Coda writes:
In chapter 1, Harner takes us through his experiences as he first starts doing fieldwork as an anthropologist. I find this intriguing, as it brings western science into play.
That was what appealed to me, too.
By this time, I had my fill of crystal gazing, faery worshipping, alien abudctees where I could not find evidence or explanation for what was happening. I couldn’t deny that these were real to those people – but Harner offered me something academic, that I could respect and tie into other studies.
Coda writes of an altered state:
Immediately below the topmost level I felt a numbed layer, which seemed to have been put out of commission by the drug–it just wasn’t there.
I think that’s the “governor” or “filter,” that judgemental part of ourselves which keep us from feeling connected all the time – which enables us to be rational and direct our activities in the ordinary world. The filter is a survival mechanism – but remove it, and it is much easier to touch Spirit.
Coda continues:
Harner writes about his experiences with Jivaro shamanism and the use of tsentsak which are magical darts or spirit helpers that are the “main powers believed to cause and cure illness in daily life.
Back in the day, when I was full of ego, I probably wanted to be a powerful shaman, and would’ve taken delight in “collecting darts” and caring for them. It’s a very wizardly thing to do. Now I am careful about darts, now that I am less ego, I don’t want too much power. Just enough is fine.
Darts, to many South American tribes, are energies which are removed from your patients, when the suffering or infliction is removed. They are often destructive, and need special binding and care in order to keep them alive inside the Shaman. Then, when needed – for another illness, or perhaps in defense (or even attack) – the dart is ready and waiting to be used.
They are fed with herbs and ceremony. It requires a lot of purity to collect darts, and a lot of respect and honor. But I am not collecting darts at this time. Now that I understand better how it works, why, and how to do it – I’m not inclined to collect power.
Just a few updates I’ve picked up since reading the book!
This is gonna be fun! To get a review of the book while someone else is reading it!
