by Jan Morgan Wood
Published by Vega Books
Description
Shamanism has been practiced for thousands years and is still relevant
to us today. If offers us simple and effective ways to connect with the
magic of the earth and shows us how to use the natural energy of the sacred
circle of life to empower our lives, promote healing, achieve our natural
potential and access our inner power. Easy-To-Use Shamanism provides an
accessible book for the general market, illustrated with stunning shamanic
images. - Focuses on traditional rituals based on Native American and
other tribal sources - Includes the Medicine Wheel, spirit helpers and
animals - Provides rituals, exercises, totem celebrations, symbols and
oracles
Reviews
The first thing you do when you see a copy of Jan Morgan Wood's - Easy
to-use Shamanism is say "Wow!" and at that point you haven't
even opened the cover. Jan Morgan Wood's artwork is not only stunning,
it is inspirational. Full of colour, vibrancy, and life. I probably had
the book a week before I even thought about reading the words. The pictures
are so powerful, you fall into them, and find meaning and wisdom.
The idea behind the book is to introduce people to Shamanism, in this
case it is the influence of Native American Shamanism. JMW takes us by
the hand and gently walks us down the Shaman’s path.
First, she introduces the idea of the interconnectedness of all things.
As a short ritual for this, she suggests, "Bend down and touch the
earth with your hand." Pausing you take a moment to feel Mother Earth
and Father Sky and all relatives in Creation, sending thoughts of love
and balance to the whole Web of Life. Standing up you take a breath and
focus. "You may find in that in that instant the Web gives a response
of some kind: the cry of a bird, the stirring breeze." A beautiful,
first taste of connection.
The next page shows how to meet your sacred parents; turning the page
we have an explanation of the art of smudging and the different herbs
that can be used; turning again and we focus of the life quest; the next
page describes the benefits of silence. Each of these are accompanied
by a fabulous painting and a short ritual to help the reader more fully
understand and investigate for themselves.
We are next introduced to the elements and which point UK Pagans will
say, "Wait a minute, she's got Air in the North." That's the
way her Medicine Wheel works. Water in the South, Earth in the West, and
Fire in the East. Each element has a Quality, Realm, Human Aspect, and
Challenge. There is also a Time correspondence: past, present, future,
and all time. Understanding the elements, we are taught how to build a
Medicine Wheel. I am very taken by the idea of Earth Riding where you
lie belly down on the ground and have a heart-to-heart with Mother Earth.
Once we have gained an understanding of the elements, the plant and animal
realms, received healing from Mother Earth and learned how to keep balance,
we are taken into the deeper aspects of the Shaman's world. This covers
the more spiritual aspects of their work: of spirit guides, the plants,
animals and stones; journeying; finding power places; and dancing with
spirits.
The book then explores our relationships and living space. Intimate relationships
are know as 'coupledom'. Besides commitment and preparing for a child,
it also tackles dismantling a relationship.
As an introduction to Shamanism, this is probably one of the most helpful
books I have encountered. Every page has either a painting, a graphic,
or a unique colourful border making this book a joy to read. Although
I have become familiar with the images in this book, I still find something
new and uplifting every time I open it.
To submit a review of this book email the Reviews Co-ordinator
To see more of Jan Morgan Wood's artwork, or to purchase a copy of Easy
To Use Shamanism direct from the author, visit http://www.maytreegallery.co.uk/.
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