The Body of Myth:
Mythology, Shamanic Trance, and the Sacred Geography of the Body examines the notion that much of the body
of
mythology, religion, and oral tradition has been created as a mnemonic about breath as a means to transcend human reality. This version of breath is akin to Buddhist awareness meditation and to trance of various earth and shamanic belief systems. The author explores a variety of Greek and Roman mythological elements as well as Christian Biblical accounts to illustrate the common underlying symbolism held within these stories and found within the basic tenets of these belief systems. I found this book absolutely fascinating, very well researched, and full of though provoking information. I do not believe, however, that everyone will find this book as interesting as the work is set in standard textbook format. Moreover, in order to understand much of the book, the reader should be well acquainted with basic theories of the anthropology of religion and mythology as well as basic Buddhist
philosophy. The reader should also have some basic knowledge of Greek and Roman mythology and literature as well as some knowledge of Christian Biblical accounts.