Shamanism, the world's most ancient spiritual tradition, is found among indigenous peoples the world over. However, it also has considerable relevance in the modern urban world as a practical and accessible way of exploring visionary realms of consciousness. It offers us a path to our own mystic dreamtime, to our own inner way of knowing. SACRED ENCOUNTERS explores the fascinating connections between classical shamanism and the visionary dimensions of modern western magic. It describes in detail the visionary approaches used by the Golden Dawn magicians, including MacGregor Mathers and Aleister Crowley. It also describes the unique trance technique of Austin Osman Spare and the pathworking developed by the Servants of the Light. Shamanism and western magic open us to the source of our visionary awareness and provide us with a way of exploring the deepest and most profound dimensions of our infinite being