Pocket Guide to Shamanism (The Crossing Press Pocket Series) [Paperback]

Tom Cowan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The publisher's latest title in this series for the New Age market distills the essential elements of shamanism. Self-help author Cowan discusses the differences between traditional shamans and shamanic practitioners, exploring the pursuit of shamanic training in light of the whole question of cultural appropriation. Cowan concludes that respect and discretion are prerequisites for applying shamanic healing to one's life. As a basic introduction to the topic, this pales in comparison with Nevill Drury's The Elements of Shamanism (Element, 1991); nevertheless, Cowan's book will appeal to readers who have a practical interest in applying shamanic wisdom to their lives.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Crossing Press (March 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895948451
• ISBN-13: 978-0895948458
• Product Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,230,635 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tribal and contemporary shamanism, May 5, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Pocket Guide to Shamanism (The Crossing Press Pocket Series) (Paperback)

Tom Cowan offers an excellent comparison of the strengths of both tribal and contemporary neo-shamanic practices. He includes how to work within each model as well as providing rich information on how to approach a tribal/native shaman for healing or assistance. Mr. Cowan also provides a full list of resources. A great book to enter into an exploration of shamanic practices.

5.0 out of 5 stars How Can This Be the Same Guy?, December 16, 2010

By 

Lora York "IslVoter" (Avalon, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Pocket Guide to Shamanism (Paperback)

This book was tightly-written and concise. It talks about traditional shamanism and "neo-shamanism" in the current age when there are no teachers around.

He ties the concepts of shamanism to modern terminology and concepts. So, in modern day, we think of energies in mountains or streams or trees, not Mountain Spirit as an entity. Modern-day projection or OBEs is a parallel to the non-ordinary reality of shaman.

Even if you don't think shamanism is your path, this book concisely describes what it was, what it has become in modern times, and how you might pursue it if you feel it is your path. Very worthwhile.

I'm just not sure how the same author can be verbose and indulgent in one book and concise in the other. Editors, perhaps? [These Pocket Guides probably have very tough editors!]

If the idea is of interest, I recommend this book. It's very cute to hold too.