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The Last Shaman
Mark Vale is back in Africa for his father's funeral. As he struggles to understand why his application of magic has caused such turmoil in his life, he is reunited with an enigmatic childhood friend. She introduces him to the fantastic world of shamanism and a deeper connection to the metaphysical forces he has yet to master.
Mark learns from a wonderful array of colorful characters, from a doctor of philosophy hiding out in the swamps and a shapeshifting sorceress to the bereaved widow of a tribal scout, and through incredible experiences such as taking sacred medicine and soul retrieval rituals, he discovers the inner wisdom necessary to drive his magical life creations.
Author William Whitecloud brings a dazzling range of knowledge and experience — from a childhood in Swaziland immersed in supernatural worldviews to Hermetic Philosophy and a life dedicated to intuitive mastery — to bear on this highly imaginative and illuminating look at how we can open up to being guided along the path of our highest destiny.
Mark learns from a wonderful array of colorful characters, from a doctor of philosophy hiding out in the swamps and a shapeshifting sorceress to the bereaved widow of a tribal scout, and through incredible experiences such as taking sacred medicine and soul retrieval rituals, he discovers the inner wisdom necessary to drive his magical life creations.
Author William Whitecloud brings a dazzling range of knowledge and experience — from a childhood in Swaziland immersed in supernatural worldviews to Hermetic Philosophy and a life dedicated to intuitive mastery — to bear on this highly imaginative and illuminating look at how we can open up to being guided along the path of our highest destiny.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 8, 2012
49 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 24, 2013
This book is filled with exciting adventure, life lessons, questions about the life that we have often fallen into by default, real magic when connected to spirit and how to sort out our lives so they are both meaningful and serving the greater good.
It starts out quite slow - - and seems chauvanistic at first - -but if you push through the awkward beginning the story moves into the life adventure William Whitecloud has had - or claims to have had in Africa where he was born.
Along with the profound insights and many life thoughts to ponder, William Whitecloud gifts us with almost photo like descriptions of the wildlife and vistas that he encounters on his journey:
"Mauve mountains at the far end of the lake lay like petrified dragons in a distant world of their own. Ten thousand strong flocks of flamingos floated across the mirror-flat, icy blue waters like pink cloud shadows. Formations of spur-wing and Egyptian geese sailed calmly over us, as squadrons of whistler ducks darted and weaved around them. An emerald band of papyrus choked the shallows of the islands’ shorelines, while the banks behind were covered in dry, bronze winter grass. Perched in the high gray branches of dead trees, the distinctive forms of fish eagles looked imperiously down on their kingdoms. We passed herds of buffalo, in their thousands, stampeding down to water like flows of black lava. Huge pods of hippo lay half submerged, attended by oxpeckers and tickbirds picking parasites from their heads. Fawn-colored Lechwe, a specially adapted swamp antelope, lunged through the reeds, either in play or to dart away from predators hidden from our eyes. It was the most breathtaking scene I had ever witnessed."
(Kindle Locations 1557-1564). . Kindle Edition.
I highly recommend this book for the insights that it will bring you to and the adventure and intimate view of a fast disappearing Africa.
It starts out quite slow - - and seems chauvanistic at first - -but if you push through the awkward beginning the story moves into the life adventure William Whitecloud has had - or claims to have had in Africa where he was born.
Along with the profound insights and many life thoughts to ponder, William Whitecloud gifts us with almost photo like descriptions of the wildlife and vistas that he encounters on his journey:
"Mauve mountains at the far end of the lake lay like petrified dragons in a distant world of their own. Ten thousand strong flocks of flamingos floated across the mirror-flat, icy blue waters like pink cloud shadows. Formations of spur-wing and Egyptian geese sailed calmly over us, as squadrons of whistler ducks darted and weaved around them. An emerald band of papyrus choked the shallows of the islands’ shorelines, while the banks behind were covered in dry, bronze winter grass. Perched in the high gray branches of dead trees, the distinctive forms of fish eagles looked imperiously down on their kingdoms. We passed herds of buffalo, in their thousands, stampeding down to water like flows of black lava. Huge pods of hippo lay half submerged, attended by oxpeckers and tickbirds picking parasites from their heads. Fawn-colored Lechwe, a specially adapted swamp antelope, lunged through the reeds, either in play or to dart away from predators hidden from our eyes. It was the most breathtaking scene I had ever witnessed."
(Kindle Locations 1557-1564). . Kindle Edition.
I highly recommend this book for the insights that it will bring you to and the adventure and intimate view of a fast disappearing Africa.
February 13, 2013
The author requested reviewers for his book; I responded and he sent me a copy to read.
I'm at a loss how to express my opinion of the book, but I'll try. Right off the bat, I'll say that it took me a long time (for me) to finish the book, which indicates that it's not a page turner. I forced myself to read a chapter at a time because I hoped there would be a resolution to the story; it is listed as a book of fiction and adventure, after all. I had a hard time getting interested in the characters and the setting, although the last two chapters did have a resolution, not particularly satisfying. The "spiritual wisdom" also escaped me, because most of the wisdom was delivered in a dogmatic, rambling style, mostly from one "spiritual teacher" in the story. Mark, the main character, just took it in -- the "wisdom" and the perils -- without question. Obviously, the story was fabricated in order to impart the author's philosophy. I'm thinking most readers pick up this book because they already know this author's teachings and want to read more. This was my first introduction to him and reading the book doesn't inspire me to learn more about him.
