The Shamanic Wisdom of the Huichol: Medicine Teachings for Modern Times

by Tom Soloway Pinkson

True account of a decade-long apprenticeship with Huichol shamans in the Mexican Sierra Madre

• Contains an insider’s view of the Huichol’s shamanic spiritual practices, including their ritual use of peyote

• Offers the Huichol path to sustainable healing for individuals and our planet

Never conquered by Europeans, the Huichol--known for their use of peyote in spiritual ceremonies--have thoroughly retained their ancient way of life. Growing from a deeply rooted respect and reverence for the natural world, the Huichol’s shamanic spiritual practices focus on living life in harmony with all living things and offer a path to a truly sustainable future.

The Shamanic Wisdom of the Huichol is the autobiographical account of Pinkson’s decade-long immersion in the shamanic traditions of the Huichol tribes of the Sierra Madre in Mexico. From his first Huichol pilgrimage to Wiricuta (their sacred homeland) in 1981 to searching the desert for the heart medicine of peyote, Pinkson’s account of his initiation into the medicine teachings of the Huichol brings new life to this ancient eco-centric tradition. Providing a guiding light for those who seek to become part of the solution to our planet’s ecological challenges, Pinkson empowers readers to choose their own path toward healing both on a personal and a planetary level.

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Changed my life. Reminded me to listen. Can't give it 5 stars because he began to repeat himself and his stories kept blurring together. But otherwise, it was just what I needed to help me remain grounded when teaching.

[maisie florence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just from reading this book, I have become more intentional, realised even more the importance of prayer, realised the power within myself. Such an incredible read. I’ve always been interested in the Huichol and visiting them - now even more so! I love the way Tom writes, and I will be purchasing the rest of his books too 🙏🏼❤️

[A J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pinkson takes us on his personal journey of transformation through his training, pilgrimage, initiation and healing work on the path of a traditional Huichol Mara'akame. We are invited to gaze upon moments of his deep clarity and his deep failure. Pinkson's humanity and wisdom both show clearly in his writhing. His storytelling skills paint vivid pictures in the reader's mind such that we feel fully engulfed by the flow.

I took my time to savor each chapter, pausing for a time to meditate on the implications it might have on my own life. Many journal entries have been impacted by this reading. I deeply appreciated Pinkson's respect and appreciation for peyote medicine and visioning. I also loved his description of the sacred marriage (of feminine and masculine) that must take place in each of us if we are to truly awaken and heal. Pinkson includes tangible exercises in the appendices for readers to engage or to deepen their own spiritual practices in daily, weekly and monthly exercises. If you are exploring or doing discernment work in a traditional medicine path, you may benefit from reading this book.