Modern Shamanic Living: New Explorations of an Ancient Path

This book is concise and well written; and I am VERY happy that she does not recommend the use of halucinogenic drugs.This book has assorted meditations, and a few Shamanic journeys the author has taken. To give you an idea of what you will see and experience.I especialy enjoyed Chapter 10 (Spiritual Ecology)Pages 93-102.Ms. Rysdyk mainly focuses on Shamanic journeys into the lower & upper worlds.I have three minor complaints with this book.1. Ms. Rysdyk completely ignored the subject of protection. (in the beginning you should never journey alone (without your totem animal) because not all spirits are friendly (especially in the middle world). You should cast a medicine wheel and call in the white light or smudge the area to protect your body while you are out and about. If you want help with this E-Mail me.)2. Ms. Rysdyk completely ignored the subject of integrity. (When you give your word to the spirits; they expect you to keep it. To use a Shamanic motto "Walk your talk".)3. On page 57 Ms. Rusdyk relates the journey to get help from her power animal in getting a new job. (I perfer the term "Totem Amimal". The Spirits are there to help when you need it. They expect you to help yourself too; instead of using them as a crutch to get through life.)Please see my listmania lists for recommended books.I encourage questions or comments about my reviews via E-Mail. Two BearsWah doh Ogedoda (We give thanks Great Spirit)

Modern Shamanic Living was worth the price for the first chapter alone. In it Evelyn Rysdyk gives those of us who have despaired the condition of our world and our individual lives hope for a new way to find the wisdom that will remake our lives for the better. Step by step the succeeding chapters unfold a practical spiritual path that has completely changed my life and those of several friends. I believe this book is a must read for everyone.

Reviewing MS Rysdyk's writing from the standpoint of being a shamanic practitioner for many years has been a pleasure. There are precious few authors to whom one can recommend beginners or those who are exploring. MS Rysdyk is one of those. She presents shamanic practice and the draw, in this modern world, of ancient cultures in a uniquely practical and yet intellectually stimulating manner. The Hunter-gatherer in us all becomes an attainable reality, a birthright realized. And, this book should give those of Jungian persuasion an entree into this fascinating other reality. The person for whom shamanic practice is a way of life will find wisdom and understanding paralleling their own--I did. I heartily recommend MS Rysdyk to readers at any level of shamanic attainment. Other books that would interest MS Rysdyk's readers are: "The Way of the Shaman," by Michael Harner; "Soul Retrieval," by Sandra Ingermann; Shamanism as a Spiritual Practice for Daily Life," by Tom Cowan; By Oak, Ash and Thorn," by D. J. Conway; and, "Entering the Circle," by Olga Khartidi.

Modern Shamanic Living offers one of the clearest explorations of shamanism and shamanic journeying available today. Using the concept of an Inner Hunter/Gatherer as our guide and jumping off place, Rysdyk provides us with the tools to live life to the fullest. At once, eloquent, visionary and easy to read, this book is also well researched. The author has studied with both anthropolgist Michael Harner, Sandra Ingerman, and also with indigenous tribal elders. The book is filled with easy-to-learn exercises, marvelous original stories and lots of up-beat suggestions. It is very highly recommended!