The Four Winds: A Shaman's Odyssey into the Amazon - Softcover

Villoldo, Alberto; Jendresen, Erik

Softcover

ISBN 10: 006250892X ISBN 13: 9780062508928

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1991

Synopsis

A psychologist-turned-shaman relates his experiences with ayahuasca, or the "vine of death," as he explores the subconscious amid Inca ruins in Peru

About this title

From Library Journal:

While the authors of this latest addition to the growing literature on shamanism are earnest in the delivery of their story, much of it reads like Carlos Castenada. A young psychologist, bent on discovering the connection "between the worlds"--the uncommon realms of consciousness versus "reality"--Villoldo connects with a mysterious Quechua professor who teaches philosophy by day and is a shaman/healer by night. While the professor is the master shaman here, Villoldo meets others. He is shown the methods of inducing prophetic and diagnostic visions--healing oneself as well as others through the use of various herbals. A vision quest to Machu Picchu and other rituals are thrown in. This fascinating topic has much potential, but the authors resort to parlor-trick descriptions that ultimately make these rich, unexplainable-by-ordinary-means experiences hollow. This will probably be in demand, but it's not a necessary purchase. --Kevin M. Roddy, Oakland P.L.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

Villoldo's account of his apprenticeship to a Quechua shaman in Peru is a lyrical blend of adventure, journal jottings, philosophical reflection and comparison of Western psychotherapy with shamanic teachings. "Seekers on many paths--Jungian, shamanic, dreamwork, transpersonal psychology, etc.
-will find this open-ended vision-quest inspirational," said PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1991
• ISBN 10: 006250892X
• ISBN 13: 9780062508928
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288