Ascendant Books Ltd.

Native Philosophy and Shamanism

Keywords:
Lynn Andrews, Sun Bear, Carlos Castaneda, Ceremonies and Traditions, Dream catchers, Drumming, Medicine Bags, Mary Summer Rain, Don Miguel Ruiz, Shamanism, Toltecs

There is a major movement of people from all walks of life toward learning the ancient teachings of the indigenous people around the world. Every indigenous culture, from the Original people of North America to the Original people of Australia and in between, have followed teachings based on nature and the natural cycles of life. Many of the ceremonies and traditions of Native Americans, such as the pipe ceremony, and drumming circles have become essential to the spiritual growth of many different people. The Native message to Respect and Revere Mother Nature has become crucial to a generation of North Americans that wish to see an end to the corruption and abuses present in our current society. Native Philosophy brings us back to the beauty of our true origins, reminding us all of our inseparable connection to nature.

Ascendant Books has a section dedicated to books that promote the understanding of Native philosophy and wisdom. Books that cover the topics of the four elements of wind, fire, water and air; smudging; sacred space; totems, prophecies; legends; ceremonies and more are available.

The following are brief descriptions of favorite authors of Native teachings. *All are available at Ascendant Books

Lynn Andrews
Author of over eighteen books, Lynn Andrews' writings reflect her path, which is that of the heart. She tells her stories to understand and embrace the awesome power and wisdom bestowed on her by her Native American teachers Agnes Whistling Elk, and Ruby Plenty Chiefs

Sun Bear
Sun Bear is a Medicine Man, Seer and Indian Leader. In the book “Medicine Wheel”, he and his medicine helper, Wabun, share his vision of setting forth a whole new system of earth astrology to help guide people in daily living and life paths.

Carlos Castaneda
Carlos Castaneda was an author of a controversial series of books that claim to describe his training in traditional Native American Shamanism. He claimed to have met a Yaqui Shaman, named Don Juan Matis in 1960. Castaneda’s popular work contains the descriptions of paranormal or magical experiences, several psychological techniques, toltec magic, rituals, shamanism and experiences with peyote.

Mary Summer Rain
Mary Summer Rain was the last student of the blind Chippewa visionary and Native American Shaman named No Eyes. No Eyes became Mary’s beloved friend and taught her many lessons of Spirit and Earth Mother. Her books also include the unique interactions between these two women.

Don Jose (MIGUEL) Ruiz
Don Jose Ruiz grew up in a long lineage of Toltec teachers. His father and grandmother passed on their Toltec teachings to Don and he carries on these traditions. He is most known for his book
“The Four Agreements”.

Toltecs
The Toltecs were an Ancient people from what is now Mexico. The Toltecs had an advanced knowledge of the arts and sciences. Gifted Artisans, they were able to create what they needed to enhance their civilization. Toltec wisdom has been revisited in the modern era by authors such as Carlos Castaneda, Don Miguel Ruiz and Ken Eagle Feather. Toltec wisdom teaches us that the path to self-awareness is in becoming a freedom warrior by freeing up the limitations of the mind. It teaches us to not allow victimization to control us, but rather, to take challenging situations and make the choice to be happy in the face of adversity.

Shamanism
The underlying belief in Shamanistic practices is that true power is the ability to know, see and access spiritual forces for guidance on all matters of life. Shamans are called in for healing and solving personal and community problems by contacting ancestral spirits and guides for assistance. Shamans access these guides by altering their state of consciousness. Drumming, singing, chanting, rattling, prayer and tobacco smoke are some ways in which consciousness can be altered. Shamans can tap into the power of animals, teachers, guides, and elements of nature, as they are very attuned to the environment in which they conduct their rituals. It is important for them to choose power spots or create sacred spaces for this reason.



native philosophy & shamanism
	Native Philosophy and Shamanism Keywords: Lynn Andrews, Sun Bear, Carlos Castaneda, Ceremonies and Traditions, Dream catchers, Drumming, Medicine Bags, Mary Summer Rain, Don Miguel Ruiz, Shamanism, Toltecs There is a major movement of people from all walks of life toward learning the ancient teachings of the indigenous people around the world. Every indigenous culture, from the Original people of North America to the Original people of Australia and in between, have followed teachings based on nature and the natural cycles of life. Many of the ceremonies and traditions of Native Americans, such as the pipe ceremony, and drumming circles have become essential to the spiritual growth of many different people. The Native message to Respect and Revere Mother Nature has become crucial to a generation of North Americans that wish to see an end to the corruption and abuses present in our current society. Native Philosophy brings us back to the beauty of our true origins, reminding us all of our inseparable connection to nature. Ascendant Books has a section dedicated to books that promote the understanding of Native philosophy and wisdom. Books that cover the topics of the four elements of wind, fire, water and air; smudging; sacred space; totems, prophecies; legends; ceremonies and more are available. The following are brief descriptions of favorite authors of Native teachings. All are available at Ascendant Books Lynn Andrews* Author of over eighteen books, Lynn Andrews' writings reflect her path, which is that of the heart. She tells her stories to understand and embrace the awesome power and wisdom bestowed on her by her Native American teachers Agnes Whistling Elk, and Ruby Plenty Chiefs Sun Bear Sun Bear is a Medicine Man, Seer and Indian Leader. In the book “Medicine Wheel”, he and his medicine helper, Wabun, share his vision of setting forth a whole new system of earth astrology to help guide people in daily living and life paths. Carlos Castaneda Carlos Castaneda was an author of a controversial series of books that claim to describe his training in traditional Native American Shamanism. He claimed to have met a Yaqui Shaman, named Don Juan Matis in 1960. Castaneda’s popular work contains the descriptions of paranormal or magical experiences, several psychological techniques, toltec magic, rituals, shamanism and experiences with peyote. Mary Summer Rain Mary Summer Rain was the last student of the blind Chippewa visionary and Native American Shaman named No Eyes. No Eyes became Mary’s beloved friend and taught her many lessons of Spirit and Earth Mother. Her books also include the unique interactions between these two women. Don Jose (MIGUEL) Ruiz Don Jose Ruiz grew up in a long lineage of Toltec teachers. His father and grandmother passed on their Toltec teachings to Don and he carries on these traditions. He is most known for his book “The Four Agreements”. Toltecs The Toltecs were an Ancient people from what is now Mexico. The Toltecs had an advanced knowledge of the arts and sciences. Gifted Artisans, they were able to create what they needed to enhance their civilization. Toltec wisdom has been revisited in the modern era by authors such as Carlos Castaneda, Don Miguel Ruiz and Ken Eagle Feather. Toltec wisdom teaches us that the path to self-awareness is in becoming a freedom warrior by freeing up the limitations of the mind. It teaches us to not allow victimization to control us, but rather, to take challenging situations and make the choice to be happy in the face of adversity. Shamanism The underlying belief in Shamanistic practices is that true power is the ability to know, see and access spiritual forces for guidance on all matters of life. Shamans are called in for healing and solving personal and community problems by contacting ancestral spirits and guides for assistance. Shamans access these guides by altering their state of consciousness. Drumming, singing, chanting, rattling, prayer and tobacco smoke are some ways in which consciousness can be altered. Shamans can tap into the power of animals, teachers, guides, and elements of nature, as they are very attuned to the environment in which they conduct their rituals. It is important for them to choose power spots or create sacred spaces for this reason.