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Dreaming the Soul Back Home: Shamanic Dreaming for Healing and Becoming Whole
In this extraordinary book, shamanic dream teacher Robert Moss shows us how to become shamans of our own souls and healers of our own lives.
The greatest contribution of the ancient shamans to modern healing is the understanding that in the course of any life we are liable to suffer soul loss — the loss of parts of our vital energy and identity — and that to be whole and well, we must find the means of soul recovery. Moss teaches that our dreams give us maps we can use to find and bring home our lost or stolen soul parts. He shows how to recover animal spirits and ride the windhorse of spirit to places of healing and adventure in the larger reality. We discover how to heal ancestral wounds and open the way for cultural soul recovery.
You’ll learn how to enter past lives, future lives, and the life experiences of parallel selves and bring back lessons and gifts. “It’s not just about keeping soul in the body,” Moss writes. “It’s about growing soul, becoming more than we ever were before.” With fierce joy, he incites us to take the creator’s leap and bring something new into our world.
The greatest contribution of the ancient shamans to modern healing is the understanding that in the course of any life we are liable to suffer soul loss — the loss of parts of our vital energy and identity — and that to be whole and well, we must find the means of soul recovery. Moss teaches that our dreams give us maps we can use to find and bring home our lost or stolen soul parts. He shows how to recover animal spirits and ride the windhorse of spirit to places of healing and adventure in the larger reality. We discover how to heal ancestral wounds and open the way for cultural soul recovery.
You’ll learn how to enter past lives, future lives, and the life experiences of parallel selves and bring back lessons and gifts. “It’s not just about keeping soul in the body,” Moss writes. “It’s about growing soul, becoming more than we ever were before.” With fierce joy, he incites us to take the creator’s leap and bring something new into our world.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2012
157 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 28, 2013
i savoured this book very slowly....very rich.
I did a workshop with Robert Moss and bought this book at that time. Doing the workshop and interacting with him on a personal level (rather than just reading the book), I probably got more out of the book than if I had not taken the workshop; or I would not have known for myself the feeling I got from him as a person, which was extraordinary,, he is a warm, genuine, powerful man who has special gifts and brings dreams out of people in a profound and safe way. If you are into this dreaming thing I highly recommend seeing Robert Moss in person. I went to a book reading of this book, and then knew that I had to do his workshop the next evening,,that was one of the best decisions of my life.
I did a workshop with Robert Moss and bought this book at that time. Doing the workshop and interacting with him on a personal level (rather than just reading the book), I probably got more out of the book than if I had not taken the workshop; or I would not have known for myself the feeling I got from him as a person, which was extraordinary,, he is a warm, genuine, powerful man who has special gifts and brings dreams out of people in a profound and safe way. If you are into this dreaming thing I highly recommend seeing Robert Moss in person. I went to a book reading of this book, and then knew that I had to do his workshop the next evening,,that was one of the best decisions of my life.
April 17, 2019
I love Robert Moss. I'm so glad I bought this book, I feel like it helped me tremendously. I've always taken notice of my dreams, but this book helped me control my dreams -- even when not lucid.
I'd definitely recommend this book; I have many times already, and I'm sure I will many more times.
I'd definitely recommend this book; I have many times already, and I'm sure I will many more times.
February 28, 2023
I enjoyed this book immensely. The majority of this book is dedicated to case studies that deepen understanding in this area of dreamwork.
The book assumes the reader has first hand experience of lucid dreaming and hypnogogic journeying. If this books interests you and you have not read any previous books on this topic I would suggest reading Concious Dreaming
The book assumes the reader has first hand experience of lucid dreaming and hypnogogic journeying. If this books interests you and you have not read any previous books on this topic I would suggest reading Concious Dreaming
December 31, 2016
This is yet another inspiring book by one of my favourite authors, Robert Moss.
Moss holds what he calls “active dreaming” workshops throughout the globe; active dreaming is a “synthesis of modern dreamwork and shamanism”.
In his dreams, he flies “on the wings of a red-tailed hawk” and contacts beings in dreamworld who speak ancient languages. One such being is an ancient Native woman who speaks Mohawk. At first, he did not understand her but later he found Mohawk speakers who were able to translate what he had taken down phonetically. He calls her “Island Woman”.
As a child, he was very ill and died several times but made contact with dream visitors with whom he had conversations in the middle of the night. Due to his illnesses, he experienced soul loss, which ís the main theme of the book.
Now he teaches soul retrieval and soul recovery. Soul retrieval is not a self-help technique and “carries risks and challenges for both the practitioner and the intended beneficiary”. Unwanted entities and energies may have to be extracted. The soul retrieval journey may require travelling to “very dark places in nonordinary reality“ including "realms of the dead”.
On the other hand, soul recovery is “a practice in which we help each other to become self-healers and shamans of our own souls”. It does not require us to play shaman for others and it minimizes the risk of dependency and of taking on what does not belong to us.
