Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self

How do I begin a review of the one book out of thousands that I have read, that marked the most dramatic healing journey of my life? Until this book whispered to me from the second shelf in a holistic center in Huntington back in the early '90s, I had done a virtual sleep-walk through my days. I had even remarked to a friend that up until that point, my whole life had been a near-death experience. I was working in the book department of Body, Mind & Soul holistic center on Route 110, and had begun studying shamanism with a local teacher, after a series of mystical experiences that had left me terrified and shaking. I needed training, that was sure, because I needed to understand this path I was being called to. And I also needed healing; I needed to have my soul parts returned to me. When I opened this book to the checklist of soul loss symptoms, I saw every reason that I had always felt so lost and frightened, and at the same time somehow deadened inside. There had been long periods of time wherein colors were so dull they had almost appeared grey-black. There were periods of my childhood I had blocked out entirely. At this time I was being trained to do shamanic journeying, and one night I was guided to retrieve my own soul. I actually had to check with a shaman who I was later to work with, to understand what this intense experience had been about. She confirmed what I already knew in my heart. Later that year, I went to her to have 3 more parts returned to me. Reading this book by Sandra Ingerman helped me to realize that gathering my soul was the necessary path I would begin to take, and that I would continue until I had achieved wholeness. This book was invaluable on the brave journey I needed to begin; there was no paradigm in my world up to this point for what I was about to embark upon, I knew I would just have to trust that I had been led to the right place, the right book, the right teachers. The book is simple, straightforward, and the poetry is lovely. If you pick up a copy of this book, and know in your heart that it is time to reclaim your soul, please find a trustworthy healer, and begin your journey to wholeness. But do read this book first, so you will know what to expect, and what to look forward to. The experiences I had following my own soul retrievals became the focus of my own recently published book. My goal was to bring you with me on the journey, so you would know you are never alone on your own path. From all the wonderful feedback I have received so far, I know in my heart that I achieved what I set out to do. I cannot thank Sandra Ingerman enough for this precious book that helped me to achieve a richer, more vibrant, and amazingly magical life. The gifts that are waiting for you are even better than you can imagine. From my Heart, Louise Teresa StrongBear, author of: Journey By Night: A Solitary Journey Journey by Night: A Solitary Journey

Author Sandra Ingerman shares ancient soul-retrieval practices in very down-to-Earth terms in her pioneering book, SOUL RETRIEVAL. While the requirements for doing successful shamanistic healing are simple (requiring crystal-clear intention and complete faith in spiritual assistance), many of us raised within modern-day Western society are likely to face our own inner skepticism that this method of healing can be effective. Ingerman masterfully addresses this and other common pitfalls, as it takes the reader on a journey of rescuing soul fragments from one's past. We often become physically ill following loss of soul or diminishment of essential spiritual energy, so soul retrieval is a healing art for one's entire being. Ingerman explains, "If the soul totally vacates the patient, the patient will die. It follows that, if the shaman can retrieve the lost soul parts, the individual can be restored to harmony and well-being. This retrieval is done by the shaman in an altered state of consciousness." SOUL RETRIEVAL contains case studies of Ingerman's involvement with numerous patients who have requested her assistance, as well as fascinating historical background on the ancient shamanic art of soul retrieval. Those who have undergone soul retrieval therapy claim as the author herself asserts, "Having my own lost soul parts restored to me brought me back to a place of wholeness. I experienced the fullness of life and a joy that I had not been sure I would ever feel again."I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in healing, shamanism, psychology, or consciousness.

Over the past few years, I've read this book twice, and it's helped me understand my "returning-inner-child" dreams, and begin to welcome back home those split-off parts of myself that left in childhood and adolescence due to trauma (such as excessive bullying by older boys). The author feels that lost or hiding soul parts have an independent existence in other dimensions of reality. The scariest story for me is when she travels shamanically to the "Land of the Dead" to rescue a lost soul, and almost gets trapped there herself. And like Ingerman, I am heartbroken by her visit to the "Cave of the Lost Children": "hundreds of children...huddling together....in their timeless reality--lost, unwanted, and frightened. Always waiting" (p. 54). When a lost soul part returns, "colors are brighter; the world is...more sensual. People rediscover...the magic of the child....a sense of aliveness and a desire to live" (p. 135). Harmful habits end, relationships heal, we reconnect with nature, and our gifts and abilities begin to flower--truly a coming home. I agree with the reviewers quoted on the back cover of the book: "life-affirming", "fascinating and illuminating", "uplifting and vitally important", "brilliant....a must".

Sandra Ingerman trained me in soul retrieval in 1992. She continues to this day to be the western authority of soul retrieval. She offers a clear guide to understanding shamanism, soul loss, soul retrieval, long distance healing, and integration of returning soul parts. Many people have been inspired and healed as a result of receiving soul retrievals. She has done us all a great service by reviving this sacred practice.

This literary work, which I gobbled up in just a few sittings, nourished a void in my spirit and was the catalyst that began my journey into the study of core shamanic practice. Sandra's documented work in the area of souls *lost and found* has inspired me to learn to negotiate the terraine of ordinary and non-ordinary reality. I highly recommend this book.