apparent. The spirometry reading revealed lung function at 82 percent of normal, the previous reading was 77 percent. The A1AT protein level had increased from 74 to 77 (normal is 90-200).
My doctor could not medically explain the reasons for these drastic changes. As I was smiling like a child on Christmas morning, he asked me what was going on. Without revealing the details, I related the results of my healing from the loving compassionate spirits. He just shook his head and said I had received something that he could never provide. He discontinued the IV infusion therapy, and we scheduled a follow-up appointment for six months later."

Now: can you imagine a physician who would see him only after a half a year after a brief remission of a disease, when just two weeks ago the patient was attending weekly IV sessions... While the patients levels were still well below the normal...?

[Ashley Van Vonderen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Harner's second book that brings shamanism to the Western world is an interesting place to start. I hadn't read Way of the Shaman before starting this one. The beginning of the text is a cryptic introduction, and the Universal maps of journeyers worlds was of great interest.

I read this during my time with a motley crew of students who were interested in psychology and anthropology, and we created our own shamanic drumming circle at nights by Lake Pontchartrain and in members houses. We'd share our journeys and have dinner afterward. Wonderful memories, and an interesting book.

It comes to mind when I play music, study guided imagery and desensitization, or chant in yoga class- the spirituality of mind and sound fascinates me. I won't call myself a Shaman, but I have journeyed, and there's power in it.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

“La caverna e il Cosmo” di Michael Harner affronta il tema del viaggio sciamanico nel Mondo di Sopra e l’incontro con il proprio Maestro spirituale. Scritto con molta chiarezza dove sono anche riportate testimonianze dirette di viaggi sciamanici da parte di più praticanti. E’ un libro prezioso per chi come me è appassionato di questo genere. E’ la seconda volta che lo leggo e ne sono contenta perché ho appreso molte cose che in una prima lettura mi erano incomprensibili, ovviamente poi con la pratica, sono arrivata a vedere le cose in modo diverso. Io lo considero uno strumento di crescita, un tesoro inesauribile di informazioni, secondo me destinato a diventare un classico nella rinascita globale dello sciamanesimo.

[Cliff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable book, exploring the experiences of those persons who willingly venture into the spirit world using traditional techniques. Taking a scientific approach, it seeks commonalities to "map" the spirit world. More than that, it provides profound insight into the practice of shamanism in a deep and meaningful way.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author presents a scholarly and existential picture of shamanism. My recommendations on shamanism include is Mircea Eliade (Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy), Michael J. Harner (Cave and Cosmos by Michael J. Harner (Cave and Cosmos: Shamanic Encounters with Another Reality) and Peter Kingsley (A Story Waiting to Pierce You: Mongolia, Tibet and the Destiny of the Western World).

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.

Interesting look into Shamanism.