Moss teaches us to go to the places where lost souls can be found and reclaimed, and how we can help each other do this. In his courses and workshops, he and his students dream together and travel together in group shamanic journeys on agreed-upon destinations. They have made group expeditions “to other cultures, other times, and other dimensions”. What could be more exciting?
In Moss’s courses, students learn how to become dream trackers and accompany friends on their journeys to reclaim soul.
We can “journey across time to understand and resolve issues involving counterpart personalities in the past or the future.” We can also journey to younger versions of ourselves and counsel a younger self at a time of pain or challenge. This can involve tremendous healing for both of us in our own times.
We are connected to the ancestors of our biological families and the ancestors of the land where we live; in order to “open and cherish soul connections to wise ancestors and departed loved ones” we must clear “unhealthy legacies and energy attachments”.
Moss writes; “Once we restore the practice of soul recovery in our society, we --- might wake up and stop having so much trouble in our lives.”
He refers to the famous psychologist Jung’s “The Red Book”, which reveals the latter’s night visions and explorations in the Underworld. Jung goes through Hell and converses with a Red Devil. Moss describes Jung’s adventures as “a frightful shamanic journey through the many cycles of the Netherworld” and is often revulsed and close to chucking the book across the room.
Moss is proficient in all sorts of both ancient and modern languages and apprises us of the words and phrases in these exotic languages describing the various sorts of dreams, spirits, etc.
We are regaled and illuminated by accounts of “dreams and adventures inside the dream world” shared by Moss’s most gifted participants in his dream courses.
If we wish to be shamans, we should start at the breakfast table and share dreams with our family and friends, “Real shamans are dreamers who know that dreams can be travelling, and that soul speaks to us through dreams,”
We can’t lose spirit, though we can lose contact with it, But when we suffer trauma or violent shock, soul may leave the body to escape. Psychologists call this “dissociation” and shamans call it “soul loss”, Soul loss is a survival mechanism.
Alcohol and drug abuse can also drive soul out of the body; also the brainwashing that occurs in cults may result in major soul loss “as the part of an individual that can think and has an independent will is driven away or taken prisoner”.
Major symptoms of soul loss are as follows:
1) Low energy, chronic fatigue
2) Emotional numbness
3) Chronic depression
4) Spaciness
5) Addictive behaviours
6) Low self-esteem
7) Inability to let go of past situations or people no longer in your life
8) Dissociation and multiple personality disorder
9) Obesity or unexplained weight gain
10) Abusive behaviours
11) Absence of dream recall
12) Recurring dreams of locations from earlier life, or a self separate from your dream self.
Soul loss is widespread, and sexual abuse is a major cause of it.
“The appearance of animals in dreams carries power and numinosity.” (Barbara Platek)
We see the state of our own vital energy in the nature and condition of our dream animals, just as the condition of the animals reflects our own situation. Active dreamers especially when engaging in shamanic work may develop “working relations with many animal spirits”. Different animals bring different gifts, different challenges call forth different allies.
If you dream of a house with rooms you have never seen, this may be an invitation to discover more of your potential.
“The state of a dream house may reflect the state of body or soul.” It may be in need of repair, which may indicate a health problem. I myself have previously had a period where I kept dreaming of dusty rooms or with walls that needed scrubbing, and in fact began to scrub them in these dreams.
If you keep dreaming of an old home or office where you worked, perhaps you have left part of yourself behind there.
Dream re-entry (including tracking) with the aid of shamanic drumming is perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of Moss’s work/teachings, but I don’t profess to understand how this is done, far less am able to do it; I don’t understand how to reenter a dream and seem to remember Moss stating somewhere in the book that the re-entry is done consciously while awake.
This review barely touches on the possibilities referred to in the book, Moss is an amazingly gifted shaman, and I would regard it as an exceptional gift from the Universe, were I enabled to participate in one of his courses and to learn how to do even a little of the dreamwork he teaches.
I strongly recommend that you read this well-written, erudite, inspiring and enlightening book.
Moss holds what he calls “active dreaming” workshops throughout the globe; active dreaming is a “synthesis of modern dreamwork and shamanism”.
In his dreams, he flies “on the wings of a red-tailed hawk” and contacts beings in dreamworld who speak ancient languages. One such being is an ancient Native woman who speaks Mohawk. At first, he did not understand her but later he found Mohawk speakers who were able to translate what he had taken down phonetically. He calls her “Island Woman”.
As a child, he was very ill and died several times but made contact with dream visitors with whom he had conversations in the middle of the night. Due to his illnesses, he experienced soul loss, which ís the main theme of the book.
Now he teaches soul retrieval and soul recovery. Soul retrieval is not a self-help technique and “carries risks and challenges for both the practitioner and the intended beneficiary”. Unwanted entities and energies may have to be extracted. The soul retrieval journey may require travelling to “very dark places in nonordinary reality“ including "realms of the dead”.
