Synopses & Reviews
Shamanic implements assist us in going deeper into the intangible worlds and numinous realms of the spirit, where shamans and spirit walkers believe we navigate the complex interrelationships that are continually creating our physical existence.
A Spirit Walker's Guide to Shamanic Tools is specifically designed to support those who have learned how to access the spirit realms and have the desire to add the right spiritual implements to their shamanic tool kit. It is filled with practical information on the purposes of shamanic tools as well as guidance on how to make, buy and empower them for sacred use.
Beautifully illustrated with the author's original artwork and photographs of shamans and their authentic tools, the book pays tribute to ancient shamanic culture. At the same time, it demonstrates the effectiveness of shamanic methods in maintaining one's spiritual center in modern life.
Synopsis
Build Your Own Shamanic Toolkit
In this beautifully illustrated guide, artist and shamanic teacher Evelyn C. Rysdyk shows you how to create, decorate, consecrate, and use various sacred tools in ritual and healing.
Navaho traditional healers bring rattles, corn pollen, eagle feathers, and sage smoke together with songs and dances to affect healing. Ulchi shamans use drums, rattles, and larch tree wands called gimsacha to work healing magic. Manchu shamans will perfume the air with incense and tie on a heavy bustle of iron jingles as a part of their ceremonial costume. Modern shamanic practitioners likewise use sacred tools to facilitate our connection to helper spirits in the Upper, Middle and Lower Worlds, as well as the spirits of nature. While you can purchase many of these tools, there's nothing quite as powerful as making your own. You'll find instructions for making rattles, drums, masks, mirrors, spirit figures, fans, bells, pouches, wands, prayer bundles, flutes, whistles, and more. Plus suggestions for responsible ways to obtain the materials you'll need.
Having an intimate connection to all the spirits that came together in my favorite rattle--knowing that the tiny pebbles came from the local riverbank, the wood handle from a lightningstruck maple in my yard, and the rawhide from a black bear that was hunted by a native friend for food--gives it a far deeper meaning and power. --from the introduction
The author's original artwork and photographs of shamans and their authentic tools appear throughout the book.