Encounters with Power: Adventures and Misadventures on the Shamanic Path of Healing

by José Luis Stevens Ph.D.

Overview

A Shamanic Odyssey of Discovery

 

When you leave the beaten path of civilization, you enter the world of primal and mysterious forces—and encounter wonders you never thought possible. This is the territory of the shaman. To learn the secrets of shamanism, José Luis Stevens has traveled to the remote and wild places where the oldest human spiritual practice still exists in its purest form. With Encounters with Power, this respected teacher invites you to experience his journeys to meet shamans around the globe—and share in the wisdom he received. Join this master storyteller as he recounts his meetings with Spirit in its many guises, including:

 

• India and the Life-Changing Reading—at a turning point in his life, Jose receives a startlingly accurate prophecy

• Lost in Mexico—a humbling education in the difference between “power” and “control”

• The Guatemala Test and Initiation—the power of being frugal with judgment and generous with forgiveness

• Encounters with the Power of Aborigines and Songlines Down Under—sometimes the teacher appears when the student is not ready

• Journeys for Power with Medicine—visions with the plant spirit of ayahuasca

• A Magical Andes Wedding—an unforgettable ceremony attended by people, spirits, and the forces of nature

• The Dolphin Brujos—nature’s tricksters teach a sharp lesson in responsibility and humility

• Encounters with the Dark Shaman—a perilous jungle journey reveals the ferocity of nature and the dangerous side of shamanic practice

• Nevado Aconcagua: Pilgrimage to a Sacred Mountain—how a holy place can be both a dangerous trial and a source of limitless support

 

Power is everywhere—encounters with power can happen any time. “In my travels to meet these extraordinary healers,” writes José, “I’ve had terrifying, enlightening, and at times hugely entertaining adventures. Power can destroy us or it can raise us up by teaching us and nourishing us. I may not be a master, but I have learned a few things that you may find helpful on your own quest.”

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781622037933
Publisher:	Sounds True
Publication date:	01/01/2017
Pages:	272
Product dimensions:	5.41(w) x 8.04(h) x 0.72(d)

About the Author

José Luis Stevens, PhD, is an international lecturer, teacher, consultant, and trainer. A psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, and author of eighteen books and e-books, as well as numerous articles, he is also on the board of the Society of Shamanic Practitioners. He is the cofounder of the Power Path School of Shamanism and the Center for Shamanic Education and Exchange. He completed a ten-year apprenticeship with a Huichol marakame and has studied extensively with the Shipibos of the Amazon and the Q’ero of the Andes for the last twenty years.

He has a doctorate in integral counseling from the California Institute of Integral Studies, an MSW from the University of California, Berkeley, and a BA in sociology from the University of Santa Clara, California.

He lives in Santa Fe with his wife and companion, Lena. See thepowerpath.com.

Table of Contents

Introduction ix

Part I Expression-Storyteller-Artist

1 The Power of Prophecy: India and the Life-Changing Reading 3

2 The Right Way to Die 25

3 Lost in Mexico 43

4 The Guatemala Test and Initiation 51

5 Encounters with the Power of Aborigines and Songlines Down Under: Or "When the Student Is Not Ready" 65

Part II Inspiration-Ceremonialist-Healer

6 Q'eros: Encountering the Power of the Land and Its People 83

7 Journeys for Power with Medicine: Visions with Ayahuasca 99

8 The Power of Dieting in the Jungle: Plant Teachings 111

9 The Power of Communion: A Magical Andes Wedding 133

10 An Encounter with Power Through a Healing Crisis: The Natural Traveling Pharmacy 141

Part III Action-Chief-Warrior

11 An Encounter with Power: Completing a Huichol Apprenticeship with Sacred Peyote 157

12 A Second Pilgrimage to Regalia: Encounters with the Dark Shaman 175

13 An Encounter with the Dolphin Brujos 201

14 Nevado Aconcagua: Pilgrimage to a Sacred Mountain for Power 209

15 Traversing the Andes and Other Powerful Passages 229

In Closing 239

Acknowledgments 241

About the Author 243

Editorial Reviews

Fun, entertaining read that offers some spiritual teachings along the way...in his 2014 book, Awaken the Inner Shaman, Stevens offered methods of overcoming the limitations of the ego. With his latest book, he shows some self-mastery in that area by pulling off the tricky task of writing about his peak experiences without coming off as self-aggrandizing—or, conversely, as falsely humble.” —Spirituality & Health

“The first book I read on shamanism, Secrets of Shamanism, was written by this author. It opened so many doors for me. I still refer to it often when I teach. 25 years later he’s still opening doors for people. This pairing with SoundsTrue is an especially fortunate and informative one. Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools used by shamans. Stephens is no exception. He regularly holds his students spellbound at his workshops. After much encouragement from his them, he has finally written some of his most popular stories down. Readers will not only learn much about him as he shares the wisdom he gained while claiming his power, but they will also begin to see themselves in the mirror he is holding up for them. His personal, spiritual path took him to distant, mysterious destinations, but the lessons he learned were always grounded solidly in the world most of us inhabit. His writing makes them very accessible. It is the voice of a storyteller which vibrates off the pages, drawing readers in as they follow the words. All of the stories are true.They accurately portray the journey which has led him to a life which he describes as happy. Insightful Postscripts and brief Questions and Exercises at the end of each story guide readers to discover the lessons of the story within themselves.” —Retailing Insight

