Spirit Walker: Messages from the Future

by Hank Wesselman

A professional anthropologist recounts his experiences outside the bounds of normal reality, tracing his numerous journeys across space and time, his exchanges with shape-shifters, spirit guardians, and a Hawaiian mystic from several centuries into the future. 65,000 first printing. $100,000 ad/promo.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Autobiography, New Age, Indigenous, Memoir

383 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1995

Reviews

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

From page 303, “Reality is what we believe it to be.” If, while reading, you can accept Wesselman’s story as reality then surely this book will offer a mind blowing experience. If, however, you’re like me and dubious about the whole affair, then your evaluation of the book will surely be more muted.

See, Wesselman claimed to have visions where he traveled through space and time to infiltrate and share in the consciousness of his ancestor from the future. According to his future ancestor’s memory humanity was nearly wiped out due to climate change and rising sea levels. Nope, human ingenuity was not able to do much besides drown and die along with almost all people besides some native hunter gatherers and Hawaiaans.

And if that’s a lot to swallow, let’s also note that his future ancestor is like 7 feet tall and handsome and talented and makes love often with a woman who looks remarkably like Wesselman’s wife.

Oh boy.

And how does he initiate these improbable journeys? Well, he makes love to his wife. Then POOF… I really need a Wayne and Garth meme here.

Spiritwalker did not qualify as a nonfiction memoir for me. There’s just too much love making and wish fulfillment and male fantasy abound for me to buy in. But it is an interesting work of fiction that is quietly propelled forward by its 100hp outboard narrative motor. And I do believe that the story told is what Wesselman perceived as his reality. So, what does that mean? It probably means that Wesselman was crazy, but hey, aren’t we all a bit nuts? At least he had an interesting story to tell.

Think of Spiritwalker like a spiritual, hippified, ecological version of Philip K. Dick’s VALIS.

The best aspect of this book is that it was recommended to me by my dad, my OG librarian and reading mentor; I will never tire of exchanging books, thoughts, ideas, and analysis with my pops. So, thanks dad!

Story-8, Language-7, Ideas-9, Characters-7, Enjoyment-7, Overall-7.5

[Lia · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I found that I couldn't quite believe that the shamanic journeys into Nainoa's head were "real" (maybe my mind just doesn't work the same way... don't notice or keep track of so many details - it seemed more like a story than a memory)... I found that I did connect with the underlying messages about the nature of consciousness and spiritual realms. I feel like I learned a lot. I haven't heard of some of it, even though I've been studying spirituality and shamanism for awhile now.

Several synchronicities happened to me while reading this book.

The spirit helper of the author was a leopard man, which I didn't read about until hours after having sat reading the book beneath a life-size leopard man on display in the children's library, that had felt like it was watching me.

One part took place at Sand Mountain in Nevada. I happen to have some sand from Sand Mountain... one of the few possessions from my childhood that made it this far with me.

And part of it took place in Hawaii, with volcanic stones with their own spirits, that chose their student/keepers. The author mentioned his experiences started when his life was in upheaval... my life went into upheaval on the very day someone brought me a volcanic rock from Hawaii. I may well have a teacher/helper already. ;) (That's better than thinking I'm cursed by Pele! Haha!)

It will be interesting to see if my experiences confirm what the author has said. I do want someone who has read it to talk to. I found the concepts fascinating... aka, aumakua, nierika...

I would have rated it at a five if it weren't for the way the adventure tale style of recounting the journeys rubbed me wrong. But the book was a monumental revelation for me. I have to buy it, and read Wesselman's other books.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a fun read, but the question of authenticity will be up to the reader. What I mean to say is that you will be introduced to a person who is of a science background and how over time starts having visions of future events seen through a man who is described as an ancestor to him. He credits this to a form of religion dealing with shamanism. This brings about a new worldview for Hank, the author, and his family.

If you don't believe, or at least have an open mind to these ideas, you won't like part of this book. If you can read his experiences from his visions and not be closed minded, you will get a really good story out of it, at least.

