The Shamanism Bible: The Definitive Guide to Shamanic Thought and Practice (Subject Bible) Paperback – September 11, 2014

If you are looking for a source that gives a good overview of shamanism around the world and contemporary practice, along with practical advice, this book is really a good place to start. It's organized into several sections which cover world-wide history; how-tos, tools, and a bit about 'feeling the call', and a section contemporary practices with links on where to find more information. I feel the author is about as unbiased with respect to different traditions as it is possible to be. There are books that take a new-age, self-help tone to the information; I like that this isn't really one of them. It's very useful as an encyclopedia: there's lots of pragmatic advice on where to start, supplies, contacts, leads on teachers, etc., for those who want more than just surface knowledge.I am not currently practicing, but still want to know more. My grandfather was Paiute: the acceptance of Shamanism, ritual and practice is something I grew up with. I got started studying Shamanism when I met an elderly gentleman on the street, as a teenager. What he said to me explained a lot of what I'd been feeling at the time, and I began study with him and others as I started college, many, many years ago, until it came into comflict with my studies, or so I thought. I dropped away but never stopped needing to know more, not only about the tradition I grew up with, but also about other traditions world-wide. So, now that I have time, I'm reading everything I can, I have found "The Shamanism Bible" a great place to start for one seeking to understand shamanism holistically.

I have been trained in Shamanic practice and found this book to be fascinating, thoughtful, carefully written (although I found 2 typos!) and definitely worth reading for those who want to know more about the practices of Shamanism around the world. Matthews has a nice description of various spirit animals and their qualities as well as some advice on how to live with more intention. I highly recommend this book.

Written in a way that brings the information home to the reader. The information was delivered in such a way as to be very interesting, without being too dry. The comparisons of shamanic practices among various cultures was fascinating and illuminating. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone curious about shamanism or just beginning their own shamanistic journey.

A great introduction to shamanism and it's practices from around the world and various cultures. Worth purchasing for the pictures alone. There could've been more depth in the material covered, but a good resource for any animist's library.

I don’t even have the words to jot down how amazing this book was. This is a phenomenal resource for those beginning to take the journey of shamanic studies.

Interesting and informative, but not as in depth or complete as I had hoped for. I was hoping to find detailed descriptions of practices and traditions, with rituals or more cultural lore and history. Some cultures were either ignored or glossed over, as well.

A well-written book with a well-rounded view of different spiritual beliefs and practices from around the world. The historical value is quite enlightening. Adding to this are the beautiful photographs. A wonderful jumping point that can lead to further, in-depth readings. I am very pleased with this book!

Your research questions will find answers here. The range of topics is wide to cover beginning and advanced questions. The examples given show simplicity combined with direct stated nature intentions.