Weather Shamanism Book Reviews

At first glance this may seem an obscure oddity and okay, it is a practical resource for shamanic weather-working, by all standards an esoteric subject. But Moss (with Corbin) starts with the truth that weather affects us all, and the belief that creating a conscious relationship with the forces of weather is an essential part of restoring balance in the world. As she says in the introduction: "This book is not about how to control the weather; it is about changing ourselves &The greatest and most important change we can make is to begin to accept a broader worldview: one that is supportive of an intentional relationship with Nature, a partnership that fosters the reality of an alive and vital Earth." Suddenly it's a book for a general readership.

Moss presents her ideas as she and Corbin experienced them, allowing readers to move gradually with the authors from the materialist viewpoint that is our dominant cultural norm into the far more interesting realm of sentient weather spirits with whom we humans can communicate. Fascinating examples abound, full of awe, transformative power, and surprising gentleness and humor. A particular tornado, for instance, has this to say: "You humans work well together in crisis, well in chaos, so go and work well togetherhere is your crisis." I started reading Weather Shamanism thinking of the possibilities for moderating the extremes associated with global warming.

There are plenty of stories included of rerouted hurricanes, rain during drought, and pockets of well-timed sunshine surrounded by storm. But as I read further, I came to appreciate the authors' experience: "As we grew into our relationships with the forces and spirits of weather, David and I were surprised to experience a diminishing desire to try to change anything." More often, Moss and Corbin realized the forces of weather acted to heal and balance the living earth, even in cases that seemed destructive. Their shamanic work became a matter of aligning with the weather forces, and then requesting adjustmentsa rain shower here, a gentling of the wind thereto suit their communities' needs while remaining true to the weather's own intent.

I came away from the book with a profoundly deepened trust in the weather, and that alone is plenty to recommend Weather Shamanism for these meteorologically challenging times.

Gina Covina
Terrain -  Northern Californias Environmental Magazine

  
Who knew? A warning, if you read this book you will never look at the sky or a cloud in the same way again. Okay, I warned you. For those of you with a scientific bent this has scant pickings, though not completely dry bones. The authors are students of the Michael Harner school of core shamanism and they do great credit to their teacher. So instead of the usual foo foo approach so common in the quick feel good shamanistic style out there this tries to be more down to Earth and generally succeeds.

It is clear the authors have great experience teaching others about weather shamanism and share much that they have learned over the years. In contrast to many other books this is very inclusive of other peoples knowledge and experience and quotes are extensive and well placed.

If you are into shamanism this is an absolute must read. If you are a beginner in this field it may be a bit much, but still a worthy read.

  Sam Breidenbach "Scientific Shamanism" (Tucson, AZ)