On the other hand, soul recovery is “a practice in which we help each other to become self-healers and shamans of our own souls”. It does not require us to play shaman for others and it minimizes the risk of dependency and of taking on what does not belong to us.
Moss teaches us to go to the places where lost souls can be found and reclaimed, and how we can help each other do this. In his courses and workshops, he and his students dream together and travel together in group shamanic journeys on agreed-upon destinations. They have made group expeditions “to other cultures, other times, and other dimensions”. What could be more exciting?
In Moss’s courses, students learn how to become dream trackers and accompany friends on their journeys to reclaim soul.
We can “journey across time to understand and resolve issues involving counterpart personalities in the past or the future.” We can also journey to younger versions of ourselves and counsel a younger self at a time of pain or challenge. This can involve tremendous healing for both of us in our own times.
We are connected to the ancestors of our biological families and the ancestors of the land where we live; in order to “open and cherish soul connections to wise ancestors and departed loved ones” we must clear “unhealthy legacies and energy attachments”.
Moss writes; “Once we restore the practice of soul recovery in our society, we --- might wake up and stop having so much trouble in our lives.”
He refers to the famous psychologist Jung’s “The Red Book”, which reveals the latter’s night visions and explorations in the Underworld. Jung goes through Hell and converses with a Red Devil. Moss describes Jung’s adventures as “a frightful shamanic journey through the many cycles of the Netherworld” and is often revulsed and close to chucking the book across the room.
Moss is proficient in all sorts of both ancient and modern languages and apprises us of the words and phrases in these exotic languages describing the various sorts of dreams, spirits, etc.
We are regaled and illuminated by accounts of “dreams and adventures inside the dream world” shared by Moss’s most gifted participants in his dream courses.
If we wish to be shamans, we should start at the breakfast table and share dreams with our family and friends, “Real shamans are dreamers who know that dreams can be travelling, and that soul speaks to us through dreams,”
We can’t lose spirit, though we can lose contact with it, But when we suffer trauma or violent shock, soul may leave the body to escape. Psychologists call this “dissociation” and shamans call it “soul loss”, Soul loss is a survival mechanism.
Alcohol and drug abuse can also drive soul out of the body; also the brainwashing that occurs in cults may result in major soul loss “as the part of an individual that can think and has an independent will is driven away or taken prisoner”.
Major symptoms of soul loss are as follows:
1) Low energy, chronic fatigue
2) Emotional numbness
3) Chronic depression
4) Spaciness
5) Addictive behaviours
6) Low self-esteem
7) Inability to let go of past situations or people no longer in your life
8) Dissociation and multiple personality disorder
9) Obesity or unexplained weight gain
10) Abusive behaviours
11) Absence of dream recall
12) Recurring dreams of locations from earlier life, or a self separate from your dream self.
Soul loss is widespread, and sexual abuse is a major cause of it.
“The appearance of animals in dreams carries power and numinosity.” (Barbara Platek)
We see the state of our own vital energy in the nature and condition of our dream animals, just as the condition of the animals reflects our own situation. Active dreamers especially when engaging in shamanic work may develop “working relations with many animal spirits”. Different animals bring different gifts, different challenges call forth different allies.
If you dream of a house with rooms you have never seen, this may be an invitation to discover more of your potential.
“The state of a dream house may reflect the state of body or soul.” It may be in need of repair, which may indicate a health problem. I myself have previously had a period where I kept dreaming of dusty rooms or with walls that needed scrubbing, and in fact began to scrub them in these dreams.
If you keep dreaming of an old home or office where you worked, perhaps you have left part of yourself behind there.
Dream re-entry (including tracking) with the aid of shamanic drumming is perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of Moss’s work/teachings, but I don’t profess to understand how this is done, far less am able to do it; I don’t understand how to reenter a dream and seem to remember Moss stating somewhere in the book that the re-entry is done consciously while awake.
This review barely touches on the possibilities referred to in the book, Moss is an amazingly gifted shaman, and I would regard it as an exceptional gift from the Universe, were I enabled to participate in one of his courses and to learn how to do even a little of the dreamwork he teaches.
I strongly recommend that you read this well-written, erudite, inspiring and enlightening book.
January 17, 2015
I had no idea what shamanic dreaming was before I picked up this book by spiritual writer Robert Moss, who has penned a plethora of books on dreaming. For those who are unfamiliar with shamanism, a shaman is a spiritual practitioner who has mastered the art of journeying beyond the body to communicate with spirits, guides the souls of the living and the departed, and brings them healing.
Dreaming The Soul Back Home: Shamanic Dreaming for Healing and Becoming Whole introduces shamanic dreaming, or how to be your own shaman through your dreams. For shamans, a dream is a journey of the soul, a “spirit messenger.” Soul loss can happen when we suffer trauma, bitter disappointment, or violent shock. The soul then may leave the body to escape. Symptoms of this can be low energy or depression. Shamanic dreaming is a way to reclaim our soul.
