The Way of the Shaman Part 4 – The Spirits Unmasked

The Spirits Unmasked The spirit guardians reveal who they really are to Michael Harner during his very first journey into the spiritual realm.  I will highlight certain words in the quotes to help you better see who they are. While Mr. Harner was having this spiritual journey he recalls “I could only very dimly perceive the givers of these thoughts: giant reptiliam creatures reposing sluggishly at the lowermost depths of the back... Read More

The Way of the Shaman Part 3 – Asking the Guardian Spirits for Advice?

Asking the Guardian Spirit for Advice? It is possible for the shaman to consult with their animal spirits.  “This kind of consultation is commonly called ‘divination‘ in the anthropological literature.  A common reason to consult one’s power animal is to obtain advice regarding some personal problem.  Another reason is to consult with the power animal concerning the nonordinary cause and treatment of a patient’s... Read More

The Way of the Shaman Part 2 – Is the Shaman Possessed?

Is the Shaman Possessed? Once the guardian spirit in inside the shaman the shaman can perform dancing, accompanied by drumming, to “consciously become one with his power animal.” (page 61) “Much animal-like dancing in the primitive world has as its objective the unification of power animals with the dancers, whether or not the rituals are purely shamanic in other respects.” (Page 61) The author gives instructions on how to... Read More

The Way of the Shaman Part 1

Michael Harner is the founder and director of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies in Mill Valley, California.  He is an atheistic anthropologist and a practicing Shaman.  In 1980 he wrote a book entitled, “The Way of the Shaman”, which is considered to be a classic work on what shamanism is, where it came from, and how you can participate in it. What is a Shaman? A Shaman is essentially a “medicine man” for the tribe.  Someone... Read More