Shamans
Books
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compiled this list of shamanistic books for you. If you would like
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Ethnobotanical
plants (General)
Psychedelic
Resource List
A resource guide that reviews over 400 companies and groups related
in some manner to psychedelics. Categories include: Audio & Video
(Tapes, Records, CDs, & Videos); Book Vendors & Publishers; E-mail
Groups & The Internet; Ethnobotanicals (Seeds, Dried Herbs & Live
Plants); Gardening & Lighting Supplies; Hemp & Cannabis Related; Information
Sources; Merchandise, Gadgets, and other Miscellaneous Stuff; Mushrooms;
Non-profit & Religious Groups; Periodicals; Seminars & Gatherings;
Smart Drugs & Nutrients. Jon Hanna 1998 (2nd edition); Soma Graphics
150 pg lg pb 19.95
THE
AGE OF ENTHEOGENS & THE ANGELS' DICTIONARY
Ott is into
drugs and the first part of this book is a version history and religion
from that perspective. The concepts expressed here would many times
in history have provided ample justification for the burning of this
book, as well as of Ott, himself. The second half of this book is
a dictionary of ideas and terms related to the study of "entheogens."
Jonathan Ott is one of those rare men of intellect and genius whose
outlook on life includes compassion and humor.160 pg
Food
of the Gods
The Search for
the Original Tree of Knowledge; a Radical History of Plants, Drugs,
and Human Evolution Cultural origin of drug use:
From altered states in primates to early man, shamanism, Soma, the
Mystery of Eleusis, alcohol, cannabis, tobacco; dominator drug wars;
white drugs heroin, cocaine, and television; and history and potential
value of psychedelics. Most integrated and visionary of his books.
Consciousness will never be the same. Terence McKenna 1993 332 pg
$13.56
True
Hallucinations
Being an Account of the Author's Extraordinary Adventures. True story
of wild expedition to Amazon depths and the psyche of human, well
told. Terence, brother Dennis, and friends, searching for famed hallucinogen
oo-koo-he, discover a mixture of ayahuasca and cubensis has perhaps
bonded to their DNA, with bizarre effects. Fascinating tale of the
physical and mental jungle. Terence McKenna 1993; Harper Collins 249
pg pb $12.80
Plants
of the Gods
Their Sacred, Healing, and Hallucinogenic Powers Wonderful, profusely
illustrated book on the botany, chemistry, and sacred use of hallucinogenic
plants. Starts with a general introduction to the plants and cultures
who use them, then briefly describes and illustrates 91 different
species. Fourteen get extended chapters on cultural uses, chemistry,
and art, including Cannabis, Ergot, Iboga, ayahuasca, Peyote, San
Pedro, and Psilocybe. Best introduction to ethnobotany and plant entheogens.
Many color illustrations. Highly recommended. Richard Evans Schultes
& Albert Hofmann 1992; Inner Traditions 192 pg lg pb $18.36
Psychedelic
Shamanism
From the author of The Hydoponic Hot House comes the boldest exploration
of psychedelic plants since Terence McKenna's Food of the Gods. DeKorne
is a "psychonaut" exploring the "imaginal realms" through personal
experimentation and scholarly research. He guides the reader through
the history and lore of psychotropic plants, with advice on how to
handle the eerie "Entities" one encounters in "hyperspace." Plants
and combinations covered include: Belladonna Alkaloids; D-Lysergic
Acid Amide; Mescaline; Ayahuasca; Smokable DMT from Plants; Psilocybin;
and more. 1994, 8 1/2 x 11, 163pp, illustrated, index, soft cover.
$15.96
Trips
How Hallucinogens Work In Your Brain
Excellent readable book on how hallucinogens(mainly LSD) work, along
with some of the colorful history of these compounds and how they
are used in scientific research. Includes quotes from researchers
and others, plus lots of great R. Crumb drawings. A rare combination
of fun reading and accurate scientific information. Good list of web
sites, bibliography, notes, and index. Cheryl Pellerin 1998; Seven
Stories Press, 288 pg pb $19.95
Enzyklopaedie
der psychoaktiven Pflanzen
Christian Raetsch,
ISBN 3-85502-570-3
By far the best book on entheogens. Almost a thousand pages, covering
every aspect of hundreds of psychoactive plants. If you know a bit
of German, get it! An english translation is coming… some day.
