In this remarkable work, Dr. Wesselman reveals what it means to be a mystic and a medicine man in an age of high technology and super science. His spiritual quest continues to unfold, illuminating the emergence of a modern Western shamanism, the phenomenon of spirit possession, the conveyance of the souls and the dead, and the true nature of the human spirit.
This book is the third in a series written by this author. I've read all three of them, and this is the best one yet! Not only does he continue with his journey connecting to a descendant, the author includes even deeper spiritual teachings. He demonstrates the value of shamanic journeying and encourages us to consider this form of connecting to Spirit. His last chapter, The Message, is essential for the evolution, and survival, of humans. I highly recommend reading all three books
I am doing my best to explore alternate ways of viewing reality, alternate to Western views, I should say. This book is powerful and definitely challenged me to stretch what I believe is possible. I almost put it down, but something in me said to keep going and I'm really glad I did, not because it became easier to hear his experiences as nonfiction, but because something about his descriptions of the different levels of reality resonate for me.
That's as far as I can go in this moment, but in studying Indigenous ways of seeing the world, this account feels possible and true in some long-forgotten part of my psyche/body. I'm exploring further. I'm also thankful for the notes at the back of the book, as they provide a deeper dive into shamanic studies. I'll especially be looking more deeply at Michael Harner's work and Sandra Ingerman.
The last two chapters left me speechless. Dr. Wesselman definitely had a way with words and perspective when concluding his work here. A beautiful reminder of this mystical/magical universe we all take for granted and know so little about. Surface level. Gripping testimony by something that sounds like a mere dream/fairytale, while also being totally believable based on the content at hand. Some of it was reminiscent of testimonies from yogi, Yogananda. I must get my hands on the first two books now! Wow!
Finding your own power is easier than you think, and validation is here for you in the works of Hank Wesselman. beginning as a scientist he stumbles into the world of the mystic exercising great discernment before decide whether or not it is real. Realizing the inherent indigenous knowledge and skills given to us as a birthright, Dr. Wesselman validates the truth in the many visionary experiences we all have that we have been taught to write off as coincidence, which they are not. His works try to remind us to reconsider who we are in the face of a world culture that tries to disempower us, and remind us that we have the ability to connect with the 'other' through a path of direct revelation. no priests or off planet deities needed, it's all within you. You just have to do the work to know 'who you are'. That question is more complicated and very easy at the same time. Recommended reading: 'the bowl of light'. But read the trilogy too if your wondering how he got to the bowl of light.
Really great read for anyone interested in shamanism. The author has had amazing experiences, including one where he does a healing ceremony and Christ does the healing. It sounds just like a healing performed by a catholic nun for my sister, the healing was miraculous, and the nun said she saw Jesus' hands over hers doing the actual healing, that she is just the channel. I am still recovering from the brainwashing heaped on me by the catholics, and it's refreshing for me to read about Christ in a non-catholic setting.
This is the third book in Wesselman's series on his own process of becoming a shaman, while continuing his professional career as a scientist and professor. In this book, Wesselman fully owns his identity as a shaman, and shares some very fascinating and inspiring experiences. Wesselman's shamanism come from Hawaiian and Polynesian teachings, and he is able to blend it with his background as an anthropologist. I could barely put this book down.
This is my least favorite of his three books in the trilogy, mostly because there is less prophecy and more about his spirit guides and healing. But how can you read the first two, and not read the last one?