Witchcraft and the Shamanic Journey: Pagan Folkways from the Burning Times
by Kenneth Johnson
This book makes a very convincing case for locating the roots of practically all true magical practices in the original spiritual path of shamanism. In doing so, we see that true Wicca, and other simular traditions, have a legitimate claim to extremely ancient and profound practices dating back to the dawn of the race. The author shows parallels between the beliefs and practices in culture after culture (Mayan, Plains Indian, Siberian, Norse, Celtic, Chinese, Tibetan, Polynesian, Hindu, Greek, Etc.) He then shows connections with more historically recent traditions in Germany, Switzerland, France, Ireland, Italy, England, etc. I found it to be a magnificent and convincing synthesis.
I found it especially appropriate that a book about common roots should use the universal symbol of the World Tree as a starting point.
The author points out that when a society ceases to listen to the messages of the otherworldly dimension the results are always the same: listlessness, depression, addiction, inhumanity, and general malaise. This is the result of "loss of soul." It is the natural function of the shaman to maintain the connection with the otherworld and to reclaim lost souls.
The next time a "skeptic" tries to minimalise the
legitamacy and lineage of your spiritual path, you could do far worse than to
refer this book to them. The connection between early Christianity and Shamanism
is even explored (estatic states, speaking in tongues, spirit journeys to higher
realms, helping spirits, crucifixion on the World Tree....)
