Best books on Shamanism

I have an entire shelf of books on the topic of shamanism, but for years, I have referred to Mircea Eliade's seminal tome "Shamanism" as my go-to reference for all things shamanistic. That's why I was hugely surprised to learn recently there is a newer book by contemporary scholar Michael Winkelman, also highly regarded as an expert in the field. The second edition of Winkelman's book, "Shamanism: A biopsychosocial paradigm of consciousness and healing" came out this year. I have not yet had time to sit down and read it from cover to cover, but am dying to do so. The various parts I've read are informative and well-written.

Other favorite books of mine on shamanism, in case you're interested, are Robert E. Ryan's "Shamanism and the Psychology of C.G. Jung" (along with another of his books, "The Strong Eye of Shamanism"); "Jung and Shamanism in Dialogue" by C. Michael Smith, and the anthology, "The Sacred Heritage" edited by Sandner & Wong. For incredible photos and illustrations along with an encyclopedic type source of information, look at Joan Halifax's "Shaman: The wounded healer". Anyone else have great books they recommend in this arena?

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Ruth Martin January 11, 2011 at 12:58pm

Is the Sandner in 'Sandner & Wong' by any chance Don Sandner? He was a member of SFJung Institute. I was very happy to attend some of his workshops before he passed away. Don was a very shamanic soul. He presented Drumming/Dreams where he would drum for us until we were all in trance and in the dream world. I will look for the book. I'm sure Dan has drumming seminars in the dream world still...
Lynn Marie Hynes December 4, 2010 at 4:39am

Yes....I've now read that article three times and more keeps coming out from the depths of his sensitive work. I will make copies for you and Carol. You will very much appreciate what he says about the Native Americans and how the tragedy of this colonization goes on today. What a beautiful thought to hold the idea of a "communion of subjects".
Lynn Marie Hynes November 30, 2010 at 10:16am

Shaman: The Wounded Healer is a stunning book! If nothing else, the images and photographs are beautifully interfaced in the text, but almost speak from the page without reading a word. Bonnie, thanks for the suggestion. I continue to be fascinated and intrigued by the richness of this tradition.
- Bonnie Bright > Lynn Marie Hynes December 1, 2010 at 2:23pm
  
  Thanks, Lynn. I agree. Just looking at some of the images and photos in The Wounded Healer opens the door to non-ordinary reality. There are many powerful drawings and artifacts that have emerged over the history of shamanism that seem to emanate the power that shamans tap into. Glad you feel the same.
- Lynn Marie Hynes > Bonnie Bright December 1, 2010 at 2:51pm
  
  The Spring Journal, Vol. 83 has a wonderful article by David Tacey on Ecopsychology and the Sacred and there is a subtitle about Loss of Soul and Reanimating the World and another about indigenous culture. The article beautifully straddles the EcoPsych and Shaman borders. He speaks of the powerful myths of ancestor spirits who can facilitate the animation of the world and "turn the world from a collection of objects into a communion of subjects." Is that not gorgeous?
- Bonnie Bright > Lynn Marie Hynes December 3, 2010 at 8:07pm
  
  Wow! What a stunning concept: ancestor spirits who can facilitate the animation of the world and "turn the world from a collection of objects into a communion of subjects." It also reminds me of Jung's visit to Taos pueblo and hearing Native American Mountain Lake speak of how daily rituals help the sun rise and move across the sky.
  
  There's a pretty good article on this at http://www.cgjungpage.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=vie.... I will also look up the David Tacey article. Thanks for sharing! I have David's book, Edge of the Sacred: Jung, Psyche, Earth really feel the depth of his commitment....

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Shamanism, Ritual, & Medicine

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