Part One, Stopping The World: Chapter 17, A Worthy Opponent Summary and Analysis

Castaneda recalls a confrontation he had a month earlier with a sorceress known as "la Catalina." Castaneda never fully amplifies how or why the confrontation terrifies him. Don Juan apparently tricked him into confronting her for the purpose of finding Castaneda a worthy opponent. He expresses anger at having been tricked into the situation by Don Juan, but Don Juan explains that as Castaneda's benefactor, it is up to him to take him to "the brink."

On December 11, 1962, Castaneda is setting traps because Don Juan wants him to catch an exceptional animal whose flesh he can dry and use as power food. Don Juan senses that la Catalina is interfering with Castaneda's hunting. Don Juan asserts they must wait for an omen to know what...