Urban Shaman

I have to give this book five stars because it is not loaded with down to earth practical exercises but because it had one bit about "instant healing", which I have labelled "it never happened" technique and which came very hand when half of my face became paralyzed and when doctors told me that I'll just have to accept it and that it may even get worse over time. The paralysis was bad enough that I couldn't even speak coherently (I'd have to hold my lips with my hand in order to make an understandable sound), nor could I eat properly due to lack of sensation and because I couldn't move the muscles of my mouth. It was simply unacceptable to me to live like that, so I remember the technique from this book. I also got Serge Kahili King's video "Instant Healing". I have adapted that "it never happened" techniques with NLP Time-Line technique and spend few days running the new pattern in my mind re-living my life from before the event until the present moment as if my face was always normal and it never became paralyzed. It was not INSTANT healing - but it took ONLY FEW DAYS for my face to become completely normal and to function perfectly. My friend said that that he was utterly amazed as he watched the transformation on my face returning to normal - he said it was just like witnessing a miracle. Yeah, our minds are truly miraculous.

This is an extremely well written book full of excellent material and techniques. I cannot recommend it enough! Easy to read, but thorough in covering the subjects. I found it a joy to read.

Studying this statement is in and of itself a worthwhile project. If you learn nothing else, this is well worth the price of the book.I have several books on Shamanism and Self-Healing. Among these are 6 books by Serge King. All are great. I reread Urban Shaman because there is so much that I can't absorb all at one time. This book helped my in my healings of self and others and in my Shamanic journeys, the initial technique which I learned from the Foundation for Shamanic Studies workshop. I am a Reiki master and find his techniques to augment my methods very well.I have found nothing in Serge King's books that doesn't work, some techniques better than others. I have found nothing in other books that Serge King doesn't cover in some way or form.If you are going to get one book that covers most things well, in a very open and non-dogmatic manner, Urban Shaman is the book to get. From journeying to making walking sticks to healing methods, this book covers it all. If you want more than one book, get another of Serge King's books. They all work.

_Urban Shaman_ is the first book I've read on Hawaiian shamanism; I'd never really even thought of it before. I picked up a copy because the artwork on the cover got my attention, and the cover summary hinted that he book might be interesting. What I found inside far surpassed my expectations. Rather than the usual "beliefs on how the universe works" and the same old meditation-for-beginners, it gives pratical insights, as well as exercises that prove their truth and exercises to put those truths to use. Instead of the usual untouchable, just-for-interest monologue, I found an interactive, useful practices that anyone can use to enhance their everyday lives. Though intrigued, I was a little skeptical, but the exercises give evidence of the truth of the wisdom shared. For example, did you know that it's nearly impossible to hold anger when you are completely physically relaxed? I didn't, and when I tried it, I found that the author was right. Okay, you have my attention:)I recommend this book not only to readers interested in shamanism, but anyone interested in new perspectives that can improve their health and well-being. A lot of the content of the book can be easily merged with one's personal beliefs and practices, regardless of religious affiliation. An excellent read and reference!

Years ago I was inspired by Bach's Jonathon & Illusions...so much so, that at times I referred to Illusions as my "bible" in the sense that I gave me great inspiration spiritually. After I read the Urban Shaman last year, I returned to the store and purchased every copy they had to give to friends! What impressed me most was that my skeptic, highly educated and scientific self did not balk at any of his teachings...a first for any book/belief. I have always been a warrior and a survivor and now I aim for something better...harmony and unity. This book will be my "bible" for some time to come and I hope to study Huna in Hawaii someday! What an inspiration!