Customer Reviews

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

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4 star:		(3)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

"Seeing in the Dark" takes on and succeeds at the herculean task of reintroducing shamanism with language we are familiar with in the 21st Century. This book is a bridge between the flights of fancy of what was, and the concrete pragmatism of what will be, indeed must be, in the years to come as we pull away from the wish-fulfillment thinking which has plagued the New Age. What worked for the ancients will not work for us in the same way. Post-modern man is unfamiliar with the spirit of the buffalo. It is meaningless to him and therefore empty. But, the structure of the human thinking machinery, the understanding that soul is the prime mover in the genesis of human thought, is something we can employ to our benefit and make work as citizens of the new millennium. Deatsman and Bowersox weave the old throughout the new, never stripping shamanism of its mysticism, but unrelentingly championing the retooling of the shamanic worldview towards practical application. If you want to see where shamanism has been, and still catch a ride on where it is going, buy this book. You will be glad you did.

I used a lot of information in this book, there's a lot of thought provoking reading here. BUT- a lot of the book is taken up with "assignments" of places you're supposed to "journey" to...which was as tedious as reading the who-begat-who section of the Bible. That being said it is a book that you can and should read more than once to fully retain its contents. I learned effective ways to meditate and journey through meditation. Aside from the assignments, the reading is easy to follow and understand.

I was looking for a book on shamanism that would introduce me to the basics while also being adaptable to my own spiritual beliefs. This book is just what I was looking for: shamanism with a common sense, practical approach. Seeing in the Dark explains all terminology and practices in a straightforward manner. I believe it would be good for any beginner like me, or a long term practioner.

I haven't done any journeying yet; I am eager to re-read this and begin incorporating it in my daily prayers. I found the choice of quotes inspiring and I will return to this book whenever I need to remember that I am a soul and not just a body. A big thank you to both of the authors!

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.

This book would be classified as neo-shamanism or what I would blended shamanism as there are some new age type concepts blended in. I would describe it as core shamanism with a slight Toltec slant as it refers to stalking and dreaming, and recapitulation and energy reclamation. It's a good beginner's book and I like the clear explanations. Some cultures or shaman spend most of their time journeying in the upper or lower worlds, but this book offers a sense of all 3 worlds and suggests journeying to each of the worlds and exploring each. There are good suggestions for journeys. There is no index, but the back of the book has a short treatment chart with suggestions for possible causes and potential treatments for various illnesses or problems which may come in handy. There are simple exercises and ceremonies through the book for the beginner and basic self soul retrieval and soul health is covered. The book is a nice blueprint for the shamanic path or explanatory book for those interested in learning about basic shamanism.

Whether you are a long time practioner of metaphysics or beginning to look for information, this book will prove to be a valuable read. It is practical, informative, effective and interesting. I will continue to use it as a resource for myself, family, and friends. I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.

Deatsman and Bowersox have created a book that has become, for me, both a personal treasure and a practical reference. I have used the book extensively and recommend it to others who are either curious enough about shamanism to read a new book or dedicated enough in their practice to find out more.

The personal journeys at the beginning of the chapters are delivered beautifully and help the thinking mind to switch off for a bit. There is a treasure trove of practices and approaches to work with, probably enough for a lifetime if one chose. There is no dogma, only compassionate guidance and enough practical commentary to make the reader respect the value and power of soul work.

This is the book that I always go back to, for inspiration, insight, and skill building. I highly recommend it.