The Book of Shamanic Healing

I actually received and read this book several years ago, and it is good base info for someone who is in the early stages of their spiritual path and wants to learn a little intro on the stuff that's "out there"--you know, the "big picture". This book talks about many healer's toolkit odds and ends: preparing yourself to give a healing session, healing in a team, accepting payment for healing, herbs, diet and exercise, healing with stones, healing with color, drumming, lucid dreaming, dream interpretation, nightmares, soul retrieval and extraction, making sacred space, proper breathing, meditation, charging items up with energy, power animals, divination and much more. There are approximately 230 pages of info packed in this booklet. Like I said, it's good overall info for a beginner. For example, chapter 4 begins "Energy Work" with a basic overview of energy healing modalities and measuring electrical impulses through medical tests, such as an EKG. It continues by mentioning healing modalities, such as Reiki, acupuncture, and shiatsu. It continues by mentioning healing stones, such as crystals and continues with some details on how stones and crystals are used in healing. It mentions clearing energy in crystals and how to attune them (prepare them and bring in the energy)(crystals can store and hold energy, among other tasks--they work something like a radio receiver). Then it goes into chakras (energy points/centers in the body), what areas affected by the chakra, what colors and what stones are related to that chakra. An example is: The Heart Chakra--is associated with the circulatory system, thymus, emotions, love, healing and nurturing. Related colors are pink or green. Associated stones are jade and rose quartz. How to do distance healing with a crystal is then explained. The book continues with a table of common healing stones, such as Amethyst--a catalyst for change, connection to spirit guidance, etc. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion on color healing. That's just one chapter. There's lots more info in the book. Like I said, not an indepth book, this is an overall smattering of info. It's a place to start and get some overall background into shamanic techniques. Think of it as Shamanic 101. Next, you get a book that goes into something you read about more in depth, say crystal healing. The same principle as taking History 101, then going on to study the French Revolution or the Civil War. The book is well written, well researched, clear and easy to understand. By the way, in case you don't already know, a shaman is NOT a wicked witch who sold their soul to the devil. A shaman is a HEALER, and often a very spiritual person who really really cares about people, animals and nature.

I read Kristin Madden's Shamanic Guide to Death and Dying and found it to be a true treasure. I was intrigued when she came out with this book and found it to be equally as powerful as her first. It is clear that she writes from decades of personal experience and through her own healing processes. I had the pleasure of attending one of her classes and found her teaching style to reflect the powerful yet gentle way she writes.This book was a gift to me when I needed it most. It led to some much-needed healing on my part and helped me decide to follow my calling to become a healer. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It contains everything you need to progress on your own healing journey AND to start or develop your own healing practice.

Kristen Madden is one of those authors who writes comfortably from experience. I love how-to books, and at first glance, Shamanic Healing appears to be another one of those. It really isn't. This is not a book for the basic, beginner. It is however one of the best intermediate to advanced books on Shamanism (non-culture specific) for those in the Healing field. If you are in or are planning to start this particular form of healing as a profession - this is the best book so far. If you are just an individual looking for new methods of Shamanic Healing, this is a terrific book too - but I see this book serving professionals and Healers just a bit more.Madden is very down to Earth in her presentation. If one wishes to learn about a more individual type of healing, or if you simply like the easy, pragmatic way Madden teaches, then you should also read her Shamanic Guide to Death and Dying. I have not read her book on Pagan Parenting, but I have heard good things. Madden demonstrates a sense of integrity in writing. If her name is on the cover, you can be sure that its worth a read.

Kristen Madden?s background, as noted in the preface, is deeply rooted in Shamanism. Her family background of many spiritual practices gave her the opportunity to learn as she grew up.She also studied many of the shamanic cultures. She is a member of the Druid College of Healing and is on the board of directors of Silver Moon Health Services, a group that provides healing services through the Pagan Spiritual Community.A woman with this kind of a background is the perfect author for a book on the subject and Ms. Madden approaches the topic with professionalism that one would expect from her.This book covers many of the different aspects of shamanic healing. Creating Sacred Space for healing, using tools such as drums and song, discussing soul retrieval and exploring dreams are just some of the topics discussed in her book. She simplifies the terms making it easy to understand. It is well written and researched. Ms. Madden is able to convey the essential information without boring the reader or losing them in vague or too technical terms, keeping the reader following what she has to say and explain. These are the marks of a good teacher.Ms. Madden discusses the basics needed to work Shamanic Healing giving the reader a good understanding of what will be required of them should they pursue this path. Being a shaman is more than just mixing some herbs or working spells. She recommends training, and she recommends that you remember no amount of training and certification is going to make one a healer if you do not have your heart in it. I love the plain talk, the practical advice and the down to earth recommendations that Ms. Madden makes in this book. This is a valuable tool for the experienced Healer as well as those who are looking into this path as a possible life long study.This book gives the application of all the techniques involved in being a Shamanic Healer and it is a good study and a great primer. Here is another book that belongs on the library shelf of those who travel the path of the healer.