Jaguar in the Body, Butterfly in the Heart: The Real-life Initiation of an Everyday Shaman

228 Pages·2017·3.79 MB·English

by  Ya’Acov Darling Khan

PRAISE FOR JAGUAR IN THE BODY,
BUTTERFLY IN THE HEART
‘Jaguar in the Body, Butterfly in the Heart is a magnificent adventure story that
travels like an arrow right into the heart of what it means to be a conscious
human being. Like all stories told with unflinching honesty and humility, this one
has the potential to heal the reader, and help him or her remember who they
really truly are.’
DR CHRISTIANE NORTHRUP, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF
GODDESSES NEVER AGE AND WOMEN’S BODIES, WOMEN’S WISDOM
‘Jaguar in the Body, Butterfly in the Heart charts the journey of a young man
treading the path of an ancient vocation in a modern world. In his wise, funny
and tender book, Ya’Acov Darling Khan writes of his teachers and experiences
with compelling generosity and practicality, and lessons abound. Shamanic
teaching that is accessible and divine.’
SOPHIE DAHL, AUTHOR
‘Ya’Acov Darling Khan has written an exquisite and important book that places
the great and deep work of shamanism in its rightful context in this critical time
in human history. For too long, shamanism has been seen as a left-field weekend
pastime that is divorced from the challenges that we face as a species. Ya’Acov’s
story of his 30-year initiation into the shaman’s world is an invitation for us to
look deeply into what matters most to us and to find the courage to live from this
place. Ya’Acov’s book is vital for all of us who are ready to find the passion,
dedication and courage to bring our visions to Earth and to leave a legacy for
our descendants that we can be proud of.’
LYNNE TWIST, CO-FOUNDER OF THE PACHAMAMA ALLIANCE AND AUTHOR OF THE
SOUL OF MONEY
‘An important shamanic ritual involves “dismembering and remembering” –
releasing dysfunctional patterns of thought and behaviour in order to embrace
beneficial new ones. Through this beautiful book Ya’Acov offers that ritual for a
world of humans who need to rebalance and remember themselves and their
relationship with all else. He sings the shapeshifter’s song; that song awakens a
new dream, it manifests a new reality.’
JOHN PERKINS, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR
‘As our world rocks with each new onslaught of unresolved human pain, there
comes a bright light to remind us that we have resources far beyond our own:
that we have help if we ask for it and that help is transformative. Written with
integrity, authenticity and the flowing, addictive poetry of a born storyteller,
Ya’Acov’s book is a must-read for anyone who seeks to share in the bounty of
the greater spirits of this world and beyond.
Ya’Acov’s journey as a shaman began long before the current fashion for all
things shamanic. When it comes to spirituality, many people talk the talk, but few
actually embody the teachings in their day-to-day life.’
MANDA SCOTT, TEACHER OF SHAMANIC DREAMING AND AUTHOR OF THE BOUDICA
SERIES AND INTO THE FIRE
‘Ya’Acov Darling Khan’s journey reveals the hard path that goes from a sincere
but innocent day-dreaming about shamanism, to the struggles, doubts, failure
and eventual victories to be found for those who travel far enough and persist
for long enough to discover the secrets of shifting consciousness, and then bring
them back to the world of our everyday affairs.
What I love about him and the journey he shares in this book is that his passion
for the Spirit has always been so strong, and was not broken when ego-driven
fantasies were shattered again and again by the bitter-sweet kiss of everyday
reality.’
VICTOR SANCHEZ, RESEARCHER, AUTHOR, TEACHER AND FOUNDER OF EL ARTE DE
VIVIR A PROPÓSITO (THE ART OF LIVING PURPOSEFULLY) AND TOLTECAS.ORG
‘Ya’Acov is a medicine man of the highest integrity. His shamanic skill and
embodiment transcend culture to reach the universal place of humanity and
spirit. One doesn’t declare oneself a shaman, the people do. When we are in the
rainforest together, the indigenous people line up for healings with Ya’Acov,
who works side by side with the elder tribal shaman.
In his book, Ya’Acov demystifies the original vocation, one often shrouded in
misperceptions and aggrandizement in modern times. As our current systems
and structures break down, more and more people are turning to the ancient
shamanic worldview of interconnectivity and meaning. Jaguar in the Body,
Butterfly in the Heart provides a blueprint for how to authentically walk the
path.’
