The Soul of Shamanism: Western Fantasies, Imagnal Realities
Anthropology of Consciousness December 1, 1999 DOI: 10.1525/ac.1999.10.4.83 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThis book examines how Western culture has romanticized and misrepresented shamanism, contrasting these fantasies with the actual imaginal realities of shamanic practices. The author argues that popular Western interpretations often distort the true nature of shamanism, and he seeks to clarify these misunderstandings by exploring the authentic spiritual and psychological dimensions of shamanic traditions.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that Western fantasies have distorted shamanism and that its authentic core lies in an 'imaginal' realm of visionary creativity. |
Abstract
The Soul of Shamanism: Western Fantasies, Imagnal Realities. Daniel C. Noel. New York: Continuum, 1997. 252 pages. $17.95 (paper)