Salvia
Divinorum
Salvia
Divinorum and Salvinorin A
The Best of the Entheogen Review, 1992-1998
A collection of articles published at 'The Entheogen Review'
Chapters include: "The Early Years," "Consumption Methods," "Hyperspatial
Maps," "Extraction," "Salvinorin A," "Combinations," "Cultivation,"
and more. New endnotes provide fresh commentary and bring the text
up-to-date. Includes a comprehensive listing of Salvia divinorum Internet
sites, a “Retailer’s Guide” that lists sources for live plants, fresh
and dried leaves, extracts and tinctures both in the USA and other
countries, and an annotated bibliography that presents abstracts of
numerous additional sources of information on Salvia divinorum. Completely
indexed for easy referencing. (217 pages) $23.00 (USA), $26.00 (foreign),
postpaid from: The Entheogen Review POB 19820 Sacramento, CA 95819
The
Salvia Divinorum Grower's Guide
Nice book on how to grow Ska Pastoria, the diviner's sage. Rooting,
humidity, soils, feeding, light, hydroponics, pests, problems, cuttings,
seeds. Bibliography. Sociedad para la Preservation de las Plantas
del Misterio 1998; Spectral Mindustries 64 pg pb, $11.95
SALVINORUM
The Psychedelic Essence of Salvia Divinorum -D. M. Turner,
1996 5¼ x 8"-57 pages A discussion of Salvia divinorum's botany, history,
traditional use, and current experiments. The primary focus is on
Salvinorum A, a very active extract of the this salvia. A short, subjective
introduction. This book is out of print and available for download.
Kava
Kava
Kava
: The Miracle Antianxiety Herb
The author, Ray Sahelian, MD offers a practical evaluation of the
clinical uses of kava. A straightforward account of all the studies
ever published on kava. Includes the kava experience, its use in everyday
stress and anxiety disorders, and practical advice on how much to
take and the importance of timing. 224 pg pb $5.39
All
About Kava-Kava FAQ's(Frequently Asked Questions)
This series of compact volumes answers the FAQs (frequently asked
questions) about the major supplements making headlines today. Why
kava-kava is considered a safer way to treat anxiety and depression
than OTC medicines is just one of the topics covered in this book.
96 pg $2.69
Kava,
the Pacific Elixir
Chapters on the Kava botany, chemistry, ethnobotany, anthropology,
and economics of Piper methysticum, the delightful and peaceful (and
legal) herb of the South Pacific islanders. Final chapter considers
its potential for use for Kava Kava around the world. Many Kava photos
and illustrations. Bibliography and index. 272 pg pb $17.95
Kava:
Nature's Answer to Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia
Written by nationally known psychiatrist Hyla Cass, Kava:
Nature's Answer to Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia answers the many
questions anxiety sufferers are asking about available treatments.
With conclusive documentation of kava's effectiveness and a detailed
account of scientific evidence, this balanced, comprehensive book
promises to be the definitive guide to the year's newest herbal discovery.
Cass clearly explains kava-kava's chemical composition without delving
into turgid scientific mumbo jumbo, or relying on lifeless quotes
from scientific papers. She also thoroughly covers the herb's various
forms--tinctures, tablets, pastes, powdered extract, and sprays--and
suggests appropriate dosages for various treatments (for insomnia,
for instance, you'd take a larger dose of kava than if you just wanted
to calm yourself before a plane flight). Cass also covers herbs that
can be used in combination with kava, including valerian, licorice,
and Ginkgo biloba; suggested dietary changes to improve overall mood
and health; possible side effects; and techniques for managing stress
in the first place, so antianxiety treatments aren't as needed. For
anyone who wants to know all about what they're putting into their
body, this is a solid primer.
Kava
Medicine Hunting in Paradise
Kava, Piper methysticum, is the most effective relaxing and stress-relieving
plant in all of nature. This book is the tale of plant researcher
Chris Kilham's investigations into this plant and his far-ranging
explorations deep in the South Pacific in search of a source of kava.
