PRINCIPLES OF SHAMANISM by LEO RUTHERFORD REVISED AND UPDATED, WITH NEW ILLUSTRATIONS

This updated edition of Principles of Shamanism (a.k.a. Shamanism Today) offers an introduction to shamanism, the oldest spiritual path of them all (at least 50,000 years).

Shamanism is the oldest way in which humanity has sought connection with Creation. The origins of shamanism go back at least 40,000-50,000 years to Stone Age times. All of us have evolved from shamanic cultures, shamanism is not imported, it is our roots wherever we live.

Anthropologists have studied shamanism in North, Central and South America, Africa, amongst the aboriginal people of Australasia, the Eskimo and Lapps of the far North, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Senegal, Patagonia, Siberia, Bali, Ancient Britain and across Europe, in Tibet where the path of Bon shamanism underlies Tibetan Buddhism - in places all over the world. Leo Rutherford has learned from Inca and Shipibo of Peru, Lakota, Cherokee, Pueblo, Hopi and Ojibway of North America, and from apprentices of the Huichols of Mexico. All over the world there is evidence of shamanic practices from as far back as the palaeolithic period. From ancient cave drawings and similar records it seems that all indigenous peoples shared a similar cosmology, a similar understanding of how the universe works.

Today shamanism survives on all inhabited continents in less 'developed' regions in spite of the relentless onslaught of Western scientific materialism, the treatment of the Earth and nature as something to be dominated and exploited, and dogmatic male-dominated religion. Now, as the unsustainable nature of Western civilization is becoming visible, more and more people of the industrial world are turning to the old cultures for help and guidance in finding a way back to a greater balance with nature, with Planet Earth, and with themselves.

Shamanism is not a belief system. It is a path to knowledge which is gained through experience of many facets of life, through rituals, ceremonies, prayer and meditation, trials and tests. Knowledge is something that works, that stands up to tests and to the test of time, that is known from inside, unlike belief which is something taken on from outside, from others. Wars are fought over beliefs, dogma and doctrine, not over knowledge.

Leo Rutherford is a trained psychotherapist with an M.A. in Holistic Psychology. He has studied with many shamanic teachers including Black Elk, and particularly Inca shaman Don Eduardo Calderon. He runs the Eagle's Wing Centre for Contemporary Shamanism in Sussex, England, which features many workshops associated with shamanism, including trance dance (www.eagleswing.co.uk).

Fully illustrated. Third edition. Resources and notes. 208pp. ISBN 9781861714831.

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Based on Shamanic principles and the philosophy that laughter and play are basic human needs that feed the soul and unleash natural creativity, the tried, tested and proven activities in this book can be used with all ages. They are helpfully split into different sections, covering everything from warm-up games to verbal improvisation games, theatre games and warm-downs. Drawing on decades of experience in this substantially revised and expanded new edition, the author shares the games, improvisations and dance structures that he has found most effective in his work as a group leader and participant, and includes tips throughout on how to be a good facilitator and run a successful group. With lists of resources, including a musicography, the book is an inspiring and practical resource for anyone running a group.

For all who seek truth beyond church/bible dogma.... A stark expose of the problems we humans have brought upon ourselves with the adoption of the Abrahamic male-monotheist separated 'God' and the abandonment of the more ancient and balanced animist/shamanist holistic knowledge. This book contrasts these two radically differing world views: The ancient world view of indigenous cultures in which everything is seen and felt as alive with soul and the male-monotheist world view which teaches that only humans have souls. -And proposes that it is time for a radical change in our world view: Our Earth is our Mother Goddess, all the plants, animals, insects, fish, birds are part of her, as are we. It is not 'our' planet, we share it. Without the other kingdoms we would not exist. We need to put our faith in an Infinite-Creator-God-Source-Force of Ultimate Love and Compassion. It will help greatly to give the Eternal Mother back her rightful place in the Trinity of Existence. This will help to restore balance between the forces of ying and yang. RELIGION vs.SPIRITUALITY Belief in One God vs. Trust In the Mystery of Existence God Is Separate vs. God Is Everything Everywhere Set of Beliefs vs.Tools to Discover Knowledge God is good, devil is evil vs. Good/evil are two aspects of Creation Bible is the word of God vs. Bible is the myths of men Masculine dominant vs. Feminine/masculine in balance Jesus - only Son of God vs. Jesus - mythological figure

SHAMANIC PATH WORKBOOK TEACHINGS OF THE RED ROAD MEDICINE WHEEL MAPS FOR UNDERSTANDING YOUR LIFE How to shift addictions, needyness, judgmentalness How to master the victim - persecutor - rescuer triangle How to retrieve your personal power and live YOUR life How to comprehend your life via the Star Maiden's Circle TEACHINGS OF THE BLUE ROAD ACCESSING ALTERNATE REALITIES FOR KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM How to journey shamanically into parallel realities How to do Soul Retrieval for another How to Trance-Dance your way to ecstasy How to know yourself as part of the Cosmos through The 'Twenty Count' A SHAMAN IS ONE WHO 'WALKS WITH ONE FOOT IN THE EVERYDAY WORLD AND ONE FOOT IN THE SPIRIT WORLD'. THIS BOOK TAKES YOU DOWN BOTH THE RED AND THE BLUE ROADS AND OFFERS MANY PRACTICAL EXERCISES AND CEREMONIES TO HELP AND GUIDE YOU ON YOUR WAY.

"The View Through the Medicine Wheel" is a magnificent reflection on how to live creative, healthy and happy lives. We are all on a great journey - how different would your life be if you had a good map? Native American wisdom teachings of the Medicine Wheel explain how the Cosmos works and our place in it. Our ancestors saw the world in terms of circles and life cycles. The Star Maiden's Circle reflects life through the eight directions. This book of life maps shows you how to avoid pitfalls and master your own self. It presents the circle of the Egioc self - how we create a life of problems and dramas - and the circle of the Authentic self which teaches how to develop away from old habits and addictions. The Medicine Wheel culminates in the Twenty Count which is the Cosmos revealed in all its beauty and complexity. Shamanism is spiritual, ecological and psychological. No other book does full justice to the fabulous medicine wheel teachings.