I'm at a loss how to express my opinion of the book, but I'll try. Right off the bat, I'll say that it took me a long time (for me) to finish the book, which indicates that it's not a page turner. I forced myself to read a chapter at a time because I hoped there would be a resolution to the story; it is listed as a book of fiction and adventure, after all. I had a hard time getting interested in the characters and the setting, although the last two chapters did have a resolution, not particularly satisfying. The "spiritual wisdom" also escaped me, because most of the wisdom was delivered in a dogmatic, rambling style, mostly from one "spiritual teacher" in the story. Mark, the main character, just took it in -- the "wisdom" and the perils -- without question. Obviously, the story was fabricated in order to impart the author's philosophy. I'm thinking most readers pick up this book because they already know this author's teachings and want to read more. This was my first introduction to him and reading the book doesn't inspire me to learn more about him.
September 15, 2015
I'm happy that I started at the beginning of the story with The Magician's Way, which I found hard to put down when I started it.
The ending was surprisingly good.
Great writing that captured my imagination in every sense.
The ending was surprisingly good.
Great writing that captured my imagination in every sense.
August 2, 2012
Loved it - full of fabulous imagery, inspiration and insight all bundled up in a gripping story. Leaves ripples in the consciousness that will change your life.
December 29, 2012
Brilliant fantastic full of magic
August 24, 2018
Very thought provoking, but not for everyone.
Read
January 16, 2026The war is between The Ego (survival, safety, validation) and The Spirit (expansion, creation, expression).
The Hitler Effect: using magic or the law of attraction to manifest things born out of insecurity or lack (wanting $ to feel safe, wanting fame to feel worthy) is dangerous. You might get what you want but it will arrive with unintended negative consequences because the root vibration was fear.
The journey of mastery:
-self-knowledge: you cannot master your reality until you know who is doing the creating (ego vs spirit)
-commitment: the requirement is total commitment to the soul’s desire even when it defies logic or safety
-unconscious sabotage: we often unconsciously create obstacles, the enemy, to validate our fears. The shaman realizes that the enemy is an illusion of their own making.
Focus on becoming the person who creates.
Feel the negative emotions fully to release their grip.
Motivation to create/express.
Outcome of “I created this”.
Do not say: I want to not be broke (that is still focusing on the problem)
Do say: I want to create financial freedom, i want to create a feeling of abundance
The tension should shift from anxiety (pushing away what you don’t want) to inspiration (pulling you toward what you do want)
The ego question: How do i get them to like me so i can feel safe?
The spirit question: I love the idea of holding this role. How can I express my talent fully in this interview?
You walk in to the room with Authority rather than Needing to offer value.
The vision: I want to create efficiency, I want to create professionalism, I want to create boundaries
Old reactive reply: Actually, as I mentioned last time… (Defensive)
New creative reply: Noted. I will have that to you by 5 pm. (Professional)
The Hitler Effect: using magic or the law of attraction to manifest things born out of insecurity or lack (wanting $ to feel safe, wanting fame to feel worthy) is dangerous. You might get what you want but it will arrive with unintended negative consequences because the root vibration was fear.
The journey of mastery:
-self-knowledge: you cannot master your reality until you know who is doing the creating (ego vs spirit)
-commitment: the requirement is total commitment to the soul’s desire even when it defies logic or safety
-unconscious sabotage: we often unconsciously create obstacles, the enemy, to validate our fears. The shaman realizes that the enemy is an illusion of their own making.
Focus on becoming the person who creates.
Feel the negative emotions fully to release their grip.
Motivation to create/express.
Outcome of “I created this”.
Do not say: I want to not be broke (that is still focusing on the problem)
Do say: I want to create financial freedom, i want to create a feeling of abundance
The tension should shift from anxiety (pushing away what you don’t want) to inspiration (pulling you toward what you do want)
The ego question: How do i get them to like me so i can feel safe?
The spirit question: I love the idea of holding this role. How can I express my talent fully in this interview?
You walk in to the room with Authority rather than Needing to offer value.
The vision: I want to create efficiency, I want to create professionalism, I want to create boundaries
Old reactive reply: Actually, as I mentioned last time… (Defensive)
New creative reply: Noted. I will have that to you by 5 pm. (Professional)
February 17, 2022
An easy read on the importance of exploring and navigating decisions and life through intuition in the unseen world, and the impact this can have in your internal and external worlds. Good little fable, worth a read.
April 4, 2024
Beautifully descriptive this adventurous tale set in war torn Africa, brings us a story that leads us to question and reflect on our own lives. Somewhat bringing us to a greater awareness of ourselves and the lives we live.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2022
I love all of William's books. He has been instrumental in changing my life for the better. The book itself is very engaging and a brilliant story. Along with many powerful lessons along the way.
March 20, 2025
This is a book I read for book club. I found it interesting, having spent time in Africa and read a book on Shamanism in different cultures. It is a leap of imagination and may leave many readers cold. The experience of people entering spiritual states via meditation, prolonged overstimulation, taking hallucinating drugs or being sensorially deprived for an extended period are well described. Whether they offer a unique understanding of life during these states is a substantial debate.
May 19, 2013
Believable expedition into what humans might once be possible of doing. Lessons in how expectations influence our experience and how not to fall into trap of living ordinary life; how to overcome bad habits; how to achieve whatever you desire and be sure that the desire you in your best interest and more - that is The Last Shaman
Inspiring wrote longer review of The Last Shaman on g-row.com
Inspiring wrote longer review of The Last Shaman on g-row.com
April 22, 2014
Enjoying!
December 16, 2012
I probably would of enjoyed this book more, if I did not read all the rave reviews, as my expectation was very high
December 24, 2016
Life changing
No... Read this and you review... If you are lucky enough to allow yourself to read it!!!! If you do....
No... Read this and you review... If you are lucky enough to allow yourself to read it!!!! If you do....
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews