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The Four-Fold Way: Walking the Paths of the Warrior, Teacher, Healer, and Visionary
A leading expert on native spirituality and shamanism reveals the four archetypal principles of the Native American medicine wheel and how they can lead us to a higher spirituality and a better world.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 1993
About the author
Angeles Arrien
50 books51 followerscultural anthropologist, award-winning author, educator, and consultant to many organizations and businesses. She lectures and conducts workshops worldwide, bridging cultural anthropology, psychology, and comparative religions. Her work is currently used in medical, academic, and corporate environments. She is the President of the Foundation for Cross-Cultural Education and Research. Her books have been translated into thirteen languages and she has received three honorary doctorate degrees in recognition of her work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
September 24, 2008
It doesn't matter that the scholarship is suspect at best; Angeles Arrien's take on shamanic paths is a great filter to add to your collection. I use it all the time in my work.
Arrien is best-known for her work on tarot and astrology. Her interpretations in those areas are a) always geared toward generative change rather than remediation and b) always well-structured in an overarching system. Her take on Native American shamanism is as well. Unlike her tarot system, however, her shamanic paths form a system easily and usefully applied in relationships, business, and almost any other part of life.
The book reduces shamans to four broad roles: Leader/warrior, Visionary, Healer, and Teacher. Obviously, these roles are general enough to apply cross-culturally and cross-contextually. For each role, Arrien derives a core task, core questions, and "shadow sides" that describe what happens when one role is taken to extremes.
As a consultant, I've used this model to identify which role is most-lacking in an organization or which is strongest in a candidate. It also defines the ultimate consultant task: to be unattached to outcome, allowing the client to do what is best for them and to fail in their own way if necessary. It's made a huge impact on my work.
Other reviews have summarized the paths, but I'll do so as well. Here are the four tasks/challenges of the paths:
The Leader chooses to be present.
The Visionary speaks the truth, regardless of consequences.
The Healer sorts for what has value.
The Teacher is unattached to outcome.
If this book can help you do those four things, read it. Ignore any woovy-grooviness you don't like (and enjoy any you do like!), don't look for any kind of scholarship, and tolerate the prescriptive symbolism and ritualism that these books seem to require. The content is there.
Arrien is best-known for her work on tarot and astrology. Her interpretations in those areas are a) always geared toward generative change rather than remediation and b) always well-structured in an overarching system. Her take on Native American shamanism is as well. Unlike her tarot system, however, her shamanic paths form a system easily and usefully applied in relationships, business, and almost any other part of life.
The book reduces shamans to four broad roles: Leader/warrior, Visionary, Healer, and Teacher. Obviously, these roles are general enough to apply cross-culturally and cross-contextually. For each role, Arrien derives a core task, core questions, and "shadow sides" that describe what happens when one role is taken to extremes.
As a consultant, I've used this model to identify which role is most-lacking in an organization or which is strongest in a candidate. It also defines the ultimate consultant task: to be unattached to outcome, allowing the client to do what is best for them and to fail in their own way if necessary. It's made a huge impact on my work.
Other reviews have summarized the paths, but I'll do so as well. Here are the four tasks/challenges of the paths:
The Leader chooses to be present.
The Visionary speaks the truth, regardless of consequences.
The Healer sorts for what has value.
The Teacher is unattached to outcome.
If this book can help you do those four things, read it. Ignore any woovy-grooviness you don't like (and enjoy any you do like!), don't look for any kind of scholarship, and tolerate the prescriptive symbolism and ritualism that these books seem to require. The content is there.
September 24, 2023
Catching Up…
Not a typical review. This will be more of what I gained most from this book...
In Angeles Arrien’s book, the author teaches us that some shamanic traditions in parts of Africa and the Oceanic societies attend to health and well-being through what is called cradling work, a four-part practice in staying connected to the good, true, and beautiful aspects of one's nature.
He shares that if you lie on your back and place both hands over your heart (in many cultures hands symbolize healing) you can silently acknowledge the character qualities that we appreciate about ourselves.
In this way we can acknowledge our strengths, our contributions that we have made and continue to make (thinking positively), as well as the love given and the love received.
