Tom Cowan Discusses "Conflict of Power" on November 16 "Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

RHINEBECK, NY, November 11, 2010 (Press-News.org) Streaming live on the Co-Creator Radio Network on Tuesday, November 16, at 11 a.m. Pacific time/2 p.m. Eastern time, on her show "Why Shamanism Now?: A Practical Path to Authenticity," shaman and founder of the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing Christina Pratt welcomes Tom Cowan as they explore the art of "standing in the conflux of power." This traditional role of the shaman involved moving between forces, holding dynamic tensions, and finding balance in opposition. Cowan talks about how shamans practice this art today—or need to—when working in contemporary waking states of chaos like war and large scale disasters, whether natural or man-made. Cowan shares the timeless value in remembering ancient wisdom and embracing sovereignty as we seek to be wise and effective in the face of life's challenges.

As part of a series of "Why Shamanism Now?" episodes sponsored by the Society of Shamanic Practitioners (SSP), Cowan -- a much loved teacher, an internationally respected author of many books, lecturer, and a founding board member of the SSP -- joins Pratt to discuss how contemporary shamans are meeting the challenge of their world where the relations of things—the living and the dead, the humans and nature, and Western Way and the spirit world—are profoundly out of balance. According to Cowan, it is the ancient role of the shaman in all cultures to tend the balance of things, and he explores the question: How are these shaman meeting this extraordinary need today?

Christina Pratt is an authentic, non-traditional contemporary shaman. In practice since 1990, she specializes in mending the soul and transforming the parts of life that feel impossible. A teacher of exceptional clarity, humor, and inspiration, Pratt brings the power of shamanism into the practical grasp of anyone willing to take responsibility for improving the quality of their life. Her well-received book, An Encyclopedia of Shamanism (Rosen), is an 800-page, two-volume set with over 750 in-depth entries that clearly discuss the basic concepts of shamanism, methods, and traditions of over 50 different shamanic peoples. Pratt is the founder of the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing in Portland, OR, and New York, NY, creator of the original Foundations of Shamanism and Shamanic Healing course at the University of Minnesota, and a frequent and honored speaker for the American Holistic Medical Association.

Tom Cowan is a deeply loved teacher and an internationally respected, author, lecturer, and tour leader. As a shamanic practitioner, Cowan specializes in Celtic visionary and healing techniques, while core shamanism continues to be Cowan's primary spiritual practice. In his teachings, Cowan combines traditional European spirit lore with universal core shamanism to create spiritual practices that can heal and enrich one's own life and the lives of others. He is the author of many books, in particular one of the best books written on shamanism as a daily practice, Shamanism as a Spiritual Practice for Daily Life. Cowan's lifelong interest in mystical traditions led him to develop tours to Ireland or Scotland to practice shamanism at sacred sites and work with the spirits of the land. Cowan is also a minister in the Circle of the Sacred Earth, a church of animism dedicated to shamanic principles and practices. Today he lives in New York's Hudson River Valley where he offers training workshops, spiritual retreats, and healing sessions for groups and individuals.

"Why Shamanism Now?", a live internet talk radio with host Christina Pratt, airs Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Pacific time/2 p.m. Eastern time http://www.co-creatornetwork.com/hosts/shamanism/host_bio.htm. Listeners can ask questions by calling (512) 772-1938 or via Skype. Prior episodes from "Why Shamanism Now" can be downloaded for free from the iTunes library. Pratt also talks about Shamanic Healing on You Tube.

For more information on Christina Pratt, the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing, and workshops and classes with Pratt, or to order An Encyclopedia of Shamanism at a special discounted rate, visit http://www.lastmaskcenter.org. For additional information or to arrange an interview with Pratt, please contact Linda Woznicki, 845-417-8811, lwoz@frontiernet.net.