The Book of the Shaman: Walk the Ancient Path of the Shaman & Find Inner Peace

by Nicholas Wood

Ever since the dawn of human history, tribes have had their shamans, who sometimes have been known as medicine men or witch doctors. This beautifully illustrated volume describes shamanism, showing its practices to be the earliest attempts to control the environment with help from spiritual forces. Shamanic ceremonies use drums and rattles to accompany dances, chants and other rituals as a way of summoning healing spirits, performing magic, seeking help, and divining the future. The Book of the Shaman points out striking similarities in shamanism of tribes in far-flung corners of the world, including Africa, India, Siberia, and the Americas. It tells how readers can use simple shamanic ceremonies today, as a way to restore their personal spiritual balance and live in harmony with the rhythms and energies of nature. Among the many features of shamanism described
The Three Shamanic Worlds --the Lower, Middle, and Upper Worlds, where the shaman's spirit travels during his trances
The Four Directions of the Medicine Wheel --and the teachings that the wheel inspires
Shamanic Ethics --including the rules of how and when to heal, and the safe use of magic
The Tools of the Shaman --including drums, rattles, ritual clothing, magic dolls, spirit houses, and more
Shamanic Rituals and Meditations --for purposes of healing, tending sacred places, protecting people from harm, bringing good fortune, honoring ancestors, and more.
Here is a fascinating and detailed history and description of shamanism, written by an expert in the field. This beautiful book is enhanced with more than 200 photos and illustrations, all of them in full color.

128 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2001

Reviews

[Logan Detour-Rowan · Rating 2 out of 5]

An overly simplistic and one-dimensional presentation of shamanism for folks who have never looked into the topic before. While beginners might find some information they find interesting. I was bothered by the book's focus mainly on Native American shamanism, and I found that while Wood explained the various cultures that had shamanistic practices, the images, references, and examples used were about 85% Native American. I understand that Wood's area of scholarship has been Native American spirituality, but I was led to believe by the description that the book was meant to cover general shamanic practice, not just American first peoples' practices.

I also take issue with the statement that Wood makes warning people against combining shamanistic practices of differing traditions. Most of us do not live in a tribal society that relies on traditional shamans for medicine or spirit work, so all modern day shamanic practices are bastardizations of the original. The point is that as humanity grows and changes our methods for accessing the spirit world and communicating with the universe will change. One cannot practice wholly gnostic spirituality and connect to the universe on a deeper level when one is boxed into a specific set of criteria. Yes, some criteria are necessary for safe and respectful practice, but the practitioner should always feel their way first.

[Alicia Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting little book... This is a nice little book for the purposes of introduction to a broad range of shamanic paths. If you're interested in animism or shamanism for study purposes and you just want an overview or a taster, then this is the book for you. However if you want to study it more in depth, you'll need to look elsewhere.

[Begum Sacak Sarilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book particularly for its pictures and its neat design. The book walks you through the ancient belief of shamans by giving descriptions and give you recommendations to apply it to your own daily life. It can be regarded as an intro book or like a handbook; ideal for people who begin to learn more about shamanism.

[Mark Ratelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Encountered this character in an online shaman group that he admins. He carried himself in an extremely arrogant and distasteful manner. Seems more like a Facebook Shaman than an actual Shaman if you catch my drift. He seemed very consumed with low level politics as opposed to someone who’s actually tuned into a higher frequency. Just my take, I don’t like to see something beautiful and sacred be tainted by people with impure intentions. Much love to all on your paths 🙏❤️🙏

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

too scant of an overview of the topic

[Ess · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick summary of a varied and in-depth subject. It's an easy read that works well as a beginner's guide or starting point.

[Sarika · Rating 5 out of 5]

While a very small and short book, there is a good wealth of information if you want to start learning about Shamanism and in an overall view how it works. I did not find it in the least dogmatic and the author tried to not center on one particular culture though one could tell that he likely was best versed with Lakota traditions.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

great illustrations, and short to the point info on each type of shamanism in the world.