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The Woman in the Shaman's Body: Reclaiming the Feminine in Religion and Medicine
A distinguished anthropologist–who is also an initiated shaman–reveals the long-hidden female roots of the world’s oldest form of religion and medicine. Here is a fascinating expedition into this ancient tradition, from its prehistoric beginnings to the work of women shamans across the globe today.
Shamanism was not only humankind’s first spiritual and healing practice, it was originally the domain of women. This is the claim of Barbara Tedlock’s provocative and myth-shattering book. Reinterpreting generations of scholarship, Tedlock–herself an expert in dreamwork, divination, and healing–explains how and why the role of women in shamanism was misinterpreted and suppressed, and offers a dazzling array of evidence, from prehistoric African rock art to modern Mongolian ceremonies, for women’s shamanic powers.
Tedlock combines firsthand accounts of her own training among the Maya of Guatemala with the rich record of women warriors and hunters, spiritual guides, and prophets from many cultures and times. Probing the practices that distinguish female shamanism from the much better known male traditions, she reveals:
• The key role of body wisdom and women’s eroticism in shamanic trance and ecstasy
• The female forms of dream witnessing, vision questing, and use of hallucinogenic drugs
• Shamanic midwifery and the spiritual powers released in childbirth and monthly female cycles
• Shamanic symbolism in weaving and other feminine arts
• Gender shifting and male-female partnership in shamanic practice
Filled with illuminating stories and illustrations, The Woman in the Shaman’s Body restores women to their essential place in the history of spirituality and celebrates their continuing role in the worldwide resurgence of shamanism today.
Shamanism was not only humankind’s first spiritual and healing practice, it was originally the domain of women. This is the claim of Barbara Tedlock’s provocative and myth-shattering book. Reinterpreting generations of scholarship, Tedlock–herself an expert in dreamwork, divination, and healing–explains how and why the role of women in shamanism was misinterpreted and suppressed, and offers a dazzling array of evidence, from prehistoric African rock art to modern Mongolian ceremonies, for women’s shamanic powers.
Tedlock combines firsthand accounts of her own training among the Maya of Guatemala with the rich record of women warriors and hunters, spiritual guides, and prophets from many cultures and times. Probing the practices that distinguish female shamanism from the much better known male traditions, she reveals:
• The key role of body wisdom and women’s eroticism in shamanic trance and ecstasy
• The female forms of dream witnessing, vision questing, and use of hallucinogenic drugs
• Shamanic midwifery and the spiritual powers released in childbirth and monthly female cycles
• Shamanic symbolism in weaving and other feminine arts
• Gender shifting and male-female partnership in shamanic practice
Filled with illuminating stories and illustrations, The Woman in the Shaman’s Body restores women to their essential place in the history of spirituality and celebrates their continuing role in the worldwide resurgence of shamanism today.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 31, 2009
I was tempted to give this book only one star, but since I found some positive and well-meaning points in it, I rated it with two stars. However, on the whole I found it disappointing. Tedlock is undoubtedly one of those scholars who uses the construct 'shamanism' in its most encompassing form.
Whilst not negating the fact that women's roles in religion, medicine or for that matter other areas have not been adequately recognized, I do not think we are to gain anything by claiming that the first prehistoric shaman was a woman or that the Venus of Lespugue was a shaman with special skills at midwifery when we lack 1) irrefutable evidence that shamanism was practiced in prehistoric times and 2) when we have no conclusive evidence that the first Upper Paleolithic shaman (if there was one) was a woman and 3) when we do not know whether the Venus of Lespugue was a midwife, and even if she was, whether she was a shaman and finally, what these engraved parallel incisions might have meant. Even if they were supposed to represent an apron, it's a strange place to wear it below the buttocks and furthermore we don't know whether prehistoric pregnant and menstruating women wore such aprons as Tedlock claims. Finally, that these incisions should resemble ropes hanging from North Asian shamans' cloaks (of tens of millennia later) is really vivid imagination. When westerners first witnessed Siberian shamans they did indeed encounter some female practitioners, but it appears that in the case of difficult births MALE shamans were called in. Not that they were any use, but that is besides the point in this context.
