Initiation: A Woman's Spiritual Adventure in the Heart of the Andes (Paperback)

by Elizabeth B. Jenkins (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Jenkins writes about her visit to the Andean village of Cuzco, Peru, while studying for her Ph.D. in psychology. Her spiritual experiences there were so compelling and profound that she returned home to San Francisco, sold everything, and went back there to live. Over the course of eight years, she traveled back and forth, studying and participating in the shamanic practices of the ancient Inca traditions. Her experiences are exciting, portrayed here with a great deal of honor and respect, and her writing is compelling. The result is a fine addition to the growing genre exploring indigenous spirituality. Nealson was a practicing psychotherapist and teacher for 15 years when, on turning 40, she decided to live for one year alone in a mountain cabin surrounded by nothing and no one. Her book, a poetic diary of that year, was written four years later. Nealson has structured her work around the eight holidays of the pagan calendar. She reflects on thoughts and ideas concerning those holidays as well as revelations about the details of living remotely. Her work is not a linear portrayal of the facts but rather a poetic and reflective glimpse of a heart and soul. It is gentle, gracious, and profound. Both works are highly recommended.?Gail Wood, SUNY College at Cortland, N.Y.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
In 1989, Elizabeth Jenkins was living in San Francisco, working on a doctorate in clinical psychology. Her life seemed full...but she felt empty. Then she traveled to Peru, intending to research Andean healing practices--and found herself taking an unexpected journey, with the guidance of an initiated priest of the Andean Path. This is her story, filled with compelling details of her own initiation in the beautiful but harsh setting of the high Andes--and how the voyage has changed her life.

Product Details

• Paperback: 273 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Trade; First Edition edition (August 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425164764
• ISBN-13: 978-0425164761
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #669,171 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a very interesting book!, July 11, 2000

By	jen__b "jen__b" (Atlanta, Ga USA) - See all my reviews

I saw Shirley McClains "Out on a Limb" several years ago and it really got me interested in Peru and Machu Picchu. Now that I have read this book, I am determined to go. I truely feel pulled to visit there - I imagine a lot of people will feel this way after reading this book. It sounds like a truely mystical place to grow spiritually and learn about yourself.

I like that the author does not just write about her initiation, but includes her first stay in Peru in her story. Her first encounters with the Apus and the first group she joins shows how one must be strong and trust your intuition.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book changed my life!, December 18, 2000

By	"marlay" (Lima Peru) - See all my reviews

I started reading "Initiation" on my way to Cusco, and was immediately hooked on it. I just couldn't stop reading. Elizabeth Jenkins' accounts of her experience with the Apus and Pachamama are so vivid that you feel you are actually living them through her words. I am Peruvian and have been for some time researching on Andean mysticism. I was not fully aware of the path that would open before me when I started my research, and just like Elizabeth, I heard Pachamama's call loud and clear. So I can fully relate to her story. The smooth and personal style in which the book is written makes it easy to read - but this is not just another nice story. This book takes you by the hand into the realm of Pachamama, and it actually complies with its mission of bringing Pachamama's word to the world. The description of the Hatun Karpay (initiation) is very vivid and compelling, and it truly opens your eyes so you can learn to distinguish between the real Andean mysteries from what is merely (to put it some way) a description of Andean folklore. I fully recommend this book to anybody who is seriously interested in embracing Pachamama's ways. After all, it did change my life!

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I went to Peru after reading this, September 26, 2000

By A Customer

Hi there! I found this book by accident, read it on one go and booked a trip to Peru for the following summer. I had fantastic time practising the old inka/q'ero indian energy excercises at the Inka temples and power places. I would warmly recommend this book (and the trip) to anyone spiritually inclined - and the practises really work!!!