Although in modern times and clinical settings, we rarely see the old characteristics of tribal shamanism such as deep trances, out-of-body experiences, and soul retrieval, the archetypal dreams, waking visions and active imagination of modern depth psychology represents a liminal zone where ancient and modern shamanism overlaps with analytical psychology. These essays explore the contributors' excursions as healers and therapists into this zone. The contributors describe the many facets shamanism and depth psychology have in common: animal symbolism; recognition of the reality of the collective unconscious; and healing rituals that put therapist and patient in touch with transpersonal powers. By reintroducing the core of shamanism in contemporary form, these essays shape a powerful means of healing that combines the direct contact with the inner psyche one finds in shamanism with the self-reflection and critical awareness of modern consciousness. The essays draw from the contributors'experiences both inside and outside the consulting room, and with cultures that include the Lakota Sioux, and those of the Peruvian Andes and the Hawaiian Islands. The focus is on those aspects of shamanism most useful and relevant to the modern practice of depth psychology. As a result, these explorations bring the young practice of analytical psychology into perspective as part of a much more ancient heritage of shamanistic healing. Contributors: Margaret Laurel Allen, Norma Churchill, Arthur Colman, Lori Cromer, Patricia Damery, C. Jess Groesbeck, Pansy Hawk Wing, June Kounin, Carol McRae, Pilar Montero, Jeffrey A. Raff, Janet S. Robinson, Meredith Sabini, Dyane N. Sherwood, Sara Spaulding-Phillips, Bradley A. Te Paske and Louis M. Vuksinick.

"The reader reemerges from these fascinating accounts of psychic, spiritual, and physical journey convinced of the reality of other-worlds--whether they reside in our unconscious or in a separate space-- inhabited by animal spirits and allies, gods an ancestors, and convinced too of the need (ours and theirs) to acknowledge and honor them. Unfortunately, it takes a single conversation with a dogmatically rational person to dispel this knowing, for a prevailing spell has been cast upon the lot of us that tethers us to the profane." -Julie Mayeda "The Bloomsbury Review "The reader reemerges from these fascinating accounts of psychic, spiritual, and physical journey convinced of the reality of other-worlds--whether they reside in our deep unconscious or in a separate space-- inhabited by animal spirits and allies, gods and ancestors, and convinced too of the need (ours and theirs) to acknowledge and honor them." -Julie Mayeda, "The Bloomsbury Review September/October 1997 "These are well-written essays ... Students will enjoy the volume, as will analytical psychologists interested in enriching the practice of modern therapy with elements borrowed from ancient healing traditions." -"Religious Studies Review

Paperback 274 pages