{"product_id":"spirit-voices-the-mysteries-and-magic-of-north-asian-shamanism-9781578637928","title":"Spirit Voices: The Mysteries and Magic of North Asian Shamanism","description":"\u003cb\u003eProvides a clear and accessible guide to the many different North Asian shamanic traditions, past and present. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e What is shamanism? Where is it from? How does one become a shaman? What are the requirements to become one? Anthropologists tell us that the word shaman derives from the Tungus language and traditions, but few people understand the full scope of what that means. In his groundbreaking book, Spirit Voices, \u003cb\u003eDavid Shi answers all these questions and more.\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Drawing upon his own ancestral traditions, Shi explores the history and practice of shamanism. He \u003cb\u003eguides readers through what may be the unfamiliar landscapes of North Asia\u003c\/b\u003e--the place where shamanism was born--as well as the largely hidden and unfamiliar traditions of Turkic, Mongolic, and Tungus shamanism, exploring the subtle and unique aspects of each tradition. Shi provides a clear and accessible guide that explores the many different North Asian shamanic traditions. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e So, what exactly is shamanism? David Shi suggests that the most accurate definition derives from shamanologist Nicholas Breeze Wood, who writes, \"A shaman is someone chosen by the spirits [typically at or 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 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 cannot exist or function. Without the trance state, it is not shamanism.\" \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Featuring history, \u003cb\u003efirsthand experiential reports, mythology, and folklore\u003c\/b\u003e, \u003ci\u003eSpirit Voices\u003c\/i\u003e explores the spirits, spirituality, tools, and practices of true shamanism, past and present. Shi \u003cb\u003ealso provides practical information for those readers seeking to implement shamanic practices\u003c\/b\u003e, including those that are appropriate to noninitiates and outsiders to the culture. As the author points out, \"\u003cb\u003ethe purpose of shamanism can be summed up in two words: coexistence and balance--coexistence with our spirits and our communities, and the balance that must be preserved between all of us and within ourselves\u003c\/b\u003e.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eDavid J. Shi\u003c\/b\u003e is a shamanic worker and folk magic practitioner who engages in traditional North Asian forms of shamanism. David's practices are deeply rooted in spirit work in which ancestral and land spirits are called to empower all workings. He has appeared at conferences and festivals throughout the United States and is always aiming to introduce westerners to eastern spiritualities and helping fellow Asian Americans connect to their spiritual roots. Follow him on Instagram @davidjshi311.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Weiser Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50651673133330,"sku":"9781578637928","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_c50b017d-37b6-4156-840e-43ad6f1752bd.jpg?v=1733307131","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/spirit-voices-the-mysteries-and-magic-of-north-asian-shamanism-9781578637928","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}