“José Stevens’s engaging accounts of his spiritual unfolding reveal the excitement of the travels as well as the travails that may transpire when we walk the spiritual path in search of Encounters with Power. There is much teaching and knowledge in his stories that may bring us into connection with our inner chief, the leader within each of us who takes responsibility for doing what needs to be done, as well as for creating abundance through our relationship with nature.” —Hank Wesselman, PhD, anthropologist and author of the Spiritwalker trilogy, the award-winning Awakening to the Spirit World (with Sandra Ingerman), The Bowl of Light, and The Re-Enchantment: A Shamanic Path to a Life of Wonder

“José Luis Stevens uses the shamanic art of teaching through storytelling to share his depth of wisdom and knowledge with us. I was deeply touched by his remarkable stories and how the lessons he learned apply to all of us as we learn how to stand in our power. Jose's willingness to be so authentic and vulnerable is part of the magic of Encounters with Power. This book is filled with demonstrations of how we can quest for power, find balance, and discover our authentic self. I was fully engaged while reading Encounters with Power and feel it is important book for the times we live in.” —Sandra Ingerman, MA, author of The Shamanic Journey: A Beginner's Guide and Walking in Light

“José Luis Stevens brings us jewels of wisdom from the world’s most ancient spiritual path. A brilliant and heart-warming book of personal tales of power and the journey beyond life and death. Exquisite!” —Alberto Villoldo, PhD, bestselling author of Shaman, Healer, Sage and One Spirit Medicine

“When a shaman writes an autobiography, it must be a book of many stories because the shaman's life is composed of characters, plots, adventures, misadventures, and teachings. José Stevens has laid out some of the signature events of his own life in wonderful stories that are sometimes humorous, sometimes painful, but always with deep teachings about how to find spiritual power and use it ethically. As he points out, becoming powerful means leaving your comfort zone and being open to the times when things go wrong as well as right. It is through personal stories that we receive from Spirit the gifts of insight and wisdom, and through Jose's stories, you will receive those gifts.” —Tom Cowan, author of Fire in the Head and Yearning for the Wind

“Encounters with Power is a wonderful blend of story, instruction, and advice. It is written in a style that is clear, warm, and comfortable. While reading it, we become villagers sharing the heart of the storyteller through the artistry of the writer. The conversation between José and his mother on her deathbed is priceless. His Map of the Four Axes helps us to position ourselves to receive the blessings available in every direction. He shows us how to become the Artist, the Healer, the Warrior, and the Teacher. For the devotees of African diaspora traditions, this work can be understood as a shamanic interpretation of the powers of Eshu Yangi, the deity who guides us on the many paths between heaven and earth. Savor it.” —Luisah Teish, author of Jambalaya: The Natural Woman’s Book of Personal Charms and Practical Rituals

“José Luis Stevens is an accomplished writer and storyteller who shares his own tales of power.” —Michael Harner, author of Cave and Cosmos and The Way of the Shaman

“True to ancient shamanic traditions, José Luis Steven’s riveting personal stories are profound teachings. There is no other way to teach the mystery unless you experience it through gratitude, love, and awe. I highly recommend this courageous book by a man in search of power, self-realization, and awakening.” —Itzhak Beery, author The Gift of Shamanism: Visionary Power, Ayahuasca Dreams, and Journeys to the Other Realms; publisher of ShamanPortal.com

“José Stevens is a master storyteller. Reading Encounters with Power, we get inside the stories, we feel the emotions and anticipations. In telling his personal adventures, José displays much humility and authenticity, which is personal power. Good stories, even personal ones, are collective. The stories teach us in a way that is whole. This is a marvelous book, lots of fun to read, hard to put down, and the teachings you receive almost effortlessly seem meant for you. I recommend it.” —Claude Poncelet, PhD, author of The Shaman Within

“An extraordinary read! José is a master storyteller, each story a lesson in itself. A must read for those interested in evolving on their shamanic path.” —James Endredy, author of Teachings of the Peyote Shamans: The Five Points of Attention and Advanced Autogenic Training and Primal Awareness: Techniques for Wellness, Deeper Connection to Nature, and Higher Consciousness

“A seasoned shamanic teacher and consummate ceremonialist, José Luis Stevens’s gift of storytelling is on a par with the soul-illuminating tales spoken by tribal wisdom keepers of time immemorial. A journey of personal revelation, inspired evolution, and enlightened right action, Encounters with Power: Adventures and Misadventures on the Shamanic Path of Healing will undoubtedly prove to be a classic in the fields of neo-shamanism and contemporary ethnospiritual inquiry. All earnest navigators of non-ordinary human consciousness will find this book to be an honest, transparent narrative on the inherent perils and pitfalls of seeking shamanic power—a raw tale of embarking upon a path of service nurtured by the sanity found in Self-liberation. On a more global scale, I’m convinced the wonderfully articulated perennial wisdom within this beautifully written book shall serve to further catalyze the cross-cultural democratization of shamanism as a collective path of earth-centered spiritual living. In essence, I believe all who read Encounters with Power will gain deeper insight into their own personal struggles and challenges as vital preparation to walk more gently and lovingly, with seven-generation healing service in heart, as sacred passerby upon our beloved Gaia-Pachamama. Highly recommended!” —don Oscar Miro-Quesada, author of Lessons in Courage; founder of The Heart of the Healer (THOTH) and originator of Pachakuti Mesa Tradition of cross-cultural shamanism

“For thousands of years, our ancestors shared teachings through an oral tradition of storytelling. In Encounters with Power, we have the honor of sitting around a timeless fire with an elder and ingesting the experiences of a lifetime of potent, transformative wisdom stories. Drink deep of this much needed draught of medicine words.” —HeatherAsh Amara

From the Publisher