Awakening to the Spirit World: The Shamanic Path of Direct Revelation

by Hank Wesselman PhD, Hank Wesselman

Today, practicing shamanism doesn't mean you have to live in a rain forest or a desert. Thanks to a modern renaissance of shamanic spirituality, practitioners from all walks of life now use powerful indigenous techniques for healing, insight, and spiritual growth. With Awakening to the Spirit World, teachers Sandra Ingerman and Hank Wesselman bring together a circle of renowned Western shamanic elders to present a comprehensive manual for making these practices accessible and available in our daily lives, including:

- How the original practice of shamanism shaped the world's spiritual traditions and why it is still relevant today

- The art of the shamanic journey--a time-tested meditative method for experiencing important spiritual lessons and truths

- Guidance for avoiding common pitfalls of shamanic practice

- Instruction for working with your dreams, connecting to your spirit guides, healing yourself and your environment

- A CD of drumming to facilitate your shamanic journeys

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Religion, Philosophy, Self Help, Audiobook, Psychology

360 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2010

Reviews

[Begum Sacak Sarilar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice and enlightening book about spirituality and how it can be practiced in daily life. After reading this book and witnessing people's transformations, i wonder how on earth people lost their interest in one of the most ancient practices of the world. In the book, it is mentioned that life is a dream and we are living the wrong dream. Indeed, what people need is not more money or new stuff but they deep inside look for the ancient wisdom that remained hidden for so long. I think partially it is the fault of some groups who blame spirituals for suggesting some modern crap (!) which indeed turns out to be the path to happiness. I find this book very helpful and I would suggest it to beginners who are interested in finding their spiritual aspect.

[Heidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

very colonialistic in its approach. culturally appropriative and too brief in its relaying of techniques leaving readers able to home journey but without properly supported & grounded techniques. This blatant patriarchal approach shocked me as I've read another book by Hank where he handled sharing his learning with grace and appropriate gravity. This book was straight cultural pillaging. I encourage you to seek the information through other books and not be a part of this one.

[Roxanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too far in yet. I wouldn't call myself a shaman but I have studied Yoga, and before that Tai Chi, before that Wicca. I have used divination to make healing happen in my life when nothing made sense and I had zero options. I have read Terrence McKenna, Graham Hancock, Jeremy Narby, etc.

This book is written by some western academics turned mystics. It seeks to put the wonderment of knowing all of creation and being one with GOD (or whatever you call the universal consciousness) into a bunch of boring categories and exercises like good shaman/evil shaman characteristics and "be grateful for stuff". No offense but doy. This book also suggests that people use hot air balloons to "journey into higher realms" lmao.

I honestly don't know who this book is meant for. I am not very advanced, bit a lot of these ideas are basic spirituality. Then she just starts going off on journeying into the underworld by going into a cave and meeting your spirit animal. Oh cool, easy peasy.

I am going to try since I paid for this but I don't forsee lasting all ten plus hours. My masters program left me extremely dissatisfied with western academia; no matter how long these people lived with some African tribe, I would still rather hear from the Africans than the institutions that felt fine bilking me (and my whole generation) out of tens of thousands of dollars.

[Hot Mess Sommelière ~ Caro · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book on shamanism reads like Christopher Columbus' hot take on the First Nations

[Narayan Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very clear, practical and useful book for who wants to start experimenting with shamanic practices. I have read it slowly, and have been practicing with my partner with great results so far.

There's no science into it, so it will definitely sound woo-woo stuff for the rational mind. Therefore I would only recommend it to people who have had some experiences in their lives that they can't be explained with words and science, and want to pursue a nature-based spirituality.

There are some downsides to this book though. For example, there is a tough question to be asked about cultural appropriation. We can't really know how much the authors honour and give back to the communities they learn from, and those of us who learn those techniques don't really have a way to do that. So I hope whoever reads it can accept those learnings from a mindset of gift, and can pay it forward by practicing with love and generosity, instead of making something transactional out of it.

Another big put off are the final chapters of the book. They are Western-centric and sound colonialist, even though I believe that wasn't the intention of the authors. The predictions and solutions they offer for the societal transition we are going through are also overly simplistic. Too bad they didn't stop on the practices and do a short conclusion.

[Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book to read, it is a book to study. It's been on my "I'm reading it" list for almost two years. I zipped through it the first time, just to see what was in it. Then I went through, chapter by chapter, sometimes page by page, learning about different cultural applications and approaches of living a spiritual life.

I am not a shaman. I will never be one. But that doesn't mean I can't appreciate and learn new ways to live a spiritual life. And because I am also an urban naturalist, a hiker, a gardener, and someone who lives her life by seasons and sunlight, this book was an excellent way for me to deepen my practice.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction to the shamanic path for those unfamiliar with the subject. I highly recommend being a "good student" and following the leads given (names, titles, etc) for those that wish to go on and study further. In particular, check out Terence McKenna. I just discovered him myself and I'm glad for it.

[Lourdes Cambridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

SANDRA INGERMAN, LIKE LOURDES CAMBRIDGE...IS A GOOD READS AUTHOR. HOWEVER, SHE IS INVOLVED WITH THE MICHAEL HARNER INSTITUTE...WHICH IN TURN IS INVOLVED WITH SIMON BUXTON IN THE UK. SIMON BUXTON MADE THE MISTAKE OF BLATANTLY AND DISRESPECTFULLY ARGUING WITH...DEFAMING...AND DISCREDITING MERILY TUNNESHENDE...FOR NO GOOD OR VALID REASON... AS WELL AS STEALING FROM HER...TO ALL OF THEIR MISFORTUNES. THEREFORE, ALTHOUGH I COULD BE KINDRED SPIRITS WITH SANDRA INGERMAN...AS MUCH AS SHE HAS PUT INTO THE STUDY OF SHAMANISM...I CAN NOT WITH GOOD CONSCIENCE RECOMMEND ANY OF THEM AT THIS TIME...NOT WITHOUT PROPER AND PERSONAL PURIFICATIONS AND ATONEMENT. IT READS BETTER THAN IT LIVES. IF THEY WOULD DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT TO A MIRACLE...ALMOST A GANG BIG BANG...THEN THEY ARE NOT REALLY GOOD STUDENTS. THAT WOULD ALSO MEAN THAT THEY ARE NOT GOOD SHAMANS...OR GOOD WORKSHOP PRESENTERS...OR GOOD AUTHORS. THEY ARE JUST A GOOD COLLECTION OF SHAMANIC DATA AND TRIVIA...EXPERTISE...WITH COMPROMISED RECORDS REPETITIONS AND GLEANED FACTS. THERE IS NOT ENOUGH WONDER. ALL THAT IS COMBINED WITH SOME SPURIOUS...AND AT TIMES INACCURATE REFLECTIONS...INTERPRETATIONS AND JUDGEMENTS. AND THAT IS VERY COSTLY. THEREFORE THIS IS AN IMPROVEMENT...GO THIS WAY.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is worth reading as an introduction to various spiritual practices and methods of direct revelation. I was very disappointed with the section about the culture we live in. I don't understand at all how "finding new energy sources" (for example) belongs in a book about the spirit. Our culture's addiction to electricity and gasoline is the problem, not the solution, and has nothing to do with spirituality. We don't need energy sources, we need to end our addiction to such things. My second complaint is that this book is written from a colonizer perspective, even suggesting that civilization itself is a good thing. Modern civilization is a great empire that has been destroying the many indigenous cultures the authors have learned from, and part of our goal should be the dismantling of this culture, and in creating a new society based on reciprocity instead of empire. All that said, most of the book is worthy of reading in order to discover new methods. The one chapter about our culture and history was a big disapointment.

[Silas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a collaboration of a number of shamanic authors, which brought a lot of interesting perspectives on direct experience of the spirit world from a variety of cultural backgrounds, which I appreciated. I know there is a trend to call shamanism outside of indigenous cultures cultural appropriation, but I prefer this inclusive perspective more, myself. The book covered a wide variety of topics, as well, not all of which are applicable to me, like the parenting and shamanism with children parts, but I still found them quite interesting. This was a review of topics, and not an in-depth look at one of them, so it doesn't go quite as deep as some other books, and doesn't deal with specific techniques, because it is a cross-cultural look at commonalities, but there were some useful insights here, just the same. I am glad that I read this book.

[Steven Myers]

Very good primer for shamanic studies. I wish that I'd been assigned to read this prior to taking shamanic workshops, as it gives a good historical and geographical background to the phenomena of the shaman figure emerging from collections of indigenous peoples all over the planet. The exercises served as good explorations of the journeying style of meditation. The format of multiple contributing authors served to pique my interests to study their individual bodies of literature and teachings.

[Saiisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this introductory book about the Shamanic Path. Although much of what I read felt like information I knew already, I appreciated the way it was pulled together, along with commentary and perspectives from 6 different Shamanic practitioners. One other aspect of the book that I hadn't expected, but was pleased about, were the various references from other ancient traditions like Tantra, Tibetan Bardos, etc.

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a big believer of Shamanism and journey regularly but this book was very dry. I was originally excited as someone who respects and love Hank Wesselman, who has heard so much of Sandra Ingerman, and who has read and is familiar with Alberto Villodo. I gave it 3 stars as it would definitely be useful to someone new to Shamanism but again, very dry. It read like a textbook.

[Tod Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and accessible.

[Josie · Rating 4 out of 5]

great resource

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, exploring the world view of the shaman as well as the history behind this belief system.

While I enjoyed the history and exploring of the spiritual aspect. I do not like when books and their authors make false claims. This book claims that there is a genetic basis for spirituality or the ability to communicate with spirits. It points out some weak, circumstantial arguments. But completely fails to mention scientific studies or name the gene in question. Disappointing to say the least.

[Isabel Buschulte · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to the book as an audiobook and really enjoyed the narrator’s voice. It was very pleasant to listen to. Overall, it provided a good overview and summary of shamanism. However, I found some passages a bit sleep-inducing and lengthy. Still, it offered a solid foundation, and the traditions and beliefs of the shamans were conveyed well.

[AJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book with many seasoned shamans to participate. I found the chapters interesting and relevant. I really liked the practical exercises during each chapter to explore the concepts they teach in this book.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un libro davvero completo ed esaustivo sullo sciamanesimo . Insegnamenti e tecniche ancora attuali. Per chi è appassionato di sciamanesimo è un valido supporto per una crescita personale. Inoltre Sandra Ingerman descrive tutto con chiarezza avendo alle spalle una lunga esperienza.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good compilation of wisdom by several experienced shamans. I have been practicing shamanic healing for 11 years, and this has given me a few ideas that I would like to pursue, such as guiding children into a shamanic journey, journeying to their illness, etc. It has also reminded me of the importance of tracking my dreams as a shaman, something I stopped doing several months ago.

[yenni m · Rating 3 out of 5]

Visit Totnes and read a book on shamanism. That made sense to me. I didn't connect but would like to explore further.

[Matthew Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was engaging at times. Yet, I wish the last two chapters were focused upon more.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

easy read/listen with a lot of stuff that connected to previous works I've read this year.

[Choyang · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Awakening to the Spirit World' (The Shamanic Path to Direct Revelation) by Sandra Ingerman & Hank Wesselman, and others (Audible).

Good resource material from both these authors!

Anyway, might I suggest that if this path calls to you, read this book for an intro and beginning materials. Even though it comes across a bit dry & text-booky at times, it's a good beginning. There's more info & teachings to be had out there in the world.

If you're feeling attracted to this path, these life-teachings, then go find yourself some good teachers that you can learn from in person (check out their references, do your due diligence before you throw your lot in with a scammer. There are charlatans out there, sad to say, who will try to take advantage of innocent knowledge-seekers, so be cautious).

Books can only carry you so far; these are the type of teachings that one needs to get in person.
Also, it helps and is supportive to join a local shamanic group where you can all work with each other to help your community as well as the world.

Remember to do your due diligence in hunting out good teachers, as there are unfortunately charlatans out there.
Both Sandra & Hank are reliable sources and teachers, as are others they mention in their books.

We sure need all the help we can get in these unsettled times, and so can turn the focus to alleviating negativity and fostering healing works-wide.

UPDATE: 03/31/25...reading this is ongoing, on & off, currently re-reading again (listening to actually, on Audible).Good narrator!

Two thumbs up! 👍👍

[Choyang · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Awakening to the Spirit World: the Shamanic Path of Direct Revelation' written by Sandra Ingerman, Hank Wesselman (contributor), (Audible) Leslie Howard (narrator)

I've had this book and the whole CD set for awhile now, and just added in the Audible version so I can listen on my phone anywhere. Since it's one of those I keep on my permanent resource shelf, I thought it would be a good investment to get the Audible version. It is great to hear this read aloud and I find myself fascinated all over again by these teachings! I appreciate all the work that went into this, both Sandra's and Hank's contributions, as well as Leslie's excellent narration!

