Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. CONTENTS vii
3. Foreword to the 2004 Edition xi
4. Foreword xvii
5. Note on Orthography xxix
6. I. General Considerations. Recruiting Methods. Shamanism and Mystical Vocation 1
7. II. Initiatory Sicknesses and Dreams 33
8. III. Obtaining Shamanic Powers 67
9. IV. Shamanic Initiation 110
10. V. Symbolism of the Shaman's Costume and Drum 145
11. VI. Shamanism in Central and North Asia: I. Celestial Ascents. Descents to the Underworld 181
12. VII. Shamanism in Central and North Asia: II. Magical Cures. The Shaman as Psychopomp 215
13. VIII. Shamanism and Cosmology 259
14. IX. Shamanism in North and South America 288
15. X. Southeast Asian and Oceanian Shamanism 337
16. XI. Shamanic Ideologies and Techniques among the Indo-Europeans 375
17. XII. Shamanic Symbolisms and Techniques in Tibet, China, and the Far East 428
18. XIII. Parallel Myths, Symbols, and Rites 466
19. XIV. Conclusions 495
20. Epilogue 508
21. List of Works Cited 513
22. Index 571