Riding Windhorses: A Journey into the Heart of Mongolian Shamanism

This is a powerful, straightforward book about a complex and eerie topic: Mongolian Shamanism. I found it an immensely helpful book in my journey for understanding. I especially found both valuable, and extremely clear, its instructions on how to become a shaman.I think it is hard for Westerners to take Shamanism seriously, and I know I mentally dismissed it out of hand, along with Carlos Castaneda back in the day, when I first set out on this search. I think it helped me tremendously to have a solid grounding in Zen practice before reading this book. I sense these forces are not to be taken lightly, nor to be played with, and especially not to be abused for selfish purposes. That was uppermost in my mind when I read Sarangerel's instructions for undertaking the journey which would enable one to enter into the world of Shamanism. "First, do no harm." I would treat this book with great respect if you do not have some sort of prior training in a spiritual discipline.Sarangerel was clear about why she wrote this work: the Soviets had done their best to destroy Shamanism, and after the destruction they wrought, she felt it was necessary to record the teachings of her ancestors before it was lost.After reading this, I find myself interested in searching for a competent guide for further exploration into self-development on this path.

Not a Llewellyn-style rendering derived from books and imagination, nor yet a dry academic summary of shamanism-in-general (genericized across many cultures) --- this is written from having been trained IN Mongolia by local practitioners of the old ways. The details are specific and real.

Sarangerel was a very devoted researcher and practitioner. There is no better source available this days about ancient shamanism, via Mongolian and Siberian traditions. Focusing more in the Mongolian heritage, very coherent with her ancestors, Sarangerel delivers great wisdom in a simple and warm way. I got this book earlier in russian on a free format, and even having read it with translations, but there is no comparison to the english book. This material is crucial for any serious student of shamanism, and a must read. Blessings to Sarangerel, wherever she might be. I'm really grateful tor receiving her message in the most -not so- odd ways many times. I'm glad I could finally get this book for kindle. In a way, she has been teaching and guiding me from the other side. Thanks, thanks, thanks.

I'm new to the world of shamanism and I admit I have a hard time pronouncing the names from this book, but I enjoy it. I'm about a third into the book and am opening my heart and mind to new possibilities.

I only wish that I could have met Sarangerl before she passed away

Having read academic and personal shamanic accounts for nearly forty years, I was delighted to discover this one that offers such an engaged, experiential, and personal approach to Mongolian shamanism - by a woman who stands in the tradition, mastered the discipline, and is a practitioner. The book is a wonderful introduction and overview - along with specific practices and rituals. It's very well done - and I"m grateful that it and its companion (Chosen by the Spirits) are available.

I use this book as a reference all the time for my spiritual practice. I would've loved to meet Sarangerel in person. Definitely would recommend it to anyone searching for some kind of clarity or guidance. Be aware though, this is about Mongolian and Siberian shamanism. If you're looking for some kind of run-of-the-mill book that covers shamanism from all over the world, this probably isn't for you. It's very specific in that it covers how closely linked Mongolian and Siberian culture are to the religion. Don't expect anything remotely New Age in this book. It's a wonderful read and very easy to follow and understand.

There is definitely info here I haven't been able to find elsewhere and after 10 plus books I did find some details I was looking for in this book. For me, this one is at the top of my stacks of research. The details are not lacking and we follow the author on her own journey and the author also provides other sources and references to check for more details....a real keeper....so glad I found this one.

Really like thus book. There is no fluff, just a pure, straightforward, description of shamanic facts and practices according to Mongolian culture.Its great because the author passes no judgement on these practises . There is no unnecessary embellishment. It seems a truthful account. I trust the author, herself a practising shamaness, whereas alot of people who claim to be shamans appear to love the gloss of it. There is no gloss here, just true teaching.

Indeed - a journey into the heart of mongolian shamanism. Sarangerel is a mongolian shamaness. Within her word you feel the authenticity. Theories and rituals are described in simple words. There are some "Do's and Dont's" but also a lot of variability and freedom."Technical terms" in mongolian language are described where they are first mentioned, but there's also a great glossary added.Very recommandable!Ja, das ist es, eine Reise ins Herz des mongolischen Schamanismus. Sarangerel ist selbst mongolische Schamanin und aus ihren Worten spürt man die Authentizität. Sie beschreibt einfach und verständlich die wichtigsten Theorien und Praktiken. So verbindet sie Erklärung und Tun miteinander. Dabei unterscheidet sie zwischen Wichtigem und Variablem, lässt Freiheiten - was mir sehr angenehm aufgefallen ist.Die mongolischen Begriffe werden erklärt, wo sie eingeführt werden, ein ausführliches Glossar rundet ab.Sehr empfehlenswert.

モンゴル文化圏（ブリヤートやトゥバを含む）のシャーマニズム一般について、平明なスタイルで書かれた入門書。語り口は全くアカデミックなものではないので手に取りやすいが、占いについての章で、いきなりトランプの一人占いが紹介され、「モンゴル人もよくトランプを使う」と書かれていたのには、正直コケそうになった。裏表紙の著者紹介によれば、アメリカ生まれという著者（女性）の一族は、ロシア革命の際にシベリアを逃れたということになっているが、本文中の写真を見る限り、彼女の風貌は白人系であり、民族的オリジンについてもはっきり書かれてはいないので、ネオ・シャーマニズム系のアメリカ白人である可能性も否定できない。

If you are interested to understand a bit more of different traditions and rituals....its a real good book!Could had some more illustrative pics!

beautiful book