"Navigate the spiritual supermarket with caution." Scholar Isla Kensington delivers a vital investigation into the booming world of modern shamanism, separating culturally rooted tradition from potentially dangerous commercial ventures. This timely work exposes how ancient Indigenous practices have been repackaged into a lucrative "neo-shamanic" industry fueled by New Age individualism. Discover the stark divide between authentic shamanism-holistic, community-centered, and passed through generations-and its modern counterpart, where self-proclaimed "plastic shamans" often exploit seekers through costly rituals, cultural appropriation, and unregulated practices. Kensington examines documented cases of financial fraud, physical harm (including sweat lodge fatalities and ayahuasca-related deaths), and psychological trauma. Grounding her analysis in neuroscience and psychology, she explores how altered states of consciousness "feel" real but don't validate supernatural claims, revealing the powerful role of belief and placebo in perceived healing. Crucially, she highlights the alarming lack of regulation, licensing, or accountability in this multi-million-dollar industry. More than critique, this book equips spiritual seekers with essential discernment: how to identify ethical practitioners, prioritize safety with psychoactive substances, respect Indigenous sovereignty, and never abandon evidence-based medical care. An indispensable guide for anyone exploring shamanic practices in an age of spiritual consumerism. Essential for seekers, scholars, and advocates demanding integrity in spiritual healing.