Kilham takes the reader on an adventurous journey through the mystical
native legends, outlandish history, and exciting science surrounding
this potent plant. A story replete with pulpit-pounding missionaries,
kava-drinking natives, sorcerers, a mysterious Tahitian prince, and
the author's own humorous outlook amidst difficult and perilous circumstances,
Kava is a must-read for those who love tales of travel and adventure
and those interested in plant medicine. . Bibliography Chris Kilham
1996; Inner Traditions 166 pg pb $11.01
Kava
: Nature's Stress Relief
Authors Kathryn M. Connor & Donald S. Vaughan describe how Kava
kava can be an great way to take a load off and still function in
this world. 240 pg. pb $5.99
Ayahuasca
Vine
of the Soul : Medicine Men, Their Plants and Rituals in the Colombian
Amazonia
Schultes and Raffauf in this new book take us on a journey to
a place where healing with plants is the norm, and where ritual and
magic play an essential role in everyday life. This book is the story
of a time that was- when the Amazon Indians, living in their verdant
and expansive rainforest, had a minimum of contact with cultures of
the outside world. Thus, we have a firsthand picture of traditional
life in this region. This is an exceptional photographic essay accompanied
by detailed descriptions of the Amazon Indian's use of medicinal and
other sacred plant substances. Included are over 160 pages of the
most significant photographs ever taken on this subject. 1999 $22.95
Forest
of Visions : Ayahuasca, Amazonian Spirituality, and the Santo Daime
Tradition
The story of Santo Daime- A new religion that blends elements of Christianity
with older Amazonian indigenous spiritual practices--and the ecologically
sound and spiritually centered utopian community it has inspired.
A true story of a classical spiritual encounter, as well as an intimate
account of the genesis of an important religious tradition that continues
to grow worldwide. Alex Polari de Alverga spent years as a political
prisoner during the rule of the military junta in Brazil, enduring
torture, brutality, and deprivation. On his release from captivity
and in search of something to restore his spiritual connection to
life, he had a transformative encounter with one of the two revered
founders of Santo Daime, Padriho Sebastio Mota de Mela. Santo Daime--an
Amazonian religion, born out of jungle entheogens, mediumship, and
healing, that is a potent and unique synthesis of Christianity and
indigenous practices provided Alverga with an alternative to his disillusionment
with modern society. His quest for spiritual initiation eventually
led him deep into the heart of the rainforest to Mapia, one of the
spiritual centers of Santo Daime, where he became a teacher and leader
of the Daime community. 254pg 1999 $11.96
Ayahuasca
Analogues
Pangaean Entheogens Reviews the scientific literature on Ayahuasca
in depth, discusses its human pharmacology, and describes its use
of various plants containing beta-carbolines and tryptamines. Certain
Amazonian species are traditional, but others will work. Ott reports
on potions using many temperate-zone species. Well researched and
presented. Jonathan Ott 1994; Natural Products 0-9614234-4-7, hb #AYAH
29.95; 128 pg; also 0-9614234-5-5, pb #AYA 14.95; forthcoming update,
#AYAA
Ayahuasca
Hallucinogens, Consciousness, and the Spirit of Nature
This excellent ayahuasca book combines wise background, commentary,
and editing by Ralph Metzner; 24 first-person accounts of shamanic
and religious use by a variety of people and cultures; and scientific
essays by experts Dennis McKenna, Charles Grob, and Jace Callaway.
Highly recommended! Ralph Metzner (editor); Thunder’s Mouth 302 pg
pb $11.16
Ayahuasca
Analogs and Plant-Based Tryptamines
The Entheogen Review quietly collects and shares reports of first-hand
experiments with many visionary plants. This monograph has reports
about ayahuasca analogs and DMT extraction using plants such as Phalaris
grass, as well as background on MAOI's and their uses with other psychedelics.
These notes from the field (and kitchen) complement reference works
such as Ayahuasca Analogs. Jim DeKorne 1996; The Entheogen Review,
60 pg lg pp, #APT 19.95
Ayahuasca
Visions
The Religious Iconography of a Peruvian Shaman Stunning art book,
with 49 color plates by Pablo Amaringo, painter and vegetalista (plant
shaman). Each is incredibly detailed, and the text explains many spirit,
plant, animal, and other images. Also details numerous aspects of
these healers, their plant allies and culture. Quite breathtaking.
Luis Eduardo Luna & Pablo Amaringo 1991; North Atlantic Press pb 160
pg $20.00
Yohimbe
Yohimbe Deanne Tenny
Hundreds of years before Viagra there was Yohimbe. This short booklet
explains the over-the-counter herbal called Yohimbe. It covers the
history, uses, case studies, cautions and who should and should not
use Yohimbe. There is no comparison in the book with Viagra, probably
because the book was written in February 1997 before Viagra became
a household word. The research done for this book seems to be very
thorough and the subject is covered well. 1997 32 pages, $ 2.95
