Editorial Review

By a recent count, the continent of Africa comprises some 1,300 cultures. Some of them number millions of people, some only a few families; some are thriving, while others are in danger of disappearing, the victims of acculturation or, in extreme cases, of genocide. This diversity--and the dangers to it--is little known outside Africa. PhotographersCarol Beckwith andAngela Fisher highlight both matters in Read more

Reviews (12)

Book is good, but the supplement CD is...
There is no-doubt about the photos are more than good.
See it before it disappears
A beautiful look at cultural conventions that may soon be relegated to the quaint and unusual.

BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE
HOW CAN ANYONE SAY THAT THESE CULTURES DON'T EXIST ANYMORE, OR THIS IS AN AFRICA THAT NO LONGER EXISTS. THEY TOOK THESE PICTURESWITHIN THE LAST 10 YEARS.. DIDN'T THEY ? DUH ?EVERYONE KNOWS THERE IS A COMMON EVERYDAY AFRICA.. GOING TO WORK GENERAL LIVING ( JUST LIKE US HERE IN AMERICA FOLKS) BUT STILL THERE IS AFRICAN TRIBAL SPLENDOR. JUST LIKE IN AMERICA INDIAN'S GET TOGETHER FOR TRIBAL POW WOWS. THEY STILL EXIST TOO. THE PICTURES IN THIS BOOK ARE SHOCKINGLY GORGEOUS...AFRICAN PEOPLE STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL. PLEASE! THE MEN ARE HANDSOME, THE WOMEN WONDEROUS. IT JUST MAKES ME WONDER WHY THE EUROPEAN STANDARD, HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE "STANDARD" OF BEAUTY. THIS REVUE MAY SOUND SHALLOW, BUT IF YOUR INTO THE HUMAN HAS ART FORM ...BUY THIS BOOK!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Africa - General    3. Anthropology - Cultural    4. Customs & Traditions    5. Initiation rites    6. Marriage customs and rites    7. Photo Essays    8. Photography    9. Photojournalism    10. Rites and ceremonies    11. Ritual    12. Sociology    13. African studies    14. Anthropology    15. Customs & folklore    16. Photographs: collections    17. Religion / Ethnic & Tribal    18. Religious rites & ceremonies   

Reviews (36)

A Wonderful Introduction
This book, recommended by a friend, was my initiation into the world of shamanism. I think Harner gives a great overall description of what shamanism is and where it comes from. There's no mystical, magical ramblings. It's very straighforward and based upon the research Michael Harner did personally as an anthropologist. He's taken the mystery out of shamanism, and presents it more as a science, or methodology.
The Inner Journey Awaits~"Hail The Goer!"
'The Way of the Shaman' by anthropologist and practicing shaman Michael Harner does an admirable job in presenting core shammanic beliefs, vivid personal experiences with indigenous practicing cultures and how-to-techniques and training for individual and group shammanic journeying.
Read it if you must-but take it from where it comes.
I have been teaching Shamanic workshops, and practicing Shamanic healing for many years ( never charging a penny for my services).
Read more

Subjects:  1. Ethnic & Tribal    2. Healing - General    3. Literature: Folklore/Mythology    4. Mental healing    5. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    6. Shamanism    7. Witchcraft & Wicca    8. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    9. Religion / Ethnic & Tribal    10. Spirituality   

Reviews (50)

AWESOME
Awesome book.I read it last night. We homeschool and my nine year loves to read. I am going to suggest that he read this book next. Praise the Lord!

Bruchko is Marvelous
This incredible, true story shows you how God works in ways we cannot even
Bruchko- A life changing book
If you want to see what God can do when you follow his call, read this book. I've read about 20 missionary books and this is my favorite. VERY inspiring. You'll pour through it in a day or two. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Christianity - Evangelism    3. Ethnic & Tribal    4. General    5. Indians of South America    6. Missions    7. Missions & Missionary Work    8. Motilon Indians    9. Religion    10. Venezuela    11. Yuko Indians    12. Olson, Bruce   

Reviews (1)

Masterful Essays in Symbolic Anthropology
The role of culture in human societies is explored through a combination of empirical research and the nimble mind and imaginative powers of the late Victor Turner. This collection will prove especially useful to students of comparative religion, social/cultural anthropology, literature, performance, and the visual arts. Turner's essays are far from dry. They thrill with their ability to combine close observations of the "exotic" beliefs of non-Western peoples and cutting edge insights into more familiar cultural dimensions of everyday life in western Europe and the United States.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Addresses, essays, lectures    2. Ethnic & Tribal    3. General    4. Metaphor    5. Rites and ceremonies    6. Sociology    7. Symbolism    8. Anthropology   

Editorial Review

What did Jamaican reggae singer Bob Marley and Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia have in common? A love for the Read more

Reviews (9)

VERY INSPIRATIONAL!
This book is an excellent read.I did not want to put down.It explained alot of what I felt was a bit unexplained in the bible. I have not finished the book yet but i Highly recommend it.

