This fascinating, comprehensive, and readable guide explores shamanism—the world’s most enduring healing and religious tradition—in the light of modern medicine, psychology, neuroscience, consciousness disciplines, and religious studies.

After decades of being demonized by clergy, diagnosed by psychiatrists, and dismissed by academics, shamanism is thriving. So, what is fueling the West’s new fascination with shamanism? You’ll find the answer and more in this thorough exploration of shamanism and its place in contemporary life. Dr. Roger Walsh—himself a psychiatrist with decades of experience in meditation and shamanic disciplines—leaves no stone unturned as he examines shamanistic traditions throughout history, and how they intersect with modern psychology and metaphysical studies.

Are shamans enlightened or psychotic? Decide for yourself as Dr. Walsh unveils the life and mind of this revered figure. Delve into shamanic practices—healing, altered states of consciousness, journeying, channeling, vision quests—and discover if, how, and why they actually work.

Clearly we have much to learn from much that shamans do—the myths they live by, the training they undergo, the techniques they use, the crises they confront, the capacities they develop, the states of consciousness they enter, the understandings they gain, the visions they see, and the cosmic travels that they take.

The more we explore shamanism, the more it points to unrecognized potentials of the human body, mind, and spirit. For untold thousands of years the world of shamanism has helped, healed, and taught humankind, and it has still more to offer us.

“As if on cue, just when I am beginning to think that shamanism is the ground from which all religions spring, along comes this book. I cannot imagine a book that would be more helpful to me in thinking through this important subject.” —Huston Smith, author of The World’s Religions

“A brilliant integrative work that pushes the frontiers of consciousness in insightful, practical, and powerful ways.” —-Angeles Arrien, author, The Fourfold Way

Also by Roger Walsh are Essential Spirituality and Higher Wisdom (editor).