He also suggests that many native cultures believe that the heart is the bridge between Father Sky and Mother Earth, and that for these traditions we can utilize the four-chambered heart method for sustaining emotional and spiritual health.
When we think in this way, it allows us to feel full, open, clear and strong.
To connect to our four-chambered heart all we need to do is ask ourselves these questions daily:
Am I full-hearted?
Am I open-hearted?
Am I clear-hearted?
Am I strong-hearted?
So...
Put your hand over your heart.
Do you feel the beat?
Pause. Reflect. Assess.
Which part of your heart needs attention today?
Not a typical review. This will be more of what I gained most from this book...
In Angeles Arrien’s book, the author teaches us that some shamanic traditions in parts of Africa and the Oceanic societies attend to health and well-being through what is called cradling work, a four-part practice in staying connected to the good, true, and beautiful aspects of one's nature.
He shares that if you lie on your back and place both hands over your heart (in many cultures hands symbolize healing) you can silently acknowledge the character qualities that we appreciate about ourselves.
In this way we can acknowledge our strengths, our contributions that we have made and continue to make (thinking positively), as well as the love given and the love received.
He also suggests that many native cultures believe that the heart is the bridge between Father Sky and Mother Earth, and that for these traditions we can utilize the four-chambered heart method for sustaining emotional and spiritual health.
When we think in this way, it allows us to feel full, open, clear and strong.
To connect to our four-chambered heart all we need to do is ask ourselves these questions daily:
Am I full-hearted?
Am I open-hearted?
Am I clear-hearted?
Am I strong-hearted?
So...
Put your hand over your heart.
Do you feel the beat?
Pause. Reflect. Assess.
Which part of your heart needs attention today?
September 9, 2009
I'm read this book as preparation to work with a client using the leadership compass.
This is an easy to read book that divides the personality into 4 different abilities: Warrior (being present), Healer (heart), Visionary (truth), and Teacher (non-attachment). Unlike many other books, it's about becoming an effective leader by balancing your abilities in each area.
I especially liked the way the author not only described each area but also connected each back to nature and indigenous people's beliefs. There are also exercises for each area to help you identify where you are. The only thing I would have added were ideas for how to strengthen any areas in which you may be less capable.
This is an easy to read book that divides the personality into 4 different abilities: Warrior (being present), Healer (heart), Visionary (truth), and Teacher (non-attachment). Unlike many other books, it's about becoming an effective leader by balancing your abilities in each area.
I especially liked the way the author not only described each area but also connected each back to nature and indigenous people's beliefs. There are also exercises for each area to help you identify where you are. The only thing I would have added were ideas for how to strengthen any areas in which you may be less capable.
June 8, 2016
Wonderful, it gets your mind rolling and forces you to think outside the box, about so many things in our lives, many of us just take as that's the way it has always been. One of the many things that has kept me on this path for so long. I read the books and learn and find out things that make connections to so much in this world and the other side. I read this one a few years back do not even remember when I got it. but it sits on my shelve in good company.
March 20, 2019
A Vital and Integrated Resource
As a Native who's physically cut off from my culture, reading such a thorough and clear tome of the roots all indigenous cultures share unfurled me to the core. It affirmed current practices and values while providing even deeper reasons and ways to do even better. It actually guides you through what the shadow aspects are and how to repurpose and heal them. It doesn't teach sacrifice, but Wholeness.
My only complaint is in the reference to several historical figures who were abusive or otherwise not shining beacons of integrity, but with that caveat in mind, the read is still absolutely worth it.
As a Native who's physically cut off from my culture, reading such a thorough and clear tome of the roots all indigenous cultures share unfurled me to the core. It affirmed current practices and values while providing even deeper reasons and ways to do even better. It actually guides you through what the shadow aspects are and how to repurpose and heal them. It doesn't teach sacrifice, but Wholeness.
My only complaint is in the reference to several historical figures who were abusive or otherwise not shining beacons of integrity, but with that caveat in mind, the read is still absolutely worth it.
July 14, 2008
This is a wonderful self-reflection tool for someone who is interested in the native American traditions. Four archetypes described here provide a road map to understand your own personality, tendencies, shadows, and coping mechanisms. When I read this book, I felt so drawn to the images and ritualistic feelings anchoring different components in the book.
