T hese days shamanism is often misunderstood as relating to nothing but drugs and trances. In reality shamans from pre-history to the present day have fulfilled a necessary and vital function for their communities. They heal and bring both nature and all therein into balance by interaction with the spirit world.
      Traditional beliefs from all over the world include the work of shamans. From witch doctors, healers, sages, priests to bards, their function is remarkably similar.
      Despite regional differences, they do have many aspects in common. Firstly they have a solidly grounded belief in the spirit world, the inhabitants of which can be good or evil. Secondly, illnesses are caused by malicious spirits and can be treated. Thirdly, the shaman uses a range of techniques, both objective and subjective to communicate with and control the spirits. Finally, the shaman can journey into the supernatural world with the aid of helper spirits to search for answers or retrieve souls.
      This work on Mongolian shamanism is a comprehensive introduction and workbook for those who are drawn to shamanism, or have had some sign that this will be their calling.
      Author and shaman Sarangerel claimed to be from an ancient Mongolian lineage of Buryat shamans. Shamanism in the Soviet Union was savagely repressed from the time of Stalin onwards. Sarangerel and her family fled to the US where she grew up and was educated. The native teacher/shamans are now free to practise again since the collapse of the USSR.
      The author passed away in 2006, but spent much of her life in Mongolia reconnecting with her shamanistic heritage. She previously wrote Riding Windhorses (2000), a first-rate introduction to Mongolian shamanism.
      Chosen by the Spirits presents quite complex ideas and materials arranged in nine chapters plus appendices, a glossary, notes, a bibliography, and an index. Sarangerel writes in a clear, almost conversational way. She has a gift of ‘presence’, in that one feels she is very close. The style is definitely accessible and easy to understand. She has organised the material in a way that moves from the simple introductory to the more complex, just as if the reader is in actual shamanic training.
      For most of us who are unfamiliar with Mongolian shamanism, the Introduction will be quite an eye-opener. Sarangerel presents a brief overview of the Buryats and how they fit into the culture and environment of Mongolia.
      The first and what I consider the most important chapter is an explanation of shamanism. The beginner is warned that idle curiosity on the subject without good intent could do more harm than good to all concerned. I was interested to see that much of what the author presents can be used whether you are a budding Mongolian shaman or any other regional type. It is all sound teaching.
      To the shaman, the spirits are as alive as you or me. Sarangerel emphasises the need to treat them with respect and good manners, as you would any other person, alive or dead. If you are definitely called to shamanism, then you need to acknowledge and respect the calling.
      There are many concepts and names in Mongolian shamanism that do not have the linguistic equivalent in English and so the author published the Mongolian words in italics, supported by a full glossary at the rear of the book.
      There are chapters on contacting the spirits, cultivating relationships with them, and how to merge with them. Many techniques are used. Among these are drumming, dancing or repetitive chanting, as well as plant or organic compounds that are eaten or imbibed. Dreams and trances can be used. The reader is taught how to reach the centre of all power and how to use the symbolic tools.
      The spiritual structure of humans is examined and it is certainly no coincidence that the Mongolian version has much in common with northern European, Tibetan, American and other native beliefs. It is, of course, three-fold, with the upper, middle and lower realms as both microcosm and macrocosm (as above, so below). The tree of life also features prominently.
      Shamanic journeying is discussed in detail; its purposes, what the other worlds might be like, what spirits might be encountered, and who accompanies the shaman. It is noted that journeying is not always necessary and might only be an occasional circumstance. In healing and psychopomp work, journeying may be more frequent as the shaman walks between worlds for answers or to retrieve pieces of souls that have been either taken or shaken loose by traumatic events.
      Divination of many sorts is a big part of the work in diagnosis of illness or imbalance. Sarangerel moves on to give examples of rituals and invocations for the healing of the earth, blessing and protection. In this section the reader will learn of the community service that the shaman performs. This may be weather and hunting magic, traditional festivals, or cleaning up polluted places and individuals.
      The last chapter is devoted to the tools and magic associated with Mongolian shamanism. Equipment can definitely include drums, rattles & other musical instruments, mirrors, whips, staff, pipes, clothing & decorations associated with the helper spirits. Many of the accoutrements are ritually symbolic. Knives, swords, axes all have strong ritual uses.
      A number of types of magic are outlined including healing and protective, prosperity, romantic, war & strategy, or punitive. The last two are not common in these times and at best are theoretical. Some spells are given and instructions on how to endow objects with magic. There are food and liquid rituals that have much power.
        This is not a simple book. I would say it is geared for the reader who has a definite desire to learn more about, or actually train as a shaman.
        There is a lot of similarity between shamanistic cultures ancient and modern. The concept of the three worlds is an example, with the tree of life spanning all three.
      There are even elements in the Kabbalah, Celtic magic, Tibetan tantric magic, native American magic, and Sufism that are recognisable immediately to anyone with a general knowledge of Western or Eastern esotericism. The idea of journeying to supernatural worlds with the help of spirit guides is also common.
      Sarangerel’s mastery of her subject is clear with her straightforward way of writing. She is able to make an ancient tradition quite relevant in today’s world. With elements of the ‘perennial philosophy’ everywhere in shamanism, its revival and growing popularity today are not surprising.
      I do not have a calling to shamanism, but can appreciate this book for a detailed look into the heart of an unbroken tradition in Mongolia. Recommended for serious aspirants to the shamanic path, but I also urge you to find a genuine teacher.