The Magic of Shapeshifting

by Rosalyn Greene

Shapeshifters are people with animal medicine, people who can connect with and use their animal powers. Those with access to this magical power can shift mentally, astrally, or even physically into their power animal or totem. Rosalyn Greene's ability to shift, both mentally and astrally, combined with her extensive study of the secret shapeshifting folklore, has resulted in this fascinating examination of all aspects and forms of shifting. In The Magic of Shapeshifting , Rosalyn Greene guides us through the levels of reality that lie outside our physical world and into the infinite universe that exists both within and beyond the limited boundaries of our senses. We read about opening to our inner animal selfnormally dwelling within the subconsciousand letting it pervade more of our conscious waking mind. Detailed explanations and exercises teach shifters about their animal side, the animal spirit guide, and how we can become shifters. She shows us how to distinguish powerful visions, anxiety attacks, and imagination from real shifting, as well as how to recognize the warning signs of an imminent shift. Since there can be dangers and risks on both the mundane and psychic levels when we pursue the path of a shifter, many of the potential dangers associated with specific practices are carefully outlined. Shapeshifting links us with both the fundamental power of animals and with the higher self, our true being, the soul. We learn to release selflimiting ideas of our true nature and expand into a clear, conscious connection with the divine, eternal soul, whose reality is beyond whatever mind (or even body) we happen to possess at the moment. Shapeshifting is a spiritual journey, a very tough one, but very rewarding. It has a purpose and reality far beyond simply using shifter abilities for earthly benefits. It can lead us through the unseen veil that seems to separate us from our Selves.

Genres: Nonfiction, Magick, Occult, Spirituality, Witchcraft, Animals, Wicca

258 pages, Paperback

First published September 25, 2000

Reviews

[Eve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit, I was impressed with this book. Having grown up in an Indigenous culture that views shapeshifting as something very real; I was skeptical about this book when I first bought it. I expected it to be a run of the mill new agey, "here is your animal totem' b.s. that has flooded the metaphysical market but...I was wrong. The author was very knowledgeable about the various types of shapeshifters, from astral to physical. The fact that she even believes in physical shifting is impressive to me; not many people who have grown up in Western society believe in such a thing. For those of us who've grown up in pagan cultures, with ceremonies and magic/medicine, we know such things to be real and still in existence. Yes, shapeshifters are real and are from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds from Native American, to African to European and everything inbetween. If you are seriously studying shapeshifting, animal magick or any form of primal magick, this book is well worth reading. Take what you can from it, leave the rest. If anything, it gives the reader a brief look into a secretive community that mainstream society doesn't believe exists.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really impressed with the book. Was worried that it might be another fluffy new age type, where there's so much digging for the truth that it's a waste. The author did a great job of breaking down the various types of shapeshifting from astral/dream to physical shifting. Quite a bit of references to other books to validify it.

[Spider Goddess · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a very informative book. However, I would have to say that I do not agree with everything that she states, but I love the discussion!

[ReD · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me forever to read this book. I picked it up and put it down several times.

At some point, I will write a full review. The main problem I have from the book is the questionable sources and the author's tendency to make large claims with little back-up. A few times, what looks like symptoms of a panic attack are described as 'proof' of shapeshifting. (I'm actually on board with learning to look at a difficult symptom as something positive VS debilitating, so it's not that necessarily.) The bashing that goes on and the talk of "shifter packs" is frustrating. Also, I recognize it is difficult during the time period the book was written to get non-New-Agey influences on shapeshifting and First Nation's cultures, but there was a tendency to lump different tribal beliefs under "Native Americans Believes ____." Reading it now, this was disappointing, but not really something the author may have had much control over

This book looked more like a blog entry than a source on shapeshifting and that was disappointing.

[Sugartank · Rating 2 out of 5]

So many things about this book I didn't like but it did bring in some background history I wasn't privey too before so I gave it 2 stars instead of 1
#BlackCatsAndDogsForever
Seriously stop the falsehoods that black animals are evil author. Ugh

[Briana]

I believe this book helped to outline what a shapeshifter really is.