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

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 are:
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.

Nicholas Wood is editor of Sacred Hoop, Britain's leading journal of shamanic wisdom. He has studied with Native American and other medicine people and shamans, and with his wife he conducts workshops in the United Kingdom on Native American shamanic traditions and crafts.