Decent Buy
I got this book a while back.It's a very nice book if you have a bad attention span, and you need what your reading to be simple.If your looking for the in depth historical version, then this probably won't be the book for you, but if you're looking for a real good Light reading, then this might be a good purchase.

A must read
The Kebra Negast is a must read for anyone on the path of black consciousness and understanding the truth of our place in the Bible.Reading the Kebra Negast really helped me understand Rastafari, I hate that I completed the book I wanted more.I wished women played a larger role and that the interpretation of doing God's will was a bit less damning like in all religions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Religions And Mythologies    2. Comparative Religion    3. Conduct of life    4. Criticism, interpretation, etc    5. Ethnic & Tribal    6. General    7. Kebra nagast    8. Rastafari movement    9. Religion    10. Religion - World Religions    11. Spiritual life    12. Africa    13. Rastafarianism    14. RELIGION-WORLD RELIGIONS    15. Jamaica    16. Marley, Bob   

Reviews (7)

Very thorough
This book on the religion is extremely and very thoroughly written. The amount of detail that is in this book is a very good introduction for any neophyte who has recently been initiated into the religion and I would recommend it to anyone that is interested in learning about the Lukumi or who needs to be educated on certain topics. However, any book written on the religion always leaves out information that is supposed to be kept secret and I am glad not ALL of the information was revealed. Nevertheless, it is a great read and interesting information has been written.

The Osha
I found it very informative, it explains way too much on my religion but, in part it is good, like that people get a better and total impression of what it is all about and that we do not worship the devil, but orishas whom were once on earth.The writer did a good job in the translation of the original book.
The Osha
Alafia! Aboru Aboye Abosise! May Ifa bless all those who are called by the African Orisa. I pay homage to all Babalawos,Awos Iyaloshas and Babaloshas who have paved the way for us to travel our journey / destiny which is the crooked road which leads us to Ifa.Read more

Subjects:  1. Comparative Religion    2. Ethnic & Tribal    3. General    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Rites and ceremonies    7. United States    8. Yoruba (African people)    9. Yoruba Americans    10. Ethnic or tribal religions    11. Religion: general   

Reviews (1)

Good solid fare!
This book is about exactly what it claims on the cover, a general history and lore of Heathenry, as compiled from the writings of members of The Troth, a modern Heathen organization, as well as contributions from the wider Heathen community.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Asatru; Odinism; heathen; heathenry; paganism; Norse; Viking; Germanic;Anglo-Saxon; Troth    2. Religion / Ethnic & Tribal   

Reviews (5)

The Truth To My Soul
As being a child of Oshun for 16 years, there are many answers that I have been seeking for a very long time and I can say that the author has touched upon many of them. He has a profound insight into the spiritual aspect as well as the Lukumi aspect of the religion.

Heavy read
But really good and you will learn alot about the most powerfull and benevolent queen of the sweet waters.
fascinating
I bought this beautiful book after Oshun appeared in my life without warning last year, and insisted on making her presence felt!...the book is a tender mixture of the scholarly and the spiritual, rich with cross-cultural and anthropological material. Many of the essays are extraordinarily touching and beautiful, and it contains a number of exquisite chants and poems to this shimmering, golden, sensual orisha - who is so much more than any of her aspects by itself would suggest. Highly recommened to students of comparative religion, western pagans, and anyone who feels their life touched by Oshun's brilliant power. Ori Yeye o! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa, West    2. America    3. Comparative Religion    4. Cult    5. Ethnic & Tribal    6. General    7. Osun (Yoruba deity)    8. Religion    9. Religion - Theology    10. Theology    11. Africa    12. African studies    13. Anthropology    14. Ethnic or tribal religions    15. The Americas   

Reviews (5)

An excellent book: A "MUST BUY"
-- *VERY* COMPREHENSIVE; an excellent book: A "MUST BUY"
Great book for the amature Mayanist!
This is a great refereance book for the amature Mayanist. "Gods and Symbols" is filled with specialized facts, covering subjects from Olmec to Aztec times in good detail. It is readable for both beginners and experts. Theamount of information can be overwhelming at times; it therefore is useful to have some background knowledge beforehand to be able to place facts in a larger contextual framework. However, the book's intent is to be a refereance work so this should be expected.

