Shamanism As a Spiritual Practice for Daily Life

Product Description This inspirational book blends elements of shamanism with inherited traditions and contemporary religious commitments. Drawing on shamanic practices from the world over, SHAMANISM AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE FOR DAILY LIFE addresses the needs of contemporary people who yearn to deepen their own innate mystical sensibilities. This inspirational book shows how to develop a personal spiritual practice by blending elements of shamanism with inherited traditions and current religious commitments. Contents include: The central role of power animals and spirit teachers. Visionary techniques for exploring the extraordinary in everyday life. Elements of childhood spirituality including songs, secret hiding places, power spots, and imaginary power figures. A journey to an ancestral shaman to recover lost knowledge. From Booklist "Oh, yeah," you say, "right--I'm gonna drum in the office and go into the underworld on the subway?" No, Cowan responds, shamanism is more than tappings and trances. It is an integrated spiritual view adaptable to contemporary life. He argues that just as Zen Buddhism found a home in America (however different the U.S. variety might seem from its Asian original), so shamanism can, by modifying it but not losing its heart or substance. Drawing on shamanic beliefs and practices found in many cultures (what Cowan calls "core shamanism"), we can employ such devices as power animals, talismans, and journeying as centering devices to help us lead our spirits home. In Cowan's knowledgeable and passionate hands, what could have been a shallow how-to becomes an inspiring spiritual call. Patricia Monaghan Review Drawing on shamanic practices from around the world, Shamanism As A Spiritual Practice For Everyday Life addresses the needs of contemporary people who yearn to deepen their own innate mystical sensibilities. This inspirational book shows how to develop a personal spiritual practice by blending elements of shamanism with inherited traditions and current religious commitments. Shamanism As A Spiritual Practice For Everyday Life covers the central role of power animals and spirit teachers; visionary techniques for exploring the extraordinary in everyday life; elements of childhood spirituality including songs, secret hiding places, power spots, and imaginary power figures; and the journey to an ancestral shaman to recover lost knowledge. Engaging, informative reading. -- Midwest Book Review About the Author Tom Cowan attended a Jesuit seminary and received a PhD in history from Saint Louis University. He has been a student and teacher of religions and mysticism since the 1960s. He frequently lectures and conducts workshops nationwide on various aspects of spirituality, Celtic shamanism, dreamwork, and creativity. The author or coauthor of more than 25 books, he lives in Highland, New York.