As far as I know, I have never experienced anything like the author has so I'm not about to say that this stuff doesn't happen, but I do find it unusual that at the end of the book he is pushing his presentations and workshops. I would be less skeptical, if he told his story and didn't throw in pitches for his workshops, etc. I also noticed he is continuing his writing of these experiences in another book (I think someone told me he has a third one out as well?). Is this becoming a way to make money for him? I would think that someone who feels like they are a follower of shamanism, that he would not make his visions into books and use it as a source for financial needs. I got the impressions from the book that visions were to be kept amongst the shaman and not flaunted and to use them as a helpful guide and not for financial reasons?

Anyway, if you read it as a great story, it is that. If you get bogged down with the validity of a belief system, then don't bother reading the book.

[Mary Fahnlander · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!! Whatever you thought you knew before you read this book will be revised drastically.
In the 80's Wesselman and his wife return to some property in the Kona area of Hawaii that has been left untended for some time. During their 4 years there he has a number of altered state experiences that take him into the body of a young man 5000 years into the future in what was once California. He reflects on and documents the encounters in an attempt to understand something that seems impossible to his scientific view as an anthropology professor. It reads like a suspense thriller as he recounts those episodes, like a dramatic warning for our current environmental and political course, and philosophy as he reflects on how the world's religions relate to his revelations.

Spiritwalker was written in 1995. Can't wait to read the sequel.

[Juliana Haught · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so, so interesting that I had a hard time putting it down! The author is an academic and a scientist, who rather spontaneously ends up having shamanic experiences, of visiting into the future through spirit travel. He was living in Hawaii at the time of the first experience, so started poking into Hawaiian shamanism to try to understand what is happening to him, while also wrestling with the scientist and skeptic within himself. I loved following along the author's inner process of both experiencing something incredible, and trying to reconcile it with his identity as a scientist and with modern life. It's well-written, and personable in tone. I'm keeping this one.

[Marty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for the second time. Enjoyed the idea of seeing into other "lifetimes" of your spirit. Also like imagining the possibility of what our future planet might be like.

Scientific minded anthropology professor gets spontaneous visits from Spirit creatures and people from the future. Changed the way he looks at our everyday lives and developed experiences in what exists in non-ordinary realms. 5,000 years from now there will be a major rise in water level that obliterates life as we know it. Many people die, survivor live by hunting and gathering...no electricity, metals, transportation is by foot, canoe, or horse.

[Deborah Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author, trained as a scientific cultural anthropologist, entered the world of shamanic journeying, rather accidentally (or not...). His inquisitive mind, and openness to the possibility of unknown spiritual realms, result in a fascinating account of twelve exciting journeys. His style of writing is so clear and detailed that it seemed I was on the journey with him! He also adds historical and cultural facts to explain what is occurring, both in current time and in the future. This book is a good source to understand shamanism in today's world.

[Linda Branham · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is written to be a true experience.. where Mr. Wesselman had mental contact with a person from our far distant future. A time when our civilization was destroyed... and small tribes of people populate the earth. It is a fascinating idea... whether it is true or not. I bought his next 2 books but haven't read them yet. So many books... so little time

[Elizabeth Armstrong, · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to very informative and well written. I did not want to put it down. It has been many years that I have read the book yet still remember the information clearly. Great writer.

[Diane Engelstad]

Truth be told? Maybe the truth about our future. How did we end up only in Hawaii? Back in the stone age! Read all three books. The last one gives yo hints.

[Joni · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second time I read this book. I read it years ago and thought it was fascinating and a little silly. However, with the passage of years and seeing the way the world is changing, I thought of this book and what it said about the future and I decided I wanted to go back and look at it again. Whether this is truth or one man's very vivid imagination, it gave me comfort to think that humanity might still be around 5,000 years from now. It also seems like a very real possibility that we may be bringing about the swift end of our way of life because of the unsustainable economy we have created and our disregard for our planet. If this is fact or fiction, either way, this was an enjoyable read.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grand adventure nested within an intriguing story of spiritual expansion. Sounds like a wild way to describe anything, but honestly that's where it leaves me. Whether or not you are convinced of Hank's spiritual experiences being rooted in reality, you can't deny that the ultimate revelations about the mysteries of life that culminate at the end of the book are both compelling and insightful. For someone with an interest in expanding their ideas of what the nature of reality could be, with an openness to the idea of a spiritual realm and it's connection with shamanism, this is an excellent read. For anyone else, still very much worthwhile, in my opinion.