Already a classic
One of THE definitive reference works for everyone even remotely interested in the cultures of ancient Mesoamerica, "Gods and Symbols" well comprises the most important as well as more specialized facts, covering all its subjects from Olmec to Aztec times in the same amount of detail. It�s written to be accessible to both beginners and people more firm with the subjects, and certainly offers more than enough for both groups. However, although the cross-references are fine, the encyclopaedic, culture-jumping approach makes for a somewhat fractured read, and the sheer amount of information can prove overwhelming at times; it therefore could be useful to have some background knowledge beforehand that can help you place facts in a larger contextual framework when you need to. However, this hardly is a reason for criticism given the book�s intent, and it doesn�t stop it from being a highly readable standard work I can unhesitatingly recommend to just about anyone. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Archaeology    2. Ethnic & Tribal    3. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies - Spirituality    4. Reference    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Social Science    7. Alternative belief systems    8. American history: pre-Columbian period, BCE to c 1500    9. Mexico    10. Myths & mythology    11. Pre-Christian European & Mediterranean religions    12. Reference works    13. South America   

Reviews (9)

Great read.
The compelete Idiot's guide to voodoo .... Don't let that name fool you!
Well written, nice overview that shatters misconceptions.
I didn't know anything about voodoo before reading this book besides the stereotypes I've been fed through Hollywood. An excellent introduction
I really don't see where the complaints about sensationalism come from. This book was just the opposite--informative, going over some of the common stereotypes, and a good basic history of Afro-Caribbean religions. As an occultist with a primarily neopagan/Western magckal background, I found this to be a good introduction to this mixture of magick and religion. And anyone who's actually read the book will realize that the references to zombie movies are all at the very END of the book, after all the other chapters and directly preceded by a chapter on theories of what zombis truly are. The movie listing is meant primarly for entertainment (and to show that they're just that--entertainment). As for those who claim you can only learn Voodoo/Vodou from an initiate, well--what about those of uswho don't have access, or just want to get real information about the religion rather than hype and stereotypes? I'd say this is a good reference for that.Read more

Subjects:  1. Cults    2. Ethnic & Tribal    3. Occult Sciences    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Voodoo    7. Voodooism    8. Witchcraft & Wicca    9. Body, Mind & Spirit / General    10. Ethnic or tribal religions    11. Occultism & quasi-religious beliefs   

Reviews (1)

Everything Else Left out of the other books
I purchased this item believing it would be another in my collection of biographic works about Erickson. In actuality, the insights from his childrren, collegues, and students goes beyond anything else I've read. It really gives a sense of the man, his humanity, and his ability to be present with each person at their level.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Ethnic & Tribal    2. Healing - Prayer & Spiritual    3. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    4. New Age / Parapsychology    5. Psychology    6. Psychotherapy - General    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / Psychotherapy   

Reviews (47)

A Great Vision
_Over the years I have read this book in the wilderness and in the wasteland. Every time that I have reread it I have come away renewed.
Wisdom and Inspiration Abound!
This is an exceptionally moving book for anyone yearning to know more about Native American spirituality. Black Elk was truly a man filled with the holy spirit. It reminds me of the book, Walking the Trail, One Man's Journey Along the Cherokee Trail of Tears. Both are highly recommended.

A Religious Classic?
It says on the jacket of this book that Black Elk Speaks belongs in the company of 'religious classics'.Maybe so, but even if you regard his visions as indicative of a religious experience, the parts of the book dedicated to the description of these visions make for rather tedious reading.The real meat of the book is his decriptions of the last of the major indian battles at Rosebud, Little Big Horn (Custer's Last Stand), and Wounded Knee.Black Elkand his friends were there, and lived through those harrowing days.A must-read book for anyone who wants to know how it really was. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Ethnic & Tribal    5. Ethnic Cultures - Native Americans    6. Historical - General    7. History: American    8. Native American    9. Native Americans - Plains    10. Oglala Indians    11. Religion    12. Teton Indians    13. Biography: general    14. Indigenous peoples    15. North America   

Reviews (20)

