Shirley Blancke is an archaeologist and anthropologist, who has worked with Native Americans in Massachusetts, learned traditional sacred dance from Hawaiian kahunas, and hosted ceremonies for an Oglala Lakota medicine man. She studied shamanic traditions with Hank Wesselman for 10 years and has worked with Ecuadorian yachak don Alberto Taxo for seven years. She lives in Concord, Massachusetts.

“In this era of ecological crisis, the human spirit cries out for teachings and practices that can restore balance between our species and the rest of God’s creation. Drawing from a range of genres--interviews, personal reflection, and stories--Shirley Blancke conveys the wisdom of don Alberto Taxo, a revered shaman and spiritual teacher from Ecuador, whose insights can awaken humanity to the interconnection of all beings and our responsibility to live more gently on Earth. His heart-centered perspectives will resonate with people of all faith traditions who seek healing for our planet.”

• Foreword by Hank WesselmanAcknowledgments Introduction: My Trail Winds to Shamanism PART 1 Upbringing 1 A Walk in Quito2 Grandparent Wisdom 3 The Power of Water 4 Initiation5 An Encounter with Francis 6 The Formation of a Public Yachak 7 A Colombian Yachak8 Contrary Winds and the Value of Spirituality PART 2 Teachings9 The Eagle and Condor Dream 10 Sumak Kausay, “Abundant Life” 11 Building Habits of Connection 12 A Yachak Apprentices’ Retreat 13 Learning Plant Healing 14 Resolving Conflict: The Nature of Good and Evil 15 Medicine Wheel of the Four Winds: Life Lessons Drawn from Nature 16 The Chakana and the Staff of GoldPART 3 Reflections17 Beginnings Stateside by Susan Cooper 18 Connecting with Awareness by Martha Travers 19 Furthering Dream Change by John Perkins 20 The Teaching of Yachak Tayta don Alberto Taxo by Itzhak Beery 21 Initial Impressions by Christiane Gottwald, Jeanne Dooley, and Susan Martin 22 Connecting with Springs by Shari Parslow 23 Connecting with Animals by Julie Bloomer24 A Journey with don Alberto by Shirley Blancke25 Becoming a Yachak by Lucas K. 26 Every Moment Is Sacred and Full of Possibility by Caty Laignel Epilogue: A Christmas Story NotesBibliography Index

Shirley Blancke is an archaeologist and anthropologist, who has worked with Native Americans in Massachusetts, learned traditional sacred dance from Hawaiian kahunas, and hosted ceremonies for an Oglala Lakota medicine man. She studied shamanic traditions with Hank Wesselman for 10 years and has worked with Ecuadorian yachak don Alberto Taxo for seven years. She lives in Concord, Massachusetts.

“In this era of ecological crisis, the human spirit cries out for teachings and practices that can restore balance between our species and the rest of God’s creation. Drawing from a range of genres--interviews, personal reflection, and stories--Shirley Blancke conveys the wisdom of don Alberto Taxo, a revered shaman and spiritual teacher from Ecuador, whose insights can awaken humanity to the interconnection of all beings and our responsibility to live more gently on Earth. His heart-centered perspectives will resonate with people of all faith traditions who seek healing for our planet.”

• Foreword by Hank WesselmanAcknowledgments Introduction: My Trail Winds to Shamanism PART 1 Upbringing 1 A Walk in Quito2 Grandparent Wisdom 3 The Power of Water 4 Initiation5 An Encounter with Francis 6 The Formation of a Public Yachak 7 A Colombian Yachak8 Contrary Winds and the Value of Spirituality PART 2 Teachings9 The Eagle and Condor Dream 10 Sumak Kausay, “Abundant Life” 11 Building Habits of Connection 12 A Yachak Apprentices’ Retreat 13 Learning Plant Healing 14 Resolving Conflict: The Nature of Good and Evil 15 Medicine Wheel of the Four Winds: Life Lessons Drawn from Nature 16 The Chakana and the Staff of GoldPART 3 Reflections17 Beginnings Stateside by Susan Cooper 18 Connecting with Awareness by Martha Travers 19 Furthering Dream Change by John Perkins 20 The Teaching of Yachak Tayta don Alberto Taxo by Itzhak Beery 21 Initial Impressions by Christiane Gottwald, Jeanne Dooley, and Susan Martin 22 Connecting with Springs by Shari Parslow 23 Connecting with Animals by Julie Bloomer24 A Journey with don Alberto by Shirley Blancke25 Becoming a Yachak by Lucas K. 26 Every Moment Is Sacred and Full of Possibility by Caty Laignel Epilogue: A Christmas Story NotesBibliography Index

Shirley Blancke is an archaeologist and anthropologist, who has worked with Native Americans in Massachusetts, learned traditional sacred dance from Hawaiian kahunas, and hosted ceremonies for an Oglala Lakota medicine man. She studied shamanic traditions with Hank Wesselman for 10 years and has worked with Ecuadorian yachak don Alberto Taxo for seven years. She lives in Concord, Massachusetts.

“In this era of ecological crisis, the human spirit cries out for teachings and practices that can restore balance between our species and the rest of God’s creation. Drawing from a range of genres--interviews, personal reflection, and stories--Shirley Blancke conveys the wisdom of don Alberto Taxo, a revered shaman and spiritual teacher from Ecuador, whose insights can awaken humanity to the interconnection of all beings and our responsibility to live more gently on Earth. His heart-centered perspectives will resonate with people of all faith traditions who seek healing for our planet.”

• Foreword by Hank WesselmanAcknowledgments Introduction: My Trail Winds to Shamanism PART 1 Upbringing 1 A Walk in Quito2 Grandparent Wisdom 3 The Power of Water 4 Initiation5 An Encounter with Francis 6 The Formation of a Public Yachak 7 A Colombian Yachak8 Contrary Winds and the Value of Spirituality PART 2 Teachings9 The Eagle and Condor Dream 10 Sumak Kausay, “Abundant Life” 11 Building Habits of Connection 12 A Yachak Apprentices’ Retreat 13 Learning Plant Healing 14 Resolving Conflict: The Nature of Good and Evil 15 Medicine Wheel of the Four Winds: Life Lessons Drawn from Nature 16 The Chakana and the Staff of GoldPART 3 Reflections17 Beginnings Stateside by Susan Cooper 18 Connecting with Awareness by Martha Travers 19 Furthering Dream Change by John Perkins 20 The Teaching of Yachak Tayta don Alberto Taxo by Itzhak Beery 21 Initial Impressions by Christiane Gottwald, Jeanne Dooley, and Susan Martin 22 Connecting with Springs by Shari Parslow 23 Connecting with Animals by Julie Bloomer24 A Journey with don Alberto by Shirley Blancke25 Becoming a Yachak by Lucas K. 26 Every Moment Is Sacred and Full of Possibility by Caty Laignel Epilogue: A Christmas Story NotesBibliography Index