I read this book as part of my graduate study in organizational psychology. It really helped me to weave out my own theory of leadership personalities.
I read this book as part of my graduate study in organizational psychology. It really helped me to weave out my own theory of leadership personalities.
April 9, 2008
From my notes:
Four Principles: Show up; Pay attn to what has heart and meaning;tell the truth w/o blame or judgment; be open to outcome, not attached to outcome.
healing is a journey to wholeness. life-negating patterns: addictions such as intensity, perfection,need to know.
learning how to reclaim projections.
This book is dense with helpful information and suggestions. Told me a little more than I wanted to know about where I create problems for myself.
Four Principles: Show up; Pay attn to what has heart and meaning;tell the truth w/o blame or judgment; be open to outcome, not attached to outcome.
healing is a journey to wholeness. life-negating patterns: addictions such as intensity, perfection,need to know.
learning how to reclaim projections.
This book is dense with helpful information and suggestions. Told me a little more than I wanted to know about where I create problems for myself.
February 17, 2013
I really enjoyed this. She focuses in on the four paths with wonderful rituals and meditations and reading this really helped me understand those four parts of myself more deeply. I also realized that we do not have to choose JUST one path, but can walk them all at various times. I also really loved the cave paintings and drawings included in the book. They are really powerful and went straight into my dreams.
September 20, 2021
Outstanding. This book has been a foundational influence on me since the day I picked up off
my then girlfriend now wife's bookshelf 20 years ago. I can not highly recommend this book enough. I found it particularly effective for helping me develop a well rounded outlook on life and on the concept of cultivation.
my then girlfriend now wife's bookshelf 20 years ago. I can not highly recommend this book enough. I found it particularly effective for helping me develop a well rounded outlook on life and on the concept of cultivation.
June 24, 2013
Amazing description of each archetype. Arrien gives tools to use to awaken each one. I enjoyed the ability to further define myself because of the books anecdotes and explanations.
She included a lot of principles that resonated with me.
She included a lot of principles that resonated with me.
September 20, 2018
I read "The Four-Fold Way" in preparation for a workshop that I will be co-facilitating on the process of transition.
Author Angeles Arrien explores four archetypes of shamanic (and other indigenous peoples) teachings: the Warrior, the Healer, the Visionary, and the Teacher. For each archetype, she covers the direction, element, creature, human resource, kind of meditation, way of living, four-fold way, healing salve, instrument, and season that it is associated with in many cultures.
What I enjoyed about the book were the questions that ended each of the four discussions of archetype. The questions encouraged readers to think and journal about each individual archetype and its presence in their own lives. I liked the opportunity to do some self-examination and the encouragement it gave me to make positive changes.
What I didn't like was the politics that this information seemed to be couched in. For example, the book begins with a "declaration" by the World Council of Indigenous Peoples and ends with several appendices including Eleanor Roosevelt's International Bill of Human Rights. How this is connected to the archetypes the book attempts to educate the reader about is not clear. I'm not saying these things aren't important or valid. It just seemed out of place in the context of the informative material presented here. And it seemed really angry - which did not fit with the whole tenor of "The Four-Fold Way." So I was unclear as to what the real purpose of the book was/is.
In addition, the book was published in 1993. Though I know that many consider this book a respected "classic" of the genre, it seemed out of date in terms of examples given, etc. It needs updating in 2018. For instance, on page 158 Arrien states, "Because of that history, our own preferences lead us to use terms such as 'native people' rather than Native American because we feel that it is a more accurate term." Is this true in 2018? Is it true for all "native people"?
Finally, the book seemed really repetitive, almost in an effort to fill pages (which were at least 50% white space.)
All in all, I am glad that I read "The Four-Fold Way." However, I wasn't as enamored with it as many seem to be.
Author Angeles Arrien explores four archetypes of shamanic (and other indigenous peoples) teachings: the Warrior, the Healer, the Visionary, and the Teacher. For each archetype, she covers the direction, element, creature, human resource, kind of meditation, way of living, four-fold way, healing salve, instrument, and season that it is associated with in many cultures.
What I enjoyed about the book were the questions that ended each of the four discussions of archetype. The questions encouraged readers to think and journal about each individual archetype and its presence in their own lives. I liked the opportunity to do some self-examination and the encouragement it gave me to make positive changes.