Skip the movie, please
Dr. Davis did a great job scientifically speaking about the book. The book is NOTHING like the silly movie in the 1990's. Davis talked vividly about how a "zombie" may be "created". The book also mentions Papa Max Beauvoir who used have the Temple of Yahwe in Washington, D.C. Boy do I miss him (Beauvoir)
Nothing like the movie..two entirely different stories!
After seeing the movie "Serpent and the Rainbow", I sought out the novel to gain a deeper appreciation for what happened to Wade Davis in Haiti. To my surprise, the movie had only about 2% in common with what happened in the book. To my surprise, Wade's actual encounters with the Haitians was mostly friendly and congenial. His life was never threated, he never was interrogated or tortured by the government there. He never had a metal spike nailed into his leg. He was never zombified and resurrected.In fact, he is treated exceptionally well despite the fact that he is there to try to uncover medical secrets of which, if successful, the Haitians would probably never see one penny of reward from. The movie had a lot of suspense, mystery and supernatural occurences. Aside from Wade seeing some ceremonial "possessions",the book does not. Wade is after the Zombi medicine, he is shown how to make it, he returns with a sample and it is verified. End of story, or it should have been. The book should have stopped there. After Wade returns to Haiti to try to see a Zombi resurrected, the text just bogs down in a slow history lesson of Haiti and its secret societies and lacks a climax of any kind.
Journey into another land!
I am halfway through this book and I have to stop reading it for a while. Not because it is bad, but because it is so much better than I thought it would be! I can honestly say that I will be sad once I finish this book. Wade Davis writes with such a poetic vigor that I find myself falling in love with his words. His descriptions of Haiti and the people that inhabit the strange world of Haiti are so beautiful that I have found myself in awe several times while reading this book.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Ethnic & Tribal    4. Magick Studies    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Science / General    7. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (24)

Jambalaya
This was a very interesting book, really liked the personal insights and autobiographical details.

Praises for Teish
I was overjoyed when I found this book, Teish has a style of writing that makes me think of Maya Angelou. She is warm and inviting without being condesending or fluffy. This book is more than just an excellent introduction to the Spirits of African and Carribean religion, its a guidebook for a spiritual journey that opens the soul with singing and dance. Praises for Priestess Teish!

Wonderful Writer, a bit new-age
Growing up around Voudou, this book was more like sitting with an old friend from growing up. I enjoyed her stories, and her tips. She was a bit new-age, but I think that's bound to happen anywhere I guess. She stays true to her tradition, and gives it the beauty that the mass media cannot give. Great read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ethnic & Tribal    2. General    3. Sociology    4. Spirituality - Women's    5. Body, Mind & Spirit / General    6. Customs    7. Folklore    8. Women's studies   

Reviews (1)

Arden has a remarkable gift for presenting native wisdom
Dealing with the mysteries of communities other than our own is a delicate matter. Beyond the more obvious impediments to clear understanding such as language, there lies a world of hidden signs and meanings that only revealthemselves slowly, and only then to the sure-footed. Castaneda has writtenabout such experiences, and others have tried with varying degrees ofsuccess. Harvey Arden has, all in all, written a remarkable book about theAustralian aborigine and his attempt to find a means of expression afterthe drab interlude of cultural effacement that followed colonisation.Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Australia & Oceania - Australia    4. Ethnic & Tribal    5. Social Science    6. Sociology    7. Australia    8. Ethnography    9. Mind, body, spirit: mysticism & self-awareness   

Reviews (19)

Keep an open mind
I was allowed to borrow this book by a friend of mine who met Dan Evehama and was taken under his wing. To those who only read or hear others at "word for word", you will ALWAYS miss the point of ANY discourse, written or spoken. This book is valuable not only for the first ever, first-hand account of this tribe's religious beliefs, but their prophecies and their politics. Those who couldn't get past Mr. Mails' zeal probably wouldn't have listened to Christ, either.
Frank Waters rules, in the matter of Hopi spirituality
I like Mails' "Mystic Warriors of the Plains" - it's in a prominent spot on my Southwestern display shelves.Don't bother with Survival Kit - read Frank Waters."The Book of the Hopi" and "Pumpkinseed Point" are amazing expressions of the Hopi legends and world view, at once spiritual and scholarly.Frank was nominated several times for the Nobel, but never won (judges said he was "too regional" - politics in action).
The Kit:A Basis for Interfaith Dialogue
I am rather surprised at some of the bad reviews the book received.While it was not "a piece of cake", I felt it was important to not just "read" but study the book and discuss it with others of an Interfaith-minded consciousness.Turn off the left brain for a minute and tune into what the author and others have gone through in an attempt to connect with a profound indigenous culture.It has implications for how we as a planet can celebrate our religious/cultural sovereignty and share it based on an underlying universal connection.The book was not meant to be like a Cowboys and Indian movie. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies - Spirituality    2. Ethnic Studies - Native American Studies - Tribes    3. Government relations    4. Hopi Indians    5. Hopi philosophy    6. Prophecy    7. Religion    8. Sociology    9. Religion / Ethnic & Tribal    10. Sociology, Social Studies   

