2002-09-24 Songs of the Shaman

Coming to this book as a practitioner of shamanism rather than as an anthropologist I perhaps have a different slant on a review than others might. I have a deep interest in finding out about indigenous spiritual practices in order to see how my own might better be served.
The author catalogues shamanic traditions throughout Korea and explores both differences and similarities. The reader is made aware of how the practices change from region to region. It was interesting to note how the Korean government has affected the traditional spiritual practices of their people.
The book itself is hard going, as any serious study can be, but for the student of anthropology or someone who is conversant with the technical language sometimes employed it offers a fascinating look at the spiritual practices of a distant, and often hidden, part of the world.
The only drawback is it's price. Educational and technical texts are often pricey. I was lucky to find my copy second hand. The recommended price is somewhat off putting.