What I didn't like was the politics that this information seemed to be couched in. For example, the book begins with a "declaration" by the World Council of Indigenous Peoples and ends with several appendices including Eleanor Roosevelt's International Bill of Human Rights. How this is connected to the archetypes the book attempts to educate the reader about is not clear. I'm not saying these things aren't important or valid. It just seemed out of place in the context of the informative material presented here. And it seemed really angry - which did not fit with the whole tenor of "The Four-Fold Way." So I was unclear as to what the real purpose of the book was/is.
In addition, the book was published in 1993. Though I know that many consider this book a respected "classic" of the genre, it seemed out of date in terms of examples given, etc. It needs updating in 2018. For instance, on page 158 Arrien states, "Because of that history, our own preferences lead us to use terms such as 'native people' rather than Native American because we feel that it is a more accurate term." Is this true in 2018? Is it true for all "native people"?
Finally, the book seemed really repetitive, almost in an effort to fill pages (which were at least 50% white space.)
All in all, I am glad that I read "The Four-Fold Way." However, I wasn't as enamored with it as many seem to be.
March 2, 2019
A decent introduction into the world of shamanism and the overlapping of different spiritual traditions around the world with a lot of inspirational quotes and motivational snippets. I found the separation of the four ways to be somewhat contrived, in the sense that key concepts kept popping up again and again throughout the book. Not that that is bad in itself - at the end it only just goes to show the centrality of said concept - but it does water down the idea of the book to develop four distinct ways. An example that comes to mind would be "the importance of silence" that re-emerged in three of the four ways in connection to the healing salve.
I am arguably taking a far too analytical standpoint for my critique, particularly in light of the book's shaky scholarship. There is some useful and sometimes surprisingly practical advice between those covers and I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a very light introduction into the topic of shamanism. 3* because despite the book being "only" an introduction I still found it way too superficial and anecdotal in some key areas and instead ended up repeating several phrases word-for-word two, three times throughout the book.
I am arguably taking a far too analytical standpoint for my critique, particularly in light of the book's shaky scholarship. There is some useful and sometimes surprisingly practical advice between those covers and I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a very light introduction into the topic of shamanism. 3* because despite the book being "only" an introduction I still found it way too superficial and anecdotal in some key areas and instead ended up repeating several phrases word-for-word two, three times throughout the book.
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September 28, 2023I’m blessed by a wide variety of people in my life. Their experiences and perspectives are so different and rich. One of those whose path has intersected with mine responded to my question about books about facilitation with The Four-Fold Way: Walking the Paths of the Warrior, Teacher, Healer, and Visionary. In retrospect, it may have been a way for her to get me to read something that was important to her experience – even though it’s at best tangentially related to the question I raised. That being said, it is a good way of connecting with ancient wisdom about the various roles that people can and do take.
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January 21, 2019
I liked this book a lot and took a lot from the different paths. I didn't rate it more highly because there was so much given about each way in terms of how you might develop it, and so I was left feeling really overwhelmed and also not knowing where to start with it all. It also felt like the teacher archetype was perhaps an afterthought. Whereas the other ways had something about them that felt like it resonated, I have found it difficult to remember the fourth way and when it came to the summary of the way of the teacher, this was drawn from other writers. I was left hungry for more and with more questions than answers, and also some answers.
January 9, 2019
I read this book after hearing a podcast that referred to Arrien's work. I found the concepts of these archetypes as pillars of emotional development compelling. That being said I found Arrien's overview to be somewhat too broad and the practices she reviewed under each heading too sweeping and underdeveloped. I like the concept of the four archetypes working in counterpoint to one another as compass points, but found myself unsatisfied with the working through offered in this summation. That being said, I am happy to have this conceptual framework to continue to work with in my own practice.
August 19, 2017
One of my all time favorites. I've read it about 50 times. Don't just read & move on - dig deep! Use for your own growth & healing but you can also use with teams at work, executive coaching, and so on. Enjoy!
March 11, 2019
The author describes cross-cultural roles and archetypes of 1)right use of power, 2)love, 3)creativity, and 4)wisdom and how applying them correctly helps us to live in our environment and inner nature.