Whilst not negating the fact that women's roles in religion, medicine or for that matter other areas have not been adequately recognized, I do not think we are to gain anything by claiming that the first prehistoric shaman was a woman or that the Venus of Lespugue was a shaman with special skills at midwifery when we lack 1) irrefutable evidence that shamanism was practiced in prehistoric times and 2) when we have no conclusive evidence that the first Upper Paleolithic shaman (if there was one) was a woman and 3) when we do not know whether the Venus of Lespugue was a midwife, and even if she was, whether she was a shaman and finally, what these engraved parallel incisions might have meant. Even if they were supposed to represent an apron, it's a strange place to wear it below the buttocks and furthermore we don't know whether prehistoric pregnant and menstruating women wore such aprons as Tedlock claims. Finally, that these incisions should resemble ropes hanging from North Asian shamans' cloaks (of tens of millennia later) is really vivid imagination. When westerners first witnessed Siberian shamans they did indeed encounter some female practitioners, but it appears that in the case of difficult births MALE shamans were called in. Not that they were any use, but that is besides the point in this context.
April 27, 2012
Dr. Tedlock, an anthropologist, granddaughter of an Ojibwe midwife and herbalist, and shaman initiated into the Mayan tradition, has written a book about two things: the role of female shamans, and her own training as a shaman.
Traditionally, anthropologists have assumed that only men were shamans. But discoveries have been made in Stone Age burials that seem to suggest that some shamans were women, as does some cave art. The majority of societies that still practice shamanism have both male and female shamans. Tedlock and her husband (also an anthropologist) have lived with and studied a number of groups that have shared their shamanic rituals with them. While there are differences between all the groups, they all have a few things in common: they all have both male and female shamans; the women are all considered to have special powers that the men do not; they all achieve altered states of consciousness in some of their rituals, whether it be by drumming, dancing, or psychoactive plants. The shamans are healers, but not *just* healers. They are held to be able to see into other worlds, contact the dead or gods, to see the future. I found this very interesting.
But I had problems with the form of the book. In some ways, it felt like I was reading a doctoral thesis. The fact that the author bounced back and forth between the academic research and her personal experiences was a little jolting; about the time I was immersed in what she experienced, she went back into academic voice. I think a good editor could have helped this book a lot.
Traditionally, anthropologists have assumed that only men were shamans. But discoveries have been made in Stone Age burials that seem to suggest that some shamans were women, as does some cave art. The majority of societies that still practice shamanism have both male and female shamans. Tedlock and her husband (also an anthropologist) have lived with and studied a number of groups that have shared their shamanic rituals with them. While there are differences between all the groups, they all have a few things in common: they all have both male and female shamans; the women are all considered to have special powers that the men do not; they all achieve altered states of consciousness in some of their rituals, whether it be by drumming, dancing, or psychoactive plants. The shamans are healers, but not *just* healers. They are held to be able to see into other worlds, contact the dead or gods, to see the future. I found this very interesting.
But I had problems with the form of the book. In some ways, it felt like I was reading a doctoral thesis. The fact that the author bounced back and forth between the academic research and her personal experiences was a little jolting; about the time I was immersed in what she experienced, she went back into academic voice. I think a good editor could have helped this book a lot.
July 16, 2012
Excellent defense and exposition of women as Spiritual Facilitators and leaders of their people in their own right and not only as support. Author provides several pieces of evidence and argues the logic in long held propositions regarding women's roles in the spiritual hierarchy and lives of their particular people throughout history.
A really enjoyable read.
A really enjoyable read.
May 15, 2018
Written by the granddaughter of an Ojibwe shaman, this book examines the assumption that shamans are men and turns it on its head: women have a long, long, long history of shamanism.
The author gives a general overview of shamanism, but also focuses on women in shamanism. She examines evidence suggesting that the primary prehistoric deity was female, for instance, and that in a number of cultures, shamans and wise people were primarily women. She looks at scientific studies that show how different processes used to induce trances or ecstasy by shamans- like drumming, humming, sensory deprivation— actually change brain scans and such.
Fun fact: the oldest known skeletal remains of a shaman belonged to a woman. She’s also the earliest known person who worked in clay and hardened it in fire (i.e. she was the first potter).
It’s meticulously researched. It’s sound, detailed history and research combined with personal and personal-cultural experience.