The author does go through step-by-step instructions on how this can be done, but only a small part of this book is dedicated to this exact practice (there are thirteen levels of shamanic dreaming). The rest focuses on the soul journey and dreaming, including ideas from Carl Jung, the Sufis, poets of the soul like Yeats and Auden, and the power of animal spirits—ravens, owls and horses, to name a few.
Though I found the book to be incongruous in its presentation of the practice of shamanic dreaming, I also found it to be compelling read. My favorite exercises included journeying into your “Soul Tree” (where at its upper branches you can look into the future), “Secret Library” (where you can access any kind of information that interests you), and meeting “The Soul of the Soul,” (a term given by Sufis, otherwise known as your Greater Self).
“Meeting the Soul of the Soul” was my favorite chapter. Moss says this is the friend of the soul that will never lie to us, and will never judge us. It is the Self on a higher level than the ordinary self (thus the capital S!). A strong connection with this Greater Self is pivotal for healthy and peaceful living, and this chapter can show how to foster that bond.
Ultimately, Moss says that the most important knowledge comes through reclaiming what the soul knows (the timeless Sufi poets Rumi and Shams of Tabriz tirelessly repeated this maxim), and that the road to soul recovery is to take a dream and make it a gateway for a personal journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the author’s writing style, which is as lush, fluid and colorful as his ideas. His pages opened my eyes to dreaming and taught me new aspects of the soul. I started having vivid dreams myself, of butterflies, sailboats and killer whales, dreams that guided my days and enriched my nights.
Dreaming The Soul Back Home: Shamanic Dreaming for Healing and Becoming Whole introduces shamanic dreaming, or how to be your own shaman through your dreams. For shamans, a dream is a journey of the soul, a “spirit messenger.” Soul loss can happen when we suffer trauma, bitter disappointment, or violent shock. The soul then may leave the body to escape. Symptoms of this can be low energy or depression. Shamanic dreaming is a way to reclaim our soul.
The author does go through step-by-step instructions on how this can be done, but only a small part of this book is dedicated to this exact practice (there are thirteen levels of shamanic dreaming). The rest focuses on the soul journey and dreaming, including ideas from Carl Jung, the Sufis, poets of the soul like Yeats and Auden, and the power of animal spirits—ravens, owls and horses, to name a few.
Though I found the book to be incongruous in its presentation of the practice of shamanic dreaming, I also found it to be compelling read. My favorite exercises included journeying into your “Soul Tree” (where at its upper branches you can look into the future), “Secret Library” (where you can access any kind of information that interests you), and meeting “The Soul of the Soul,” (a term given by Sufis, otherwise known as your Greater Self).
“Meeting the Soul of the Soul” was my favorite chapter. Moss says this is the friend of the soul that will never lie to us, and will never judge us. It is the Self on a higher level than the ordinary self (thus the capital S!). A strong connection with this Greater Self is pivotal for healthy and peaceful living, and this chapter can show how to foster that bond.
Ultimately, Moss says that the most important knowledge comes through reclaiming what the soul knows (the timeless Sufi poets Rumi and Shams of Tabriz tirelessly repeated this maxim), and that the road to soul recovery is to take a dream and make it a gateway for a personal journey.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the author’s writing style, which is as lush, fluid and colorful as his ideas. His pages opened my eyes to dreaming and taught me new aspects of the soul. I started having vivid dreams myself, of butterflies, sailboats and killer whales, dreams that guided my days and enriched my nights.
June 27, 2018
This is the May 2018 selection of South Austin Spiritual Book Group.
Useable information. Really liked this method of dreaming.
Useable information. Really liked this method of dreaming.
August 2, 2020
This book made me feel that interconnection of all things and excited me and helped me feel that I can find meaning in events and not just chalk my life up to chance. I appreciated that this was one of Moss’s most accessible books both in length and material. Many of his books leave me feeling like there is no way I can dream in the ways he does. This one was a beautiful reminder of the magic of dreams and this waking world being magic too - the synchronous echo of my night dreams and beyond.
March 3, 2018
I really liked this book, although I thought the last 1/6 went a bit off track and didn't have a lot to do with the main theme of the book. It felt pretty out there, which is saying a lot, given the rest of the book, but might not have had the material been given its own book and proper context. Anyway, I generally enjoy Moss' style and this text brings a wonderful balance of spirituality to dreamwork when read with other books more focused on a psychological perspective. If you're interested in dreamwork, read Jeremy Taylor's "The Wisdom of Your Dreams" first, then read Moss' book
One thing I would say is that Moss is clearly writing for the general public and seems to be explaining active imagination techniques, not shamanic practices of journeying back into the dream. I'd love to read something he wrote about actual journey techniques in dreamwork. I've done this in a workshop and it's incredibly powerful and would like to read more about it from an experienced practitioner!
