Seeing in the Dark: Claim Your Own Shamanic Power Now and in the Coming Age [Paperback]

Colleen Deatsman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2009

The word "shaman" means "one who sees in the dark." Shamans consciously choose to live in two different worlds at the same time. They have one foot here in the everyday world and one foot in the world of the spirits. The fact is, we all live in these two different worlds, but are commonly not aware of the other, less visible one. This world does not exist in some other place, but is right beside us, just outside of our usual perceptions. Seeing in the Dark is a definitive source for personal shamanism and not only provides the tools and techniques of the shaman, but presents the wisdom tradition, awareness paradigm, and shamanic way of life. The powerful shamanic path has weathered the cataclysmic changes of over 50,000 years of human history and is even more vital and relevant today. In times when stress, tension, and the fast pace of life overwhelm us, this path shows us how to slow down, reconnect to the sacred, and harness our personal power--skills that will be needed for the uncertain days ahead. Included in this book are over 100 easy-to-follow exercises that teach important survival skills for the coming changes of 2012 and beyond.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A shaman is never truly alone. Instead, there is an unwavering belief that loving companions are always traveling with us. Feeling this fills us with boundless joy and deep gratitude for our life and our beautiful planet. Seeing in the Dark is both a step-by-step guide to developing powerful kinships with the spirits who surround us and to nurturing a clearer understanding of our place in the Universe." --Evelyn C. Rysdyk, Shamanic teacher and healer, author of Modern Shamanic Living, and on the editorial board of The Journal of Shamanic Practice

"Colleen Deatsman and Paul Bowersox draw on their diverse spiritual training and personal experience to craft a book that gives readers tools with which to traverse the turmoils of everyday life, economic downturns, and personal struggles. This is the sort of "engaged shamanism" that can light up the dark." --Larry G. Peters Ph.D., anthropologist, licensed psychotherapist, and author (leads groups to Nepal to study Tibetan shamanism)

"Seeing in the Dark is the kind of book that offers newcomers to shamanism a safe and sensible program and also reminds experienced practitioners why they fell in love with shamanism in the first place. The authors carefully guide readers through the many aspects of the shamanic life and offer practical suggestions for journeys, ceremonies, and personal healing. This book will become a comforting and reliable companion for those on the shaman's path." --Tom Cowan, author of Shamanism: A Spiritual Practice for Daily Life and Fire in the Head

Seeing in the Dark reveals shamanic ritual in terms of its practical application to the process of unfolding individual and collective consciousness, making it a ground-breaking work of startling authenticity. This book is a necessity for those who wish to understand how personal reality can be shaped by one's beliefs and how the fate of individuals and nations can be shifted by the focused intent of inwardly directed individuals. Seeing in the Dark is ideal for those seeking a practical application of material garnered from readings in comparative religious studies, folklore, and mythology but were left looking for the next step--here it is.  Take it if you dare. --Mark Stavish, Director of Studies, Institute for Hermetic Studies and author of Between the Gates: Lucid Dreaming, Astral Projection and the Body of Light in Western Esotericism

"Seeing in the Dark is a wonderful gateway to shamanic practice. Packed with wonderful exercises and journey suggestions, Deatsman and Bowersox gently guide readers to find insight and healing through spirit connections and energy work." --Kristin Madden, author of Magick, Mystery, and Medicine, The Book of Shamanic Healing, and Shamanic Guide to Death and Dying

"Shamanism is many things to many people--at its core it is an ancient spiritual tradition dedicated to becoming fully human. Through partnership with the compassionate spirits, shamanic practitioners bring blessings of balance and healing to our world. In Seeing in the Dark, Colleen and Paul offer us their inspired, multi-faceted perspective, helping to make this powerful tradition more readily available at a time when our need for it has never been greater." --Nan Moss and David Corbin, authors of Weather Shamanism: Harmonizing Our Connection with the Elements

