Monday, July 2, 2012

Singing the Soul Back Home-Shamanism in Daily Life


Singing the Soul Back Home-Shamanism in Daily Life
Caitlin Matthews
ISBN 1-85230-616-5
1995
Element Books Limited
US $14.95

Caitlin Matthews is one of the co founders of The Foundation for Inspirational and Oracular Studies. This group is dedicated to the sacred arts that are unwritten. The author is trained in esoteric Mystery traditions. Much of her teachings are based on the European traditions. She is also a singer, story teller and has written 60+books. Currently she lives in Oxford.

Courses in Shamanism are offered through Hallowquest.org.uk . There you will also find more information on Caitlin Matthews.


Contact Information:
Postal address: BCM Hallowquest, London WC1N 3XX, U.K.

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“Regulate your own practice by keeping your journeying to a minimum of four to six journeys a month; this way, you will be better able to understand and assimilate your experiences. Your spirits will indeed help you, but if you are always appearing to ask their advice yet not allowing any time to implement it in your life, then you are hardly accepting or validating such help.” pg 56-57

This book was written not as an instruction guide to becoming a Shaman, but as a Shamanic Journey for the solitary person. There are no one type of religion undertones, the author was careful in this which enabled her to reach a wide variety of people.

It includes a number of exercises, not meant as a regular curriculum like a school agenda for example, but more-so...it is information to be worked through at ones own pace.

The art at the beginning of each chapter is not to be overlooked either. It can even be enjoyed apart from the book, as well it works very well with the contents. The images are deep and meaningful and obviously meant to be contemplated.

This book, stands separate from the others I've reviewed. I believe that the contents can reach a number of people regardless of faith, age, and culture. Some of them greatly in need of the transformation that can occur as a result of a commitment to these lessons. This book is one of the deepest reads I've experienced, as it does make one really think about the disharmony in their life and the real reasons for it. There are many people that get the feeling of just not being all there because of being overworked, overstressed, mistreated, abused, violated, etc. . This has created a chasm within our very souls...wounding it, and affecting our mental well being. For many who commit I imagine they can experience a renewed wholeness within themselves.

Through the use of meditation and contemplation, this book takes the reader on a Shamanic journey. You learn to work with your guides traveling the three worlds to explore the reasons for your disharmony or to answer questions you need assistance with. It is not your typical occult reading you might find at the coffee shop/book stores, and I have never seen it on a book shelf before. However I enjoyed this book so much I can think of several people I might gift a copy to.

Please refer to the below site for a complete list of books by Caitlin Matthews as well as the books included in the bibliography of Singing the Soul Back Home. (to be updated in the next few days)

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