DAVID TUCKER, PACHAMAMA JOURNEYS DIRECTOR
‘As the first generations of Westerners who were taught by traditionalshamans
and healers slowly matured through decades of practice, it was inevitable that
gradually new forms of shamanism would appear. Ya’Acov Darling Khan is an
experienced shamanic teacher who represents a shamanic practice that is
thoroughly body-based yet spiritual, archaic yet contemporary. His words will
inspire all those who follow the path of spirit.’
DAAN VAN KAMPENHOUT, FOUNDER OF THE PRACTICE FOR SYSTEMIC RITUAL,
AUTHOR OF IMAGES OF THE SOUL AND TEARS OF THE ANCESTORS
‘With self-depreciating humour, honesty and openness, Ya’Acov carries us with
him as he weaves the story of his journey from youth to adult to elder. Writing
with grace and love, he invites the reader to travel through the landscapes of his
shamanic path. A compelling mixture of mysticism and down-to-earth living.’
CHRIS ODLE, MEDICINE MAN
‘Ya’Acov is a masterful storyteller who takes you deep into his real-life story of
magic, shamanism and a lifelong commitment to waking up! I have run joint
workshops with Ya’Acov and can say without doubt that in both the dream and
waking worlds he is the real deal!’
CHARLIE MORLEY, LUCID DREAMING TEACHER AND AUTHOR OF DREAMS OF
AWAKENING AND DREAMING THROUGH DARKNESS
‘I am totally convinced that in order to live something you have to dream it first.
In Jaguar in the Body, Butterfly in the Heart, I discovered the most beautiful
examples of how you can find your teachers and precious knowledge in your
dreams and then in your life. Bravo to Ya’Acov Darling Khan for showing us
that it is possible in such a beautiful and poetic way and encouraging every
reader to look forward to experiencing this mystical path.’
SERGIO MAGAÑA OCELOCOYOTL, AUTHOR OF THE TOLTEC SECRET AND CAVES
OF POWER
‘If, like me, you think too many are jumping on the shamanic bandwagon, this
book is about the real thing. It takes precise introspection, total humility and
great courage to take the shaman’s initiatory journey. An entertaining
description of a tough, exacting apprenticeship, this well-written personal
odyssey takes the sham out of shamanism. An inspiring read.’
DR EVA CHAPMAN, PSYCHOTHERAPIST AND AUTHOR
‘It is amazing how long it took this man to recognise that he was a shaman. If
you have ever wondered what it takes to be a genuine shaman and what the
shaman’s world is like, then this is the book for you. Brilliant and engrossing, it
is a great read and a fabulous account of an inspiring journey.’
PROF. JAKE CHAPMAN, AUTHOR, SYSTEMS TEACHER, DEMOS ASSOCIATE AND
ENLIGHTENMENT MASTER
‘Ya’Acov’s intelligent voice is clear and simple as he tells his astonishing tale of
life, love and learning. I have been lucky enough to hear many of these chapters
as they have unfolded in his life and have often been struck by his honest
struggle to accept his real nature: he has now grown fully into that reality, and it
is a joy to witness.’
MATTHEW BARLEY, PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN
‘Ya’Acov Darling Khan is one of the leading lights in a remarkable reawakening
of authentic shamanic practice in the West today. He is a rare emissary between
worlds.
A true story of mystery, mysticism and magic, his account of a life lived in
shamanism is essential reading for anybody who wants to understand how this
perennial form of spirituality can help us heal our deepest wounds and live
richer, more authentic lives. Fusing remarkable encounters with shamans from
the Arctic to the Amazon with a white-knuckle account of his lifelong spiritual
quest, it shows the urgent relevance of shamanism in addressing our modern-day
dilemmas.’
MATTHEW GREEN, AUTHOR OF AFTERSHOCK: THE UNTOLD STORY OF SURVIVING
PEACE
‘This book is an antidote to the Western culture of “weekend shamanism” which
often misunderstands shamanism as separate from daily life and commitment to
action, using it to fortify a sense of self rather than to do the humble, hard, fierce
work of confronting who one really is.
Ya’Acov stands up now in this role, not to polish his own ego, but in service of
life, to remind us of the true nature of shamanic practice in this critical time for
our species.
He is also a wonderful storyteller. I have watched Ya’Acov crafting this book
withthe same attention to detailthat he brings to allhis offerings andI am sure it
will bring you courage and encouragement for your own path with heart.’
