Carlos Castaneda

The author and chief character of The Eagle's Gift, Carlos introduces himself in The Teachings of Don Juan as a graduate student at the University of California, Los Angeles, who finds himself undergoing an apprenticeship to the Yaqui Indian sorcerer, Don Juan Matus. The methodology depends heavily on the use of hallucinogenic drugs, which Carlos comes to fear, and ends the relationship. A sequel, The Second Ring of Power, has introduced Carlos' fellow apprentices, the "little sisters" and the Genaros, in the central Mexico highlands and named him their "Nagual." There is profound opposition to his leadership and doubt of his ability, but the warrior's "impeccability" demands that they follow Don Juan's wishes. They continue to harp on Carlos' inability to free himself from possessions, most notably his notebooks, which he finds soothing. Don Genaro once suggests that he write with a bare finger so that nothing...