Publisher's Description:
Everything shifts in the Caucasus, blown by some of the strongest winds on earth. Even the ground moves, splintered by fault lines. In early Georgian myths, it is said that when the mountains were young, they had legs – could walk from the edges of the oceans to the deserts, flirting with the low hills, shrouding them with soft clouds of love. (Griffin, 2001, p.2). But what about those aspects of life which remain relatively constant – the traditional practices of the mountain people, the practices that are reflected in their folktales and their folklore? It is these constants that this study concentrates on, in particular those that relate to shamanism.
Editor's Thoughts:
If you are interested in ancient Shamanism, this is a must read. It is fascinating in its journey through the tales of Shamans and magic through Armenia, Chechnya, Azerbaijan, and Georgia.
It is wide in scope as it covers politics, suppression, religion, and more in Muslim, Orthodox Christian, and of course, Jewish. The Folk Tales are wonderful to read in many places but slows a bit in others. This not light entertainment reading though. Be prepared to have your brain cells tickled.
Read also, my review of Berman's Shamanic Journeys, Shamanic Stories.
About the Author:
Michael Berman BA, MPhil, PhD (Alternative Medicines) works as a teacher, teacher trainer and writer. He lives in London, UK.
Publisher: O Books, John Hunt (December 16, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1846942535
ISBN-13: 978-1846942532
Available from: Moon Books and other retail and online booksellers in print and ebook.
