I think what bothers me is the use of the word shamanism.
If it was merely a brand of paganism I wouldn't mind it so much, although I would still stand by the belief that someone could use this information in a negative manner, whether intentionally or no. But shamanism is a serious, you are called to this by the gods, kind of thing. Something you are born into based on DNA and weird other things. At least, from my understanding of it. So saying anyone can do shamanistic things makes me uncomfortable.
Feb 27, Karin rated it liked it. Some interesting ideas, but it felt too much like a white man co-opting stuff from other cultures. Feb 25, GaiasWonderland rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: Everyone who is open-minded and ready for change. This book is about here I'm quoting the author himself ancient spiritual healing methodologies based in traditional, universal shamanism that is the foundation for what he calls Earth Magic.
I really enjoyed this book. There were many a This book is about here I'm quoting the author himself ancient spiritual healing methodologies based in traditional, universal shamanism that is the foundation for what he calls Earth Magic.
There were many aspects that Steven covered and I also thought was amazing that he actually talked about it! I also liked things that he just mentioned, like one of his favourite stories, which he found on the Internet - which is about an American Businessman and a Mexican fisherman who are having a conversation. Some things that I also appreciated were the mentioning of Mother Earth and how we are all connected.
Plus he is saying that Storytelling of any form is a means of communicating Yes, I definitely agree with that one as I love stories! Also, I totally love that cover! Nov 04, Kendra rated it liked it Shelves: A good generic "what shamanism is" book. Keeps it to the neutral, all the similarities of shamanism around the world and touches on the myths and stories from some other cultures.
This book offered deep insights into the basic ideas of shamanistic traditions and practices and where they are found nowadays in medicine and psycho-therapy. Due to its helpfulness I want to express my gratitude toward the author for sharing such knowledge. Dec 12, Eden Clark rated it really liked it. This was the very first book I ever reason shamanism. At the time I was a corporate CEO.
I happened across a metaphysical bookstore and walked in, and by "coincidence" found this book. I never new about shamans, but something urged me to buy this. It was a great first dive in to shamanism, which opened an entirely new world for me.
This is a more simple look at the work we do, but it is great for both personal healing and exploration of shamanism and "earth work" in general. Nov 06, Kellyn Brooks rated it liked it Shelves: Pretty good intro to shamanic healing. There's some good information in here for the layperson. I especially enjoyed the discussion on the magickal qualities of DNA.
I wish there had been more of that kind of thing. By opening your eyes, hearts, and minds to the awareness of how the physical world in all its multitude of expressions is animated by a force called Spirit and that you are also Spirit in expression, you can fully recognize the fundamental connection you have with all of Life.
With this recognition you can then activate and awaken ancient cellular memory of this interconnectedness with all beings. You come to recognize how Earth Mother and all her children are profoundly interrelated, both physically and spiritually.
You can more fully appreciate that everything on this Earth, including our bodies, are made of the same stuff from which the stars are made. As you integrate this understanding into your heart, mind, and being, the many realms of Spirit make themselves available to you in a variety of ways, and you come to truly know the unity of ALL things in Heaven and Earth. With the conscious awareness of this reality, you can not only more deeply appreciate the inherent magic in everyday life but also discover how to collaborate with Spirit to create miracles.
With this expansive awareness we can also receive continuous, loving guidance from the various manifestations and expressions of Life, both visible and non-visible. That is Earth Magic. The natural world gives us signs and omens continuously, but through our long-standing conditioning we have forgotten how to notice and heed those signs.
Growing a few herbs in pots is simple, and you could make the process more magical by planting in accordance with the moon phases. Incorporate a tiny gratitude ritual when you cook and eat. Create your own personal prayer of thanks to the earth when preparing fresh ingredients. You can do this in your head or aloud, depending on your own preference. Become aware of the seasons, the solstices and equinoxes. You can do this in any way that appeals to you. A meditation, a simple lighting of a candle or a seasonal meal are good ways to begin.
Go out into natural surroundings as often as possible. Instead of walking the dog or exercising, make your excursions into nature be more about your symbolic relationship with the earth.
Of course take the dog and run, but remove your earphones and instead pay attention to the sounds, sights and smells of nature. A wonderful way to do this is to go Geocaching. If you haven't heard of it, then you must give it a try. Geocaching is a worldwide network of 'secret' caches.
You search for them using an app on your phone — they are all given GPS coordinates. It's a little like hunt-the-thimble by tech. Most caches consist of a sealed container with a log book. Some contain tokens and knick-knacks. You swap an item with one of your own, sign the logbook, update your app and then on to the next one.