The Four Winds: A Shaman's Odyssey into the Amazon [Paperback]

Alberto Villoldo (Author), Erik Jendresen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1991

In this narrative of spiritual discovery, the authors journey to Peru to investigate the jungle plant Ayabuasca, used by Indian shamans to access the four paths of the medicine wheel. Through ritual, ceremony and the use of mind-wrenching potions, the author enters a fantastic realm of both mind and body, unlocking the secrets of the ancient Quechua masters and the power of the human psychic.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Villoldo's account of his apprenticeship to a Quechua shaman in Peru is a lyrical blend of adventure, journal jottings, philosophical reflection and comparison of Western psychotherapy with shamanic teachings. "Seekers on many paths--Jungian, shamanic, dreamwork, transpersonal psychology, etc.
-will find this open-ended vision-quest inspirational," said PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

While the authors of this latest addition to the growing literature on shamanism are earnest in the delivery of their story, much of it reads like Carlos Castenada. A young psychologist, bent on discovering the connection "between the worlds"--the uncommon realms of consciousness versus "reality"--Villoldo connects with a mysterious Quechua professor who teaches philosophy by day and is a shaman/healer by night. While the professor is the master shaman here, Villoldo meets others. He is shown the methods of inducing prophetic and diagnostic visions--healing oneself as well as others through the use of various herbals. A vision quest to Machu Picchu and other rituals are thrown in. This fascinating topic has much potential, but the authors resort to parlor-trick descriptions that ultimately make these rich, unexplainable-by-ordinary-means experiences hollow. This will probably be in demand, but it's not a necessary purchase. --Kevin M. Roddy, Oakland P.L.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins; First Harper Collins edition (May 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 006250892X
• ISBN-13: 978-0062508928
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #236,969 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D., a psychologist and medical anthropologist, has studied the healing practices of the Amazon and Inka shamans for more than 25 years. While at San Francisco State University, he founded the Biological Self-Regulation Laboratory to study how the mind creates psychosomatic health and disease. Dr. Villoldo directs The Four Winds Society, where he trains individuals in the U.S. and Europe in the practice of energy medicine and soul retrieval.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Non-fiction junkie and this is my favorite of all times, March 16, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (USA -- where are you!) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Four Winds: A Shaman's Odyssey into the Amazon (Paperback)

The book grabbed me within a heartbeat. It was well written with much visual effects and sensory overloads. One felt as though they were actually becoming a Shaman. It made perfect sense and when he was scared I was scared. When things came together for him, it did for me too. Highly recommended, although it's out of print. Try to obtain it anyway you can.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Four Winds, October 26, 2001

By 

forrest (vail, co United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Four Winds: A Shaman's Odyssey into the Amazon (Hardcover)

One of the most unbelievable books I've had the pleasure to read. I used to have a copy and think just about everyone should. Hell, I'm a jock and I loved it. Too bad its hard to find. Anyone that sees this, I am NOT OVER STATING MY OPINION.

0 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars all about drugs, August 16, 2009

By 

Carl Albert "Carl" (Webster, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Four Winds: A Shaman's Odyssey into the Amazon (Paperback)

The author wants you to believe that he has had this wonderful enlightened journey reaching a new spiritual level. Actually it's a story of someone taking native mind altering drugs and trying to make you believe it is more than just a chemical reaction.