Chapter 4: The Descent of the Spirit (Seeing the Spirit) Summary and Analysis

Don Juan tells Carlos they are to spend the night at a sorcerer's case in total darkness to have the rock formation and the sorcerers' intent to move his assemblage point. Don Juan tells Carlos that he only has a problem understanding the spirit when he thinks about it. He then tells Carlos about the fourth abstract core, "The Descent of the Spirit," where the spirit reveals itself to people. Sorcerers should have clear memories of crossing over into this new perceptual threshold to be able to recollect one's potential. In this abstract core, the spirit cuts one's self-reflection. Self-reflection imprisons us and the spirit sets us free from self-reflection. Sorcerers try to move beyond this concern. Don Juan recalls that the nagual Elias was...