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Secrets of Shamanism: Tapping the Spirit Power Within You
For untold centuries, the shaman was the tribe′s most revered and respected member, possessing the unique ability to tap into the universal source of wisdom by journeying deep within the self -- seeking, and finding, answers to pressing questions, achieving profound understanding by avoiding the stumbling blocks of the outer material world.
Developing techniques for communicating with the innermost world of the spirit can be a valuable boon in these modern times with their contemporary problems and concerns. Through a series of easy-to-follow exercises, lessons, and rituals, psychologist Jose Stevens and wife, Lena, can show you how to identify your inner spiritual guides -- and how, through a unique and powerful communication with them, you can achieve undreamed-of professional success, psychological enlightenment, and personal fulfillment ... and completely change the way you live your life.
Developing techniques for communicating with the innermost world of the spirit can be a valuable boon in these modern times with their contemporary problems and concerns. Through a series of easy-to-follow exercises, lessons, and rituals, psychologist Jose Stevens and wife, Lena, can show you how to identify your inner spiritual guides -- and how, through a unique and powerful communication with them, you can achieve undreamed-of professional success, psychological enlightenment, and personal fulfillment ... and completely change the way you live your life.
227 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 1, 1988
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 27, 2014
I have what looks to be a first printing of the paperback from 1988. What a great introduction to shamanism. I wasn't sure if I actually wanted an introduction but the small size of the book made it seem like not a great commitment.
I had the misconception of shamanism being akin to voodoo and something that ancient cultures believed because they didn't know any better. The Stevens' do a good job of bringing shamanism into the here and now, even if their 'now' was nearly 30 years ago. They make a case that perhaps those old cultures did know better in some ways and may have something to teach us.
This is where the book format is so well constructed. After an introduction to the principles of shamanism the rest of the book is an instruction manual with exercises, examples and good advice. From the most basic stages of meditation and becoming aware of your mind and body, to moderate practice at self improvement, to advanced spirit travel and aiding others.
I know, this all sounds like fantasy magic and bogus mumbo-jumbo right? Well, what I really appreciate about this book is that it preaches a message of self awareness and gnosis. They encourage you to follow no one, and to trust your intuition.
I have some experience with self hypnosis and lots of experience in unguided meditation. I still see that as being an important element of my life but I am looking forward to trying this guided progression.
I wasn't sure at the beginning of the book if I wanted to participate in the training so I just skimmed through much of it. I intend now to go back to the beginning and work my way through the book.
If I can experience even half of the spirit power they intend to help me tap into then I will have to go back and rate this five stars.
I had the misconception of shamanism being akin to voodoo and something that ancient cultures believed because they didn't know any better. The Stevens' do a good job of bringing shamanism into the here and now, even if their 'now' was nearly 30 years ago. They make a case that perhaps those old cultures did know better in some ways and may have something to teach us.
This is where the book format is so well constructed. After an introduction to the principles of shamanism the rest of the book is an instruction manual with exercises, examples and good advice. From the most basic stages of meditation and becoming aware of your mind and body, to moderate practice at self improvement, to advanced spirit travel and aiding others.
I know, this all sounds like fantasy magic and bogus mumbo-jumbo right? Well, what I really appreciate about this book is that it preaches a message of self awareness and gnosis. They encourage you to follow no one, and to trust your intuition.
I have some experience with self hypnosis and lots of experience in unguided meditation. I still see that as being an important element of my life but I am looking forward to trying this guided progression.
I wasn't sure at the beginning of the book if I wanted to participate in the training so I just skimmed through much of it. I intend now to go back to the beginning and work my way through the book.
If I can experience even half of the spirit power they intend to help me tap into then I will have to go back and rate this five stars.
November 23, 2009
I lean toward the spiritual side of life, good book for balancing disorder in one's life. Lots of visualization techniques to regain power over negativity.
August 25, 2023
I first read this book years ago and then lost my copy. I had to purchase it again. It is a great resource for anyone looking for information about shamanism they can use in a practical way. I recommend it!
February 10, 2025
Very useful practical book that brings the power of shamanism to everyday western life.
May 3, 2017
This book clearly shows how the ancient techniques of Shamanism can be applied to the our healing concerns of the modern world.
August 27, 2019
A superb read
a shaman was a living messenger of God
He learn the pattern of working of universe
He observe the power of the cosmos through some ritual but I feel rituals are done to make human to believe in a primitive way and it's more like a sports. Where human slips out of unconscious and connect the external world
The journey of the book was so simple and helps to aware who is shaman?
Shaman can understand and direct certain activities and move more into positive
A bliss!!
Everyone read this book
wanted to become a shaman!!
a shaman was a living messenger of God
He learn the pattern of working of universe
He observe the power of the cosmos through some ritual but I feel rituals are done to make human to believe in a primitive way and it's more like a sports. Where human slips out of unconscious and connect the external world
The journey of the book was so simple and helps to aware who is shaman?
