Customer Reviews

Urban Shaman

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have to give this book five stars because it is not loaded with down to earth practical exercises but because it had one bit about "instant healing", which I have labelled "it never happened" technique and which came very hand when half of my face became paralyzed and when doctors told me that I'll just have to accept it and that it may even get worse over time. The paralysis was bad enough that I couldn't even speak coherently (I'd have to hold my lips with my hand in order to make an understandable sound), nor could I eat properly due to lack of sensation and because I couldn't move the muscles of my mouth. It was simply unacceptable to me to live like that, so I remember the technique from this book. I also got Serge Kahili King's video "Instant Healing".

I have adapted that "it never happened" techniques with NLP Time-Line technique and spend few days running the new pattern in my mind re-living my life from before the event until the present moment as if my face was always normal and it never became paralyzed. It was not INSTANT healing - but it took ONLY FEW DAYS for my face to become completely normal and to function perfectly. My friend said that that he was utterly amazed as he watched the transformation on my face returning to normal - he said it was just like witnessing a miracle. Yeah, our minds are truly miraculous.

_Urban Shaman_ is the first book I've read on Hawaiian shamanism; I'd never really even thought of it before. I picked up a copy because the artwork on the cover got my attention, and the cover summary hinted that he book might be interesting. What I found inside far surpassed my expectations. Rather than the usual "beliefs on how the universe works" and the same old meditation-for-beginners, it gives pratical insights, as well as exercises that prove their truth and exercises to put those truths to use. Instead of the usual untouchable, just-for-interest monologue, I found an interactive, useful practices that anyone can use to enhance their everyday lives. Though intrigued, I was a little skeptical, but the exercises give evidence of the truth of the wisdom shared. For example, did you know that it's nearly impossible to hold anger when you are completely physically relaxed? I didn't, and when I tried it, I found that the author was right. Okay, you have my attention:)

I recommend this book not only to readers interested in shamanism, but anyone interested in new perspectives that can improve their health and well-being. A lot of the content of the book can be easily merged with one's personal beliefs and practices, regardless of religious affiliation. An excellent read and reference!

The author is a shaman and huna philosopher.

Huna is an ancient philosophy going back 2,000 years, and contains many self realization techniques, including the unification of the three selves, removing emotional blocks and fears, and manifesting your goals. There is also an energy practice which uses the power of focus.

This book goes through the 7 rules of the Huna Philosophy, explaining them in some detail. It is an ancient belief system, and also an amazing self improvement system which I wholeheartedly recommend.

The world is what you think it is i.e there is no reality only perception. There are no limits. Energy flows where attention goes are three of the rules.

There are many self help books out there which focus on individual concepts, which seem new, yet are all contained within this philosophy, which is over 2,000 years old. I am thinking of books such as the Power of Intention, and the Power of Now, Unlimited power.

In addition the concepts of the conscious, subconscious, and superconscious or universal mind, have been around for thousands of years, yet only since the early 1900s with the writings of those such as Carl Jung have these ideas become more widely accepted.

This philosophy does enable you to combine your three selves, and clear emotional blocks and limiting beliefs for improved effectiveness.

There are excellent healing practices and visualizations within this book. Many of our illnesses spring from our unresolved emotions, whereas much of western medicine treats the symptom not the cause. I believe energy practice is very important for focus, as energy flows where attention goes.

Many other philosophies share common roots with this one. One of the main differences is this a can do not a can't do philosophy. To use one of the beliefs, there are no limits. If you buy this book your journey is only beginning because you will want to learn more.

I hope you f.ind this review helpful.

Studying this statement is in and of itself a worthwhile project. If you learn nothing else, this is well worth the price of the book.

I have several books on Shamanism and Self-Healing. Among these are 6 books by Serge King. All are great. I reread Urban Shaman because there is so much that I can't absorb all at one time. This book helped my in my healings of self and others and in my Shamanic journeys, the initial technique which I learned from the Foundation for Shamanic Studies workshop. I am a Reiki master and find his techniques to augment my methods very well.

I have found nothing in Serge King's books that doesn't work, some techniques better than others. I have found nothing in other books that Serge King doesn't cover in some way or form.

