Drawing Down the Spirits: The Traditions and Techniques of Spirit Possession

Description

DRAWING DOWN THE SPIRITS presents an insider's view of the inner workings, sacred traditions and prevalence of spirit possession existing in our modern world. Spirit possession is an integral part of shamanism as well as many neo-pagan forms of worship that draw down deities or invite spirit possession. However, spirit possession is not for the unprepared. In DRAWING DOWN THE SPIRITS, Kenaz Filan and Raven Kaldera, both initiated and experienced in shamanic and Vodou traditions, present the practical guidance needed to participate in ritual possession. Addressing the benefits and the dangers that await the naive, Filan and Kaldera show that there is no such thing as a guaranteed "safe" possession because spirits have their own agenda - and they are much more powerful than we are. The authors provide a variety of techniques to prepare for possession and abort possession and to promote the safety of the possessed as well as the spirits and witnesses present. With a wide-ranging look at the historic forms of ritual possession found throughout the world - including Uganda, Nepal, Korea, Bali, Greece, Turkey, Scandinavia and France - the authors also include numerous firsthand accounts collected from witnesses of modern spirit possession. . Provides practical techniques for preparation, safety, aftercare, and aborting harmful possessions . Reveals the forms of ritual possession present throughout the world - including Uganda, Nepal, Korea, Bali, Greece, Turkey, Scandinavia and France

Kenaz Filan was initiated in Societe la Belle Venus in March 2003 after 10 years of solitary service to the Haitian Vodou lwa. The managing editor of newWitch magazine, Filan is the author of The Haitian Vodou Handbook and Vodou Love Magic and lives in New York City. Raven Kaldera is a Northern Tradition Pagan shaman and lives in Massachusetts.

"Are you ready to have your mind blown? Seriously, are you looking for a book that will force you to confront and/or reevaluate your thoughts on the very prospect of God or Gods themselves? . . . Hidden within this informative, straight forward text, is a philosophical discourse that is fascinating. Once you open this book, you'll find it hard to put down." * The Magical Buffet, June 2009 * "The authors are initiated and experienced in Shamanic and Vodou traditions and here provide keys to understanding possession and spirit agendas." * The Midwest Book Review, Aug 2009 * "This book is a must for anyone considering experimenting with possession or who may have been possessed. As the authors state, you are not crazy if you are possessed. . . . an excellent overview on spirit possession. For the serious student, there are numerous references for future reading, but the most important message of this book is the seriousness of possession." * Arlene Shovald, Ph.D., Fresh Start Therapies, Jan 2010 * ". . . this rich, deep and extensive book is the work of two experienced, thoughtful and intelligent travelers who grace us with their map of the land of spirit possession with intelligence, wit and humility. They ask that we always treat the spirits with respect, learn their ways, original culture, expectations and taboos, and take responsibility for our part in the relationship - not bad advice for any relationship." * Karl Schlotterbeck, MA, CAS, LP, The Henge of Keltria, August 2010 *