These shamanism book come from the point of view of anthropology or the researcher’s view of shamans and shamanic practice.
Nine Worlds of Seid-Magic by Jenny Blain
Nine Worlds of Seid-Magic: Ecstasy and Neo-Shamanism in North European Paganism This accessible study of Northern European shamanistic practice, or seidr, explores the way in which the ancient Norse belief systems evoked in the Icelandic Sagas and Eddas have been … Continue reading →
Subjects: European Shamanism, Norse, Research Related, Siedr
Old Magic: Lives of the Desert Shamans by Nicholas Clapp
For a thousand generations, desert shamans of the far West sought order in the stars and in the mysteries and wonder of their grand, if unforgiving landscape. When summoned, they doctored the stricken, be they stoic elders or frightened little … Continue reading →
Subjects: Desert Shamans, Native American, Research Related
Shaman: An Illustrated Guide by Piers Vitebsky
The shaman occupies a key role as a healer mediating between the world of the living and the world of spirits and is a potent figure in alternative medicine. Shamanism, a richly illustrated guide, looks at both historic and present-day … Continue reading →
Shamanic Voices by Joan Halifax
Shamanic Voices: A Survey of Visionary Narratives Shamans, the physical and spiritual healers who are the central figures of many tribal cultures, share eloquent testimonies including harrowing tales of initiatory rites, vivid accounts of visionary journeys, and revealing expressions of … Continue reading →
Shamanism: A Biopsychosocial Paradigm of Consciousness and Healing by Michael J. Winkelman
What does the brain do during “soul journeys”? How do shamans alter consciousness and why is this important for healing? Are shamans different from other kinds of healers? Is there a connection between the rituals performed by chimpanzees and traditional … Continue reading →
Shamanism: An Encyclopedia of World Beliefs, Practices, and Culture
Shamanism: An Encyclopedia of World Beliefs, Practices, and Culture (2 Volume Set) This two-volume reference is the first international survey of shamanistic beliefs from prehistory to the present day. In nearly 200 detailed, readable entries, leading ethnographers, psychologists, archaeologists, historians, … Continue reading →
Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy by Mircea Eliade
First published in 1951, Shamanism soon became the standard work in the study of this mysterious and fascinating phenomenon. Writing as the founder of the modern study of the history of religion, Romanian émigré–scholar Mircea Eliade (1907-1986) surveys the practice … Continue reading →
The Nature of Shamanism by Michael Ripinsky-Naxon
The Nature of Shamanism: Substance and Function of a Religious Metaphor [The author] explores the core and essence of shamanism by looking at its ritual, mythology, symbolism, and the dynamics of its cultural process. In dealing with the basic elements … Continue reading →
The Strong Eye of Shamanism by Robert E. Ryan
The Strong Eye of Shamanism: A Journey into the Caves of Consciousness An exploration of shamanism and the archetypal symbolism that sits at the foundation of all human life • Not just an academic work. Helps the reader experience the … Continue reading →
The Way of the Shaman by Michael Harner
This classic on shamanism pioneered the modern shamanic renaissance. It is the foremost resource and reference on shamanism. Now, with a new introduction and a guide to current resources, anthropologist Michael Harner provides the definitive handbook on practical shamanism – … Continue reading →
The Woman in the Shaman’s Body by Barbara Tedlock
The Woman in the Shaman’s Body: Reclaiming the Feminine in Religion and Medicine A distinguished anthropologist–who is also an initiated shaman–reveals the long-hidden female roots of the world’s oldest form of religion and medicine. Here is a fascinating expedition into … Continue reading →
The World of Shamanism by Roger Walsh
The World of Shamanism: New Views of an Ancient Tradition Fascinating, comprehensive, and eminently readable, this guide explores shamanism—the world’s most enduring healing and religious tradition—in the light of modern medicine, psychology, neuroscience, consciousness disciplines, and religious studies. “…Unquestionably the … Continue reading →
Traveling Spirit Masters by Deborah Kapchan
Traveling Spirit Masters: Moroccan Gnawa Trance and Music in the Global Marketplace (Music Culture) A group of ritual musicians and former slaves brought from sub-Saharan Africa to Morocco, the Gnawa heal those they believe to be possessed, using incense, music, … Continue reading →