The World of Shamanism
New Views of an Ancient Tradition
by Roger Walsh. Published by Llewellyn Press.
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DESCRIPTION FROM BACK COVER
The World of Shamanism is utterly fascinating, sweepingly comprehensive, and yet easily readable. It provides a lucid overview of shamanism—the world’s most venerable healing and religious tradition—and illuminates it with the findings of modern medicine, psychology, neuroscience, consciousness disciplines, and religious studies.
SUMMARY REVIEWS OF THE BOOK:
Listen to the audio only versions.Deep Transformation
Inspired by the recent publishing of the second edition of his book, The World of Shamanism: New Views of an Ancient Tradition, Deep Transformation podcast co-host Roger Walsh converses with John Dupuy as the guest of the podcast. Roger discusses how he first discovered a vast inner world he hadn’t been aware of, how he was drawn to write a book about shamanism, and what he finds most intriguing about shamanism—our most ancient and enduring spiritual tradition. Roger provides us with a brilliant, big picture perspective, pointing out that at the heart of shamanism (and every great world tradition) are psychospiritual technologies—actual practices—that lead us to the doorway of the Great Mystery, and that service is the culmination of each tradition, both as a means to and an expression of one’s realization—recorded June 27, 2024.
Praise for The World of Shamanism
“As if on cue, just when I am beginning to think that shamanism is the ground from which all religions spring, along comes this book. I cannot imagine a book that would be more helpful to me in thinking through this important subject.”
—Huston Smith, author of The World’s Religions
“…Unquestionably the most rounded compact introduction to shamanism, particularly the inner world of shamans, available today. A door-opening book for students of consciousness and spirituality.”
—Georg Feuerstein, Ph.D., M.Litt, author of The Yoga Tradition
“A splendidly clear and timely survey of shamanism.”
—Jean Achterberg, Ph.D., author of Imagery in Healing
“Quite simply, this book is a major step forward in understanding the vital phenomenon of shamanism. I recommend it highly.”
—Charles Tart, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Psychology, University of California at Davis, author of States of Consciousness
Praise for earlier versions:
“A wonderful lucid, engrossing guide to shaman’s practices and beliefs.”
—Publishers Weekly
“This definitive work on healing is invaluable for anyone interested in the spiritual path. Ministers, practitioners, spiritual counselors, healers, and the lay reader will all find Walsh’s concepts not only inspirational, but consciousness expanding as well. An excellent book.”
—Science of Mind
“An incredibly vast and complex subject has been explained with impeccable clarity. A psychological analysis of shamanism is long overdue. Dr. Walsh has accomplished this task very successfully, indeed in a masterly way.”
—Corrado Pensa, Professor of Philosophy and Religions of India, University of Rome
“Easily readable, this book will be enlightening for anyone wanting more information on this ancient art.”
—ALA Booklist
“A well-considered guide to the history of shamanism. Walsh offers solid guidance to mental-health professionals and laypeople interested in these ancient shortcuts to altered consciousness.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“Rarely does a book impact mainstream thinking and multiple academic disciplines at the same time…[this] is such a book!”
—Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., anthropologist
“An interesting and comprehensive review of knowledge about shamanism from ancient times to the present.”
—Donald F. Sandner, M.D., author of Navaho Symbols of Healing
“I know of no other work that brings together the full range of anthropological, psychological, and psychiatric literature on this vital subject. The Spirit of Shamanism does so with openness and sensitivity, and is still scholarly and clear.”
—Christie W. Kiefer, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Anthropology, University of California
at San Francisco