"Seeing in the Dark unveils the mysteries of shamanism in a clear, well-written book. It teaches and demystifies the journeys of the shaman and gives many suggestions for continued success.  Deatsman and Bowersox tell you that you can do this and then show you how! An essential guide for learning to practice shamanism and the experienced practitioner will find more wonders to explore. Shamanism explores the world of the soul in trance, guided by the drum, the rattle, and our own power. The world of the soul often seems too mystical for us to travel, and yet we know the mysteries are there, hidden just beyond our view. Colleen Deatsman and Paul Bowersox dispel those myths in Seeing in the Dark, a book that shines a light to guide us into the pathways of wonder, the world of the soul. This well-written book teaches the student how to begin and then guides the experienced practitioner on ways to continue. Every reader will deepen their understanding of their own soul and the spiritual worlds of mystery." --Gail Wood, co-author of Shamanic Witch and author of Sisters of the Dark Moon

From the Inside Flap

Seeing in the Dark is a definitive source for personal shamanism and not only provides the tools and techniques of the shaman, but presents the wisdom tradition, awareness paradigm, and shamanic way of life. The powerful shamanic path has weathered the cataclysmic changes of over 50,000 years of human history and is even more vital and relevant today. Included in this book are over 100 easy-to-follow exercises that teach important survival skills for the coming changes of 2012 and beyond.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Weiser Books (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578634431
• ISBN-13: 978-1578634439
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #153,876 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Paganism
  • #91 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Shamanism

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Deeper Than Expected, September 4, 2009

By 

Marjorie Tursak (Lenawee County, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Seeing in the Dark: Claim Your Own Shamanic Power Now and in the Coming Age (Paperback)

As a shamanic practioner, with over two years of intensive training, I bought Colleen and Paul's book with the expectation that it would be a good review of knowledge already acquired. I was more than pleasantly surprised, however, as Seeing In The Dark proved to be of considerable depth, and not at all a beginner's manual, though it would also be excellent for beginners. The first thing that impressed me was the profound sense of purpose and mission presented in the book. The authors are clearly dedicated to bringing blessing and improvement, and a higher consciousness, to the world. I also found the contents to be incredibly rich in understanding, knowledge and skill. The material will provide a seeker with many weeks, and probably many months, of intensive experiences in the form of the suggested journeys and other assignments. I also discovered it to be truly challenging to me as a person, encouraging me to strive for the utmost in integrity and deep spiritual practice. After I finished a read-through, I placed it at my bedside, to be consulted regularly for wisdom, and so that I can work through the many exercises. I highly recommend it to all who are interested in deepening their spiritual experience.

50 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An intriguing and practical resourse that changed my life, June 15, 2009

By 

Patrick Kelley - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Seeing in the Dark: Claim Your Own Shamanic Power Now and in the Coming Age (Paperback)

It might be helpful for you to know that I am a practical man. I like things simple, down to earth, and real. I am not into spiritual matters, or any matters, that are "out there". If they don't apply in useable ways, forget it. I am a psychologist and Coordinator of case-management at Community Mental Health. I look for things that help me help people in substantive ways. Every now and then I come across a book that I just know from the moment I open it and read the Introduction that there will be information throughout the book that will inspire, challenge and motivate me to make important changes in my self and life. Seeing in the Dark is one of those few books. From the first chapter to the last, Colleen and Paul take you through step by step explanations of tools and methodologies, unique and enlightening wisdom about consciousness and being a soul, and offer over a hundred journeys from their solid foundation of years of personal and professional experience. If you are seeking knowledge, profound self healing and deep peaceful comfort, you will want to absorb this book from cover to cover. With each chapter I found thorough discussion of the information and was taken by the authors into the heart, soul and dynamics of the content and journeys with ease and understanding. Those who are drawn to work with the depth and power of their own soul, the guidance and support of spirit, and the energies of nature, whether beginner or experienced, will receive great benefits in absorbing this gem of a how-to book.

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Self-empowerment at its finest, June 2, 2009

By 

Barb Barton "Singer/Songwriter" (Lansing, MI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seeing in the Dark: Claim Your Own Shamanic Power Now and in the Coming Age (Paperback)

Seeing in the Dark is a long awaited read by Shamanic practitioners Colleen Deatsman and Paul Bowersox. Whether you are new to Shamanism or have been studying it for years, this book will provide a refreshing look at an ancient healing practice. Seeing In the Dark is packed full of information and exercises that will assist the reader in realizing their own Shamanic power and making true connections with themselves and others.