One thing I would say is that Moss is clearly writing for the general public and seems to be explaining active imagination techniques, not shamanic practices of journeying back into the dream. I'd love to read something he wrote about actual journey techniques in dreamwork. I've done this in a workshop and it's incredibly powerful and would like to read more about it from an experienced practitioner!
September 29, 2019
Robert Moss does not disappoint in his writing. One of the most erudite, scholarly, and intelligent practitioners of Western dream/shamanistic traditions, in this book Moss delves deeper into his shamanistic practice. This is not a book for beginners in dream recall or lucidity. The exercises are not hard to do, but challenging if one has never attempted anything like this before.
If you are familiar with Moss's work, by all means read this book. It will take you far and deep as only Moss can. Otherwise, look for "Conscious Dreaming" or "The Three Only Things." These are lovely books to get you started in Robert Moss's world, and what a world it is!
If you are familiar with Moss's work, by all means read this book. It will take you far and deep as only Moss can. Otherwise, look for "Conscious Dreaming" or "The Three Only Things." These are lovely books to get you started in Robert Moss's world, and what a world it is!
March 21, 2024
(Reprinted from Unveiling the Mysteries of Dreamwork: A Review of Dreaming the Soul Back Home by Robert Moss)
As my own students know, I spent years sitting in ceremonial circles with a woman who learned her spiritual craft while living on a Native American reservation and marrying into a tribal family of healers. It’s hard to describe what such an experience is like to those who haven’t had it; even more so since I have no direct connection to the tribe of my own and so what I share could smack of cultural appropriation. All I can do is share my personal story, honor its lineage, blend it with my own research into the practices of other places and times, and support it via the lived experiences of others.
That’s exactly what Robert Moss does in his own works, and why I always whole-heartedly recommend them to my own students of magic, astrology and other esoteric arts. His work Dreaming the Soul Back Home is no different; it serves as a guidebook for dreamers and lovers of ancient wisdom who want to work with dreams to find deep soul healing and self-transformation. Though Moss is not from an indigenous culture himself (nor does he claim to be), his works are infused by his prolific research and decades-long personal dream practice, as well as by the stories from the thousands around the globe who consider him their dream guide.
Moss emphasizes the interplay between all who dream (meaning everybody) and shamans and visionaries. In contrast to a modern psychological approach to dreams as something to be intellectually analyzed, Moss explores how shamans see nighttime adventures as a source of inspiration, divination, and magical empowerment. And, since in his works “all dreamers are shamans,” that means that you can too.
What sets Dreaming the Soul Back Home apart from Moss’ other books is its focus on soul retrieval, or the power of dreams to reclaim the fragmented bits of our vital psychic essence that many have lost due to trauma, heartbreak and neglect. Drawing from his extensive experience in shamanic journeying and dreamwork, Moss presents an extensive framework for harnessing the transformative potential of the dream realm. Through engaging anecdotes and lucid prose, he illuminates how dreams can serve as portals to our personal and collective unconscious; offer glimpses into our past selves, other lives, or ancestral wisdom; as well as other pathways for soul healing.
Of course, all that sounds intriguing on paper, but how do you actually do this? Fortunately, Moss does not leave us wondering. Central to his approach is "active dreaming," the psychologist Carl Jung’s term for this practice that blends elements of guided visualization with intuitive exploration. He introduces readers to a wealth of techniques for deepening their dream experiences, from dream reentry and dialogue with dream characters, to dream theater and soul retrieval. Through hands-on exercises and guided meditations, Moss empowers readers to actively participate in their dream journeys, learning to navigate the soul’s labyrinthine landscapes with courage and grace.
Throughout Dreaming the Soul Back Home, Moss infuses his writing with his sense of reverence and wonder for the mysteries of the dream world. His prose is poetic and evocative, weaving together strands of mythology, folklore, and personal insight into a tapestry of enchantment and revelation. Whether recounting his own visionary experiences or elucidating esoteric teachings, Moss's storytelling prowess captivates and inspires, inviting readers to embark on their own quest for wisdom and illumination.
(And, if you are an audiobook lover, you’ll be pleased to know the audio version of the book is read by the author himself. His resonant, lilting cadence swiftly transports the listener to one of Moss’ live workshops. You can almost feel the drumbeats in dream ceremonies.)
But that means that if you are looking for a step-by-step instruction manual for dreaming or a dictionary of dream symbols, this book is not for you. It’s written in the non-linear, story-telling style of dreams themselves. Packed full of dream recollections from himself and his workshop participants, the book shows how to dream, rather than tells. The best way to engage and understand is to do the suggested exercises. And sleep on it.
