Shaman, Healer, Sage : How to Heal Yourself and Others with the Energy Medicine of the Americas

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Summary: Reality or fiction?
Review: Alberto Villoldo has a Ph.D. from Saybrook Institute in California, in psychology, not medical anthropology. After speaking with academics who have written books about Andean shamanism, as well as people in the US who are practitioners of this, I have come to the conclusion that the lack of detail cited by another customer reviewer is purposeful for reasons that are not of the highest calibre. I have decided not to buy Dr. Villoldo's books, but check them out of libraries. He is a good writer.

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Summary: shaman, healer, sage
Review: Dr. Alberto Villoldo's Shaman, Healer,Sage is an amazing read; I could not put this book down! His writing is clear as the Peruvian mountain waters he describes and every bit as beautiful as well. Unlike other "shamanistic" books, this practical "how-to" text reads like an exciting novel and the beauty and TRUTH of his own experiences in healing people is powerfully conveyed. As an English teacher, I truly appreciated his poetic and compelling prose. What a writer and what a message - this one is going on my top ten list forever! Maureen Baker, dublin, Ohio

Rating:
Summary: Reality or fiction II
Review: For those seeking more info about Dr. Villoldo's lack of detail and other concerns regarding truthfulness in contemporary shamanism, please see "The Selling of the Shaman and the Problem of Informant Legitimacy" which appears in the Summer 1990 issue of 'Anthropological Research', Volume 46, Number 2. Dr. Villoldo is prominently featured.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book!!
Review: I highly recommend "Shaman, Healer, Sage" by Alberto Villoldo for 3 reasons. First, his experiential approach offers unique insights into Native American metaphysics. Second, his novel approach to the number and structure of chakras provide substantial expanatory power as well as clear linkages to other metaphysical constructs (ie Kaballah/Tree of Life). Third, his exercises are easily understood and applied with virtually immediate impact and benefit.

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Summary: The titles says 'energy medicine of the AMERICAS'
Review: I took classes by Villoldo's students. After two years of learning a tradition called Inca, I found out I was learning medicine techniques that had no origin in South American shamanism and was a total fabrication of Villoldo. What a disappointment. I suggest if you want authentic stories and teachings on South American shamanism look elseware.

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Summary: The book that turned the lights on.
Review: I was reading alot of self-help books to improve areas of
my life and one day. I received this book. This is the book
that turned the lights on for me. We go through life not knowing alot of things about ourselves, spirits, and ancestors.

Rating:
Summary: Very helpful to energy workers
Review: I work with the dying and Alberto gives great insight to the dying process and working with the luminous field. He also writes brave words about the errors that can happen by untrained energy workers. It takes more than a weekend workshop.... His exercises work!

Rating:
Summary: Intriguing & Meaningful
Review: I'm no expert on the subject matter, I have no formal training, I am intrigued and curious. I found the book a fascinating read and the stories of the writer's personal experiences delightful. I went on to read earlier works to gain insight in areas I was unfamiliar with and found those works also enjoyable. The exercises were well described and I gained results with those I tested. I liked the book and have recommended it to others who are curious about the subject matter. I did read the Anthropological study mentioned by another reviewer. To me it was the musings of the age old question:How does someone make a living as a scientist, yet still remain objective? I did not take it as a criticism of Villoldo's work.

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Summary: Villoldo's best yet!
Review: I've read Dr. Villoldo's other books and this one is his best yet. It is very easy to read and clearly describes the energy medicine of the Inca: how it works, how to use it, and provides simple exercises to experience the reality of energy medicine. I have been studying the medicine wheel tradition with Alberto and have found that there truly does exist a world of energy connections and interactions that are largely invisible to most of us. Invisible because we have learned how not to see or experience them. But these connections, from our own luminous bodies to every other being out there, are valuable in learning to shape our own lives. We can learn how to live more deliberately on this earth. There is great personal experience and power (over our own destinies, not over others) available to us if only we learn to 'see' it. Alberto clearly and concisely describes his own interpretations of this very ancient tradition. I highly recommend this book for all healers and for those interested in the mysteries of life.

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Summary: AN ELOQUENT MASTERPIECE FILLED WITH WISDOM
Review: I've read this one twice! Appears to have been written from the heart. Very informative. I keep it on my bookshelf along with B. Weiss, N. Walsh, D. Virtue, and J. Redfield