Encyclopedia of Native American Shamanismfocuses on "medicine" or sacred ceremonies conducted through shamans in which the power of the Creator is made manifest for all to behold. Historically, Native American peoples believed that life was to be lived in a sacred manner. There were ceremonies for nearly every act of life that formed the very basis of Native American religious life and were a...
Spiritual Dimensions of Healing: From Native Shamanism to Contemporary Health Care. Stanley Krippner and Patrick Welch New York: Irvington, 1992 293 pp. ISBN 0‐ 8290‐2462‐X; 0‐8290‐3162‐6 with audio cassette. $19.95 (cloth); $39.95 with audio cassette.
One unique feature found in many of the traditional Native American cultures in North America is that they socially sanction visionary experiences in individuals. How the visionary experience is used in these cultures and, in particular, in shamanism, is discussed. It is suggested that the process of using induction techniques for visionary experiences, in order to acquire shamanic power, may...