Synopses & Reviews
Dr. Roger Walsh leaves no stone unturned as he examines shamanistic traditions, and how they intersect with modern psychology and metaphysical studies. Delve into shamanic practices--healing, altered states of consciousness, journeying, channeling, vision quests--and discover if, how, and why they actually work. This cross-cultural perspective will help you understand shamanism--its impact throughout history and its significance today.
Synopsis
Fascinating, comprehensive, and eminently readable, this guide explores shamanism--the world's most enduring healing and religious tradition--in the light of modern medicine, psychology, neuroscience, consciousness disciplines, and religious studies.
Praise for The World of Shamanism
As if on cue, just when I am beginning to think that shamanism is the ground from which all religions spring, along comes this book. I cannot imagine a book that would be more helpful to me in thinking through this important subject.
--Huston Smith, author of The World's Religions
...Unquestionably the most rounded compact introduction to shamanism, particularly the inner world of shamans, available today. A door-opening book for students of consciousness and spirituality.
--Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., M.Litt, author of The Yoga Tradition
A splendidly clear and timely survey of shamanism.
--Jean Achterberg, Ph.D., author of Imagery in Healing
Quite simply, this book is a major step forward in understanding the vital phenomenon of shamanism. I recommend it highly.
--Charles Tart, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Psychology, University of California at Davis, author of States of Consciousness
...Eminently useful and inspiring. A brilliant integrative work that pushes the frontiers of consciousness in insightful, practical, and powerful ways.
--Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., Cultural Anthropologist, author of The Four-Fold Way and The Second Half of Life
...Unique in bringing together the full range of anthropological, psychological, and psychiatric literature on this vital subject. It does so with admirable scholarship yet still manages to be sensitive and clear.
--Christie W. Kiefer, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Anthropology, University of California at San Francisco