July 26, 2021
I feel like I missed the point of this book. Maybe if I'd done training, this would help me remember the salient points? Maybe if I were writing a book, this would help me describe the strengths/weaknesses or particular characters? Maybe I'm just too cynical.
January 24, 2023
Un viaje precioso por nuestros arquetipos, de cómo trabajarlos y cómo trabajarnos a través de la sabiduría de los antiguos, nuestros ancestros. Recomendado a todas las personas que quieran crecer y reencontrarse con su esencia.
July 13, 2017
Transformative if you work through the questions honestly.
December 27, 2018
interesting read about traditional archetypes.
November 9, 2019
I read this book as part of a spirituality group of which I am a member. It was interesting but not engrossing.
December 15, 2022
Have a little warrior, teacher, healer and visionary in your life every day and you will love your life. Read for my spiritual journey group.
April 29, 2023
Very interesting book with helpful perspectives.
January 2, 2024
This is another book I read often and find little gems of wisdom. Finally completed the official cover to cover read but will keep it handy for inspiration and as a resource/guide!
August 4, 2022
One of the two books that changed my life, as it showed me that I make choices about my beliefs and therefore my behavior. And how to see with a broader view. (The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz was the other book.)
March 16, 2016
The most I can say for this book is that I felt motivated, as I read it, to actually write on every single journal prompt presented. That's saying quite a bit, I think. For anyone who enjoys personality typing, and exploring different aspects of humanness in themselves, I think The Four-Fold Way will be a successful read.
Arrien explores four prominent archetypes, and what each means, and the reader is given to reflect on what role each archetype plays in his life. Which are the strongest? Which need support? Which are being subordinated to the others? What is the healthy balance for me? There is plenty of decent writing to inspire and inform.
There are valid particulars that inevitably get glossed in an effort to look at the whole person, but many of these are addressed in the journaling process. If you read this, don't skip the journaling! And I think it will be engaging enough that the journaling will be properly motivated.
Arrien explores four prominent archetypes, and what each means, and the reader is given to reflect on what role each archetype plays in his life. Which are the strongest? Which need support? Which are being subordinated to the others? What is the healthy balance for me? There is plenty of decent writing to inspire and inform.
There are valid particulars that inevitably get glossed in an effort to look at the whole person, but many of these are addressed in the journaling process. If you read this, don't skip the journaling! And I think it will be engaging enough that the journaling will be properly motivated.
May 24, 2015
Arrien's weird conglomeration of all "native" spiritualities into one way, path and structure is bunk, but her approach to and presentation of finding a whole, balanced life is anything but. If you can ignore the former and read for the latter, Arrien has great insights, practical advice and an overall uplifting, nature-centered and self-finding message, all of which is presented in a cleanly written way. For myself* (*the not-at-all spiritual person who still finds earth-based spirituality an idea worth reading about and playing with aspects of), there is much to be gained from reading this book (although a fair amount also ignored). If you are of a shamanistic bent, I'm sure there's even more.
June 9, 2016
Encouraged by a friend, I recently finished this methodical book on self-reflection and inner "shadow work." I had difficulty at first reconciling my own meaning of animals, directions, and other natural world symbology. Each archetype was assigned these symbols, and they felt incomplete while also conflicting with my own prior knowledge. Once I let that minor detail go, I found this to be a straightforward tool that mixes lightly-sourced anthropology with consistent, purposeful exercises. This is a book best consumed with a journal at hand, and by those who wish to incorporate active methods of regular reflection into their lives, based on the archetype(s) that resonate most strongly with you. A lovely, empowering read.
May 1, 2015
I started reading this and practicing some of the methods in 2000, when I was a teacher. I have picked it up at times throughout the years to improve my spirituality in areas of my life.
I like the differing meditation styles and the musical instruments associated with each archetype. I re-read the whole book again before loaning it to a friend who better return it! It's nice to have a spiritual book to which I can refer with all of my margin notes. I also like the references to the tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy.
I like the differing meditation styles and the musical instruments associated with each archetype. I re-read the whole book again before loaning it to a friend who better return it! It's nice to have a spiritual book to which I can refer with all of my margin notes. I also like the references to the tribes of the Iroquois Confederacy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews