Demystifying Shamans and Their World
Demystifying Shamans and Their World

Author: Adam J. Rock

Publisher: Andrews UK Limited

Published: 2011-10-14

Total Pages: 257

ISBN-13: 1845403339

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Shamanism can be described as a group of techniques by which its practitioners enter the “spirit world,” purportedly obtaining information that is used to help and to heal members of their social group. Despite a resurgence of interest in shamanism and shamanic states of consciousness, these phenomena are neither well-defined nor sufficiently understood. This multi-disciplinary study draws on the fields of psychology, philosophy and anthropology with the aim of demystifying shamanism. The authors analyse conflicting perspectives regarding shamanism, the epistemology of shamanic states of consciousness, and the nature of the mental imagery encountered during these states.

Exceptional Experience and Health
Exceptional Experience and Health

Author: Christine Simmonds-Moore

Publisher: McFarland

Published: 2014-01-10

Total Pages: 313

ISBN-13: 0786488670

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The study of the effect of "exceptional" experiences and beliefs on health--including anomalous, placebo, or hypnotic healing and mystical, religious, transpersonal, and creative experiences--is attracting increasing academic and public interest. This collection of essays explores the nature of mind, its impact on the body, and the relationship between "exceptional" experiences and physical health, mental health, and the potential for other types of perception. Examining the influence of spiritual practices, mental imagery, and alternative healing methods such as Reiki and Johrei, the essays encourage the expansion of mental health practice to include the full range of exceptional experiences. By normalizing experiences that are often pathologized, this book recognizes that exceptional human experiences can and do have value for physical and mental health.