“An internal alchemy in which women and men, working together or separately, turn their aroused sexual energy inward and upward, transforming it into a combined feminine-masculine healing power. By moving this energy through the body, they change it into spirit. In so doing, they amplify weak or missing energies in their partner. Practitioners encourage such erotic sensitivity as a way of experiencing the interconnectedness of inner and outer worlds.”
The author gives a general overview of shamanism, but also focuses on women in shamanism. She examines evidence suggesting that the primary prehistoric deity was female, for instance, and that in a number of cultures, shamans and wise people were primarily women. She looks at scientific studies that show how different processes used to induce trances or ecstasy by shamans- like drumming, humming, sensory deprivation— actually change brain scans and such.
Fun fact: the oldest known skeletal remains of a shaman belonged to a woman. She’s also the earliest known person who worked in clay and hardened it in fire (i.e. she was the first potter).
It’s meticulously researched. It’s sound, detailed history and research combined with personal and personal-cultural experience.
“An internal alchemy in which women and men, working together or separately, turn their aroused sexual energy inward and upward, transforming it into a combined feminine-masculine healing power. By moving this energy through the body, they change it into spirit. In so doing, they amplify weak or missing energies in their partner. Practitioners encourage such erotic sensitivity as a way of experiencing the interconnectedness of inner and outer worlds.”
January 11, 2017
This was an excellent, well-researched book about shamanism in general and women's roles in shamanism in particular. Tedlock shows us the lost history of women as spiritual leaders through examples and first-hand accounts. This book covers women shamans' roles and sacred wisdom, including our menses and connections with both the moon and each other, sexual energy, midwifery, sacred herbs, weaving, leading, fighting, and much more.
There's also a frank look at gender and gender roles, including the importance of experiencing both genders as a shamanic practitioner. Tedlock herself has a wealth of first-hand knowledge and experience in Mayan shamanism and culture, but she covers a vast area looking at shamanic practices around the globe and throughout history.
I really enjoyed this book, and I think it's a must-have for anyone interested in shamanism, women, &/or gender roles. I learned a lot and enjoyed doing so.
There's also a frank look at gender and gender roles, including the importance of experiencing both genders as a shamanic practitioner. Tedlock herself has a wealth of first-hand knowledge and experience in Mayan shamanism and culture, but she covers a vast area looking at shamanic practices around the globe and throughout history.
I really enjoyed this book, and I think it's a must-have for anyone interested in shamanism, women, &/or gender roles. I learned a lot and enjoyed doing so.
May 9, 2016
A well researched, very informative book about the ancient and current spiritual (or shamanic) practices of communities around the world. The book taught me a lot about the hidden history of femininity in belief systems around the world and the author also gives us detailed accounts of how women are involved in ceremonies and healing practices. The message of this book is clear: we cannot continue with patriarchal dominance in spiritual practices and as much as we need females in other fields such as job market etc., our traditions and belief systems lack the meaningful participation of women leaders.
Overall, I found this book very useful. One thing I didn't like about the book was that it was not fluent; the ideas were not connected well. I am assuming this is because the author wanted to compile large amounts of information in a single book. A book that worths reading.
Overall, I found this book very useful. One thing I didn't like about the book was that it was not fluent; the ideas were not connected well. I am assuming this is because the author wanted to compile large amounts of information in a single book. A book that worths reading.
July 17, 2012
A very intelligent read, weaving aspects of the authors personal story of shamanism along with historical reference and narrative. Really enjoyed it, found it very educational and a pleasure to read.
An essential companion to Mercia Eliade's renowned work.
An essential companion to Mercia Eliade's renowned work.
September 17, 2023
Rare, fascinating resource on the history of female shamanism and how it's been suppressed/ignored by patriarchal anthropology practices for centuries. I was concerned at a couple points it might get TERFy, but I think it's more that Tedlock is just trying to stay focused on the history & practices of assigned female at birth shamans without getting into the massive, magical area of gender-diverse spiritual practitioners throughout global history, because that would fill a whole other book.
I did find the section where she talks about how the 'female brain' is more suited to shamanic experiences both compelling and dodgy, in part because the footnote it led to didn't actually corroborate some of these biological claims. And still, the claims themselves captured my imagination a bit because I've often felt that women (cis and trans alike) are a much more natural fit when it comes to communication with the unseen world. I had a trans woman friend of mine read that part to get her thoughts, and she quickly/confidently handed it back to me saying "This would describe most trans women's brain structure too."
