Shamanism and Paganism

In the Amazon, shamans do not talk in terms of hallucinogens but of tools for communicating with other life-forms. Ayahuasca, for example, is first and foremost a means of breaking down the barrier that separates humans from other species, allowing us to communicate with them. The introduction of plant-centred shamanism into the Western world in the 1970s was literally the meeting of two entirely

Toward the end of his fifties, Christopher Gray took, for the first time in years, a 100-microgram acid trip. So extraordinary, and to his surprise so enjoyable, were the effects that he began to take the same dose in the same way - quietly and on his own - once every two to three weeks.In THE ACID DIARIES, Gray details his experimentation with LSD over a period of three years and shares the start

· Explores the shamanic use of healing songs, psychoactive plants and vision quests at the heart of the Odyssey and the fantasy works of J. R. R. Tolkien· Examines odysseus's encounters with plant divinities, altered consciousness, animal shapeshifting and sacred topography - all concepts vital to shamanism· Reveals how the Odyssey emerged precisely at the rupture between modern and primal conscio

In search of something to restore his spiritual connection to life after his release from captivity as a political prisoner in Brazil, Alex Polari de Alverga had a transformative encounter with Padrinho Sebastiao Mota de Mela, one of the two revered founders of Santo Daime. A potent synthesis of Christianity and indigenous Amazonian practices of enthnogen use, mediumship and healing, the Santo Dai

The Moon's ever-changing phases offer a way to deepen our understanding of our natal Moon sign as well as the Moon's day-to-day influence on our emotional tides. Through its 8 phases and its wandering dance through each of the 12 signs of the Zodiac - from the Infant's Moon (the New Moon in Aries) to the Storyteller's Moon (the Full Moon in Gemini) to the Prophet's Moon (the waning Balsamic Moon i

When composer and Bard College music professor, Margaret De Wys, learned she had breast cancer, the diagnosis shattered her comfortable life. Seized by fear, crushed by existential loneliness, she couldn't respond when her loved ones reached out to her. To everyone's concern, the illness propelled her away from her family and deep into the Amazon to work with Carlos, a charismatic Shuar shaman and

· Includes interviews with practising San Pedro shamans on their rituals, cactus preparations and teachings on how San Pedro heals the mind and body· Contains accounts from people who have been healed by San Pedro· Includes chapters by Eve Bruce and David Luke on San Pedro's effects on psychic abilities and its similarities to and differences from ayahuascaSan Pedro, the legendary cactus of vision

NORTHERN TRADITION FOR THE SOLITARY PRACTITIONER is a ground breaking look at the development of devotional work within the body of polytheistic religious traditions ranging from Theodism to Asatru to Norse Paganism. While interest in devotional and experiential work within these traditions has been growing rapidly over the past few years, this is the first book to offer an inclusive look at the d

As acknowledged in every history of modern Paganism, the articles, poetry, art and letters published in Green Egg magazine over the past four decades informed, inspired and shaped the emerging Pagan community into the fastest-growing religious movement in the English-speaking world. This richly illustrated anthology of favourite writings and artwork from those legendary issues opens a window into

The New York Times bestseller Confessions of an Economic Hit Man documents John Perkins' extraordinary career as a globe-trotting economic hit man. Perkins' insider's view leads him to crisis of conscience - to the realization that he must devote himself to work which will foster a world-wide awareness of the sanctity of indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their environments. Perkins' books de

The New York Times bestseller Confessions of an Economic Hit Man documents John Perkins’ extraordinary career as a globe-trotting economic hit man. Perkins’ insider’s view leads him to crisis of conscience--to the realization that he must devote himself to work which will foster a world-wide awareness of the sanctity of indigenous peoples, their cultures, and their environments. Perkins’ books dem

• Discover the thoughts, history, and customs of the Shuar of the Amazon, as told in their own words.• Tribe members explain their practices of shapeshifting and headhunting; the interdependence of humans and the environment; the role of ecstatic sex; their belief in war as a path to peace; and their faith in arutam, the life spirit. The indomitable Shuar of the Amazon--reputed to be the only trib

Who are the pagans and what do they stand for? Why would some of the members of the best educated most materially comfortable generation of Americans look back to mystical traditions many millennia old? During the last few decades millions of people have embraced ancient philosophies that honour Earth and the spiritual power of each individual. Ways of worship from sources as diverse as the pre-Ch

The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal may be the only culture in the world where both shamanic and tantric techniques are still alive and in full practice today. The result of eighteen years of field research SHAMANISM AND TANTRA IN THE HIMALAYAS presents for the first time a comprehensive overview of shamanism that is based on the knowledge and experience of the different tribes from that region. Includ

Shamanism is the oldest and most enduring spiritual wisdom tradition, and is playing a major part in the psycho-spiritual awakening and movement we see now all across the globe. In today’s disconnected, fragmented world, shamanism has the power to offer us the connection and wholeness we so need. In this book, Christa Mackinnon introduces the reader to a range of shamanic tools and approache

In the Celtic tradition dying is considered an act of birthing, of our consciousness passing from this life to the next. The role of an anam-áire is that of a midwife, a sacred guardian of life force, who supports a dying person by witnessing their journey. Informed by an early near-death experience and her own life's work, Phyllida Anam-Áire offers an intimate overview of the sacred stages of the

The season of Yuletide--the 12 nights following the winter solstice--offers the ideal opportunity for inner focusing, for seeing signs, and for planting seeds for the future. This guide explores inner practices for the magical Yuletide season, the period between December 21 and January 2, when the veil between worlds is thin. Revealing the deeper meaning of the darkest time of the year, the author

Druids and their magic, lore, and rituals have fascinated all those who encounter them, from the ancient Greeks and Romans onward. Even today, the mere mention of their name evokes pictures of standing stones, mistletoe, golden sickles, white-robed priests, and powerful sorcerers. But were they really as we picture them? Drawing on comparative mythology and linguistics, archaeological evidence, an

Every now and then somebody reports stepping out of normal time and space. It doesn't seem to matter where they live or their background--the veil of ordinary reality drops and they suddenly slip into the past or future, usually seamlessly and unknowingly, experiencing a temporary and accidental form of time travel. Sharing detailed accounts from people who have experienced time slips and shifts b

Whether viewed as a mid-winter observance of the Winter Solstice or a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, for millennia cultures have taken time out to honour the darkest days of the year with lights, foods, and festivities.In ancient Egypt, people decorated their homes with greenery at the festival of the re-birth of the God Horus. The ancient Romans decorated their homes with vines and ivy