The Andean Codex: Adventures and Initiations among the Peruvian Shamans

by J.E. Williams

The Andean Codex is a true adventure story that takes the reader to mysterious isolated areas in the Peruvian Andes.  We accompany the author on his visits with a handful of shaman-priests who preserve the ancient knowledge of how the natural world operates. A codex refers to a classical work of spiritual scripture, and in that spirit, author J. E. Williams has given us a book representing Andean spiritual life that gives the tradition the respect it deserves.

The Andean Codex recounts Williams' adventures with the Q'ero Indians, and guides readers to an understanding of Incan cosmology, Andean ethics, shamanic initiations using the mind-expanding ayahuasca and the sacred coca plant. The author's photographs enhance the book and the Earth-based, heart-centered teachings of the Q'ero foster inner discovery that makes for an authentic introduction to the Andean sacred way.

Genres: Memoir, Spirituality, Travel

216 pages, Paperback

First published July 18, 2005

About the author

J. E. Williams is an American acupuncturist and author. He lived among indigenous people in the Arctic the Peruvian Andes, journeyed in the jungles of the Costa Rica and the Upper Amazon. Dr. Williams had studied in China before it was open to the West.
He has taught at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, NOVA Southeastern University, and Emperor's College of Oriental Medicine.
Dr. Williams has authored six health books and programs. His blogs focus on balanced information based on his research and clinical experience. His non-fiction books are real life adventures with a hint of magical realism.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book held me captive from start to end, taking me on a journey through Peru and the Andes and the ancient traditions that too many people have spent too many centuries living away from, choosing a modern world of emotional regression and technological advances over the value of Mother Earth, the human essence and the connection of all living things through nature. Being a Shaman is a real honour and can't be gained by simply stating that this is what you are, as is normal for modern shamans. I wish everyone would read this book and understand the journey one must undertake to empty the heart and become "the hollow bone" in order to raise the overall consciousness and live and heal within the light body. Given the opportunity, especially after reading this book, one would wish to walk in similar shoes.

Honest, personal, yet universal in its teachings, a book I would highly recommend to all who wish to walk a mile in one man's spiritual shoes.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

An American doctor goes to Peru to learn about ancient native Indian practices. He starts and ends in the rainforest with the Shipibo shamans who introduce him to the hallucinatory ayahuasca practices. He describes the ceremony and his experiences during the trance he undergoes. Most of the book is about his exploration of the indigenous Q'ero people who continue to put into practice pre-Incan spiritual beliefs. As he experiences and even conducts shaman rites, he explains the belief system of the Q'ero, with its emphasis on beauty, right action, respect for all life, and reciprocity, similar values to the Hopis and Navajos. Williams lives among them, high in the Andes, and learns their ways, interpreting them for readers. A very interesting introduction to these ancient, and wise, ways that I knew little about before reading this.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

2005. Fascinating tale of an American doctor becoming trained as a traditional shaman in the high Andes. Some of their beliefs seemed odd, like believing accidents could be caused by sorcery, but their respectful relationship to nature was really inspiring. If only the industrialists and capitalists of the world would take their attitude to heart.

[Chante · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. The Author includes a list of commonly used words of the Q'ero and I found this to be extremely useful in assisting the reader to understand and easily grasp the concepts described in the book. Such a great book and easy to read.

[Teri Dluznieski]

Having studied with many of the top Andean Spiritual teachers, I found this book to be extremely profound and informative. This book provides a lot of the cosmology and spiritual cosmology that explains the basis for many of the rites, rituals and practices that I was taught. A must-read for any student of the mesa!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, I wish I'd be learning directly from these beautiful people..

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an Andean Shaman so this book is more like a reference for me. I have read it and plan to continue to refer to it.