It was also a perfect text to help me contextualize the 'shamanic experiences' I've had in my own life since childhood, which I've often characterized as trance states, deep imaginal work, and been shy about admitting how thoroughly I believe that they involve communication with other forms of consciousness. It's not something I ever need to prove; the experience of it is all that matters. It lies outside the patriarchal impulse to prove, nail down, convert others to your way of thinking. It has been a private delight that's always been with me in times of solitude with nature.
This book, however, has prompted me to seek out some kind of spiritual community with older practitioners who can even further contextualize this experience. It's so interesting that while I was reading this book, I can into an old friend from high school whom I hadn't seen in years, who told me she'd been initiated into a South African school of shamanism and informed me, in no uncertain terms, that if you are called to the vocation and try to run from it, this will manifest as neuroses and mental illness in other parts of your life. And so the pursuit of one's shamanic capacity, in this sense, did not strike me as arising from ego or loneliness as men had often derided my experiences; it impressed upon me the in-born imperative to perform your function for a community—either through artistic experiences or more direct spiritual forms of therapy.
I made myself read it once through without highlighting, just to drink it in without too much analysis. But the next time I read it, I'm going in with my highlighter and hopefully more practical experience.
I did find the section where she talks about how the 'female brain' is more suited to shamanic experiences both compelling and dodgy, in part because the footnote it led to didn't actually corroborate some of these biological claims. And still, the claims themselves captured my imagination a bit because I've often felt that women (cis and trans alike) are a much more natural fit when it comes to communication with the unseen world. I had a trans woman friend of mine read that part to get her thoughts, and she quickly/confidently handed it back to me saying "This would describe most trans women's brain structure too."
It was also a perfect text to help me contextualize the 'shamanic experiences' I've had in my own life since childhood, which I've often characterized as trance states, deep imaginal work, and been shy about admitting how thoroughly I believe that they involve communication with other forms of consciousness. It's not something I ever need to prove; the experience of it is all that matters. It lies outside the patriarchal impulse to prove, nail down, convert others to your way of thinking. It has been a private delight that's always been with me in times of solitude with nature.
This book, however, has prompted me to seek out some kind of spiritual community with older practitioners who can even further contextualize this experience. It's so interesting that while I was reading this book, I can into an old friend from high school whom I hadn't seen in years, who told me she'd been initiated into a South African school of shamanism and informed me, in no uncertain terms, that if you are called to the vocation and try to run from it, this will manifest as neuroses and mental illness in other parts of your life. And so the pursuit of one's shamanic capacity, in this sense, did not strike me as arising from ego or loneliness as men had often derided my experiences; it impressed upon me the in-born imperative to perform your function for a community—either through artistic experiences or more direct spiritual forms of therapy.
I made myself read it once through without highlighting, just to drink it in without too much analysis. But the next time I read it, I'm going in with my highlighter and hopefully more practical experience.
February 5, 2021
An enchanting read and a very fascinating exploration of shamanism from the perspective of an initiated and experienced woman! Most literature on shamanism ignores women's shamanism altogether and presents it as a men's activity, and this book is a fantastic rebuttal of those claims. Excellent reading for anyone interested in the significant role women have played in shamanism, medicine, herbalism, midwifery, etc. The book was unapologetic about its female-centric perspective and I loved how the book related women's physiological experiences to the dream states of the shaman. Truly an empowering book!
January 6, 2020
This book is written from many angles. The author is an archaeologist, a shaman, and grew up learning from her grandmother. She shares from her wide range of experience but also includes tons of sources and images to back up what she shares. It opened my mind up to so much history both mythical and realistic to a completely different world where women have different positions, expectations and status. I most appreciated that it was empowering without being men bashing.
September 8, 2022
A thorough and insightful overview of feminine traditions of shamanism worldwide. The author is knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the subject. While I enjoyed the read, I did find the flow a bit rigid, with a staccato-style pacing of facts listed one after the other, with little analysis in between. The evidence is illustrated throughout the book and interspersed with first-person narrative accounts, which I enjoyed. The book is also heavily cited, which is great for further reading.
