The Shaman's Doorway: Opening Imagination to Power and Myth

by Stephen Larsen

The Shaman’s Doorway is one of the most significant and inspiring works on the relationship of shamanism to both the psyche and society. Drawing on his experience as a psychotherapist and his understanding of primordial shamanic traditions, Stephen Larsen shows the relevance of this path to the modern world and how it can lead to a creative and affirmative relationship with life. “Life dismembers us,” Larsen says, and a new grasp of these ancient techniques for altering consciousness is required to escape from the alienation and confusion caused by our demythologized and industrialized environment. Defining the task of the shaman as one of bringing meaning and healing into life, Larsen clearly shows how the shaman, all too often perceived as belonging to the world’s past, holds the key to our future.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Anthropology

258 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

H. Stephen Larsen is a psychologist and author who, with Robin Larsen his wife, was on the founding board of advisors of the Joseph Campbell Foundation, and also founded the Center for Symbolic Studies, to carry on with the work of Joseph Campbell. He is best known for his work in Mythology, and for being a pioneer in the field of Neurofeedback.

Reviews

[Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides an interesting discussing of the psychology of shamanism and mythology in general. It makes a persuasive case for increased openness to mythologicized experiences. However it also seems to view usage of drugs to induce altered states of consciousness as a good idea which is questionable.

[WITCHCRAFT · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book that interested me in shamanism when I was obsessed with mythology. It's a good bridge between the two.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Typical of the genre, but better than most.

[Jess Overton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought Larsen's approach to the whole subject of spirituality and psyche to be refreshing, he wasn't on some soul-searching mission, rather he was exploring, seeing what he could find. It is a good mix of both memoir of his trip but mostly an academic investigation into shamanism, 'mythic consciousness', trances and other states of consciousness. As a skeptic, I really enjoyed this book. Again, it's mainly academic - I probably wouldn't recommend it for an interesting read before bed, but more so for those interested in this subject in particular. Those interested in shamanism, spirituality, meditation, trance, spirits, visions and unexplainable experiences, that have a scientific mind behind them, could find this book intriguing.
Great interviews, interesting story and very solid research fused together by a great writer. Four star.

[Mateo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wouldn't reccomend reading this book unless you happened to find a beat-up old copy of it in a box in the back of a used book store in Mexico. Or if you really want to, let me know and I could lend it to you.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Important book, especially for artists.