Soul on Fire

by Peter Calhoun

Soul on Fire is a collection of stories describing the full awakening of spiritual powers of an Episcopal Priest turned Shaman - powers latent in all of us. It describes the 'Path of Return' to our wondrous earth, a journey through which we can reclaim our original unity, wholeness, and joy.

Genres: Nonfiction

268 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on the title of this book, I expected this book to describe the authors spiritual process for how he shifted from priest to shaman -- what seemed lacking in traditional Christianity, what internal struggles did he face, how did God help him on his journey? Instead, this book described various anecdotes for how shamanic practices can be used to heal the earth and humans. Although it was not what I expected, it was an interesting read.

[Morgan France-Ramirez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. About midway thru the read I felt that it lacked cohesion/flow and was a bit like reading spiritual bragging, but by the end I felt it came together well and my feelings were assuaged. I would have given it a 4 if it went for these initial feelings. I also would have liked more of a story about his transition from priesthood to shamanism.

[Betsy Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was recommended this book by a lady who trained with the author. This book is more a "here's what I did" than "here's how to do it". He talks about the ceremonies he performed, but not very much about how to perform them.

I was struck by the fact that this man, a former Episcopal priest, kept calling on everyone but God for help. He says that the nature spirits or the storm devas or the fire elementals helped him get what he asked for. To me, this sounds like idolatry - he is saying that there are powers greater than God. God made those powers. Go straight to the source.

I agree with a lot of what he said about modern church not getting it - they have become an institution, a machine focused on ritual rather than relationship. I would have liked to read more about how he left church. It seems unfair for a minister to have to commit to a job for life - we don't ask that of teachers or lawyers. Why are ministers expected to be "married" to the church? But -then again - we are missing the most important part - Jesus told us not to have ordained ministers. We are all ministers, and all equal.

[Poornima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly magical book. I highly recommend it to all who seek a deeper connection with the Earth and the higher dimensions.

[Khalekan · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can one say about this book?

This guy Calhoun could easily be Gandalf the Wizard from LOTR.

If there is a drought....send for Peter and he'll have the rain belting down inside 24 hours.

Too much rain? He can fix that and all. One word with his "Elementals" and the sky is blue a few hours later.

Why are the likes of Katrina and Isacc allowed to wreak so much havoc when a call to Peter Calhoun in Tennessee will stop them in their tracks.

And I have never read a book where the word "I" is used so many times.

For all that, I will give it three stars because if it never informed me, it sure entertained me and had me laughing out loud practically every other page.

Especially when he was getting down on all fours and moving among the deer and mountain goats, communing with them and inviting them to visit his camp that evening.

An invitation they accepted.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed when I first started reading this book. I had anticipated that it would indeed be an account of the author's transformation/change/development from an Episcopalian priest to a shaman. Instead, these are accounts of his adventures and experiences once he has already made the transition.

It's an interesting read but it is certainly not what I wanted when I purchased the book. If you are looking for a book that talks about the struggle and/or the transition from one to the other, keep looking because this is not it.

[Grace Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of miraculous spiritual experiences was amazing! :) It kept me enthralled all the way through and many of the feelings Peter described in the book, especially regarding suffering and making gratitude and appreciation for what we have a more daily practice, both provided me with comfort and deeply resonated with me. This book had a special way of leaving my heart feeling deeply moved and "full" even after putting it back on the bookshelf. It was incredible. <3