The Soul of Shamanism: Western Fantasies, Imagnal Realities
Anthropology of Consciousness December 1, 1999 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1525/ac.1999.10.4.83
Summary
This book examines how Western culture has romanticized and distorted shamanic traditions, contrasting popular fantasies with the complex imaginal realities of actual shamanic practices. Noel critiques New Age appropriations and argues for a more nuanced understanding rooted in indigenous contexts and the role of imagination.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Western fantasies of shamanism often misrepresent its imaginal and cultural realities. |
Abstract
The Soul of Shamanism: Western Fantasies, Imagnal Realities. Daniel C. Noel. New York: Continuum, 1997. 252 pages. $17.95 (paper)