Books matching: spirituality and shamanism
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- #1
Save:Haunting, poetic, and deeply significant - Black Elk Speaks remains a classic window into Native American life and spirituality, but approach with awareness of its complicated authorship and editorial layers.
Black Elk Speaks is a captivating narrative that follows the life of a Lakota holy man, Black Elk, from his childhood to old age. The book provides a detailed account of Black Elk's journeys, wars, and visions, offering readers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Oglala Sioux tribe. The writing style is described as excellent, with the book flowing seamlessly from one scene to another, allowing readers to vividly imagine the events as they unfold.
The book sheds light on the indigenous perspective, challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about Native Americans. It serves as a powerful reminder of the injustices faced by indigenous peoples worldwide, urging readers to reevaluate their understanding of history and appreciate the wisdom and spirituality of Native American traditions.
The first time I went out to talk to Black Elk about the Ogalala Sioux, I found him sitting alone under a shelter of pine boughs near his log cabin that stands on a barren hill about two miles west of...1932•363 pages Mind-bending and influential, but best enjoyed as a work of psychedelic fiction or spiritual speculation rather than reliable anthropology. If you’re up for a strange trip, try it - with a giant grain of salt!
'The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge' by Carlos Castaneda follows the journey of a young anthropologist student who becomes the apprentice of a powerful Yaqui Indian sorcerer named Don Juan Matus. Through his interactions with Don Juan, the student learns about shamanism, mysticism, altered states of consciousness, and the non-ordinary reality. presents a blend of academic tone, diary-style narrative, and philosophical musings on the nature of knowledge and perception. It delves into the use of hallucinogenic plants, spiritual teachings, and the challenges faced by the student in his quest for enlightenment.
My notes on my first session with Don Juan are dated 23 June 1961. That was the occasion when the teachings began. I had seen him several times previously in the capacity of on observer only. At every...1968•272 pagesA wild, imaginative ride that connects ancient art, altered consciousness, and paranormal phenomena - hugely entertaining (if sometimes overreaching), but perfect for the adventurous thinker.
Graham Hancock's book 'Supernatural: Meetings with the Ancient Teachers of Mankind' delves into the origins of modern human behavior around 40,000 years ago, attributing the sudden change to the widespread use of psychoactive plants like psilocybin and DMT. Through a combination of psychological studies, DNA coding, and self-experimentation, Hancock speculates that various entities such as aliens, fairies, and elves are interconnected and accessible through altered states induced by substances like DMT. The book explores the possibility of encoded messages in DNA accessible through psychoactive substances and proposes that altered states of consciousness enable humans to perceive normally invisible spirit worlds.
The Visions and the Caves chap ter one The Plant that Enables Men to See the Dead I lay on a couch in the darkened drawing room of a 200-year-old townhouse in the English city of Bath. The streets out...2005•480 pages- #4
Save:A warmly told, slice-of-life sci-fi story where the magic lies in personal growth and community, not explosions or epic clashes. Quiet, thoughtful, and recommended for readers who enjoy their speculative fiction with heart and realism.
'South Coast' in the series 'Shaman's Tales From The Golden Age Of The Solar Clipper Book' by Nathan Lowell follows the story of Otto Krugg as he grows into his role as a Shaman, while his father, Richard, transitions from being a religious figure to a real Shaman. Set in a future world with subtle science fiction elements, the book explores themes of personal growth, family dynamics, and the impact of corporate greed on a remote fishing community. Through multiple perspectives, the author delves into the intricacies of shamanism, economic realities, and the daily lives of the characters in a quiet yet immersive storytelling style.
2007•292 pages Bold, mind-expanding, and infuriating in equal measure - "The Cosmic Serpent" will challenge your perspectives and spark your imagination, but you’ll need an open mind and a tolerance for leaps of logic.
'The Cosmic Serpent, DNA and the Origins of Knowledge' by Jeremy Narby delves into the possible connection between shamanism and molecular biology, exploring the idea that shamans, through the use of hallucinogenic substances like ayahuasca, can access information at the molecular level, particularly DNA. Narby shares his journey of researching indigenous Amazonian peoples and their deep understanding of biochemical and neurological information, shedding light on the intersection of spirituality, shamanism, anthropology, and biological sciences. presents a thought-provoking narrative that challenges traditional scientific views and offers a unique perspective on the origins of knowledge.
