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"Despite centuries of brutal colonialism in which Shamanism has been
attacked as diabolical superstition, indigenous communities have kept the heart of their tradition
wisdom beating. Today it is these perennial teachings that may save the modern world
from asphyxiating itself with the toxic byproducts of its own ignorance. For, as we rush
headlong into the abyss of environmental catastrophe, Shamanism reminds us of the
fragile beauty of the web of life; that creation is not a resource to be coerced into fulfilling
our insatiable appetites, but a living wonder to be respected. It roots us in our common
mother the Earth; reawakening an awareness of all living things as her extended family,
not products in some factory farm. While contemporary society fragments, Shamanism
refreshes ancient memories of harmonious human community and offers us hope. The
western world, dominated by scientific materialism and consumerism, has amassed
extravagant wealth to conceal a spiritual vacuum. But the profound enigmas of existence
have not gone away and ever greater numbers of people yearn for more meaning than the
fleeting world of fashion and gimmicks can possibly provide. Shamanism answers this
fundamental need. It teaches us to reach below the surface of modern superficialities and
reconnect with something old and mysterious within the depths of our soul."
--Timothy Freke, Shamanic Wisdomkeepers
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