Secrets of Shamanism: Tapping the Spirit Power Within You [Paperback]

Jose Stevens; Lena S. Stevens (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1988

THE PATH TO INNER WISDOM Throughout history, shamans have possessed the power to journey deep within themselves to tap the universal source of information and wisdom. Bypassing the stumbling blocks of the outer, material world, they perfected techniques of communication with the innermost world of the spirit to find answers to pressing questions, foretell the future, and achieve profound understanding. Now psychologist Jose Stevens and his wife Lena demonstrate how the ancient techniques of shamanism can be adapted to the needs and concerns of the modern world. Through a series of simple exercises, lessons, and rituals, they teach you how to identify and communicate with your inner spiritual guides---and how to achieve professional success, psychological enlightenment, and personal fulfillment. Shamanism will help you harness the power you never knew you had. It is an exciting way of thinking and perceiving that will completely change the way you live your life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Avon books; Reissue edition (1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9994465457
• ISBN-13: 978-9994465453
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,058,507 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

75 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginners, but..., April 28, 2000

By 

"palagran" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secrets of Shamanism: Tapping the Spirit Power Within You (Mass Market Paperback)

This was the first book I read concerning the Shamanic practice, and is only one of many. This book is responsible for my devotion to this way of life. It is easy to read, enjoyable, intriguing, and very useful. It is ideal for introducing newcomers as it is also non-threatening. HOWEVER, there is one important fact that I think the authors failed to express: The universal fact that shamanism is different for each individual who practices it. This book lists exercises to do in step-by-step processes; I think this somewhat limits the mental/spiritual creativity that makes the shamanic practice so effective. Sure, the exercises can be done, and will work, too, but those serious about the practice should not limit themselves to only the practices in this one book. I would recommend reading several others to gain a greater perspective on the subject, read only as opinions, as, like I said, the practice is different for every person. Even the practices here can be done in many other ways, not just like they are said to be done by the authors. Techniques not mentioned may be more effective for different people. In short: This book should be read as an outline, an introduction to the personal shamanic experience.

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Experience the magic immediately!, March 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Secrets of Shamanism: Tapping the Spirit Power Within You (Mass Market Paperback)

Out of the many books on shamanism I own- this is the one I go to the most. I keep several on hand to give to friends. Written by a psychologist, the book is full of clear, safe, practical and powerful techniques. If you want to have a shamanic experience or focus on a specific question - search no further. The layout is great- 1) A clear concise description of the skill 2) A short (one page or less) story/example of a person applying shamanism in an every day life situation 3) A description of how to do it. and 4) A simple numbered step list/chart to make it clear. It's so easy to jump right in. I am sick of people writing about their shamanic experiences when any body can jump right in and do it themselves! Yes you!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Great Cookbook, April 20, 2005

By 

Just Me (Here (usually)) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Secrets of Shamanism: Tapping the Spirit Power Within You (Mass Market Paperback)

Popular books on the topic of what is known in New Age circles as "shamanism" tend to fall into one of two categories: stories or cook books. The story-type books (ala John Perkins or Alberto Villoldo) tell a story (whether true or not) and hope that the reader will gain true spiritual advancement from the story itself. This is considered the approach used most often by indigenous peoples. On the other hand, the shamanism cook books try a more direct approach: do this, do that, do this other thing, and you'll get magical results. Cook books are very effective at teaching technique but essentially useless at evoking personal transformation or spiritual advancement.

Jose Stevens' book is probably the very best cook book on so-called "shamanism" that I have read. The other very notable cook book is Serge King's Urban Shaman, although Stevens' book is much more complete.

My rating of 3 stars reflects not so much on the content of this book but rather on its approach. Taking my analogy several steps further, I would say that a cook book will only tell you how to make a dish. It won't teach you how to grow healthy food. But of course New Age "shamanism" misses that point completely anyway.