SUSANNAH DARLING KHAN, CO-CREATOR OF MOVEMENT MEDICINE, AUTHOR AND
CREATOR OF NUMEROUS CDS
First published and distributed in the United Kingdom by:
Hay House UK Ltd, Astley House, 33 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JQ
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
www.hayhouse.co.uk
Published and distributed in the United States of America by:
Hay House Inc., PO Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100
Tel: [phone] or [phone]
Fax: [phone] or [phone]
www.hayhouse.com
Published and distributed in Australia by:
Hay House Australia Ltd, 18/36 Ralph St, Alexandria NSW 2015
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
www.hayhouse.com.au
Published and distributed in the Republic of South Africa by:
Hay House SA (Pty) Ltd, PO Box 990, Witkoppen 2068
[email protected]; www.hayhouse.co.za
Published and distributed in India by:
Hay House Publishers India, Muskaan Complex, Plot No.3, B-2,
Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110 070
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www.hayhouse.co.in
Distributed in Canada by:
Raincoast Books, 2440 Viking Way, Richmond, B.C. V6V 1N2
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]; www.raincoast.com
Text © Ya’Acov Darling Khan, 2017
The moral rights of the author have been asserted.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic or electronic
process, or in the form of a phonographic recording; nor may it be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted
or otherwise be copied for public or private use, other than for ‘fair use’ as brief quotations embodied in
articles and reviews, without prior written permission of the publisher.
The information given in this book should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice;
always consult a medical practitioner. Any use of information in this book is at the reader’s discretion and
risk. Neither the author nor the publisher can be held responsible for any loss, claim or damage arising out
of the use, or misuse, of the suggestions made, the failure to take medical advice or for any material on
third-party websites.
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
ISBN 978-1-78180-822-1 in print
ISBN 978-1-78180869-6 in ePub format
ISBN 978-1-78180-870-2 in Kindle format
Interior images: 1, 57, 113, 177 © Ashely Foreman
Interior images: 1, 57, 113, 177 © Ashely Foreman
This book is dedicated to seven extraordinary people. My wife Susannah, our
son Reuben, my mother Angella and my father Brian, Bikko Máhte Penta, and
Jake and Eva Chapman.
Susannah, the finest woman I know and my beloved for more than three decades,
a Medicine Woman in your own right, a beautiful songstress and creator of
many albums, and a very fine and inspiring teacher. More than anyone, you
have witnessed, challenged and supported me on this journey. We have always
danced on the edge, and even though we have fallen many times, still you are
here, and still we are together. My gratitude to you for the way you have loved
me into being is way beyond words. You are and always have been the one for
me and so it will be forevermore.
Reuben, son shine, like your mama, you know the best and the worst of me.
Watching you grow into the fine young man you are, is and has been the most
wonderful journey. You taught me how to be your father, and I could not be
prouder of who you are becoming. To have you walking the road you are on
gives me hope for all our futures.
My mother, Angella Carne, your constant love and support, even in difficult
times, and the faith you gave me in life, have been at my back always. Your
kindness and quiet wisdom were the ground on which I learned to walk.
My father, Joseph Brian Carne. You were the rock that sharpened my blade, the
force against which I could measure my own. And though we never saw eye to
eye whilst you lived, without you I would never have discovered the adventure
my life has become. I miss you.
Bikko Máhte Penta, for so long, my hidden guide. The shaman who taught me
that strength without humility has no value, that power distils itself through the
patient silence of the land, and that being a shaman is something that I was born
into. I miss you too.
Finally, Professor Jake Chapman and Dr Eva Chapman, elders and friends who
have been like no others. You have supported me to be who I am, nothing held
back, full power, whilst at the same time, making sure that I keep my feet on the
ground and keep questioning myself. And you have shown me this through
example, the best kind of teaching there is.
Foreword by Lynne Twist
Introduction
Part I: Coming Down to Earth – Discovering the Path
Chapter 1: On the Road to a First Shattering
Chapter 2: A Portuguese Dream
Chapter 3: A Night on the Mountain of Fear
Chapter 4: Entering the Cave of Remembering
Chapter 5: A Dark Mirror
Part II: Fire in the Belly – Commitment to the Path
Chapter 6: When the Student is Ready…
Chapter 7: Your Feet Always Know the Way Home
Chapter 8: To Your Own Heart Be True
Chapter 9: Me, Myself, My Royal I-Ness
Chapter 10: The Shaman’s Door
Part III: Waters of Life – Becoming Teachable
Chapter 11: Rebirth