Deerdancer: The Shapeshifter Archetype in Story & in Trance (Arkana) [Paperback]

Michele Jamal (Author)

Book Description

Series: Arkana | Publication Date: November 1, 1995

For centuries, men and women have engaged in shapeshifting rituals - the powerful process of taking on the physical or psychological aspect of an animal to access its strength and perceptions. The imagery of shifting between human and nonhuman form has strongly pervaded folklore, myth, legend, and superstition. In chapters on the buffalo, cat, bird, bear, dragon, frog and more, this book explores the qualities associated with various shapeshifter forms. It illustrates how to use shapeshifting ritual to find direction, power and insight.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In her third book, Jamal (Volcanic Visions and Shape Shifters) explores 12 shapeshifting entities in history and myth and invites the reader to expand his or her own self-awareness and spirituality. Throughout history, says Jamal, shamanic men and women have practiced shape-shifting, the powerful process of taking on the physical and psychological aspects of an animal to access its strength and perceptions, to achieve wisdom and spiritual power, to heal, to prophesy, to communicate with the divine. Each chapter covers a different animal ally--including the bear, wolf, cat, serpent--and begins by tracing the ally's role in world cultures throughout history. Then Jamal lyrically recounts shape-shifting stories that have pervaded folklore, legend and superstition all around the world from the mysterious seal shifter of Celtic myth to the mercurial dragon of classical Chinese culture. Every chapter ends with a poetic visualization of the animal--that goes along with the final chapter, a how-to-guide for readers to find and work with their animal allies. Anyone interested in shamanism, mythology or just plain self-awareness will enjoy Jamal's thorough exploration of shape-shifting. She allows for the appreciation of the power within oneself and other living creatures and ably demonstrates how the two may be integrated for deeper insight.

Copyright 1995 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Jamal, a practicing hypnotherapist and author (Volcano Visions, Viking, 1993), enlightens the reader as to the animistic belief that all forms of life are infused with a spirit or code of living, and to shapeshift is to discover a new sensitivity in oneself and a new world of allies. Jamal relates her encounters with shapeshifting rituals. In chapters on trees, seals, dragons, bears, and others, she explores the process of visualizing the physical and psychological aspects of other living creatures. In addition, she recounts myths and legends from around the world in "folktale" style that assists the reader in understanding the strength and insight in the thinking of each living creature. The tale of La Chatte Blanche (White Cat), for example, shows the way to be in balance in the universe. The Celtic peoples believe the seal to be a source of great compassion; a woman weeping in the ocean will be comforted by a seal. For most collections.
L. Kriz, Sioux City P.L., Ia.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140194916
• ISBN-13: 978-0140194913
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,578,518 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars readers, beware!, November 17, 2001

By 

melissa jane lee "misty in louisville" (louisville, ky USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Deerdancer: The Shapeshifter Archetype in Story & in Trance (Arkana) (Paperback)

this is a work on shapeshifting i picked up several years ago, and found i wasn't ready to read. my first experience in shifting was spontaneous and felt completely natural, but no one around me truly understood when i tried to describe how it occurred and what it felt like. this work has a rhythm and a cadence to it that prepares you for the experience, and simplifies many of its aspects. enormously helpful, but be prepared to enter the realm of looking through other eyes. thank you for sharing, michele jamal!