December 10, 2025
This book explores shamanic traditions from across the world under the premise that early explorers and anthropologists were men who misinterpreted the important medicinal and spiritual role women played in societies they studied.
Enjoyed the author’s personal stories and various shamanic myths. However, found the descriptions of various beliefs, traditions, and artifacts dry and boring. Felt like a collection of facts gathered together under themed chapters.
Enjoyed the author’s personal stories and various shamanic myths. However, found the descriptions of various beliefs, traditions, and artifacts dry and boring. Felt like a collection of facts gathered together under themed chapters.
March 3, 2021
I found the information in this book educational and interesting however very repetitive. I typically try to finish each book I read but at some point life is too short to not pick up another page turner. I value the information I learned here. I was under the assumption there were no female shamans, now I know better.
October 3, 2024
Very interesting. I appreciated the author’s academic knowledge and personal experiences. I have a much better understanding of shamanism — its long history, diversity and yet commonality across cultures, and variety of practices.
April 5, 2019
Started great- but too much history for me and it disturbed my own perception of the feminine a bit.
September 7, 2022
This book is more so a collection of personal stories or opinions, that are backed up by evidence and citations. Deeply interesting but biased and full of passion.
December 20, 2024
Excellent!! A very thorough and necessary herstory of women in shamanism. A must read for anyone on the Medicine Path.
February 19, 2016
The Woman in the Shaman's Body: Reclaiming the Feminine in Religion and Medicine (Paperback)
by Barbara Tedlock
2006 from the library
TOC and Index
from the Acknowledgements:
"I thank my Grandmother, Nakomis, who quietly but firmly showed me the feminine shamanic path of Ojibwe healing"
Part ONE Reclaiming History
ch 1 Old Wisdom
ch 2 Healing and the Seekers of Knowledge
ch 3 Handprints on a cave wall
ch 4 Summoning whales, serpents and bears
ch 5 the dissappearing act: How Female Shamenism was Eclipsed
How about willfull misrepresentation of the record? For the rest, how about assumptions that turned the record of females into assistants and wives. Then too, what about the belief that hunters were men ??
Part Two Shamanic Traditions in Action
ch 6 The mystical union
ch 7
ch 8
ch 9
ch 10
ch 11: The Flowery Dream: The Shamanic Use of Psychedelics
p. 157-160: Huichol Use of Peyote: They live in Jalisco and Nayarit. they call themselves Wixarika, which means healers and prophets. Their population was 25K in 2005. this section describes what a peyote trip was like. They experienced phosphene visions that are considered portals to other worlds. these images are called nearika. sometimes nearikas look like pulsating mandalas, and nearika images represent the gods and goddesses of sun, water, and fire. women consider these images to be gifts of the gods, and feel compelled to re-present them in their weaving. women take peyote while pregnant, and while nursing. "Infants who have had even the tiniest amount of peyote become very calm, smile often, and occasionally grab at what they believe must be objects." (p. 159)
p. 160-170: peyote use of american indians in usa. now known as the Native American Church, there are still 250k active members protected by law today. still occasionally harassed by feds for peyote use. art, music, ritual and legend distinct from Huichol. women of all ages allowed to participate in peyote healing ceremonies. women's altars are complex, and different than men's altars. Masculine shamans use conflict and confrontation strategies, using weapons in their ritual. Feminine shamans employ an interactive process with their patients, using compassion as a primary strategy. Feminine-aligned shamans heal everything from emotional distress to venereal disease.
Part Three The Female Cycle :Menstruation, Birth and Creation
ch 12
ch13
ch 14, 15, 16
Part Four The Power of Gender and Shamanic Revitalization
ch 17, 18, 19
by Barbara Tedlock
2006 from the library
TOC and Index
from the Acknowledgements:
"I thank my Grandmother, Nakomis, who quietly but firmly showed me the feminine shamanic path of Ojibwe healing"
Part ONE Reclaiming History
ch 1 Old Wisdom
ch 2 Healing and the Seekers of Knowledge
ch 3 Handprints on a cave wall
ch 4 Summoning whales, serpents and bears
ch 5 the dissappearing act: How Female Shamenism was Eclipsed
How about willfull misrepresentation of the record? For the rest, how about assumptions that turned the record of females into assistants and wives. Then too, what about the belief that hunters were men ??