I recommend to those of you who are drawn to these teachings to find reputable teachers (Sandy is one) to further your Spiritual education and hopefully be of service to your family/tribe, friends, your community...whomever might be needing your help.

Hint: Get real training first, before you go all Rambo healer berserk on others. ;-)

Many of Ingerman's teachings can be found at 'Sounds True' (nope, no one pays me to say that, lol, I'm just giving people another resource) an online multi-cultural resource site featuring various belief systems. It's a great spiritual teachings bookstore carrying a cast array of items incuding CDs, DVDs, books, pod-casts as well as online classes.

Several years ago I took couple of extensive online classes from Ingerman, on the recommendations of two of my longtime teachers, and can highly recommend Sandra's classes for excellent content.

Two thumbs up! 👍👍

[CelticMoonGoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

A friend lent me a hard copy of the book and was on list to read but after many years listening to books on Audible discover that some books, for me, are just as powerful and absorbing to listen to and/or read. This book is one of those books that listening gave me connection and awareness along with the lovely narration of Leslie Howard helped reawaken the book and its contents for me. I am now purchasing the hard copy for myself, returning borrowed copy to friend (always important) and get the bonus of audible and visual approach to the book and its themes.
What makes this book a great to listen to/read whether for yourself on own pathway, a practitioner or recommend for anyone interested in shamanism is that it has wisdom, experience and tips from six modern day shamanic mentors and teachers. I have always enjoyed books and aware of the work of Sandra Ingerman, Tom Cowan and Alberto Villoldo and now discovered three more practitioners to look more into their work in Hank Wesselman, Carol Proudfoot-Edgar and Jose Stevens.
A book worth exploring for anyone interested in spiritualism, the world itself and an individual path for personal development and impact on the world at large. Personally reawakened and reconnected me with elements and beliefs I had forgotten or just put aside till read to hear at time relevant in my life.
Highly recommend.

[Dnicebear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a great overview of the emerging Transformational Community that we are all becoming part of. I am pleased to enter into the author's level headed ways of describing the path and to realize it's my path, even while continuing on the path of my cultural tradition. What I mean is that this path is foundational to all our paths. I will continue to use this way of "journeying" and "visioning" in all my life.

Here's a quote from Jose Stevens: "We are not evolving in a vacuum, we are evolving with specific goals given to us by the cosmos. I have no doubt that the shamanic path is designed to help us evolve toward greater unity, universal respect and love for all of nature, and access to infinite power and the consciousness to use it appropriately."

And, there are specific meditations and questions for personal use and a CD with drumming to use in 'journeying.'

The authors hope that by reading their thoughts "your inner light will bright as you affirm with confidence, 'Yes...this is who and what I am!' (p. 259)

[Man O'neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have yet to attempt the practices suggested in the book, but I plan to as soon as I can get a copy of my own (I borrowed it from a friend). It's truly an uplifting read and puts life into a simpler and more vivid perspective. It helps to provide POSSIBLE answers for (or at least thoughts regarding) some of the deepest questions that we, as life forms, have been asking ourselves for so long. Until I test out the lifestyle explained in the book, I won't be able to give a full review of the book and it's value. But, even though I haven't done this, I still feel as though it has provided me with a healtheir way of living.

[Julie Franks-Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. For someone seeking an indepth explanation of and practical usage for modern shamanic practice, this book is a must. Several practitioners were consulted in the writing of this book, so there are various perspectives, as well as practical exercises.

I've been trying to put a name to what it is I do and have been for many, many years. This book helped me understand what I am and what I'm here to do. I highly recommend it for anyone seeking to grow spiritually without the formal structures of church or clergy. "Direct Experience" is the term in the book. And it is fitting with more and more of today's modern mystics.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandra and Hank share personal stories and intimate journeys about shamanism. A good portion of this read places focus on understanding death and how to help community members during their experience of death. At times Sandra and Hank break down and provides how to steps with these experiences. Also, Sandra takes time to focus on children and share her experience with children on how to journey to their spirit animals. In addition, important information was shared regarding the power in group ceremony and group intention. This is an excellent read and I one of my favorites. I will be reading this one again.