Dreaming the Soul Back Home is a lyrical blend of ancient wisdom and modern insight that offers a treasure trove of tools and techniques for reclaiming the soul's vitality and other lost treasures. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a curious seeker, this book will ignite your imagination and awaken your inner dreamer. Read Robert Moss’ books, and you will never approach sleep the same way again.
Dreaming the Soul Back Home was the Magical Book Club's 2024 Pisces season book selection.
As my own students know, I spent years sitting in ceremonial circles with a woman who learned her spiritual craft while living on a Native American reservation and marrying into a tribal family of healers. It’s hard to describe what such an experience is like to those who haven’t had it; even more so since I have no direct connection to the tribe of my own and so what I share could smack of cultural appropriation. All I can do is share my personal story, honor its lineage, blend it with my own research into the practices of other places and times, and support it via the lived experiences of others.
That’s exactly what Robert Moss does in his own works, and why I always whole-heartedly recommend them to my own students of magic, astrology and other esoteric arts. His work Dreaming the Soul Back Home is no different; it serves as a guidebook for dreamers and lovers of ancient wisdom who want to work with dreams to find deep soul healing and self-transformation. Though Moss is not from an indigenous culture himself (nor does he claim to be), his works are infused by his prolific research and decades-long personal dream practice, as well as by the stories from the thousands around the globe who consider him their dream guide.
Moss emphasizes the interplay between all who dream (meaning everybody) and shamans and visionaries. In contrast to a modern psychological approach to dreams as something to be intellectually analyzed, Moss explores how shamans see nighttime adventures as a source of inspiration, divination, and magical empowerment. And, since in his works “all dreamers are shamans,” that means that you can too.
What sets Dreaming the Soul Back Home apart from Moss’ other books is its focus on soul retrieval, or the power of dreams to reclaim the fragmented bits of our vital psychic essence that many have lost due to trauma, heartbreak and neglect. Drawing from his extensive experience in shamanic journeying and dreamwork, Moss presents an extensive framework for harnessing the transformative potential of the dream realm. Through engaging anecdotes and lucid prose, he illuminates how dreams can serve as portals to our personal and collective unconscious; offer glimpses into our past selves, other lives, or ancestral wisdom; as well as other pathways for soul healing.
Of course, all that sounds intriguing on paper, but how do you actually do this? Fortunately, Moss does not leave us wondering. Central to his approach is "active dreaming," the psychologist Carl Jung’s term for this practice that blends elements of guided visualization with intuitive exploration. He introduces readers to a wealth of techniques for deepening their dream experiences, from dream reentry and dialogue with dream characters, to dream theater and soul retrieval. Through hands-on exercises and guided meditations, Moss empowers readers to actively participate in their dream journeys, learning to navigate the soul’s labyrinthine landscapes with courage and grace.
Throughout Dreaming the Soul Back Home, Moss infuses his writing with his sense of reverence and wonder for the mysteries of the dream world. His prose is poetic and evocative, weaving together strands of mythology, folklore, and personal insight into a tapestry of enchantment and revelation. Whether recounting his own visionary experiences or elucidating esoteric teachings, Moss's storytelling prowess captivates and inspires, inviting readers to embark on their own quest for wisdom and illumination.
(And, if you are an audiobook lover, you’ll be pleased to know the audio version of the book is read by the author himself. His resonant, lilting cadence swiftly transports the listener to one of Moss’ live workshops. You can almost feel the drumbeats in dream ceremonies.)
But that means that if you are looking for a step-by-step instruction manual for dreaming or a dictionary of dream symbols, this book is not for you. It’s written in the non-linear, story-telling style of dreams themselves. Packed full of dream recollections from himself and his workshop participants, the book shows how to dream, rather than tells. The best way to engage and understand is to do the suggested exercises. And sleep on it.
Dreaming the Soul Back Home is a lyrical blend of ancient wisdom and modern insight that offers a treasure trove of tools and techniques for reclaiming the soul's vitality and other lost treasures. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a curious seeker, this book will ignite your imagination and awaken your inner dreamer. Read Robert Moss’ books, and you will never approach sleep the same way again.
Dreaming the Soul Back Home was the Magical Book Club's 2024 Pisces season book selection.
