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author: Kenneth Meadows
I have a great deal of respect for Kenneth Meadows, having read some of his previous work, including "Earth Medicine" and "The Medicine Way". Meadows work has one overall theme: that of adapting shamanic wisdom from diverse cultures into contemporary usage. He never talks down to the reader, he never hints of "secret wisdom" - he presents his thoughts clearly and concisely, and asks the reader to respect the wisdom that he is sharing.
When speaking of shamanism, and why one would choose to walk this path, he speaks of different kinds of "magic" - the "magic" of the illusionist, the "magick" of the ceremonial occultist and the "magik" of bringing desired changes into physical manifestation. The latter is the world of the shaman - the magik that comes from taking control of ones life.
In the beginning of the book, Meadows share the commission that he was given by the mystic Medicine Chief "Silver Bear". From the book:
"When you walk in darkness
"Shamanic Experience" begins at the beginning - with the very roots of the shamanic path. Meadows presents a shamanic concept, then he presents an exercise for the reader to do to help incorporate the concept into their lives. Meadows discusses the concept of the Medicine Wheel, as it represents the "realities" of shamanic life.
He shows the reader how to stretch their site, and how to begin seeing/sensing auras. There is a really good discussion of relaxation, and of how important that one little thing is to shamanic work. From here, we learn about finding our power places - one inside and one outdoors - where our shamanic work will be done.
Meadows discusses the four worlds of the shaman - the Upper World (the place of spirit), the Middle World (the realm of physical being), the Lower World (the world of unmanifested energies) and the Underworld (the place of potential). Complimenting this is a discussion of the chakras, chakra energy and the importance of balancing the chakras in order to allow the bodies energy systems to flow freely.
There is a very complete over-view of shamanic tools - what they are, how they are used, and how to consecrate them. This is where the foundation for shamanic work is done - in setting one's intent by honoring the tools that one uses. I would personally call this a precursor even to breath work.
Now we are ready for the shamanic journey itself - where to go (upper world or lower world), and how to get there. This is where we learn about power animals - what these energies are, how to recognize them and how to work with them. There is a fairly general section on the more common power animals, and the energies associated with each of them.
Meadows next visits the plant and mineral kingdom, and discusses totems and allies. He introduces the reader to the world of crystals, and the energies that they manifest. He then moves on to the plant kingdom, how to locate the "medicine" of each plant and how to work with it.
At the end of the book Meadows presents a glossary of terms specific to shamanism - a definite aid for those that are beginners on this path.
To compliment the very well done instructions on how to undertake a shamanic journey, Meadows has included a drumming CD with this book. I found that to be a gift - an act of thoughtfulness from a mentor that I have never met, but that has had a great influence on my life and my path.
"Shamanic Experience" is a very basic, general book. It is primarily for beginners, or for those that have perhaps gone a short way on their path, or those that have picked up shamanic knowledge in dribs and drabs from various sources. It presents the basic shamanic precepts in a knowledgeable, coherent and respectful manner. It allows the student to understand the commitment they are making if they choose to walk this path. It gives them a hand up. I highly recommend it.
Bonnie Cehovet
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