Celtic Totem Animals

Rating:
Summary: COULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH BETTER
Review: I was very disappointed in this set. The book should have been hardcover, the cards should not have been so incredibly cheap and small (they look like they came out of a bubble gum machine; I only used them twice and they are already worn), and the drumming on the CD was not done very well (probably because the drummers were John Matthews & his wife, and they don't seem to be able to keep a steady beat, which I found most annoying).

Having said that, the information contained in the book is okay; I agree with the previous reviewer that it really is for the true beginner. If you've already read anything about shamanism, this book will not hold any new information.

I just feel that if you are going to put together a boxed set, the components should not be done as cheaply as possible. For heaven's sake, put a little quality into it!

CONCLUSION: Not worth the asking price. You're better off spending a little more money for a great drumming CD & a better book on shamanism.

Rating:
Summary: Spirit Animals for New Students of Celtic Shamanism
Review: Mention the topic 'Celtic shamanism' and one will eventually encounter the writings and prolific work of John and Caitlin Matthews, both wisdomkeepers in the Celtic visionary traditions, living in Britain. CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS is the latest project of John Matthews in 2002 and is a good overall introduction to those beginning students who have not been exposed to Celtic traditions, the totems, or to the specific method of shamanic journeying (sometimes referred to as 'soul flight', 'active dreaming' or 'walking between the worlds').

CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS is just exactly that: a beautifully conceived project, providing a good doorway for introducing the beginning student of shamanism to the influence of the totemic dimensions, clearly showing that John Matthews is as much in tune with those people who are just learning about the Celtic traditions as he is those seasoned practitioners who benefit from his other writings.

NOTE: For those who are long-time practitioners of shamanic work or who are practiced with various divinatory systems, do note that CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS is--in my estimation--designed for beginning students. CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS will be basic gnosis and praxis. However, I also think even some seasoned practitioners--especially of Celtic mysticism and shamanism--will find value in the versions of the traditional stories that John shares in the book; stories that clearly express and articulate the totemic and shamanic dimension within Celtic tradition.

CELTIC TOTEM ANIMALS consists of: a.) a well-researched and informative book (complete with profile of the major totems of Celtic tradition, nine sacred stories from the Celtic tradition expressing the totemic influence of the animal powers in the Celtic mythos, along with an introductory explanation and instruction in shamanic journeywork, b.) a set of 20 cards depicting some of the major Celtic totems (note: the artwork is nice, in a kind of woodblock print form, however, the cards are also extremely small--2 inches by 2.5 inches and might be somewhat disappointing to those folks who were expecting full-sized cards as are found in tarot systems), and c.) a good basic shamanic journeying CD with three tracks of drumming, complete with call-back.

Rating:
Summary: I have mixed feelings on this book
Review: This set wasn't the best one I've owned on totem animals. The information was pretty good but there wasn't all that much. It includes some history on totems, a few legends, and backround on 20 common totems. The cards were extremely cheap and I only got to use them a few times before they wore. Also, the CD wasn't very good material in my opinion. I would really only reccomend this set for beginners.

Rating:
Summary: I have mixed feelings on this book
Review: This set wasn't the best one I've owned on totem animals. The information was pretty good but there wasn't all that much. It includes some history on totems, a few legends, and backround on 20 common totems. The cards were extremely cheap and I only got to use them a few times before they wore. Also, the CD wasn't very good material in my opinion. I would really only reccomend this set for beginners.