Shamanic Christian: The Direct Experience of Mystical Communion

(Paperback)

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Description

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. Presented in four forms, these devotions begin with a specific contemplation, followed by a meditative focus, then a parable form the author's own visionary experiences, and finally an active mystical practice to help ground the meditations and contemplations in a ritual or ceremony that involves active participation. These four forms serve to reintroduce Jesus, Mary and the historically renowned saints as shamanic teachers of divine mysteries whose spiritual presence is readily available to contemporary lives. The author also presents specific directives for handling everyday challenges in a shamanic-inspired manner, drawing upon creative activities and resources that encourage approaching the with the imaginative and playful spirit if a child, whose personal freedom and creative expression is always wide open to possibilities.

Reviews

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. Som, author of Of Water and the Spirit and Healing Wisdom of Africa *
"If your background is within the Christian Tradition, you will probably be very interested in what this book has to teach and may experience a true healing and fuller acceptance of your own beliefs." * Krysta Gibson, New Spirit Journal, April 2006 *
"To open-minded Christians seeking a more intimate and mystical experience of Jesus (and Christianity), this joyful and playful book brings new ways of thinking about and practicing their religion." * Dianne Fresquez, For Heaven's Sake, New Age Retailer, Fall 2006 *
"With a bold dash of imagination, Keeney imagines what a shamanic Christianity would look like." * Spirituality & Health, Oct 2006 *
"Timely, and well-written. . . . The reader will find this book fascinating in its implications."
"Timely, and well-written. . . . The reader will find this book fascinating in its implications." * Lee Prosser, Ghostvillage.com, April 2006 *

Author Bio

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.