Customer Reviews

Practical Shamanism, A Guide for Walking in Both Worlds

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you want to understand what the modern shaman does and how you can do it for yourself and others, then this is the book for you. Katie has plenty of research and training to back up what she puts forth, but she doesn't beat you over the head with it. Instead, she gives you what you need to get started right away. Her style is easy to follow and the techniques approachable and effective - and the optional drumming CD empowers you to take your first journey. I highly recommend this book! - Mara Cook

Written by shamanic practitioner, Reiki master, and mechanical engineer Katie Weathercup, Practical Shamanism: A Guide for Walking in Both Worlds is a guide to the metaphysical power of exploring worlds beyond the mundane, building a bond with spirit guides, past-life healing, shadow work, soul-retrieval, and the search for a more meaningful existence. Written to be accessible to readers of all backgrounds, Practical Shamanism guides both novices and experienced shamans with sensible advice and provides numerous anecdotes of other individuals' mystic experiences. A bibliography rounds out this excellent guide that blends modern views with time-honored shamanic traditions.

I have read many books on Shamanism, and I must say this has been the most down to earth and well written book I have read. Katie's sense of knowing what to tell the reader is fantastic. Here practical view of Shamanistic Practices are great. The ideas that she puts across to the reader are great. I have ear-marked my copy of the book so many times that is looks like every other page has been marked. Absolutely a GREAT BOOK. A must read for all who deal with the Shamanic Arts.

BUY THIS BOOK whether you think you want it or not because it will benefit you and everyone around you. It is a "must read".

I purchased quite a lot of books recently on crystal healing, energy healing, and shamanism. This was the first book to arrive so, naturally, I read it first. How fortunate I was/am.

This book is THE perfect introduction to shamanism. It is quickly obvious to the reader that Weatherup is an expert and deeply understands what she is talking about. It is not a new-age mumbo-jumbo book like so many others. Katie writes from both experience and from the heart and she always emphasizes that it is for the good of your inner self and for others. She writes effortlessly and so clearly that you know exactly what she is talking about. You don't have to sit there and noodle on what she said. Instead, it is intuitively obvious what she is teaching you.

I have always thought that if I learned one new thing from a book then it was worth the cover price. This book taught me at least one new thing or a new way of thinking in each and every chapter!

There is no way I will ever part with this book. It is a permanent part of my library now and I will re-read it at least once a year.

Thank you Katie Weatherup. You are a beautiful person inside and out.

The author needs to hire better editors as well as take some time to learn more about other subjects outside of the subject they are originally attempting to write about. A person's ignorance becomes clear when they attempt to wander into areas they are not very well informed about.

For example, the author needs to learn more about the subject of karma and magic in general. Better, just do not go there in the first place and leave it to those who are far more education in those subjects.

If that is not enough she talks to the reader as if you are around five or six years old. "....energy that carries some of the biggest, nastiest karmic consequences" not only sounds childish, it also reveals she knows little about this area. She would do well to actually study eastern philosophy that explains this subject in depth. Karma is not about punishment.

What I am reading from her book is more parroting of information that has been written by numerous authors. Which does not make the information correct, it is simply misinformation being handed down.

There is indeed such thing as psychic and magical attacks and one would be wise to learn about these subjects. She claims effective black magic takes vasts amounts of energy. It takes no more energy to do black magic than it does any kind of magic.

The above examples are just a few areas in her book I found sadly lacking. There are just too many other problems to list in this review.

It is obvious she needs a better editor, one who has more experience. Books are costing readers far too much to read things such as "This can be done simply by visualizing energy from the earth coming in through the souls if your feet...". I personally believe people have souls but when did just your feet develop their own separate soul? I think she meant to write *sole* of your feet/foot. This may sound trivial, even humorous, but readers/buyers deserve far better.

The author spent way too much time promoting everyone else's work and after a short time, the book begins to look more like a promo for other folks than any real research or real personal experience.

Honestly, there are far better books on the subject of Shamanism around. This book is just more of the same from a student of people who have already written enough on the topic. If one is really serious about this subject should do your own research. There are many organizations that can help put you on the right path. Even for a beginner, there are better books out there.

Katie is a wonderful gifted Shamanic Pracitioner and Teacher whose approach is very gentle. Reading this book is almost as good as being able to attend her class which is very powerful. It was very well written and easy to follow as well, plus it has her humor in it. It is informative and not overwhleming. The Journey's and healings are explained in a unintimidating way that makes it easier and exciting to understand, Plus Katie gives you a little back ground on herself. Katie's approach to Shamanism is done in a very loving way. When you read this book you just might be able to feel the love coming from Katie.

A very practical guide to modern Shamanism. Especially recommended for those who are starting out. It's a good starting block to go from to explore the works of Harner, Ingermann, & others.

This is my favorite book on Shamanism. Katie's writing style is engaging, honest, and to the point. The book has sufficient detail without bogging us down, and her instructions are easy to read, easy to grasp, and organized so they're easy to find in the book.

I really like the way she addresses us as modern readers, and talks about the issues we may come across, such as the feeling of a journey seeming like we are making it up. Along with these issues, she encourages us, and states the signs that point at the realness of the experience.

This is a great no nonsense book that will take you into journeying in a comfortable manner. I met two of my guides today for the first time. I thought I was going to the Lower World. That was my intent, but my guides pointed out to me, with some laughter, that though that was my verbal intention, my mind brought me to the Upper World to meet them. It was quite an experience!

Katie's methods are very similar, if not the same, that other author's recommend, but I really like the way she explains the experience and addresses doubts that may arise.

I'm not lending this book out to anyone, so buy your own. It's wonderful, and I highly recommend it!

Dana

This is a great read for those just learning about shamanism, its terms and general practices. Katie writes in a clear and understandable way that makes it easy to read. A lot of topics are covered, included the three shamanic worlds, psychic attack, journeying techniques and personal experiences with her clinets and her own healing experiences.
Having said that, I would look for other books that go into more detailed accounts of shamanic based work. For example, in her Curses and Black Magic section, I get the impression she brushes off these aspects of shamanism. People need to know there is an opposite of healing shamanism and its called sorcery. Energy is energy, its the intent behind it that makes it good or bad. She explains that even though there may be those skilled in the art of black magic and curses, it would be pretty rare for it to have a great affect on anyone (what about those rare cases that it is effective then?) and that most of the times, its the clients own obsessions and beliefs that draw negativity to them (true, but not always the case). I feel a lot of healers need to be more informed about the dark side of shamanism. We live in a free will world and just because one one is working within the light, dosent mean you turn a blind eye to what others may do in the dark. Sorcery is very real and the power of black magic does not cease to operate because you choose not to believe in it. I reccomend Alberto Villoldos books for a more informative take on this aspect of shamanism that this book lacks.

This book truly is for the who wants a deeper spiritual understanding but who lives in this world and wants to stay here. I ordered four other books when I ordered this one - I sent three of them back. They were too traditional for what I was looking for at the time. The book is written in an easy to understand way without arrogance. I have many books on shamanism and this is the best (but also the least "traditional"). Katie gives a simple to follow directions to go on a Shamanic journey - if you try, don't give up - it might take more than one try. I will read this one again.