Shamanism for Teenagers, Young Adults and the Young at Heart: Shamanic Practice Made Easy for the Newest Generations Robert Levy (Soul Books, 2014.)
The concept of Shamanism being made easy will no doubt raise an eyebrow or two, not least amongst those cultures for whom Shamanism is a sacred concept and the Shaman a revered elder with the life experience and learning needed for the role. The idea that a Halflin* would fit the traditional criteria was an interesting proposition from the author; one that – at first glance – seemed to be steeped in the cult of youth fed to us by western media.
This preconception of an ancient cultural practice being somewhat misappropriated did not disperse on reading the introduction. It is stereotypically USA American in its sales pitch – noisy and hyperbolic. The author initially tries too hard to ‘get down there with the kids.’ However, I am not from that culture and certainly several decades too old to be the intended audience; so it may well be that this is a successful way to approach American youth.
Levy settles down and begins to explain his premise: ‘Shamanism is a personal journey you want to take in order to help you live a better life by knowing yourself better.’ This allusion to some of the guidance carved on the Delphic Oracle was encouraging. Levy explains what Shamanism means to him in simple terms, pointing out that what is seen in fantasy films is an artistic construct. His discourse on what Shamans do is ample for a teenager who has only just begun their journey and forms a good base to build on by further reading / learning. He also makes the point that his book will not turn a teenager into a Shaman, but it will turn a teenager into one who has begun a journey as a Shamanic Practitioner. In addition, Levy is clear that the title Shaman is one conferred, not claimed, but there are some disingenuous statements which have, in all probability, been inserted in to the text to prevent claims of encouraging teenagers to experiment in ways that are harmful or illegal.
The body of the text consists of a series of gentle exercises which are designed to encourage an exploration of the Spirit world. The series of exercises increase in complexity, both in the journey and the reflection needed afterwards if any serious learning is to be gained from it. The context of Levy’s Shamanic exercises seems rooted in First Nation American People’s practice, which means that the animals Levy uses as illustration are from that continent too. This might cause a little difficulty for non-American teens unacquainted with either a specific animal or the folklore associated with it. That aside, these exercises are a very good way of pointing out a path to someone just stepping out.
However, nothing much seems to be made of psychic self-defence when journeying, but protection from psychic vampires on this plane is. This seems strange: surely those who bring themselves to the attention of spirit do need to know how to deal with the attention from things they do not want to meet?
Overall, in many ways, this book is a useful starting point for teenagers wishing to explore Shamanic practice. However, it is a book for teenagers. Older and experienced Pagans will either like it or loathe it.
*Halflin – Scots. Half-grown
