Ritual : Power, Healing and Community - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1858600251 ISBN 13: 9781858600253

Publisher: Gateway

Synopsis

This important book argues that the redemption of Western society depends on the rediscovery of meaningful ritual. Ritual is at the heart of true communities. It can be an antidote to money-power and corruption. Above all, it honours the integrity to the individual's right to self-expression and self-fulfilment. Unlike other books on ritual which tend to be academic or detached, this powerful work comes directly out of the author's own life and experience. "This is the greatest and most detailed book about ritual and I have read. At a time when the West needs to relearn ritual for its own healing, this book is valuable, lively and sound." - Robert Bly "Having lived and worked side by side with Malidoma Some for two years, I have recommend him with highest praise. He has become one of my teachers. He knows." - James Hillman "Malidoma Some is a remarkable and uniquely talented man. Rarely can one person carry both the ancient ways of tribal Africa and the ways of Western thought and psychology. Malidoma not only carries these, he combines them, separates them, dances with them." - Michael Meade.

About this title

About the Author

Malidoma was initiated in the ancestral traditions of his West African society, and is a medicine man and a diviner in his native culture. He holds three masters degrees and two PhDs from the Sorbonne and Brandeis University and has taught at the University of Michigan. His work has particular relevance for men seeking a redefinition of their identity and role in the community, and he is much in demand as a group leader in the United States and in Europe, and teaches with Robert Bly and Michael Meade in men's conferences.

From Library Journal

Some is the ideal author for this book, which presents traditional beliefs about spirit possession and the need for ritual. He grew up in a village in West Africa and holds advanced degrees from the Sorbonne and Brandeis University, and he is also a Dagara medicine man and diviner. Some presents his own reactions to Western culture's enslavement to machine technology, which, he states, "is the spirit of death made to look like life." He concentrates on the need for grief ritual and ways of working with emotion in Western culture. Recommended for academic and large public libraries.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Gateway
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1858600251
• ISBN 13: 9781858600253
• Binding: Paperback