Customer Reviews

The Shaman Speaks: How to use the Power of Shamanism to Heal Your Life Now (Modern Spirituality)

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

 

 

The Shaman Speaks, by Shaman Elder Maggie Wahls, is a non-fiction goldmine of questions and answers regarding life, living, and power. As Wahls makes completely clear, this is not about Shamanism, but rather the teaching of the art of living and the difficult questions that generally go unanswered in the process. Transport yourself back to your school days. How many times did you contemplate asking a question? How many times did you ask it? How many times did the teacher invite students to ask questions because other students would likely have the same questions? This non-fiction guide is much like that--a sort of solutions manual to the myriad questions that come up along this journey we call life.


Wahls' purpose in writing this non-fiction work was essentially to present a view of modern day problems and thinking from an ancient shamanic perspective taught to her by her own family lineage. Although the book is essentially a laundry list of questions that are asked by students, the writing style and the chronology of the questions give the text a decidedly unified form.


The book rallies around the theme of making use of one's energy and time by focusing on the more practical aspects of life. In other words, stop dwelling on petty issues that infuse the individual with nothing more than negative energy.


While spiritual joy is something that can be attained from this book, it is impossible to fully quantify what this book can deliver to its reader. However, the author leaves no stones unturned in creating an aura of belief -- belief in the power of healing and the power of the mind.


The Shaman Speaks is undoubtedly an interesting read with an abundance of thought-provoking elements. It contains chapters on Safety and Protection, Standing in Your Power, and Energy Signatures. Ultimately, this book reveals ancient, age-old strategies and methods for attacking the problems that every man/woman is faced with in today's society.

Here is a teacher with great wisdom and love. Not only does Shaman Elder Maggie offer teachings on shamanism, these teachings help us deal with 'real life'. There are answers to so many questions that I am sure we have all had in some capacity in our lives, such as understanding the purpose of our emotions. These are life changing teachings, a treasure house of shamanic knowledge and experience, given to us with incredble love! It is an inspiring and empowering book, one which I will return to time and again.....a book I wouldn't be without.

This is a fabulously and honestly presented Truth. Shaman Maggie addresses student questions in this book but in a way that is beneficial for all. I highly recommend this book for anyone that knows inately... or is seeking for... universal answers and personal power. The most meaningful thing I can say here is AMEN.

I loved this book because the questions I would have asked about life and spirituality were answered simply and completely. There were questions about Shamanism, questions about life and how to live in a way that gives me peace, and even questions about why we are here on this earth now. I loved how the answers were so easy to understand, no matter what a person's background might be. And I love the fact that the answers ring true, as if I already know these things and I'm remembering them again. A lot of books on Shamanism talk about recipes for doing journeys, as if anyone can do these, but nothing on real life and how to grow spiritually and live as full a life as possible. You explain how to really get every moment out of life here and now.
Shaman Maggie comes across as very personable and real. Thank you, Shaman Elder Maggie, and your Spirit Guides, for this book.

I`m so grateful that a traditional shaman practitioner is willing to share the ancient shamanic truths with the public.
Shamanism is simple way of living for everyone who wants to live a happy, healthy and joyful life.
Thank you Shaman Elder Maggie for teaching us these wonderful truths.

A number of the qualities of this book definitely appeal to those who are interested in ways to realize their own potential through awareness and a personal, spiritual journey. You'll find suggestions for practices and a surprisingly open perspective on teching these ancient techniques.

The open attitude is perhaps the best reason to read this book. Shaman Elder Maggie Wahls does not buy into the older, secretive and often manipulative ways of transferring spiritual knowledge. Many teachers find that changing times mean the challenge is bridging the gap between these older methods and evolving consciousness. This book definitely moves in this direction.

Another positive in the book is the inclusive nature of the Shaman's discussions. She highlights similar practices, beliefs and teachings from a variety of traditions. Using this perspective and connectedness makes her teachings useful to more people. The goal appears to be making these practices accessible for a variety of individuals. Many will find this an effective way to start with and from existing traditions.

The impact of this approach is similar to bridging older traditions--including more individuals who want to pursue personal development rather than excluding some for a variety of reasons. The accessible sections increase the highlight with other sections that may put some readers off the book.

Shaman Elder Maggie Wahls also describes a unique relationship between emotions, emotional control and creating the life you want. The teaching is another important high light of the book that truly makes it worth reading.

On the other hand some of the language and discussions come across with a childish tone. While addressing childhood issues may be part of any healing process to live a more conscious, powerful life, some seekers may find the simplistic language less inspiring.

Another aspect of the book that may be less intriguing to some is the repetition of concern for encountering negative energies or beings who can cause harm to spiritual students. Other modern teachers are less involved with this perspective. This is perhaps the one older shamanic system that does dominate in this book. Other teachers take a more Jungian approach: all things are an aspect of the Highest Self rather than outside Self.

Many trained in traditional Shamanic traditions will find my perspective on these teachings dangerous: the need to protect, fight and negotiate with such entities is firmly established in this consciousness. As an individual seeker I encourage you to decide what is true for you and which systems or perspective(s) can be part of your daily life. For me, these teachings actually increase the sense of unempowerment and inflexibility. The implied helplessness seems counterproductive. Knowing that most things any human would call evil are done by someone who truly believes they are pursuing the highest good, created reality has a stronger aspect for me and other seekers than a rigid classification of energies.

Most of us don't have to go very far, to the next cubicle, down the street, or maybe a family gathering, to experience people who take rather than give. Therefore, I find the more involved scenarios less effective. Overall I enjoyed the book and now you've heard what I didn't like so perhaps you are closer to making an informed decision regarding your level of interest in this specific shaman book.