Symbolism, Setting, and Objects from The Way of the Shaman

Object Descriptions

This section provides a short description of all the major objects in the book. This can be printed out as a study guide for students, used as a "key" for leading a class discussion, or you can jump to the quiz/homework section to find worksheets that incorporate these descriptions into a variety of question formats.

Objects

Power Animals - These are Native North American guardian spirits often used to connect the shaman with non-ordinary powers.

Ayahuasca - This is a plant yielding a hallucinogen that aids in shamanic visions and is used by various tribes, including the Conibo.

Maikua - This is a particular species used for visions by tribes such as the Jivaro.

Tsentsak - These are magical darts, or spirit helpers, used by the Jivaro to cause and cure illness in daily life.

Shamanic Enlightenment - This is the literal and metaphysical ability to lighten the darkness.