Features
- Cover Type: Paperback with 262 pages
- Published by: Llewellyn Publications
- Edition: 2nd Edition February 1, 1999
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 1567183794
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-1567183795
-
Book Dimensions:
9 x 6.2 x 0.8 inches
- Weighs: 12.8 ounces
Product Review
The 20th century has seen an astounding revival of European pagan beliefs such as witchcraft, but could these pre-Christian traditions have roots in an even older heritage, one common to people in lands as far apart as Iceland and South America? Kenneth Johnson believes so, and as he sifts through the records left from the witch trials of the 15th and 16th centuries, he uncovers bits of evidence that point to an ancient shamanic lore that survives in Slavic, Icelandic, and even North American cultural beliefs. According to Johnson, such a far-reaching lore would necessarily have its origins with the very beginnings of humankind before we migrated across the continents. Johnson's colorful prose transports the reader to diverse eras, from colonial Greenland to 19th-century United States. He blends this prose with historical research and practical spiritual exercises, exploring the origins of an ancient pathway while reestablishing our connection to it.
--Brian Patterson
Product Description
Learn why Shamanism has survived through the centuries. Formerly titled NORTH STAR ROAD, this book reveals the spiritual roots of Western culture. An in-depth study of witchcraft trial records and the testimony of the witches themselves prove that European peasants accused of witchcraft died, in fact, for the sake of the world's oldest spiritual path.
Reader ReviewsThis book makes a very convincing case for locating the roots of practically all true magical practices in the original spiritual path of shamanism. In doing so, we see that true Wicca, and other simular traditions, have a legitimate claim to extremely ancient and profound practices dating back to the dawn of the race. The author shows parallels between the beliefs and practices in culture after culture (Mayan, Plains Indian, Siberian, Norse, Celtic, Chinese, Tibetan, Polynesian, Hindu, Greek, Etc.) He then shows connections with more historically recent traditions in Germany, Switzerland, France, Ireland, Italy, England, etc. I found it to be a magnificent and convincing synthesis. I found it especially appropriate that a book about common roots should use the universal symbol of the World Tree as a starting point. The author points out that when a society ceases to listen to the messages of the otherworldly dimension the results are always the same: listlessness, depression, addiction, inhumanity, and general malaise. This is the result of "loss of soul." It is the natural function of the shaman to maintain the connection with the otherworld and to reclaim lost souls. The next time a "skeptic" tries to minimalise the legitamacy and lineage of your spiritual path, you could do far worse than to refer this book to them. The connection between early Christianity and Shamanism is even explored (estatic states, speaking in tongues, spirit journeys to higher realms, helping spirits, crucifixion on the World Tree....)
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