Encyclopedia of Native American Shamanism: Sacred Ceremonies of North America

(Hardback)

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Description

Historically, Native American peoples believed that life was to be lived in a sacred manner. There were ceremonies for nearly every act of life, and they formed the very basis of Native American religious practice. Focusing on "medicine" or sacred ceremonies conducted through the shamans, this volume covers North American Native American ceremonies, including Canadian, Eskimo, and Hawaiian cultures. Entries include: the names and results of medicine ceremonies; renowned shamans; techniques used by shamans to acquire and control the power of sacred ceremonies; cross-cultural symbolic motifs; plants and sacred paraphernalia associated with ceremonies; and recurring themes that structure the ceremonies. This work should appeal to students of anthropology, psychology, Native American studies, comparative religion, social welfare, and sociology.

Reviews

"For public and academic libraries." - Library Journal "...an interesting, favorable treatment of magic in Native society for larger collections." - School Library Journal "...this volume provides the most in depth treatment. Highly recommended for public and academic libraries, especially where Encyclopedia of Native American Healing is already part of the collection." - Booklist "Essential for anthropology and Native American reference collections." - Choice

Author Bio

William S. Lyon is professor of anthropology serving on the graduate faculty of the Center for Religious Studies at the University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, where he specializes in Native American religion. He is the author of several books for ABC-CLIO.