David Shi

A guide to authentic North Asian Shamanism, past and present The word shamanism is frequently bandied about but rarely used accurately. Shamanologist Nicholas Breeze Wood coined the following definition: "A shaman is someone chose by the spirits [typically at/before birth] and who can go into a controlled and repeatable deliberate trance state, during which they: A) experience 'spirit flight,' where they go to meet the spirit worlds and meet spirits, who they either fight with, negotiate with, or trick, in order to create change in this physical world, or B) are often taken over/possessed by the spirits (normally ancestral shaman spirits, or local land spirits) while in this physical world--the spirits using the shaman's voice and body to heal, or give advice to members of the shaman's community. Without the spirits, and their blessing, a shaman can not exist or function. Without the trance state, it is not shamanism." Author David Shi, for whom these are family traditions, explores the history and practice of shamanism. What is it? Where is it from? How does one become a shaman? Shi guides readers through unfamiliar territory--the landscape of North Asia--and through what are largely hidden and unfamiliar traditions. Spirit Voices takes and in-depth look at three main cultural shamanic traditions: Turkic, Mongolic, and Tungus. Spirit Voices features history, first-hand experiential reports, mythology, and folklore to explore the spirits, spirituality, and practices of true shamanism. In addition to history and analysis of North Asian shamanism, Shi also provides practical information for those readers seeking to implement practices that are appropriate to non-initiates and outsiders to the culture.

The Mysteries and Magic of North Asian Shamanism

Spirit Voices

From the ancient Mongol empire to the Manchurian Qing Dynasty, the people of North Asia have shaped the history of the world. With an extraordinary range of beliefs and practices, both indigenous and influenced by their geographic neighbours, the Animist, Shamanic, and Buddhist folk magicians of Mongolia, Manchuria, and Eastern Siberia preserve a vital religio-magical practice by which people seek and obtain blessings, protection, luck, love, and health. This book will open your eyes to diverse cultural customs and spell-casting methods that you may never have known existed.

Spellcraft from Manchuria, Mongolia, and Siberia

North Asian Magic

Clive Hamilton

Juliet B. Schor

Henry David Thoreau

Duane Elgin

Richard Denniss

John de Graaf

Philip Cafaro

Jim Merkel

Mark Alan Burch

Amatai Etzioni

Jerome Segal

Alan Durning

Richard Gregg

Arnold Mitchell

Eric Freyfogle

Mary Grigsby

Intended as an invitation to an alternative way of life, this anthology, released by Wanganui publishers Stead and Daughters, brings together some of the most important literature on the post-consumerist living strategy known as 'voluntary simplicity.' By examining afresh our relationship with money, material possessions, the planet, ourselves and each other, the simple life of voluntary simplicity is about discovering the freedom and contentment that comes with knowing how much consumption is truly enough. And this might be a theme that has something to say to everyone, especially those of us who are everyday bombarded with thousands of cultural messages insisting that 'more is always better.' Voluntary simplicity is an art of living that is aglow with the insight that 'just enough is plenty.' The contributors to this anthology - all leading figures in the voluntary simplicity movement - are highly distinguished scholars, activists, educators, and artists. Brought together so comprehensively for the first time, the result is a collection of the very best writing on one of today's most important but neglected ideas. This progressive book is essential reading for the thoughtful non-conformist.

The Poetic Alternative to Consumer Culture

Voluntary Simplicity

David Shi

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