Of Water and Spirit

Ritual Magic and Initiation in the Life of an African Shaman

By: Malidoma Patrice Somé

Narrated by: Malidoma Patrice Somé

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

Powerful!!!!

This is an essential message especially for those of WEST AFRICAN DESCENT to understand the critical importance of culture and what colonialism stole from us.

great

This is a beautiful reflection (memoir) that can shift paradigms. I loved it. Can't wait to read his other book.

I will use this for parenting as well as healing re belonging and purpose

Wow. What a profound story of awakening. The author reads his own story with such a powerful voice of curiosity, self reflection and honesty about the way his mind struggled to accept the duality of his reality. It is awe inspiring.

As I struggle to find meaning in my disconnected western life, and to help my adolescent son, who is also struggling to find meaning and a way to connect to something deeper within himself and within his community, I will use the examples given in this book to help him understand that he has a deeper connection to life, that he has a purpose and a path to walk, and that his job at this time is to find the community that will welcome him and support him to follow that path.

And I also feel a deeper sense of belonging to life after listening to this affirming journey. Thank you for an incredible vulnerable look into your culture!

Great book. I highly recommend this book.

This books grabs you at the moment you begin and never lets go. It takes you on a journey that leaves you both thrilled and enlighten. The voice of the audio is great. It makes you feel like you are sitting around a fire listening to an ancient story.

Everyone needs this book!

Love love love this book and the author. Malidoma and Sobonfu changed my life, this book came at the time when I needed it and has sustained me since.