"Vision Quest" BA Thesis Table of Contents

Vision Quest: Shamanic Ecstasy and Healing in Traditional and
Modern Societies

Bachelor of Arts Thesis From University of California, Santa Cruz, June 15, 1987,

by William A. Sadler, III


Contents

Introduction

Chapter One: Definitions, Terms, Cultural and Cross-Cultural
Patterns and Commonalties, and Historical Origins

Chapter Two: Functions, Social Roles, Forms and Differentiations from Other People, Sacred Practitioners and Ecstatics

Chapter Three: The Functional Roles of Vision, Ecstasy, Trance, Hallucinogens and Alternate States of Consciousness in Accelerated
Neuro-Genetic Learning and Processing of Emotions and Cognitive Skills;
What It Is, What It's Like, and How Shamans Do It

Chapter Four: Becoming a Shaman: Initiation and Legitimation

Chapter Five: The Shaman: Culture-Carrier, Teacher and Social
Integrator; Status, Ethics and Gender Ratios

Chapter Six: Elements and Sources of the Shamanic
Complex Among Primal Peoples

Chapter Seven: The Renaissance of Shamanic Expression and Interest Therein; and Why Continued Exploration of Shamanic Ways Is Crucial to the Survival of Human Culture in Post-Technological Societies

Chapter Eight: Modern Forms of the Shaman-Figure

Chapter Nine: The Value of Hallucinogens and Shamanic Ecstasy
to Modern Society

Chapter Ten: The Modern Shaman-Figure as Psychotherapist and
Terrestrial Healer

Conclusion

Bibliography