[Dustin Gamble · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hank Wesselman is a renowned and decorated American anthropologist. I found his theories and personal experiences with the spirit realm interesting yet once he began talking about Nainoa, I immediately switched my mind from reading someone’s personal experience to reading a fantasy novel. Perhaps it is a result of my inability to accept that what he’s saying may be true, or maybe it’s just that Hank decided with his vast anthropological experience, he could create a rich narrative and sell it by claiming it all to be “a true story”. Should it have been advertised as a fictional novel, I likely would’ve enjoyed it more.

[Josh Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

What if we’re living in the golden age?
Of course, we have lots of problems on earth. But what if we were wiped out back to the Stone Age, no machines, no electricity, no “group chats”. What would that be like? This book envisions that future.

It’s scary to consider but I loved this journey and already plan to read all of Hanks books. I found him a good mix of thinking and feeling - a PHd with strong shamanistic tendencies and interests.

My favourite spiritual books are written well, with heart and from vivid personal experience rather than theory - and this ticks all three boxes.

[Jeannette Burg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book will open and expand minds.

A journey of your mind to beyond fondly held beliefs. Is this true? I dont know but I believe it happened as reported and I also believe our destiny is as seen.

This is the second time I've read this book and it is so much more meaningful to me now. The state of the environment is deteriorating as in the book and the rise of the oceans is no longer a wild prediction, but an accepted conclusion .

[Rupert Smithson]

I enjoyed this well-written spiritual autobiography very much. In fact I bought the next two books in the series. I don't think I believed in its authenticity, however, until a close relative had similar experiences. My own have always occurred in imagination only and end up in my fiction. Sometimes I wonder if there's no difference, except that some lucky people (or not) experience alternative realities more fully.

[Cortina Robinson · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have read numerous books by many different kinds of authors in the realm of shamanics, spiritual journeys, dream work, etc. I have 2 of his books, and both felt false. I wanted to keep reading and could not. One time, one of my guides slapped his book out of my hands. There are better sources out there, so I'll just encourage this: keep looking.

[Adam Carbary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fantastic book! I was gripped from very early on and was amazed by the accounts of Hank and Nainoa’s journeys together. The knowledge learned in this book is breathtaking and speaks to the current plights of our world. We need to cherish our Mother Earth if we are to avoid the future Hank Wesselman witnessed in his journeys.

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an insight to the future. Terribly sad to think that our country would be in such shambles. Although the Earth will rule what happens and its called Mother nature. Humans have a short life span compared to the planet and it truly amazing he hooked up with a person in the future to see what we may be have in store. I would recommend this book to anyone that has a open mind.

[Kioyte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I get frustrated with long drawn-out descriptions and had to skip ahead a few times. I also wasn't entirely convinced of the conflict of his scientific mind with one accepting of a more new age one. I have gone through a similar experience and was hoping to find a connection with this book but didn't find it.

[Patricia Meier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating story! Hank was an amazing storyteller; the wonderful sort of soul who can knit together science and spirituality in life, and capture it on the page for the rest of us. He will be missed.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book with some very interesting ideas. A worthy read for those interested in shamanism and interactions with the spirits. Possibly also interesting for those interested in reincarnation.

[Sonja Döring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Donya Mcclenahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, loved every second of it. Heading for number two...

[Elizabeth Knappert]

Mindboggling, every word is true, I can tell

[Nicole Handel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book (and sequel) were life changing. Beautifully and articulately written. Didn’t want to put it down but needed time to digest all the wisdom pouring out of this book🙌🏼

[ryan burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up there with the Journeys Trilogy

An absolute masterpiece. The level of insight and experience this man underwent spontaneously and without a physical teacher is astonishing. Genuinely guided by the spirits into the profound and strange nature of reality.

[Connor · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not especially well-written (unfortunately ends up repeating itself a lot and Hesselman bogs himself down in explanations) but honestly pretty interesting as a memoir, reveals a lot about the author

[Iona Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book differs from those I usually read. Though extremely well-written, at first it was somewhat boring because of the long passages about nature - not what I'm used to reading or have any great desire to read. But once I got into the book I relinquished myself to it, and just started reading it like a novel. That helped. Then it became quite addictive.

The book comprises a true description of the process of an anthropologist (the author) who begins to experience strange sensations when falling asleep, which end in his being transported into the body and consciousness of a man called Nainoa who lives 5000 years in the future in California.

