Shamanism As a Spiritual Practice for Daily Life [Paperback]

Thomas Dale Cowan (Author), Tom Cowan (Author)

Book Description

Release date: September 1, 1996

This inspirational book blends elements of shamanism with inherited traditions and contemporary religious commitments. Drawing on shamanic practices from the world over, SHAMANISM AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE FOR DAILY LIFE addresses the needs of contemporary people who yearn to deepen their own innate mystical sensibilities. This inspirational book shows how to develop a personal spiritual practice by blending elements of shamanism with inherited traditions and current religious commitments. Contents include:The central role of power animals and spirit teachers.Visionary techniques for exploring the extraordinary in everyday life.Elements of childhood spirituality including songs, secret hiding places, power spots, and imaginary power figures.A journey to an ancestral shaman to recover lost knowledge.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

"Oh, yeah," you say, "right--I'm gonna drum in the office and go into the underworld on the subway?" No, Cowan responds, shamanism is more than tappings and trances. It is an integrated spiritual view adaptable to contemporary life. He argues that just as Zen Buddhism found a home in America (however different the U.S. variety might seem from its Asian original), so shamanism can, by modifying it but not losing its heart or substance. Drawing on shamanic beliefs and practices found in many cultures (what Cowan calls "core shamanism"), we can employ such devices as power animals, talismans, and journeying as centering devices to help us lead our spirits home. In Cowan's knowledgeable and passionate hands, what could have been a shallow how-to becomes an inspiring spiritual call. Patricia Monaghan

Review

Drawing on shamanic practices from around the world, Shamanism As A Spiritual Practice For Everyday Life addresses the needs of contemporary people who yearn to deepen their own innate mystical sensibilities. This inspirational book shows how to develop a personal spiritual practice by blending elements of shamanism with inherited traditions and current religious commitments. Shamanism As A Spiritual Practice For Everyday Life covers the central role of power animals and spirit teachers; visionary techniques for exploring the extraordinary in everyday life; elements of childhood spirituality including songs, secret hiding places, power spots, and imaginary power figures; and the journey to an ancestral shaman to recover lost knowledge. Engaging, informative reading. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Genealogical Services / Crossing Press (September 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895948389
• ISBN-13: 978-0895948380
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,978 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #60 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > New Age > Divination

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

123 of 125 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars What a fantastic source book! May 4, 2003

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

The Cowans have done it again.

If you are looking for a practical, beautiful, meaningful handbook for core shamanism ... look no further.

This book is packed full of exercises, ideas, journeys, interpretations and core shamanic values. I have been studying shamanism, and this is the most useful introductory text I have come across. It will give you the principles you need in order to build your own shamanic practice, without forcing you down the path of a certain cultural shamanic tradition.

As Cowan says: not all of us are cut out to be actual Shamans, but anyone can be a shamanic practitioner.

I highly recommend this book, whether you are already a practitioner, or are interested in learning more. This is not a book you will regret buying, no matter how advanced your practice becomes over time.

91 of 92 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential guide to practical shamanism February 16, 2000

By Diane Kistner

Format:Paperback

This is in my "top ten" list of favorite books, and I refer to it often. As a Westerner trying to learn about shamanism and how I might apply shamanic principles and practices in my life, I found this to be THE book. It's a perfect place to begin. Cowan provides the essentials of core shamanic practice without bewildering the reader with the incredible diversity that more scholarly and anthropologically oriented books do. After reading it, I was able to bring together the gleanings of thirty years of spiritual seeking into a simple, coherent framework that has allowed me to connect with others in ways I never imagined were possible. It has definitely been a factor in deepening my ability to help others through my ministry.

86 of 89 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars a gentle introduction to journeying July 1, 2002

By Annie

Format:Paperback

Having never read anything about Shamanism before, and being rather intimidated by the subject, this book was a great way to gently learn about Shamanism. With this book as my guide, it felt safe to explore journeying, and this has become a great gift in my life! The idea of shamanic practice seems possible for everyone through this book. I have learned a lot from it and would recommend it to anyone who wants to understand shamanic practices as well as experiment a little with them. This book shows you how.