Shaman can understand and direct certain activities and move more into positive
A bliss!!
Everyone read this book
wanted to become a shaman!!
June 18, 2025
Re-reading this more thoroughly after having skimmed through it years ago due to the chaotic times we're all currently experiencing.
The reason I originally skimmed were that the standard "professional" published shaman practitioners for some odd reason, always swear by these-- The Three A's: the Amazon, the Andes and Ayahuasca plus that Ph.D attachment, none of which I or most others will be able to visit or achieve and certainly one does not require an out-of-control drug (or any drug) induced state in which to practice.
That aside, this book is a great introduction to shamanism for the novice beginner, even those who've been practicing for years. And shamanism is a practice, a never ending lifetime journey of healing, soul recovery and empowerment. There will always be something new, different, unusual or unexplainable. It doesn't end. No Ph.D required.
Shamanism itself is the second most ancient "spiritual" practice in history; animism being the first in that every single thing from a rock, wind and the weather, animals, on and on are imbued with energy that can be accessed for specific purposes in cooperation for specific needs. It's not a religion, there are no "gods". Everything just IS.
Stevens and his wife Lena, after a brief introduction, begin with the basics easily accessible to those interested in study or practice, progressing to more detailed in-depth exercises with the whys and how-tos, interspersed with numerous short tales.
Michael Harner, student of the Amazonian Jivaro, is mentioned frequently; studying his books, especially The Way of the Shaman: a Guide to Power and Healing in tandem with this one gives a more rounded guide to shamanistic practice. (Yes, we all know Harner as a "plastic, New Age" shaman practitioner but if it weren't for him would Westerners even know about shamanism??)
Something that irks me is Stevens' insistence on guides to access different planes of reality: "Here you will be met with a spirit guide" or further: "State your question to the guide and prepare to journey." (page 44). Personally, having practiced since the late 1990's, I have never once met a guide or required one to access. Guides need to be vetted, you don't know if they are for you, assisting or hindrances blocking, especially at the beginning of a journey. Guides will appear in one shape or another but after one gets to where one is going in my personal experiences.
Besides all that, so far so good. And humor. It's all ridiculous anyway!!
(I'm trying to be humorous here!)
But we need something in these desperate disparate chaotic times..
One with Nature, superseding the weird crap humans throw out.
Shamanism works for me. This book is a good beginning.
BTW~ No one EVER calls themselves a "Shaman". That is pure Ego talking and shaman practitioners lose the ego. "Shaman" is an honorific title bestowed by others. If someone calls themselves a "Shaman", they certainly are not.
The reason I originally skimmed were that the standard "professional" published shaman practitioners for some odd reason, always swear by these-- The Three A's: the Amazon, the Andes and Ayahuasca plus that Ph.D attachment, none of which I or most others will be able to visit or achieve and certainly one does not require an out-of-control drug (or any drug) induced state in which to practice.
That aside, this book is a great introduction to shamanism for the novice beginner, even those who've been practicing for years. And shamanism is a practice, a never ending lifetime journey of healing, soul recovery and empowerment. There will always be something new, different, unusual or unexplainable. It doesn't end. No Ph.D required.
Shamanism itself is the second most ancient "spiritual" practice in history; animism being the first in that every single thing from a rock, wind and the weather, animals, on and on are imbued with energy that can be accessed for specific purposes in cooperation for specific needs. It's not a religion, there are no "gods". Everything just IS.
Stevens and his wife Lena, after a brief introduction, begin with the basics easily accessible to those interested in study or practice, progressing to more detailed in-depth exercises with the whys and how-tos, interspersed with numerous short tales.
Michael Harner, student of the Amazonian Jivaro, is mentioned frequently; studying his books, especially The Way of the Shaman: a Guide to Power and Healing in tandem with this one gives a more rounded guide to shamanistic practice. (Yes, we all know Harner as a "plastic, New Age" shaman practitioner but if it weren't for him would Westerners even know about shamanism??)
Something that irks me is Stevens' insistence on guides to access different planes of reality: "Here you will be met with a spirit guide" or further: "State your question to the guide and prepare to journey." (page 44). Personally, having practiced since the late 1990's, I have never once met a guide or required one to access. Guides need to be vetted, you don't know if they are for you, assisting or hindrances blocking, especially at the beginning of a journey. Guides will appear in one shape or another but after one gets to where one is going in my personal experiences.
Besides all that, so far so good. And humor. It's all ridiculous anyway!!
(I'm trying to be humorous here!)
But we need something in these desperate disparate chaotic times..
One with Nature, superseding the weird crap humans throw out.
Shamanism works for me. This book is a good beginning.
BTW~ No one EVER calls themselves a "Shaman". That is pure Ego talking and shaman practitioners lose the ego. "Shaman" is an honorific title bestowed by others. If someone calls themselves a "Shaman", they certainly are not.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews