The Underworld has always been thought of as a place of darkness and despair. Even today there are many misconceptions about what the Underworld is and what awaits inside. We will learn how different cultures around the world viewed the Underworld and the afterlife. Some cultures have there own unique perspective, but surprisingly, cultures that had no communications with each other form across the world had similarities. Can this be a coincidence? Most importantly, we will learn how to journey there in the astral and map this incredible world. But be careful! Along with its many wonders and beauty, there are things that lurk in the dark that myths through out the ages have warned us about. But for the Shaman or witch, are these warnings to keep us away or teach us how to commune with these ancient spirits and creatures?
As we journey deeper into the Underworld, we will discover places where the long forgotten dead will rekindle our spirit and teach us the ways of magick. They have been waiting for us and have much to say. We only have to sit and listen to the wisdom of ancient times. We will also discover places of healing and rejuvenation. Places where ancient hags guard magick wells and the waters of life and death spring from a source so old, no one remembers where it came from. Along with these wonderful and beautiful places there are places most dark and dreadful, the Hellworlds. These are the areas of the Underworld that test your spirit and what you thought was reality. You may never be the same, but you will transformed, renewed, and more powerful.
The Underworld is strange and wondrous and cannot be contained. Sometimes, those spirits of the dead will not be bound in such a place and stay in the world of the living. The poor lost spirits stay with us for a variety of reasons. You will learn why the spirits of the dead are still here and how to help them journey to a place of rest. You never know, a spirit of the dead may be right behind you…
”Chris Allaun’s book, Shamanism, Myth, and Magick is truly a masterpiece. Chris has thoughtfully taken a huge subject and separated it into readable and manageable sections and chapters. He clarifies –What is the Underworld? Who resides in the Underworld? Where is the Underworld? and Why does it exist?” — all questions that have fascinated mankind since the beginning of time. And Mr. Allaun gives the reader exercises to deal with the dark side of the underworld, practical ways to cope with exploring one’s own fears and terrors, along with ways to help others. He also includes an extensive bibliography, something very useful. From psychologists to ceremonial magicians to spirit workers, to people just trying to navigate today’s complex world, Underworld creates a clear path full of information and help, to guide us through these often troubling times. I highly recommend this book!”- Janet Barres
I have been studying paganism and magick since 1992. I am an ordained minister with The Fellowship of the Phoenix and am also a Native American Pipe carrier. I specialize in Pagan Religious Studies, Magick, Shamanism, Energy Healing, and Native American Spirituality. One of my primary goals is to bring back the practice of ancestor honoring back into our daily lives. I have taught many workshops at events such as the Pagan Spirit Gathering and Between the Worlds.
My goal is to bring magical and energetic teachings to be accessible yet challenging to the magical student.
The underworld the mere mention of it strikes an unpleasant chord in your mind. Death is a subject many of us are not only uncomfortable with but it a concept that we are downright afraid of. fear of the unknown? What happens after we die?
Different cultures have different myths and concepts of life in the here after. Our Judeo Christian thinking gives us the paradigm of heaven and hell. If you are good you go up to the sky to heaven if you are bad you get sent down below to Hell or the underworld. When we say underworld a very unpleasant picture comes to mind.
The underworld is not all doom and gloom. If one explores the mythology of many culture one might find that the underworld has some very beautiful spots. The underworld is also where there is spiritual knowledge. The seeker or shamans in the past have traveled to the Underworld for many purposes. Many times it is done so as to bring back knowledge and healing to the community. Of course with practice you too can travel into the underworld.
Chris Allaun not only includes some great techniques for your journey to the underworld. He also examines the cultural myths of the life after death. Sumerians, Norse, Celtic, Egyptian as well as Native American , mythic stuff was covered here.
Among the techniques discussed are finding your totem animal and your underworld guide. The book is very complete and thorough and perfectly sized. Good job Chris Allaun.
A good, though basic, overview of Underworld and Afterlife stories from various mythologies, as well as simple steps to start exploring the Underworld. If you already do that, this book probably won’t help you much. If you want to start, this book can help.