Shamanic Christianity

SHAMANISM / RELIGION "This shamanic-handbook-for-all-people is an invitation to breathe in a fresh spirit and observe the boundless horizons of spiritual possibilities. Keeney challenges us to respond to the persistent tapping of ancient wisdom, which seeks communion at the altar of each of our hearts." --Malidoma P. Some, author of Of Water and the Spirit and Healing Wisdom of Africa When the missionaries came to North America to "save" the American Indians, they were perplexed to discover that while they talked about Jesus, some of the Indians claimed to talk directly with him. Among Christians there is almost complete silence on the subject of the place of shamanism in experiencing the divine; yet shamanic experience is at the root of all mystical communion. Shamanic Christianity offers a chance to rekindle the shamanic practices of Christianity to those who wish to restore their direct connection to the spirit world. In the tradition of contemplative practice, this reconnection takes the form of devotions. Each devotion begins with contemplation of a specific spiritual theme, followed by a guided meditation, then a parable from the author's own visionary experiences, and finally an active mystical practice--a grounding ritual or ceremony that involves physical participation. Through these four devotional forms, Jesus, Mary, and the renowned saints are reintroduced as shamanic teachers of divine mysteries whose spiritual presence is readily available to us today. The author also presents specific directives for handling everyday challenges in a shamanic-inspired manner. Drawing upon creative activities and intuitive resources, these directives encourage approaching the world with the imaginative and playful spirit of a child--always wide open to possibilities. BRADFORD KEENEY, PH.D., is an internationally renowned scholar, therapist, and shaman who has led expeditions throughout the world to study cultural healing practices. He is the author of Bushman Shaman: Awakening the Spirit through Ecstatic Dance, Shaking Medicine: The Healing Power of Ecstatic Movement, and the editor of the Profiles of Healing series.