September 11, 2018
An inspiring and insightful book, full of interesting concepts and possibilities. I like to take my time reading these kinds of books to let as much of it soak in as possible, also I find that when you read it across a greater length of time you have more opportunity for life examples to present themselves, which allows you to parallel with the books writings, and I find that when you take up the book again things that have happened in life in the mean time are explained as you go through the next section, or chapter, as if they're secretly coordinating. I like the way it's written as well, it has a very sincere tone, the author is both guide, speculator, and student; bringing light to your questions with answers or possibilities, and other time brings light to new questions, that yet have answers to them. All in all a well written book, with a nice balance between information, experiences, and exercises. I also find it important to say, that no the book is not jam packed with "how to..." there are enough exercises to push you off into the right direction, while supporting this with information/insight from himself, other around him, and stories (legend or otherwise). It is not in the form of a step by step guide of what to do for each consecutive journey, or overfilled with "things to do", I think this is a good thing, because as most will know if they have read about fore is that everyones experiences can be vastly different and the same, simultaneously. So I think if there are to many exercises and not enough contant to go with it, I feel to many people will try to do to much all at once; it's about taking your time with each step, not just at your own pace but sometimes down your own path, maybe between exercises one and two, if you're actual practicing any of them and not just reading through the book, you may have done several other journeys that were needed to support, accompany, or deepen your experience and/or understanding of the situation, or perhaps you need more time to reflect between one and the next. It's not a text book, it's a guide. Unlike books on certain books (on other spiritual or religious paths, that seems to be a copy past of his how ... 1 2 3 and now we do this... 4 5 6, and sure the chapter are in different orders, and the wording to certain things but) if you read one and you've read them all, I have yet to read to shamanic books that are very alike, often even if they are written by the same author.
March 12, 2020
This comment from Edward Herman and Gerry O’Sullivan’s 1989 The “Terrorism” Industry, makes it clear that Robert Moss may not be the shamanic dream master he is selling himself as. He has no real affiliations to the shamanic cultures he appropriates from, but a very real and long background in CIA covert propagandist activity. Funny how this long career of his is never mentioned on his blog, his webinars, or in his books. Do approach his writings with suspicion and do a little googling before accepting him in his new persona as a dream guru.
“Robert Moss has been a major figure in the organization of terrorism think tanks and in the dissemination of the right-wing version of the Western model of terrorism. In fact, as Fred Landis has pointed out, “For a price, Moss would go to Rhodesia, South Africa, Iran, and Nicaragua and tailor his standard KGB plot to local circumstances, thereby justifying repression of the political opposition and denial of human rights.”
Moss withdrew from the world of make-believe threat-conjuring in 1987 to write books and run workshops on the power of dreaming. But with his cutting edge expertise in seeding the collective unconscious with lies and fabrications for political and financial purposes, can it really be assumed that Robert Moss’s dream work is only about helping people to receive wisdom and gifts for your life?
Robert Moss’s Students, and those reading his books should be asking these questions.
“Robert Moss has been a major figure in the organization of terrorism think tanks and in the dissemination of the right-wing version of the Western model of terrorism. In fact, as Fred Landis has pointed out, “For a price, Moss would go to Rhodesia, South Africa, Iran, and Nicaragua and tailor his standard KGB plot to local circumstances, thereby justifying repression of the political opposition and denial of human rights.”
Moss withdrew from the world of make-believe threat-conjuring in 1987 to write books and run workshops on the power of dreaming. But with his cutting edge expertise in seeding the collective unconscious with lies and fabrications for political and financial purposes, can it really be assumed that Robert Moss’s dream work is only about helping people to receive wisdom and gifts for your life?
Robert Moss’s Students, and those reading his books should be asking these questions.
October 21, 2021
Anyone who 'propagandized on behalf of South Africa’s Apartheid regime' can fuck right off as far as I'm concerned.
Zero stars. Or he can take the stars of his military uniform and shove them ceremoniously up his urethra. But here you go... here is just a bit on the author for you
"Moss has been described as one of the CIA’s main disinformation assets; having contributed to the military overthrow of Chile’s elected president Salvador Allende in 1973 and the subsequent atomization of Chilean democracy. In his work for British intelligence it was Moss who wrote the famous speech that transformed Margaret Thatcher from a racist anti-immigrant campaigner into Britain’s “Iron Lady” in January 1976. It was Moss who tutored Iran’s top SAVAK agent in a last minute attempt to save the Shah and it was Moss who propagandized on behalf of South Africa’s Apartheid regime."
Zero stars. Or he can take the stars of his military uniform and shove them ceremoniously up his urethra. But here you go... here is just a bit on the author for you
"Moss has been described as one of the CIA’s main disinformation assets; having contributed to the military overthrow of Chile’s elected president Salvador Allende in 1973 and the subsequent atomization of Chilean democracy. In his work for British intelligence it was Moss who wrote the famous speech that transformed Margaret Thatcher from a racist anti-immigrant campaigner into Britain’s “Iron Lady” in January 1976. It was Moss who tutored Iran’s top SAVAK agent in a last minute attempt to save the Shah and it was Moss who propagandized on behalf of South Africa’s Apartheid regime."
December 20, 2020
I have no idea why I picked this up since I'm not really into dreaming or shamanism, but I guess it was intuition that drew me to it. It is very well written, and gives a detailed description of how to become your own soul healer through the use of shamanic dreaming techniques. The author is both experienced and well-spoken. He has many stories that clearly illustrate the techniques he is trying to share. He obviously has a varied background in many fields, which makes his thoughts well-grounded in many traditions of dreaming, shamanism, and soul healing. I look forward to reading more of the author's work!
