Drawing Down the Spirits: The Traditions and Techniques of Spirit Possession (Paperback)

~ (Author), Raven Kaldera (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Are you ready to have your mind blown? Seriously, are you looking for a book that will force you to confront and/or reevaluate your thoughts on the very prospect of God or Gods themselves? . . . Hidden within this informative, straight forward text, is a philosophical discourse that is fascinating. Once you open this book, you'll find it hard to put down." (
The Magical Buffet, June 2009 )

"The authors are initiated and experienced in Shamanic and Vodou traditions and here provide keys to understanding possession and spirit agendas." (
The Midwest Book Review, Aug 2009 )

Product Description

An insider’s view of the inner workings and prevalence of spirit possession in our modern world

• Provides practical techniques for preparation, safety, aftercare, and aborting harmful possessions

• Reveals the forms of ritual possession present throughout the world--including Uganda, Nepal, Korea, Bali, Greece, Turkey, Scandinavia, and France

Drawing Down the Spirits presents an insider’s view of the inner workings, sacred traditions, and prevalence of spirit possession existing in our modern world. Spirit possession is an integral part of shamanism as well as many neo-pagan forms of worship that draw down deities or invite spirit possession. However, spirit possession is not for the unprepared. In Drawing Down the Spirits, Kenaz Filan and Raven Kaldera, both initiated and experienced in shamanic and Vodou traditions, present the practical guidance needed to participate in ritual possession.

Addressing the benefits and the dangers that await the naive, Filan and Kaldera show that there is no such thing as a guaranteed “safe” possession because spirits have their own agenda--and they are much more powerful than we are. The authors provide a variety of techniques to prepare for possession and abort possession and to promote the safety of the possessed as well as the spirits and witnesses present. With a wide-ranging look at the historic forms of ritual possession found throughout the world--including Uganda, Nepal, Korea, Bali, Greece, Turkey, Scandinavia, and France--the authors also include numerous firsthand accounts collected from witnesses of modern spirit possession.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Destiny Books (April 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159477269X
• ISBN-13: 978-1594772696
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #385,386 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent piece of work..., May 1, 2009

By	Neil Hajba (Kingston, NY, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Kaldera and Filan write an interesting perspective on the drawing down of spirits within the African Diasporic Traditions (particularly Vodou and Umbanda) and the NeoPagan movement. While this book doesn't teach one how to specifically become a 'horse', it does go into the how, what, where, and why people allow themselves to become living vehicles for the divine. An interesting read for anyone interested in Shamanism, Neopaganism, and Trancework.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read, but not what I wanted..., September 23, 2009

By	Jonathan Baker (Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Before I write anything else, I must commend Filan and Kaldera for their in-depth survey of spirit possession throughout various world religions. The book contains plenty of information that one can utilize and learn from, however I was somewhat disappointed with it. From first glance, I was under the impression that "Drawing Down the Spirits" was going to focus mainly on spirit possessions within African diaspora religions. It turned out that it made mention of it, but really didn't go into much detail on that sector of Paganism. Aside from briefing different practices across different countries, this work focused mainly on possessions within American groups practicing paths such as Wicca. Nothing wrong with that, but the authors can attest that possessions within African diaspora religions are much more intense and powerful. I had only wished to read more on that topic.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The authors are initiated and experienced in Shamanic and Vodou traditions, August 19, 2009

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

Drawing Down the Spirits: The Traditions and Techniques of Spirit Possession offers an insider's view of the inner traditions and actualization of spirit possession in the modern world. The authors are initiated and experienced in Shamanic and Vodou traditions and here provide keys to understanding possession and spirit agendas.