Journeying : Where Shamanism and Psychology Meet [Paperback]

Jeannette Marie Gagan (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2, 1998

From the fertile ground of psychology and the historic matrix of shamanism comes this daring and pioneering template for healing. This book will be of interest to anyone invested in healing--from seekers to practitioners. Included are case examples illustrating the psychotherapeutics of journeying.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Jeannette Gagan's Journeying is a must-read for those who are interested in shamanism but have been turned off by fuzzy-headed mystical claims or sloppy exposition. In this well-written and eminently useful manual, shamanism, "perhaps the oldest form of practical spirituality in the world," is explained in a straightforward, scholarly manner by a respected licensed psychologist. Gagan succinctly summarizes the procedures, philosophies, and purposes of modern psychology, illuminating the common areas occupied between the two. She builds a strong case for the introduction of shamanistic journeying into the retinue of healing modalities for the modern psychotherapist. For those intent on healing the psyches of themselves or others, shamanism may well work where other modalities have failed. For example, long-repressed anger can be processed while journeying without fear of upsetting the neighbors, or one day awakening to the horrible realization that you just kicked the dog. --Randall Cohan

Review

A landmark application of shamanic wisdom to early developmental wounding where the ills of society begin. -- Larry Dossey,MD, author of Prayer is Good Medicine

Examining modern social concerns such as inadequate bonding in infancy and the effects of violence, brain research, and the consequences of altered states of consciousness, Gagan applies the ancient technique of journeying to the intellectual structure of psychological theory. Her approach is refreshingly original, the goal being to encourage rapid self-discovery and self-healing. -- NAPRA REVIEW, Vol. 9, No. #, 1998

Gagan uses transformative imagery and symbolism as she probes the depths of inadequate bonding in infancy, violence in adulthood, the imprint of violence on the collective psyche. Gagan masterfully tells us why we need the power of shamanic healing in our lives, how psychology would benefit from a marriage of the two, and how even shamanism stands to gain from psychology's theoretical positioning. Highly recommended for practitioners and lay persons alike -- LEADING EDGE REVIEW, Summer, 1998

Here is an author who clearly knows her subject. . . .Gagan's book is nothing short of fascinating. It doesn't ask you to reject modern psychology, only to consider augmenting the discipline with a deeper plane of consciousness. -- THE NEW MEXICAN, March 8, 1998

Shamans in indigenous cultures were and are also the psychologists of the communityl. -- Sandra Ingerman, author of Soul Retrieval and Fall to Grace

This phenomenal book...shows how the separating and controlling energy of violence transforms into healing unity. -- Twylah Nitsch, Seneca Elder

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Rio Chama Publications; 1 edition (March 2, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964208806
• ISBN-13: 978-0964208803
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,075,304 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shows brilliant understanding, February 6, 1999

By 

Linda Leaman, Ph.D. ([e-mail]) (Lancaster, PA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Journeying : Where Shamanism and Psychology Meet (Paperback)

If you have ever been curious about shamanism and the process of journeying, this book is for you. If you have never heard of shamanism and the process of journeying, this book is the place to start.

Dr. Gagan has written a powerful book exploring the worlds of shamanism and psychology and the bridges between them. The shamanic tradition dates back at least 30,000 years. Like psychology, its intent is to heal and alleviate suffering. Unlike psychology, shamanism focuses on the soul of the individual. Its primary method is through the process of journeying.

As Dr. Gagan explains, the shamanic journey is a process of archetypal reconnection. During journeying, the imagery that springs from the unconscious connects us to nature and the natural order of the universe. The journey itself acts as an alchemical container where we can come to know these images. We journey "in repsonse to a source of healing that appears to beckon from outside ourselves. We connect to this source not through the aid of some guru or cleric, but rather under the power of our own intent." Through the author's eyes, the process is dynamically self-empowering.

The book analyzes in depth many case studies where we can see the art of journeying at work. Dr. Gagan's comprehensive experience in both psychology and shamanism show clearly. She is a master on this topic.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Integrative Healing at its Best, November 6, 2000

By 

Carl Middleton (Denver, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Journeying : Where Shamanism and Psychology Meet (Paperback)

Journeying is an exciting and powerful work with profound implications for those invested in integrative medicine and healing. The word integrative comes from the latin word "integratus" which means to form or blend into a whole; to unite with something else. Dr. Gagan unites or brings together the 30,000 year old shamanic tradition of healing with the field of psychology. The function of psychology, according to Dr. Gagan, is "to study behavior and mental processes and apply the resulting knowledge to the human condition". While taking different routes, shamanism and psychology seek to alleviate suffering in communities of people. Although the book is titled: "Journeying: Where Shamanism and Psychology Meet, I feel the book is really about holistic healing.

Allopathic medicine has been primarily concerned with healing the body, the field of psychology has been focused on healing the mental and emotional pain of persons. The shamanic healer is concerned not only with a person's symptoms and pain, but also a person's entire beingness experienced within the context of one's environment and circumstances. Dr. Gagan posits that shamanic healing integrates healing the body, the mind and the spirit. Shamanic forms of healing are about soul care and healing of the spirit. When we experience "pain" in our spirit or soul, it also sooner or later affects us mentally and physically. Therefore healing, to be effective, must be holistic. Shamanic forms of healing and journeying work at assessing and responding to the mind, body and spirit needs.

Dr. Gagan has written a prophetic book on the nature of healing and how modern medicine, psychology and one of the oldest forms of healing (shamanism) can be integrated to heal our overstressed and immune suppressed society. The form of healing is within ourselves and the process is dynamically self-empowering. Dr. Gagan's extensive clinical practice as a psychologist and expertise in shamanism is integrated in a revolutionary new yet traditional form of healing the human person. This is a five star book and a must for persons who are interested or in need of holistic healing.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A candle in the darkness, January 31, 2002

By 

Thomas Murray (Nashua, NH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Journeying : Where Shamanism and Psychology Meet (Paperback)

I don't have to write a wordy essay to sum up what this book is
and what it did for me. Over the last fifteen years I have accumulated
a virtual library of material on shamanism and psychology. All I
needed was three books, this being one of them.I wish and hope a
multitude will read and use the material in this book. Thank you
Jeannette Gagan. P.S. The other two books are, The Way of The Shaman by Michael Harner, and The Vision Seeker by John Lame Deer.