The Shaman Speaks: How to Use the Power of Shamanism to Heal Your Life Now

Shaman Elder Maggie Wahls
Marvelous Spirit Press (2010)
ISBN 9781615990078
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (10/10)

Shaman Elder Maggie Wahls has a 400-year old heritage of Shamanism that has been passed down to her by her Shaman Grandmother.  Practicing Traditional Shamanism for over fifty years, Shaman Elder Maggie is now passing her knowledge to those that have an interest in this pagan principle of healing.  Over the years of using her healing skills on others, as well as teaching and counseling, she has been asked thousands of questions. Although all important, Shaman Elder Maggie has chosen forty questions and provides answers in “The Shaman Speaks” - answers that most aspiring Shamans, or those seeking healing, would have.

One of the most common questions is “Why study Shamanism?”  Her answer is lengthy, but to summarize, she says “Healing the spirit is the primary function of a Shaman.”  This can be done through soul-retrieval, soul restoration, hands-on healing, herbal healing, dreamwork and soul leading.  Shaman Elder Maggie continues to say “Each of us has one or more of these gifts buried somewhere inside our spirits.”

On the flip-side, the answer to “I have the sensation of swimming or flying up to a different point in time” is “this...has been happening to more and more people as we move along the spiral of earth changes.  It happens because there is a message for you in that place you are swept away to.”  She continues to say these are astral journeys and that we are to look for the messages that are there for us. They are lessons for our growth.

I found the questions interesting and in many cases felt I would have had the same ones if I was sitting with Shaman Elder Maggie and talking to her.  In fact, the writing is much like she is talking; not only does she answer the question but she often tells a story of her own experience or relates to a situation.  Her voice is gentle, peaceful, and with a tone of spirituality. 

I feel “The Shaman Speaks” would be ideal reading for anyone wanting to learn more about Traditional Shamanism.  Although each one of us has the ability to become a Shaman, not all of us are destined to do so in this lifetime.  Those that are called to become Shamans will find their teacher and Shaman Elder Maggie Wahls’ “The Shaman Speaks” may be the catalyst that opens up the spirit to move forward and let the healer out.