A Little Bit of Shamanism: An Introduction to Shamanic Journeying

by Ana Campos

In the popular “Little Bit of” a fresh, accessible introduction to shamanism—with a global view.
 
Drawing from decades of training in Brazil and the United States, Ana Campos has written a history of shamanism that’s both personal and global. She creates a methodology for bringing shamanic wisdom into our daily practices, and explains why it’s important to establish a relationship with our helping spirits to heal ourselves and our communities. Through this incisive discussion of shamanism, we can become the vehicle for change our world so desperately needs right now.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion

128 pages, Hardcover

Published March 5, 2019

Reviews

[Krystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE THIS.

My favourite thing about this book is that it takes a spiritual concept and grounds it with science and psychology. It's about the power of the mind, and the power of the earth, but there are real truths ingrained for people not willing to believe wholeheartedly in a concept that might be purely based on ideas.

I've of course heard of Shamanism, and understand it's linked to specific cultures and related to earth and ancestors, but this gave me a much stronger understanding of how it works. Spoiler alert: you don't have to take mind-altering substances to partake in a Shamanic ceremony (though it may help, I suppose). I really enjoyed learning about the basic concepts, and it just makes so much sense to me. It's a kind of meditation that sees you appreciating the earth and those who have walked it before us, and respecting the earth and leaving it better for those who will walk it after us.

It's written sensibly and honestly, and it doesn't rely on you believing blindly. It's logical. It's rooted in honour.

A fascinating read, and just the beginning of my knowledge quest on this particular subject. I loved it so much I'll be looking further into this topic.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

This may not be a very popular opinion with others but I really wish we could talk about shamanism without a lesson on cultural appropriation. I am aware that the word Shaman comes from a very specific group of people in a very specific location did I do not live in. However the American culture that I do live in has no other word for the same concept and everyone understands what you mean if you use the word Shaman or shamanism. And starting off a book with a lesson on cultural appropriation does not make me want to read the book. However I managed to push through and the information given in the book is good solid information. It should be no surprise that due to the size of the book there's not a lot of information or detail in it but this would be a good book for people who just want to get a general understanding of the concept of "insert appropriate word for this practice here."

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a great little introductory book and the part about cultural appropriation was great. It’s important to other respect and honor other people’s cultures and practices.

[Nicolas · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this as a gift for a friend and I sat down and read it because I won't give anyone a book I haven't read. I now have a personal vendetta against 'a little bit' books.
This book was very poorly edited. There's one page with two paragraphs that say the same thing but are written in a slightly different way. I had to do a double take just to make sure I wasn't going crazy.
The author makes sure to warn you these are exercises you shouldn't do alone but goes ahead and gives you these exercises. If it's truly a little bit of shamanism I feel it should be more about what shamanism means and their rolls across different cultures and not a mini handbook on how to be one.

[Alexander Adrien Ren Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! My favorite read of the year. I liked everything about it from the tools, world's model, power animals, ancestors, and even being so thoughtful as to include a bit on cultural appropriation and the use as well as etymology of the word shaman.

[Lillian Pham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a nice and simple introduction to Shamanism with practical tips and practices to get started. The anecdotes and use of analogies help make this a swift read, and the continual use of references from other authors/works makes this book more credible.

[M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

maybe if you dont know anything about shamanism youd like it..

[Stephen Marshall · Rating 1 out of 5]

Truly one of the dumbest things I've ever read. So bad i couldn't put it down

[Aleister Macbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy to digest read for those interested in Shamanism or looking to begin their Shamanic journeys and of course, enter the metaphysical realities spawning from such A practice. Ana Campos compiles an upfront personal account detailing her research, practices, findings and her own experiences on what "Shamanism" is and what it means in the modern age of society. From indigenous tribes around the globe, to the more modern practice of Reiki in Japan. These peoples all share a common theme. A healing practice at its core; Shamanism is the practice of healing not only others, but ourselves, and most importantly, our planet.

[Sandra Arroyave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journeying this is the subject of the book. Because of the tittle I thought it was more about shamanism in general. Considering the real subject matter it is a good introductory book on journeying with real exercices you can try if you wish.

Like the other books of this serie, I believe it is because of the price range but there is always edition problems... The texts repeat itself on one page the exact paragraph was reprinted. This happened only once in this book so it does not bother the reading experience that much

[Dakota · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect introduction into Shamanism, the theories and practices surrounding past and present Shamanic traditions, and a broad overview of what Shamanism is all about. I definitely plan to study this subject more and even experiment with the basic exercises that this book describes. If you are at all curious about Shamanism and what exactly it is, I definitely recommend this book as a starting place. It does also give recommendations for further reading material on the subject and websites for more information.

[Will McMillan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually loved this book, but the edition I had had a few silly editing errors. One paragraph in the first chapter was repeated, for example. It could do with another round of edits but I enjoyed reading it otherwise.

Also, the art is great and the book looks dope. You can finish it in ~2 hours, it’s not a hard read. There’s lots of suggestions for further reading at the end, and the author did a respectable job citing various sources.

[Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to Shamanism. I felt the cultural appropriation section was important and she explains why. The people triggered by that may need to examine why that is so.

She brings knowledge from multiple sources and touches on many subjects you can expand upon yourself. If you're looking for a short little introduction, this is a great and easy read.

Only issue was mentioned in other reviews - the editing error threw me off.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the basics and overviews given in this book. It is also nice to have the small exercises to integrate this practice into daily life. I also like the fact there is a small spot for notes in the back.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple yet resourceful introduction to shamanism. Thank you💚

[Rachel Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!

[CJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

This has some good, yet very basic knowledge. It replaces maybe a couple of hours of hunting it down on your own. The real problem is that it is not written in the spirit of Shamanism. I would recommend visiting forums and talking to practitioners, rather than relying on this book to get a basic understanding of Shamanism.