Reviews (17)

Straightforward, good beginner information
This is actually a pretty good book for those first entering the realm of the Yoruba religion.It has some good straightforward beginner information.
Very light book... don't recommend it
This book has nothing to offer, except for those of you who now nothing about Orisha Tradition, and are curious. Otherwise don't waste your time and money...

In the True Tradition of Spiritual Growth
Ifa Karade has taken the intrigue and desire for power and prestige out of the mix. He reminds us that indigenous faiths are about spiritual evolution, not personal manipulation. Read more

Subjects:  1. African Religions And Mythologies    2. Ethnic & Tribal    3. New Age    4. Religion    5. Religion - World Religions    6. Yoruba (African people)    7. Africa    8. Ethnic or tribal religions   

Reviews (7)

A crucial read if you're sick of going shopping
Sometimes the words you're looking for come from the most unlikely places. Sobonfu Some's contribution is absolutely crucial if we are to find a counterbalance to our consumer culture. Singles, couples, adults and teenagers alike will find rewarding activities in this book which warm the heart more than going shopping can, and it's a gasp of fresh air. I hadn't realised the import of how we connect to other people until I read this book.

Bestbooks to read
I recommend The Spirit of Intimacy by Sobonfu Som� as a must read for all but especially for couple in search of a healthy relationship. Enjoy

Take this anywhere: desert island, beyond the grave . . .
I remember how much we liked Kahlil Gibran's 'The Prophet' back in 1969. This is another little book (even easier to carry around) which is chock full of knowledge and wisdom, but it's even more. It will get you high just reading it, even though to truly practice what Ms. Some writes about will truly take a lot of work. But if you can find a group of people who want to support each other in this way, by all means . . .Read more

Subjects:  1. Burkina Faso    2. Dagaaba (African people)    3. Ethnic & Tribal    4. Family & Relationships    5. Interpersonal Relations    6. Intimacy (Psychology)    7. Love & Romance    8. New Age    9. Psychology    10. Religion    11. Religious aspects    12. Family & Relationships / Love & Romance   

Editorial Review

This is a book that was recommended to me, and I have to admit that it is one of the best scholarly texts on the history of European Pagan religions. Jones and Pennick trace the evolution of Pagan religions in Greece and Rome, the religions of the Celts, Paganism in Germany and the Balkans, and the current Pagan revival. Filled with concise information and illustrations which add to the content rather than distracting from it, I'm sure I'll be referring to this book again in the future. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A great place to start
I have read many books on paganism, and unfortunately, a high percentage of those offer up history that is not at all well researched or accurate. This book is a good introduction and while no book is perfect, has some well researched information to get a person started. Get this book if you are not sure what pre-christian culture you would like to study and what to get a taste of many different groups - if something catches your eye, there is a bibliography to find out more.

An Illuminating Book
Jones & Pennick (J&P) present a well-documented text that provides substantial history for pagan culture, society, and religion.Their work does not challenge or argue with faith traditions.Their task is simply to offer available information about Europe's original socio-religious culture.(J&P speak only briefly to Asian and Middle Eastern influences.)Their point is to inform, not convert.
awesome overview
This ADF approved text proved to be very enjoyable. Not only was it more educational than it's slim 220 pages would lead you to believe, it was also well written and not at all dry. This book is perfect for anyone wanting a broad spectrum treatment of pagan europe as well as having descriptive chapters on the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Germanic, Baltic, Russian and Baltic.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient Religions    2. Ethnic & Tribal    3. Europe    4. Europe - General    5. General    6. History    7. History - General History    8. Paganism    9. Religion    10. HISTORY-GENERAL HISTORY    11. History / General    12. History of religion    13. Mythology, European    14. Pre-Christian European & Mediterranean religions    15. Spirituality   

Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Church Administration - General    4. Church work with minorities    5. Ethnic & Tribal    6. Institutions & Organizations    7. Race relations    8. Religion    9. Religion - Church Life & Growth    10. Religious aspects    11. United States