Part Two Shamanic Traditions in Action
ch 6 The mystical union
ch 7
ch 8
ch 9
ch 10
ch 11: The Flowery Dream: The Shamanic Use of Psychedelics
p. 157-160: Huichol Use of Peyote: They live in Jalisco and Nayarit. they call themselves Wixarika, which means healers and prophets. Their population was 25K in 2005. this section describes what a peyote trip was like. They experienced phosphene visions that are considered portals to other worlds. these images are called nearika. sometimes nearikas look like pulsating mandalas, and nearika images represent the gods and goddesses of sun, water, and fire. women consider these images to be gifts of the gods, and feel compelled to re-present them in their weaving. women take peyote while pregnant, and while nursing. "Infants who have had even the tiniest amount of peyote become very calm, smile often, and occasionally grab at what they believe must be objects." (p. 159)
p. 160-170: peyote use of american indians in usa. now known as the Native American Church, there are still 250k active members protected by law today. still occasionally harassed by feds for peyote use. art, music, ritual and legend distinct from Huichol. women of all ages allowed to participate in peyote healing ceremonies. women's altars are complex, and different than men's altars. Masculine shamans use conflict and confrontation strategies, using weapons in their ritual. Feminine shamans employ an interactive process with their patients, using compassion as a primary strategy. Feminine-aligned shamans heal everything from emotional distress to venereal disease.
Part Three The Female Cycle :Menstruation, Birth and Creation
ch 12
ch13
ch 14, 15, 16
Part Four The Power of Gender and Shamanic Revitalization
ch 17, 18, 19
August 25, 2017
As she explores the significance and subjugation of female shamans over recorded and anthropological history, Barbara Tedlock brings awareness to the presence of women in the realm of traditional healing. We are told stories of women warriors, prophets, midwives, healers, weavers and transformers from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. For the curious among sociological students, for the women who currently feel the call of Divine on their lives bringing them back into the ancient ways of traditional healing, and for everyone in between, this is an excellent resource.
I would like to see future editions of this book expanded to include the significance of women's power beyond her fertile years and discussions about the roles of women healers who have not been called into birthing themselves. A great section is present about the power of the menstrual blood and the power of birthing and raising children and family life in the woman shaman's healing practices. Yet, the role of the chrone and non-fertile women is left out of this book.
I very much appreciate the exploration of eroticism and Divine union as an essential part of female shamanic practice. I found this affirming to my own communion, dreams and healing work. The power of the womb, blood and sexual organs should not be feared or shamed -- they are beautiful and they have great potential for the healing of individuals and our societal ailments, if we would only allow them to be central in our communion with Divine.
The exploration of gender fluidity near the end of the book is magical and lovely. No matter the shape of the external body, the internal embrace of the entire gender spectrum is a key component to shamanic healing practice. Rather than to try to force ourselves into the virtual clothing or roles of the other gender, we can embrace softness and strength, masculine and feminine and everything in-between. Then, we live into the full potential of humanness.
Overall, this is a welcome introduction to the female role in shamanism throughout history. I recommend reading with a pen in hand for notes and underlining. You will likely have many passages you'll return to and share with your friends. I certainly have.
I would like to see future editions of this book expanded to include the significance of women's power beyond her fertile years and discussions about the roles of women healers who have not been called into birthing themselves. A great section is present about the power of the menstrual blood and the power of birthing and raising children and family life in the woman shaman's healing practices. Yet, the role of the chrone and non-fertile women is left out of this book.
I very much appreciate the exploration of eroticism and Divine union as an essential part of female shamanic practice. I found this affirming to my own communion, dreams and healing work. The power of the womb, blood and sexual organs should not be feared or shamed -- they are beautiful and they have great potential for the healing of individuals and our societal ailments, if we would only allow them to be central in our communion with Divine.
The exploration of gender fluidity near the end of the book is magical and lovely. No matter the shape of the external body, the internal embrace of the entire gender spectrum is a key component to shamanic healing practice. Rather than to try to force ourselves into the virtual clothing or roles of the other gender, we can embrace softness and strength, masculine and feminine and everything in-between. Then, we live into the full potential of humanness.
Overall, this is a welcome introduction to the female role in shamanism throughout history. I recommend reading with a pen in hand for notes and underlining. You will likely have many passages you'll return to and share with your friends. I certainly have.