Actually, Nainoa leads such a primitive life that you might be inclined to think that it were 5000 years back in the past, the explanation being that there had been a catastrophe in the past, i.e.the author's near future (Surprise, surprise!) that practically wiped out life on Earth, so those surviving had to start again from the beginning.

Nainoa is a clerk to the High Chief Kaneohe and enjoyes a close relationship with him. Their people were apparently Hawaiians in origin, but had journeyed to the American coast. The chief now wants Nainoa to go on a journey alone into the interior of the American continent in order to explore, and thus find out what is there.

This journey of Nainoa is what the bulk of the book is about It is seen through the author's eyes during his astral journeys via the eyes of Nainoa, who is apparently his descendant. (The author has two young children at the time of the described experiences.)

During his travels Nainoa encounters a primitive community (the Ennu) that has survived the great ordeals that took place on the Earth (presumably the Shift). William, an elderly spiritwalker, saves Nainoa who has been attacked by a bull and injured, and later Nainoa takes William's daughter Kenojelak as his wife. This woman greatly resembles the author Wesselman's own wife. Jill.

When Wesselman merged with Nainoa it was as though the two existed "simultaneously within one physical body", and Nainoa seemed unaware of the other's presence.

One of the curious facts revealed in the book is that a stone discovered by Wesselman in the sea, which he later carved, turned up as a revered "spirit stone" of great power in the society originally lived in by Nainoa. Apparently, Wesselman found it in Hawaii, where he was living, and transported it to his home in California. Chief Kaneohe termed it "the stone that journeys".

The crucial points of interest in the book are Wesselman's altered-state experiences, including his encounters with the "Shadow", the leopard-man and later the spirit of Pele, a Hawaiian volcano. Nainoa himself begins to experience these states and meets the same personages, though his "leopard-man is called the "tiger man". Nainoa makes similar joruneys into Wesselman's body, experiencing various episodes in the latter's life. Wesselman then is cognizant of these things through Nainoa. All a bit complicated, but fascinating.

Both William, Nainoa and Wesselman himself are "spiritwalkers" who "journey across time and space". At one point Naianoa/Wesselman fly in the body of a hawk in true shaman style. Towards the end of the book there is a description of how Nainoa and Wesselman actually meet and communicate with each other (in spirit).

During Wesselman's processs of development via his various altered-state experiences he sees visions and gains much insight regarding human history and "the vast collective mind of the universe".

There is much use of Hawaiian terms which in places renders understanding difficult. It would have been easier had there been a list at the back of the book explaining these terms, since it proved difficult to remember their meaning, there being so many of them.

It is indicated that catastrophc earth changes will soon occur (presumably at the end of 2012) but the author does not mention this.

Actually, it is my understanding that there exist many possible futures, and no future has to happen, it all depends on ourselves. And there is no mention of any ascension into the 4th dimension, as indicated by other sources. (Our Earth, Gaia, our sun, Ra, and the other planets in our solar system, together with us ourselves, are expected to ascend on 21st December, 2012). But since Gaia's soul is ascending, our 3-dimensional Earth would be left soulless in the time thereafter, and I don't comprehend how this would work. But this is apparently a matter beyond the range of this book.

Anyway, nonetheless this is quite a fascinating book, particularly perhaps if one is new to the world of Shamanism, and it is well worth reading.

[Lora Shouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a complex book, although it is not really all that complicated.

Part of it is a story of how the author, Hank Wesselman, a professional anthropologist, began to experience altered states, and as a result began to study Shamanism as a way of explaining these experiences.

Part of it is the story of a group of his experiences in which he saw the world through the eyes of a human, ostensibly from the distant future. In this future, it seems that most of the population of the earth has been wiped out, and the people who are left are those from archaic cultures who are able to live without the benefits of modern civilization, including not only modern technology and energy but also almost all metals.

A small part of the story is his speculations about what has happened to bring about this future, in which the phenomenon of global warming plays a large part. It seems to me that this alone does not explain the entirety of what it would take to cause this future, however. He never asks, at least in the scope of this book, whether this vision of the future is, in the words of Ebenezer Scrooge, “the shadow of things that will be, or are they the shadows of things that may be only.”

Whether the things in this book really happened or not, and whether the vision of the future that is revealed is one set in stone or one that can be changed, the journey of the human from the future is a fascinating story, and well worth reading.