An Excellent Book On Shamanism
By Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi)
From the newsletter "Keeping In Touch ..."
Vol. 7, No. 13 August, 2007

I've been reading a wonderful book just out by Ken Eagle Feather titled "Toltec Dreaming: Don Juan's Teachings on the Energy Body" (Bear & Co., 272 pages, June 22, 2007; $16). He was kind enough to send me an advance copy, which I endorsed:

"In Dreaming, Ken Eagle Feather masterfully outlines the appearance of Power in our lives as a shamanic principle that he shows can be easily recognized, and explores the power of dreaming as an active force that can define our lives in profound ways. As with his other books, Eagle Feather explains complex shamanic principles of the Toltec tradition as taught to him personally by don Juan Matus, the shaman many have come to know through the books of Carlos Castaneda. For the discerning Castaneda student, Eagle Feather provides painstakingly researched references including page numbers for ideas covered in Castaneda's books for easy reference. But Eagle Feather demonstrates his proficiency of the subject matter by expanding on the ideas and principles with examples from his own life, as well as offering new avenues of thought -- and exercises -- for readers. For novices to shamanism to the well-read, Dreaming offers new insights into the nature of the energy body that complement Eastern concepts, while also refining that which is known of Toltec ideas. In Dreaming, Ken Eagle Father demonstrates he is a man of knowledge in his own right, sharing a rare gift of inestimable value."

But, I'd go a bit further to say that all of Ken's books are worth reading, especially if you are "into" shamanism. For those who follow Castaneda's work, he has references to his books with the concepts; but, more importantly, in my mind, Ken offers a way of seeing the world that takes don Juan's and applies it to the world.
I read all the Castaneda books when they came out nearly 40 years ago, and have practiced shamanism all my life. Some of the teachings of don Juan, I believe, were horribly distorted, and later books bear me out, especially regarding the use of psychotropic drugs. That's because, I believe, Castaneda was a literalist, or too left-brained, to understand the concepts and so don Juan and his fellow shamans dramatized and even traumatized Castaneda so that they could "get through" to him.
Anyone who actually practices shamanic journey (which my next book, "[[ASIN:1844091112 Healing Plants and Animals from a Distance: Curative Principles and Applications]]" will introduce to the trilogy) knows in Castaneda's books where don Juan was speaking, and were left-brained suppositions entered in.
What I like about Ken's books are that anyone, repeat anyone, can get a clear idea of the shaman's path from reading him - whether one practices or not - and be sure that they are getting "the straight skinny."
I don't agree with much of the Toltec way, as I believe it is too foreign for most average Americans to accept, that is, truly adopt; but the way of viewing the world in shamanic terms as outlined by Castaneda has become part of the cultural currency, so it's useful to employ. As a method, it's easy to point to the nagual and tonal and explain being and nonbeing in shamanic terms, for example. Whether we are all fodder for the Eagle, well, that's a philosophic point perhaps best left to left-brained individuals with lots of time on their hands. I believe, as Ken notes, that how we view our world is a product of "cuing," that is, connecting to select understandings that join to make a world view. Some of the concepts of the Toltec way, in my mind, are too harsh, they stem from a world in which "lack" is the order of the day, breeding a stoicism that teeters on nihilism. My world is a much more joyful world, filled with exciting possibilities. It's also a lot less lonely.
But much of what Ken writes about are actual practical applications that are useful and described in a way that can become powerful tools used as second nature. For example, stalking your weaknesses, or predilections, or being aware when your controlled folly comes forward. One tool I've been using a lot lately, reminded of it reading Ken's book, is recapitulation. Simply stated, and Ken does much better in the book, that's when you remember an event that is freighted with negative emotions and walk through it again, reexperiencing every emotion, every nuance of the event, and allowing it to be more fully imprinted from a larger point of view. This allows for tremendous inner growth and healing by taking the "charge" out of past negative events, and it frees energy for use now. I would recommend those who read my books, especially using inventory to allow themselves to become more present, aware and allowing who they really are to come forward ([[ASIN:1844090957 Finding Sanctuary in Nature: Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition for Healing Yourself and Others]], and [[ASIN:1844090825 Clearing: A Guide to Liberating Energies Trapped in Buildings and Lands]]) to practice recapitulation, as well.
If you are looking for a good book on shamanism, Ken Eagle Feather's "Dreaming" is a good one; also get a copy of his [[ASIN:1591430496 On the Toltec Path: A Practical Guide to the Teachings of don Juan Matus, Carlos Castaneda, and Other Toltec Seers]]. Both are excellent.

Many Blessings!
Wisatologi Nihi!

Jim PathFinder Ewing
(Nvnehi Awatisgi)
Healing The Earth/Ourselves
(www.blueskywaters.com)
Lena, Miss.