Author Topic: Books on shamanism (Read 1984 times)

Moonstone · « **on:** May 08, 2015, 01:39:52 pm »

I seem to have taken an interest in shamanism does anyone know what is the best book to read?

SunflowerP · « **Reply #1 on:** May 08, 2015, 07:04:44 pm »

Quote from: Moonstone;174788

I seem to have taken an interest in shamanism does anyone know what is the best book to read?

That will depend on what you mean by 'shamanism' - the word is used in a number of different ways (some of them quite problematic). Tungusic animism? One or another form of Native American spirituality (this is one of the very problematic uses)? Harnerian 'core shamanism'? Neo-shamanistic techniques applied to some or another cultural paganism? Something else? (Our Inclusivity FAQ has a bit more info on the varying uses, and on the problematic issues.)

It will also depend on what kind of interest you have.

Sunflower

Redfaery · « **Reply #2 on:** May 09, 2015, 08:01:02 am »

Quote from: Moonstone;174788

I seem to have taken an interest in shamanism does anyone know what is the best book to read?

Like Sunflower said, that's a very broad question. Could you clarify?

If you mean trance-work, I'd recommend Diana Paxson's "Tranceportation" (yes. TRANCEportation.)

Moonstone · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2015, 12:24:09 pm »

Quote from: Redfaery;174820

Like Sunflower said, that's a very broad question. Could you clarify?

If you mean trance-work, I'd recommend Diana Paxson's "Tranceportation" (yes. TRANCEportation.)

Yes i mean trance work, ecstatic experiences etc. Maybe some native american beliefs as well.

Gaudior · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2015, 06:16:27 pm »

Quote from: Moonstone;174874

Yes i mean trance work, ecstatic experiences etc. Maybe some native american beliefs as well.

You would probably do better to seek out a Native American group or organization and tell them that you are interested in learning about them. They don't usually give the information to outsiders, but you could talk to them and build a positive rapport with them. I say this because there are many books on "Native American" practices that are not true or watered down.

Arthurine · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2015, 11:44:40 pm »

Quote from: Moonstone;174788

I seem to have taken an interest in shamanism does anyone know what is the best book to read?

Alright, so this isn't by any means the /best/ book to read; I haven't read enough of it to even promise it's a /good/ book, but "The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft" by Christopher Penczak has been useful in terms of finding bits and pieces I'd like to look into further, as well as a few things that helped me with the physical side of things.

He's too ritual-based for my tastes and doesn't cite much of anything which always makes me a little "ehhh" but as someone who is interested in shamanism across multiple cultures, I don't feel like skimming and cherry picking this book was a waste of time. Probably borrow before you buy, though.

ranetree · « **Reply #6 on:** May 21, 2015, 11:46:51 pm »

Quote from: Moonstone;174788

I seem to have taken an interest in shamanism does anyone know what is the best book to read?

A while back, I picked up The Shaman by Piers Vitebsky off the discount rack at Barnes and Noble. I haven't read too too much of it, but it seems to be an all-around reference book of "this is what 'shaman' means to a bunch of different cultures and how they do the thing". It's got like six pages' worth of bibliographic references, too, which strikes me as pretty solid.

Very easy reading, not too complex or too informal. I should probably read more of it.