The Shamanic Wisdom of the Huichol: Medicine Teaching for Modern Times

Tom Soloway Pinkson, PhD
Destiny Books (2010)
ISBN 9781594773495
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (08/10)


“The Huichol or Wixáritari are an indigenous ethnic group of western central Mexico, living in the Sierra Madre Occidental range in the Mexican states of Nayarit, Jalisco, Zacatecas, and Durango. They are best known to the larger world as the Huichol, however, they refer to themselves as Wixáritari (‘the people’) in their native Huichol language.” (Wikipedia)

The Huichol are known for the use of peyote cactus in their religious ceremonies and rituals.  It triggers spiritual insights and introspection.

“The Shamanic Wisdom of the Huichol” is a biographical account of Pinkson’s experience with the Huichol tribes of Sierra Madre.  His immersion into the shamanic traditions of the tribes brought forth much light and understanding of the deeper connection to himself and that of the earth.  His journey gives readers insight to making decisions for opening up to Spirit and evolving to another level of consciousness.

Pinkson explains “The plants themselves have taught me that all of creation is in communication with its constituent parts. Thus there is no place to hide when doing sincere medicine work. You must be willing to face your death, your shadow, your worst fears, your wounds, your narcissism, your projections... The medicine will show you what you need to face and do.  You have to be present to it.”  He goes on to say that his work with yoga and meditation helped him accept the messages through visions.

I found Pinkson’s account of his experience very fascinating.  I felt I was right there with him going through his trials and tribulations as well as his awakenings and transitions.  The writing is deep, poignant and encouraging.  “The Shamanic Wisdom of the Huichol” gives the reader courage to delve into their own inner source for direction toward self healing and that of our plant.

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