Customer Reviews

Border Crossings: A Psychological Perspective on Carlos Castaneda's Path of Knowledge (153p)

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My readings of Castaneda's work have always been fairly literal and I've felt I've missed the point. "Border Crossings" has helped to crystalize my understanding of don Juan's teachings and how they relate to the unconscious. Williams incorporates elements of Jungian psychology, mythology, and comparative religion to portray Castaneda's experiences in a more metaphorical light, exposing the unconscious as an agent operating to tune our conscious selves.

I consider myself a student of my own unconscious, but not an authority on shamanism or psychology. It's a challenging read and I've benefited greatly from the insights of a process therapist who integrates Jungian and Toltec concepts into his practice. I recommend "Border Crossings" to anyone in the midst of serious self-examination, especially those with a fondness for Castaneda's books.

If you enjoy "Border Crossings," I also recommend books by Dr. Arnold Mindell, another Jungian analyst adept at putting a psychological spin on shamanism and related metaphysical practices.