Before writing, before religious and dogmas, before priests, there were Shamans. The Shaman were the spiritual advisers, healers and sometimes head or leader of their clan. Shaman see beyond the ordinary by a process call Journeying, and Altered State of Consciousness, a dreamlike state where they visit the Spirit World. This book is a collection of photographs of Shaman Art from southwestern America with interpretations by a Shaman. Author Gene Stirm, brings his unique blend of talent and insight to this photographic book of petroglyphs from southeastern California and Nevada. Artist, photographer, writer and Shaman, Gene has applied a Shaman's perspective to ancient artwork left on stone in the desert by early inhabitants of southwestern America. In 2004, after a 30 year career as a graphic artist in Southern California, Gene and his wife moved to Tehachapi, California, where he continued his studies of Native American art and culture and Shamanism. In 2008, he received a Doctor of Shamanism Degree, from ULC Seminary. Gene has been connected with photography, publishing, book design and writing most of his professional life. Writing credits include: Editor of Impression, Josten's employee magazine; writer and editor, OC Orchid Society Bulletin, Mystical Path To Mystique, is his first novel, published 2010 along with The Art and Craft of Cover Design. He also co-authored the photographic book, Oscar Goes Camping, with Chelley Kitzmiller in 2011.