October 23, 2009
This book isn't being what I thought it would be. I picked it up after hearing a fascinating lecture on Shamanism and how it was originally a woman's journey, rather than a man's. In fact, ancient Shamanism may have grown out of the spiritual connection women have during their menstrual time. It is a time of great dreams and new understandings. But, at any rate, so far this book hasn't caught me. I've been reading it on and off since August 2008. We'll see if I finish it or if it suddenly starts to deliver what I was hoping for.
****
I may or may not pick this book up again. I wish, oh how I really wish, that this book had been written in a more engaging fashion. It could have been a BIG book that really shook things up and changed perspectives. Instead it's musty and too boring to pursue. Alas.
****
I may or may not pick this book up again. I wish, oh how I really wish, that this book had been written in a more engaging fashion. It could have been a BIG book that really shook things up and changed perspectives. Instead it's musty and too boring to pursue. Alas.
October 10, 2007
This book had some really valuable information in it. I really did not like the way the author wrote from an academic perspective. It was easy to get her point: women have always been and continue to be equal partners in the shamanic world. It was not easy to deal with her being defensive about this point throughout the whole book. Still it is worth reading for the information, and the experiential writing she does do.
October 4, 2010
Really enjoyable book discussing how much of shamanism was actually done by women. Or at least a stronger balance of women and men. Discussed how much of the early anthropological writings of women shamans were downplayed or degraded by men who could not and would not acknowledge the importance women played within shamanism. Also discussed the different types of shamanism, and the masculine and feminine versions of it. Brief overlay of how the author came to be a shaman as well.
Read
May 12, 2016It starts out slowly ... history of women in shamanism sort of stuff ... but has some powerful images and info toward the end.
This speaks about the spiritual power of sex and makes me re-appreciate the altar of the body.
But this is only a small part of the book. It is for those other reasons that I recommend it.
(Excerpt from an old email recommending this book to a friend. I cannot recall enough to rate it.)
This speaks about the spiritual power of sex and makes me re-appreciate the altar of the body.
But this is only a small part of the book. It is for those other reasons that I recommend it.
(Excerpt from an old email recommending this book to a friend. I cannot recall enough to rate it.)
May 27, 2016
Well done. Barbara Tedlock's blending of her personal experience with her scholarly knowledge and research provides a solid foundation for understanding women's roles as shamans. Her work weaves together the female role as midwife shaman, shamanic healer, and diviner, weaves it into a narrative that has previously downplayed women or totally overlooked them, and shows women as primary individuals in this ancient worldwide practice.
May 3, 2013
For a book written by an academic, The Woman in the Shaman's Body is surprisingly readable. I loved it because it lifted the veil on so much of the deep conditioning that I had never even noticed in my own consciousness. It rocked because the author dives into a world that is rarely questioned and reveals the feminine at its heart. Eye-opening ...
June 5, 2017
This was an accessible layperson's introduction to women who work as shamans and healers in various cultures throughout history. While it does have a more scholarly background than usual, it's peppered throughout with first-hand stories of the author's own shamanistic practices and experiences, which was a nice counterpoint to the scholarship.
July 17, 2017
Really interesting! Borrowed this from the library, plan on purchasing it.
Also, I didn't find the 'academic' tone of the book a drawback, unlike many others. In fact, I appreciated a more factual, scholarly book on women's history and spirituality- most other such books are full of speculation and opinion, but very little fact.
Also, I didn't find the 'academic' tone of the book a drawback, unlike many others. In fact, I appreciated a more factual, scholarly book on women's history and spirituality- most other such books are full of speculation and opinion, but very little fact.
June 5, 2008
This book provides an overview of Shamanisim in various cultures and offers insight into the roles that women shamans play in ther communities. The author seems to gather most of her research from personal experience. I learned some useful herbal remadies from this book.
August 31, 2008
This woman has done amazing research in this field and it is fascinating to me what she has found out about this topic. It is non-fiction so I read it a little at a time to digest everything she has to share. It has not been a quick read for me, but good info on a topic I love.
October 24, 2009
Mostly skimmed this one. It caught my eye on the Library shelf but did not live up to its potential. A reasonably interesting review of the history of women shamans and how that history has been suppressed over the ages.
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