Book Review- Shamanic Teachings of the Condor: Encounters with the Mystical Traditions of the Andes by Martha Winona Travers, Ph.D.

Photo Credits: Stock Photo from Publisher, Shamanic Teachings of the Condor

Shamanic Teachings of the Condor: Encounters with the Mystical Traditions of the Andes by Martha Winona Travers, Ph.D., is a 170 page book, published by Bear & Co., an imprint of Inner Traditions Publishing. Shamanic Teachings of the Condor is not an outsider attempt at assimilating an indigenous people’s beautiful, and ancient, beliefs, but rather, an open-hearted account of decades’ experiences with what the Andean kichwa people refer to as an iachak, or medicine person/shaman. The wise one who taught, and developed a positive relationship with Travers, was Taita Alberto. Throughout the pages, you can feel, and I will make use of that word a lot in this review, Taita Alberto’s presence, his wisdom from the elders, as if he was speaking to you directly from the pages. Travers traveled to Ecuador to study, and learn from, the kichwa people, and their ancient, pre-Inca traditions. Travers didn’t just end up learning, and leaving with her accounts, but instead, embodied the teachings, and took to heart the wisdom and heart of the Condor.

The premise of this book is a 500 year old kichwa prophecy, in which there are two birds: The Condor, who is closer to earth, her creatures, her plants, her people. The other, the Eagle, soars every higher, making technological advances, financial prosperity and more of our modern western society. The two, at the time of Ecuador’s conquest by the Spanish, became separated, and the elders at that time prophesied that in 500 years, the time would come, and things would be safe enough for the Eagle and Condor would visit each other, and begin learning from, and working with, one another. Taita Alberto believed that time had come, as verified by his elders and mentors, and so, he sought out to meet the Eagle, and enter Ms. Travers.

I won’t give away much more than this, but Travers goes on to write about the encounters with the kichwa people, other iachaks and especially, Taita Alberto’s teachings, although I’m sure he would much rather me refer to them as lessons, learned walking alongside one another. This is a book filled with deep wisdom, and it can transform your fundamental beliefs about life, interconnectedness, animism, and posterity.

Personal Thoughts on Shamanic Teachings of the Condor

I’m typically reluctant to read on indigenous spirituality, worrying that I will do a disservice to the people, culture and beliefs they come from. I’m not afraid to expand my horizons, but cultural appropriation is always a concern. Condor did not have any sticky points in my opinion in terms of appropriation; quite the contrary! Taita Alberto (who has since moved on to the other side) wanted these beliefs to be shared, for the wisdom to reach other Eagles like you and I. I’m certainly not going to refer to myself as an a iachak, but I certainly already imbued many beliefs that were covered in this wonderful book. Applying them to any nature-centric spiritual belief is easily done without appropriating. Simply put, the Condor’s teachings apply to all life. Be it Celtic, Norse, Native American, Hellenic, Khemetic, or any other cultural religion. Philosophy in relation to spirituality is what I’ve taken away most from Condor. Applying the philosophy and outlook of animism even more deeply; using plants to heal; welcoming the natural progressions of life, instead of fighting against nature. Connecting to, and feeling nature are the next steps. These are all things that modern westerners so desperately need, as we come closer to self destruction.

Aside from my above thoughts, I will continue to cherish my copy of Condor and come back to it time and again. We need to feel our way through life, while keeping the mind in balance with those feelings. Open the heart, and listen. Taita Alberto, even posthumously, has gotten his point across to me as well. I can’t give Shamanic Teachings of the Condor enough praise without rambling on and on and giving it all away, so I will close with a rating. I give Shamanic Teachings of the Condor a 5 on a scale of 1-5. It’s worth a read, re-read, and future visits for its warmth and positive teachings alone, but the deeper teachings within make it even more worthwhile.

Martha Winona Travers, Ph.D. is a writer, teacher and Mama Iachak, having apprenticed with Ecuadorian Kichwa elder Taita Alberto Taxo for 22 years, including 10 years’ time visiting the Kichwa in the Andes. She earned a doctorate in English Literature from the University of Michigan, where she now teaches contemplative practices as well as teaching for the GilChrist Retreat Center and at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park. She is the author of The WayCard Oracle and lives in Manchester, Michigan.

 

About the Author:

Hello there! I’m the Modern Merlin, and I’ve been a Polytheist and Animist Pagan, Witch, Sorcerer, Wizard, Druid, Mystic, Ceremonial Magician, Shaman, Seer and Soothsayer for 15 years, worshipping and casting magick with deities and spirits from many cultures, including Ancient Greece, Rome, Norse & Germanic, Celtic, Egyptian, Sumerian, as well as many Faeries, Nymphs, Dryads, Ancestors and other nature and land spirits and spirits of place. I practice Necromancy and Deathwalking, as well as Traditional Witchcraft, Druidry, Hellenism and Ceremonial Magick. I study and practice Astrology as well as Tarot and other forms of divination such as Runes, Palmistry and Ogham. I give readings and spiritual services on my Facebook Page, The Modern Merlin, as well other free informational posts for everyone to see!