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Seeing in the Dark
Claim Your Own Shamanic Power Now and
in the Coming Age
by
Colleen Deatsman and Paul Bowersox
Perhaps the most important point to make regarding this book is its timeliness. Since our world is now deeply into the process of reorganizing itself, Seeing in the Dark gathers together ancient shamanic traditions which are relevant to being able to successfully negotiate our twenty-first century. There are many more people on this planet who have some notion of what the word "shaman” means. Pronounced shah-mann, the term has been handed down to us from the Tungus people of Siberia. It has been translated in various ways, one of which is, “one who sees in the dark.” This designation describes the ability to both live fully in this time/space while maintaining the ability also to move through the spirit world which lies outside of ordinary time/space. This ability offers unlimited access to guidance for the healing, insight, power to be used for the benefit of individual and the earth.
What these authors have done is to consolidate a vast amount of information about who shamans are and apply that to any one of us who chooses to follow that path. “The reason shamanism is so effective is that it is a point of view, a lifestyle, rather than a doctrine. It is experienced in nature and teaches us that we know, on a very fundamental level, who we are and what we need to do to take care of ourselves,. It provides a way of self-examination and natural connection that can help us find our way, even when we are lost or confused... You can embrace any god, prophet, or savior you desire, and shamanism will still work for you. Why? Because shamanism teaches us how to live in harmony with all of creation. Its overarching tenet is that we are all connected, and because we are connected, we can rely on ourselves to fulfill our destinies. More than that, we can use the principles of shamanism to do the personal work that will ultimately allow us to choose an alternate course for this world.”
Deatsman and Boweresox bring a variety of education, personal and professional shamanic practice, and rich life experience to this work. They present information through the use of storytelling, shamanic journey excerpts, and scholarly research. They include many practical suggestions for personal journeys and rituals - offering guidance to the reader for creating their own ceremonies. This book consistently presents the authors’ conviction that “everyone is a conduit of Spirit, in every moment, all the time. They are part of the greater whole of life-force energy and therefore express that energy with their very being.” They are also aware that in the fast pace of our society, many find specific guidance very helpful. Toward that end, they offer a combination of ancient traditions, and practical suggestions they have found to be beneficial in their work with others.
An example of this is their five step process for Bare Awareness which includes the steps of setting your intention, focusing, releasing, allowing, and accepting. They offer exercises to support the reader to experience the benefit of this practical resource. Many people today are interested in understanding their own energy system and how to flow with it. Chapter eight goes into depth describing the human energy body, how it is impacted by unbeneficial sources, and how healing can be experienced. For those still not quite sure what “soul” is , chapter seven on soul healing gives clear information and again, guidance for individual work to deepen the reader’s personal experience. The exercises provide an excellent way to augment but not replace more traditional shamanic healing.
Concrete suggestions also include how to create sacred space, medicine circles, and other ceremonies and rituals to encourage individual evolving their own shamanic practice. I am most impressed with the authors' consistent encouragement for readers to take personal responsibility. I believe this is essential for both the integrity of an individual's path as well as the healing/harmonizing of our culture. “Shamanism isn’t a religion or merely a spiritual practice -- it’s a way of being and living. What we do with and within ourselves is what we do in the world. Your everyday life is an expression of what is really going on with you, You might be expressing your soul, or you might be expressing your issues. Living shamanically means knowing the difference and choosing to live from the soul as much as possible.”
The authors have presented an inspirational personal testimony of their trust in the ability of human beings to make the changes our world greatly needs. This book can be used as a workbook for those who seek the resources to support their efforts. For those already on the shamanic path, they offer a good suggestions to augment and broaden your practice. For the reader newly drawn to shamanism, the book provides an in-depth study that can help you to decide if this might be your spiritual path. To those following other traditions, this book offers exercises that may compliment what you already enjoy!
- Allie Knowlton
Seeing in the Dark: Claim Your Own Shamanic Power Now and in the Coming Age
Red Wheel/Weiser, LLC, 2009
ISBN# 978-157863-443-9
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