The first time an Ashaninca man told me that he had learned the medicinal properties of plants by drinking a hallucinogenic brew, I thought he was joking. We were in the forest squatting next to a bus...1998•266 pages- #6
Save:A beautifully written but challenging deep dive into obsession, mental illness, and art - haunting, poetic, and not for everyone, but unforgettable if it clicks with you.
Strange Angels by Kathe Koja is a novel that delves into the complexities of mental illness, specifically schizophrenia. The story follows a photographer who becomes fixated on his girlfriend's schizophrenic patient, leading to a narrative that explores the challenges of caring for someone with deep mental illness. The writing style is described as unique and poetic, providing a deep dive into the emotional and psychological toll that mental illness can take on both the afflicted individual and those around them.
Grant, familiar waking headache and he turned over, turned to touch her, long stern curveless body like an ax handle, like a mannequin made of steel; old museum bronze, she was beautiful that way. The...1994•356 pages - #7
Save:A beautifully written, emotionally rich exploration of love and healing, best enjoyed by fans of the original series looking for deeper character insight. More romance than thriller, it’s a moving but slower-paced ride - perfect for those who like their stories packed with angst, recovery, and heartfelt moments.
Ascendent, part of the Executive Power series by Tal Bauer, continues the story of Sasha and Sergey as they navigate their complex relationship amidst personal struggles and political challenges. The plot follows Sasha's journey of self-discovery and acceptance, from battling inner demons to embarking on a spiritual quest in Siberia. Meanwhile, Sergey, the President of Russia, grapples with rebuilding the country while supporting Sasha's dreams of becoming an astronaut. The writing style is described as lyrical, with intricate details on military and historical aspects seamlessly woven into the narrative.
August 2018•281 pages - #8
Save:An evocative, slow-burn novel that explores little-known history and spiritual longing in Alaska - best for fans of atmospheric, contemplative fiction and those open to a touch of magic.
The Cloud Atlas by Liam Callanan is a novel set in subarctic Alaska during WWII, focusing on the intertwining lives of characters like Louis Belk, a Catholic priest, Lily, a prostitute and shaman, and Gurley, a superior officer. The story delves into themes of war history, shamanism, and the Japanese balloon invasion of Alaska, all narrated by Louis as he recounts his past experiences during the war. The writing style is described as historical, spiritual, and romantic, with a unique narrative structure that weaves together multiple storylines in chronological segments, creating an engaging and thought-provoking read.
That's hardly enough to distinguish me around here, of course. I've heard it said that a percentage of Alaska's population is always fleeing something—the authorities, spouses, children, civilization....February 2004•368 pages - #9
Save:A captivating and unconventional journey that straddles the line between fiction and spiritual insight. Read it with an open mind and let it challenge your perceptions - even if you don’t buy every claim.
'Journey to Ixtlan' by Carlos Castaneda is a spiritual journey where the protagonist, Castaneda, learns from a man named don Juan about becoming a warrior and adopting a different way of thinking and seeing the world. The narrative delves into the teachings of don Juan, blending mystical elements with humor and insight, creating a compelling and often humorous story that explores the nature of the universe and spiritual teachings.
The writing style in 'Journey to Ixtlan' is described as powerful, insightful, whimsical, and beautiful. Castaneda's storytelling is praised for its phenomenal accounts of another reality, engaging the reader with its wild ride and compelling narrative that challenges conventional perceptions and invites readers to explore esoteric practices and mindfulness.
We were in the waiting room of a bus depot in Arizona. I asked him in very formal Spanish if he would allow me to question him. I said, "Would the gentleman [caballero] permit me to ask some questions...1972•304 pages - #10
Save:A thoughtful, slow-paced but beautifully crafted prehistoric tale best for readers who appreciate detail-rich settings and deep character work, with a touch of the mystical.
'The Reindeer People' by Megan Lindholm, also known as Robin Hobb, is a dark and atmospheric tale set in Bronze Age Lapland Scandinavia. It follows the story of Tillu, a single mother raising her mentally disabled son, Kerlew, while on the run from a controlling shaman. The narrative weaves elements of historical fiction with a touch of fantasy, exploring themes of survival, tribal life, and the struggle for autonomy in a harsh society. Lindholm's descriptive writing style brings the characters, surroundings, and interactions vividly to life, offering a detailed and immersive reading experience.
The birthing had been long, though not as difficult as Tillu had feared. Elna's thick hair was sweat-soaked to her skull; in the heaviest of her labors, she had thrown aside furs and skins, panting wi...May 1988•342 pages
