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About The Shamanic Wisdom of the Huichol
True account of a decade-long apprenticeship with Huichol shamans in the Mexican Sierra Madre
• Contains an insider’s view of the Huichol’s shamanic spiritual practices, including their ritual use of peyote
• Offers the Huichol path to sustainable healing for individuals and our planet
Never conquered by Europeans, the Huichol--known for their use of peyote in spiritual ceremonies--have thoroughly retained their ancient way of life. Growing from a deeply rooted respect and reverence for the natural world, the Huichol’s shamanic spiritual practices focus on living life in harmony with all living things and offer a path to a truly sustainable future.
The Shamanic Wisdom of the Huichol is the autobiographical account of Pinkson’s decade-long immersion in the shamanic traditions of the Huichol tribes of the Sierra Madre in Mexico. From his first Huichol pilgrimage to Wiricuta (their sacred homeland) in 1981 to searching the desert for the heart medicine of peyote, Pinkson’s account of his initiation into the medicine teachings of the Huichol brings new life to this ancient eco-centric tradition. Providing a guiding light for those who seek to become part of the solution to our planet’s ecological challenges, Pinkson empowers readers to choose their own path toward healing both on a personal and a planetary level.
• Contains an insider’s view of the Huichol’s shamanic spiritual practices, including their ritual use of peyote
• Offers the Huichol path to sustainable healing for individuals and our planet
Never conquered by Europeans, the Huichol--known for their use of peyote in spiritual ceremonies--have thoroughly retained their ancient way of life. Growing from a deeply rooted respect and reverence for the natural world, the Huichol’s shamanic spiritual practices focus on living life in harmony with all living things and offer a path to a truly sustainable future.
The Shamanic Wisdom of the Huichol is the autobiographical account of Pinkson’s decade-long immersion in the shamanic traditions of the Huichol tribes of the Sierra Madre in Mexico. From his first Huichol pilgrimage to Wiricuta (their sacred homeland) in 1981 to searching the desert for the heart medicine of peyote, Pinkson’s account of his initiation into the medicine teachings of the Huichol brings new life to this ancient eco-centric tradition. Providing a guiding light for those who seek to become part of the solution to our planet’s ecological challenges, Pinkson empowers readers to choose their own path toward healing both on a personal and a planetary level.
About the Author(s) of The Shamanic Wisdom of the Huichol
Tom Soloway Pinkson, Ph.D., is a psychologist, ceremonial retreat and vision-fast leader, sacred storyteller, and shaman. For 32 years he worked with terminally ill children at the Center for Attitudinal Healing in California, successfully integrating the wisdom teachings of the Huichol and other medicine teachers into the world of the practicing psychologist. His most recent work includes training in the Hardiness Factor (training for emotional resilience) and A New Vision of Aging (working consciously with the challenges and opportunities of the elder years). The founder of Wakan, a nonprofit organization committed to restoring the sacred in daily life, he lives in northern California.
Praise for The Shamanic Wisdom of the Huichol
“I am happy to learn that your work with entheogens continues. It is and will be an important contribution to the aims to convince the health authorities to loosen the ban that inhibits the legal use of entheogens. Entheogens must become available legally for meaningful use in psychiatry and for healing.”
Albert Hoffman, Swiss scientist and discoverer of LSD-25
Albert Hoffman, Swiss scientist and discoverer of LSD-25
“Pinkson is one of those rare individuals who walks his talk, whose life is built on helping others, loving and forgiving, and a determination to trust and listen to the inner voice within him.”
Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D., author of Love Is Letting Go of Fear
Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D., author of Love Is Letting Go of Fear
“In this absorbing account of his initiations with the Huichol, Tom Pinkson helps us to reconnect with the teachings of our indigenous American ancestors. This is healing Earth-wisdom for our fractured civilization, and inspiration to honor the creative forces inherent in the land, the plants, the animals, and the people.”
Ralph Metzner, Ph.D., author of Green Psychology and Sacred Mushroom of Visions
Ralph Metzner, Ph.D., author of Green Psychology and Sacred Mushroom of Visions
“The Shamanic Wisdom of the Huichol is a good read and a powerful memoir. Pinkson’s many adventures serve as a catalyst to get on with one’s own spiritual awakenings.”
Stephen Kiesling, editor in chief, Spirituality & Health
Stephen Kiesling, editor in chief, Spirituality & Health
“Tom Pinkson’s fascinating journey into Huichol shamanism and how he applies this ancient tradition to healing others as well as the crises that our modern world now faces is a must read for anyone searching to raise consciousness for the betterment of both humanity and our Mother Earth.”
James Endredy, author of Beyond 2012: A Shaman’s Call to Personal Change and The Transformation of Global Consciousness
James Endredy, author of Beyond 2012: A Shaman’s Call to Personal Change and The Transformation of Global Consciousness
“Indigenous wisdoms offer ways we can learn from both the seen and unseen worlds. Thomas Pinkson shares more than 20 years of experience and wisdom he has garnered from the Huichol Indians of Central America. This book is very relevant to fostering interdependence and re-visioning healing possibilities for restoring environment, communities, and humanity.”
Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., cultural anthropologist and author of The Four-Fold Way
Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., cultural anthropologist and author of The Four-Fold Way
“Tom’s book is well written, like creating a finely woven basket, the kind our ancestors in northern California tribes used to receive the gifts of Nature. Thus it is that Tom has provided modern people in search of a soul with a basket full of ancient flowers. I really enjoyed reading the book; it is, indeed, a good teaching and gift to the people.”
Bobby “Medicine Grizzly Bear” Lake-Thom, traditional Native healer and spiritual teacher and author of Call of the Great Spirit
Bobby “Medicine Grizzly Bear” Lake-Thom, traditional Native healer and spiritual teacher and author of Call of the Great Spirit
“Seeing beyond the constrictions of our present ways is critical for our survival. Tom Pinkson’s story sheds light on the potential in each one of us to change the current channels of our perceptions in order to live a more expansive, sacred, and compassionate life. His encouragement for us to walk our path with ceremonial gratitude grew from his apprenticeship with Huichol shamans and is medicine for our times.”
Marion Weber, founder of the Arts and Healing Network and the Flow Fund Circle
Marion Weber, founder of the Arts and Healing Network and the Flow Fund Circle
