Title: Harnerism not Shamanism
Product review: This book is commercialized shamanism. Although interesting and well written it is one of the many tools Harner has used to make a name for himself at the expense of others. He has studied different forms of Shamanism extensively, but he takes their "core" and fits it into a nice neat package with an artistic cover. Taking Shamanism out of context is degrading to the cultures for whom Shamanism is an integral part of their life. Harner has taken the opportunity to put someone elses spirituality up for sale. I suggest readers of this book to read Paul C. Johnson's article "Shamanism from Ecuador to Chicago: A Case Study in New Age Ritual Appropriation." It can be found in the journal Religion (April 1995).
Would you say this review depicts the product in a flattering or unflattering light?
