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Of Water and Spirit

Ritual Magic and Initiation in the Life of an African Shaman

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Of Water and Spirit

By: Malidoma Patrice Somé
Narrated by: Malidoma Patrice Somé
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About this listen

Born in West Africa in the early 1950s, Somé was kidnapped at age four by a French Jesuit missionary to be trained as a priest, for the next 15 years enduring the harsh regimen of a seminary where his native language and tribal traditions were systematically suppressed. At age 20 he escaped, but when he returned to his Dugara people in Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso) they rejected him as an outsider. To reconnect with his native culture, Somé underwent a month-long initiation into shamanism during which he reports that he journeyed to the underworld, became a bird, then a porcupine, and was buried alive.

©2012 New World Library (P)2014 New World Library Cultural & Regional Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts Spirituality Shamanism Africa Inspiring African Rituals
All stars
Most relevant
Loved this story.

A personal testimony of how indigenous practise aids in decolonisation.
A hearty reccomend.

An account of being betwixt and between worlds

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The journey Malidoma explains was so powerful and explicit. I am Blessed to have been able to envision his story.

Enlightening

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A most captivating and insightful read. It opens up a door, which has been closed due to the reprogramming of my people.

A Tremendous Read

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Sometimes hearing a life story like this is needed to remind us to look at our own path and see if it's the one we really should be walking.

Humbling life story, inspirational.

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There is nothing I disliked about the story. The story touching me quite deeply. It focused on aspects of my life and my understanding of life that tells me it’s okay. This book is about the celebration of LIFE in its fullness. Thank you for sharing.

I wanted more

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