June 24, 2020
The first of many Robert Moss books I have laid my eyes upon. This is an absolute delight full of experiences and simple paths to greater things. Moss has put words to my experiences and empowered me to dive deeper into the dreamworld.
If you dig dream walking, time travel and soul recovery- pick up just about any book written by Robert Moss. You won’t regret it.
If you dig dream walking, time travel and soul recovery- pick up just about any book written by Robert Moss. You won’t regret it.
August 28, 2020
This is the third Robert Moss book I've read to finish, and it is my favorite so far. I listened to the audiobook format, and can't recommend it enough - Moss is a true storyteller at heart. He is a GREAT narrator.
This book was just the most fun, and had so many creative ideas for conscious dream work. I look forward to implementing them in my own practice. :)
This book was just the most fun, and had so many creative ideas for conscious dream work. I look forward to implementing them in my own practice. :)
September 26, 2023
Robert Moss’ books are reliably entertaining, practical, and inspiring. And yet they all sort of blend together. I suppose he goes into a bit more depth on certain concepts in each of them, but I usually feel I’m reading the same material over and over again. What’s the stat? Repeat something 7 times to make it stick? Guess I’ll keep reading.
August 22, 2017
Enlightening book with some new concepts and others validating knowledge that I acquired through other books, my intuition or my mulitselves. I highly recommend it. I will keep it close to me as I guide people into dreaming workshops and circles.
April 11, 2025
I loved listening to this on audio book for the calming voice, all while encouraging me to open my mind and giving me tools and advice for how to do my own soul work in my dreaming. 3.5/5 stars for me
August 14, 2025
Not many people dream like Robert Moss. Not only has he read and understood Jung, he's pestered him in the astral planes. He's a natural. Shhh. Hold your questions and criticisms. Just listen to the rhythmic bang of the drums and relax.
July 22, 2022
كتاب ممتع عن عوالم الحلم والتشافي من الصدمات عن طريق دخول الأحلام. لا يرى الكاتب الأحلام كرمزيات بحاجة لفك بل فرصة لفهم الشخص وحياواته وفك عقده. كتاب مختلف، مفيد، بمغامرات مختلفة.
January 23, 2023
I liked the first chapter but found it hard to follow when spirituality turned into a logical philosophical discussion.
July 31, 2023
Lots of insight into dreams.
May 2, 2016
I have extensively studied both shamanism and dreaming and have not, until now, found a book that comprehensively explores the link between the two. I found this book very satisfying, providing a treasure trove of both information and experiential anecdotes about the healing power of dreams. Moss includes narratives of participants in his dreamwork groups, as well as descriptions of his own dreams to demonstrate how individuals can work with their dreams for personal growth and self-healing. He shows how modern individuals can use techniques developed by the ancient shamans to understand and work with dreams. The book contains a wealth of historical and mythological information that can be used to help unlock the meaning of individual dreams. While Moss' non-linear style of writing might be frustrating to some, I found his story-telling enjoyable and appropriate to the subject matter (Shamans were known to be great story-tellers, after all!) A detailed bibliography at end provides resources for scholarly research for those who are interested. A single reading felt inadequate to fully absorb the content of this book. As one who is always studying and working with my own dreams, I think I will be referring back to this book and re-reading parts of it for a long time to come.
June 22, 2016
This book I purchased (unexpectedly popped up at a second had store), while I was undertaking Robert Moss's Dreaming the Soul Back Home program through the Shift Network. Profound shifts happened for me during this course (in particular a specific trauma held for around 23 years from a tragic death). This book follows closely what Robert Moss presented on the the Shift Network program. I felt incredibly grateful/serendipitous to have found this book in my land (on the other side of the world). There could be something in this book that helps you move through your life. You may also be interested in any program with RM through the Shift Network (beware, he is a very charismatic/OTT man... but don't let that fool you, there are shifts to be had, if you will step over the threshold!)
October 19, 2012
I love Robert Moss's work, but found this book strangely unsatisfying. It is essentially a collection of anecdotes about active dreaming drawn from his many years of working and studying in this field. A great book moves easily through the circle of beginning to end, but this book seemed to be mostly middle! I wasn't clear on the purpose or direction. Having said that, whilst I was reading Dreaming the Soul Back Home, my dreaming was incredibly vivid and intense, so perhaps this is one of those books that is working beyond the level of the mind.
October 26, 2014
Although my prefrontal cortex is adamant in making spiritual insights difficult for me to grab, having had powerful nightmares, made this book interesting to read. The symbolism eluded me at times, but the significance of some of my dreams is much clearer to me now. We can lose our soul through dreams and diving into them does help us learn a lot about our ids.
September 13, 2012
Robert's best book on healing and dreaming yet. We can find our own answers and know our own souls better.
November 14, 2012
What can I say....Classic Robert Moss! Excellent.
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