If you are going to get one book that covers most things well, in a very open and non-dogmatic manner, Urban Shaman is the book to get. From journeying to making walking sticks to healing methods, this book covers it all. If you want more than one book, get another of Serge King's books. They all work.

Years ago I was inspired by Bach's Jonathon & Illusions...so much so, that at times I referred to Illusions as my "bible" in the sense that I gave me great inspiration spiritually. After I read the Urban Shaman last year, I returned to the store and purchased every copy they had to give to friends! What impressed me most was that my skeptic, highly educated and scientific self did not balk at any of his teachings...a first for any book/belief. I have always been a warrior and a survivor and now I aim for something better...harmony and unity. This book will be my "bible" for some time to come and I hope to study Huna in Hawaii someday! What an inspiration!

This is an extremely well written book full of excellent material and techniques. I cannot recommend it enough! Easy to read, but thorough in covering the subjects. I found it a joy to read.

Pssst! Hey, wanna be a Shaman? You don't have to live in the woods and you don't have to beat any drums. We're looking at a city slickers guide to the New Age. No investment, no special vows, just add a little time, thought and practice. Castenada gave us "The Way of the Warrior" and Serge Khalili King gives us "The Way of the Adventurer." From basic methods to "grokking water", this book covers all the bases of a Hawaiian philosophy in a very readable format. Unlike many shamanic manuals, this book doesn't advocate getting back to "Mother Earth," rather it focuses on the need we have to come to terms with ourselves and how to turn our newfound abilities outward to share with others. Readers get a fresh perspective on how shamanic techniques can make life better. King builds on the basics, drawing a road map for creativity, personal transformation and healing.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about huna shamanism. It's truly a lot of information packed into 12 chapters. You can read it again and again, and every time have new insights.
However, I also have some remarks:

The book is so full of information that for me -being Dutch, reading English- it was hard to keep track of it. King uses a lot of Hawaian words and I sometimes just had to stop reading to "let everything sink in". Ofcourse one could also consider this a good thing.

Sometimes King gave me the impression he tried to approach the subject from a scientific point of view. He compares shamanic principles with scientific principles in a way that -in my opinion- sometimes leads to inaccuracy; for example when he compares "grokking" (a shamanic skill) with mimicri, and than describes the latter as when animals mimic their environment. This is not scientifically accurate, since mimicry occurs when organisms try to mimic OTHER organism which are usually less tasty of potentially dangerous: Like flies mimicing wasps. Mimicing your environment is camouflage. I found more of these examples, which made me feel if King tried to confince me of his truth with scientific statements.

Last: Sometimes the explanations for how to do the excercises were a little to short for me. I have no background in shamanism, and was sometimes left in wonder about the "how to's" after reading the chapter. For example when King wrote that for grokking you need to enter a "spiritual body" (??) I had no clue if I was doing it right.
On the other hand, these short describtions challenge the reader to find out her/himself the best methods, which is a good thing in my opinion, and also part of Kings philosophy.

Conclusion: A very good book beginners guide to huna shamansism packed with loads of information that keep you thinking for a while. In fact, it kept me thinking for so long that I decided to buy it after my initial loan at the public library.

My autographed copy of Urban Shaman is well worn, highlighted and crammed with bookmarks. It is definitely the foundation of my library. I have read and re-read Urban Shaman countless times, using the knowledge Serge King shares in this masterpiece. A true How-To type of book, presented in an easy to read form. I have taken Dr. King's class and this book will serve as the next best way to go. Dr. King teaches pretty much what is in the book. The information is fun to work with and quite practical. You will make the world a better place utilizing this book. Read with aloha.

I have or am getting everything that Serge King has written.

I re-read this book about once a month and gain new insights every time. He covers everything from making your own ceremonies to divination to distant healing to harnessing energies of unknown origin. Serge King has no secrets. Every suggestion works, or at least everything I've tried. Every page has valueble information.

He seems to give the message "this works for me and this is why I think it works. now you go with it and make it yours." Although there is tradition in what he says, it isn't a dogmatic tradition.

Huna isn't a religion. There should be no conflict with any religion.