The Way of the Shaman

The Way of the Shaman says the practice of shamanism isn't a cultural thing- it's a "human" thing. Michael Harner gives a brief biography of his own beginner experiences, then a very short history of shamanism, what it is, and how the experiences during the shamanic vision walks compare to ordinary r......more

While I truly appreciate the information and insight Harner has brought to the west, his writing is amazingly academic and cerebral. It's the opposite of experiential or immersive. While it warrants a mention alongside other academic publications on shamanism, for me it falls on the list of what not......more

The book is both eminently practical and very thought-provoking,. The cross-cultural similarities between shamanic experiences seem to undeniably imply that these techniques of archaic ecstasy are enabling the practitioner to enter the racial subconscious mind.......more

During my lifetime in some wide ranging travels through SE Asia I have come across shaman in various cultures in Bali, Malaya, Thailand Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. I have seen quite a bit that cannot be explained in the normal terms of the material world. I started to explore the subject when I bega......more

This was the first book on Shamanism that I have read that is not a fiction book. I really enjoyed it and it was an easy read. Harner gives background and history as well as techniques to begin your journey into becoming a shaman. He also says that everyone has the ability to become a shaman, just w......more