Spirit of Shamanish P

Dr. Walsh's meticulously researched study analyzes shamanism by both investigating what it is, and what is not. He does so by considering it on a host of levels and in a broad range of areas including anthropology, neurology, psychology, religion, medicine, and altered states of consciousness, to name but a few. His extensive credentials enable him to speak with authority, while analyzing the topic in great depth and from many different angles as only an intellectual classically trained in philosophy can do. The result is an un-ignorable, essential work. In his attempt to thoroughly investigate shamanism, Walsh introduces and synthesizes a broad range of cutting edge studies and theories, making it a fascinating read all the way through. I also highly recommend this book to anyone who desires a comprehensive analysis of mystic arts in general. I have no reservations in giving this definitive work 5 stars and hope other scientists and laymen alike will consider this study with the seriousness it deserves. Walsh has done his homework across many fields and postulates a workable definition of shamanism. The only thing negative thing I can say about this work is the use of "She" instead of "He" or "Them". Though rare in the book, I found each instance an unnecessary, politically-correct distraction.

From a science veiw, this is a very reference book, and covers lot of the basics of the type of practice and ways of the shamans. It is not a how-to book on riturals and so forth, but it is one that you should have one your book shelf. It talks about spirit visions, alter-sate meditations, atro-travels, healing and mudiumship, spirits and beliefs, etc.

The World of Shamanism is the best book I've read on the topic. A totally updated work that builds on his earlier book ((The Spirit of Shamanism) this book explores shamanism as we find it in the world, in the psyche, and in neo-shamanic practices. Dr. Walsh has mastered the art of writing in a popular manner rooted in rigorous research. There is no doubt about his sources as he carefully provides them in footnotes for the more curious reader. In his even-handed presentation of multiple perspectives Dr. Walsh models the tolerance for ambiguity he notes as necessary for a mature experience of the mystery of the universe. Most important, with regard to the subjective aspects of shamanic experience, he models "the principle of causal indifference" which reflects an acceptance (rare in our society) that "subjectively identical experiences can be produced by multiple causes" (p. 196). This is a must read for mental health professionals whose map of the universe includes the potential of non-ordinary states for healing as well as for the layperson trying to dig their way through all the misinformation on shamanism that has piled up in the "new age" market over the years.

The Spirit of Shamanism is a psychiatrist's look at the essence of shamanic practices. Robert Walsh covers such topics as the shaman's initiation, accessing the spirit world, healing, psychedelic drugs, and New Age adaptations. Although Walsh looks across the broad range of the shamanic experience, the most interesting sections of the book deal with the topic of his expertise: mental illness and psychological health. He explores such questions as 1) whether shamanic initiation and trance states are psychotic or schizophrenic; 2) the difference between trance states and mental illness; and 3) the effects of music, trickery and the placebo effect on healing. On the negative side, Walsh has a poor opinion of anthropologists, yet he relies heavily on the work of anthropologists who are marginal in the anthropological community. Many of his resources are outdated. The book is not very deep, yet this makes it accessible to just about anyone. It doesn't "feel" like it's written by an M.D./Ph.D. -- Walsh slips easily into New Age thinking -- yet, again, it's accessible. This quasi-scientific book is good for anyone interested in knowing more about the psychology of shamanism. It's well-written, the chapters are short, and it's easy to understand.

"The Spirit of Shamanism" has been selected for listing in "Religion and Psychoactive Sacraments: An Entheogen Chrestomathy." http://www.csp.org/chrestomathy