Read more
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.
List of contents
Preface
Introduction: The Calling Forth of Christian Shamanism
PART I: THE LOST TEACHINGS Introduction to the Lost Teachings: The Mystical Devotions and Practice
1 Jesus As Shaman
2 Mary and the Religion of the Great Mother
3 St. Francis and the Teachings of the Forest
4 Hildegard and the Fire of Mystical Illumination
5 Talking to Animals and Fairies: The Celtic Saints
6 Miracle of the Holy Light
7 The New England Shakers and the Indian Spirits
8 The Prove: The Shamanic Use of the Holy Book
9 Receiving the Staff and Other Shamanic Instruments
10 The Shamanic Power of Loving One’s Enemy
11 Soul-Making Music
12 The Pilgrimage to Silence
13 Rebirthing Out of the Great Mother Sea
14 Unless Ye Become Like Children
PART II: THE LOST DIRECTIVES
Introduction to the Lost Directives:
Meeting the Challenges of Everyday Life
15 Shamanic Directives for Addressing Worry
16 Shamanic Directives for Addressing Self-Image
17 Shamanic Directives for Addressing Motivation
18 Shamanic Directives for Addressing Fear
19 Shamanic Directives for Addressing Insomnia
20 Shamanic Directives for Addressing Self-Control
21 Shamanic Directives for Addressing Weight Control
22 Shamanic Directives for Addressing Sadness
23 Shamanic Directives for Addressing Boredom
24 Shamanic Directives for Addressing Anger
25 Shamanic Directives for Addressing Family Relationships
The Lost Epistle: On Becoming a Christian Shaman
Appendix: Message for the World Worrier
About the Author
About the author
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 an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the Rock Art Research Institute, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, and is the author of
Bushman Shaman: Awakening the Spirit through Ecstatic Dance,
Shamanic Christianity: The Direct Experience of Mystical Communion,
Shaking Medicine: The Healing Power of Ecstatic Movement, and the editor of the
Profiles of Healing series.
Additional text
"Timely, and well-written. . . . The reader will find this book fascinating in its implications."
