This book brings a timely breath of fresh air into the labyrinth of material now available on metaphysics involving Peru and the Americas in general.

Peter Langevin has been on the Inca path since 1973 when he was a young adult. He has been the publisher and editor of the Magical Blend magazine for over twenty years.

In this down-to-earth book he intersperses his own and his family’s journeys to Peru with an immediately accessible handbook to the Inca way.

The content is arranged like a journey in itself. A prologue traces the author’s own history on the Incan path and tells of his first contact and subsequent initiation into this spiritual way. It has the ring of authority and, like many a genuine call to faith, was not always smooth.

At the beginning of each chapter is an excerpt from the author’s journal during his lengthy visit to Peru in 2001 with his family. Michael and his wife had adopted two Peruvian children some years before and the trip was also to introduce the children to their birth culture.

Following the journal entries are aspects of the Incan spiritual path. These include the history, culture, family values, philosophy, creativity, and rituals of the Incas, past and present.

Within each aspect there is guidance for living the philosophy and spirituality of the Incas today and right where you are. The author makes it clear. You do not have to be on top of a mountain to live this life.

As a handbook for Incan rituals, this volume is concise and practical. Where substitutions might be required for certain ritual objects, sensible suggestions are given.

I noted the author’s very real appreciation that the outcome of ritual is not dependent on the object, but on the intent and spirit of the person using it. Not all will agree on this, but when one begins on any ritual path, the objects will not yet be imbued with the user’s energy.

Many beginning rituals are outlined and could be adapted by neophytes as well as experienced seekers. The strength here is that you probably cannot harm yourself with these basic practices. The only way to find out is to try them out with a good heart and see.

Another pleasant surprise was the section on dreaming. This is a handbook in the true sense and the equal of any dream book I have seen. There are precise instructions to help the reader to begin lucid dreaming and retain the knowledge of dreams. This ‘dreaming with a purpose’ was an important part of the Incan way.

An aspect of the Incan culture and the mystic path that is often neglected in current literature is creativity within the arts. Culture and symbolism are carried by artefacts and include spiritual information. This happens in every culture, but is particularly noticeable in Peru.

The author has given it the attention it deserves. He discusses weaving, painting, sculpture, pottery, ceramics, music and dance. Each has something important to impart for both the creator and the observer. Art and artisans are respected in Incan culture.

Michael Langevin reiterates the basic Incan value of reciprocity, which naturally leads to its expression in hospitality, a sense of community and the warmth and the friendliness of the people. It is emphasised that all of the Incan values can be adopted to everyday life in any country or culture.

The book is written in a warm, free-flowing style, and the prefacing of each chapter with journal excerpts adds to its immediacy and charm.

Michael Langevin is a convincing proponent of the Incan way of spirituality and mysticism. He conveys a sense of urgency to change our direction in life and become more connected to nature and to each other.

As with other books on this spiritual way, the difference is not made clear between shamanism and spiritual mysticism. There seems to be elements of both in Incan spiritual practice.

I enjoyed reading this book. I believe it will appeal to a wide range of reader interests. Shamanism – yes. Spirituality – yes. History and culture – yes.

If you have always had a curiosity about Peru, its history, geography, culture and religion, read this book. It satisfies in any number of ways.

– Reviewed by Jennifer Hoskins in New Dawn No. 91