What is the theme in The Way of the Shaman by Michael Harner?

Shamanism is the main theme in this book. Harner clearly has as a priority the goal of making shamanism accessible to Westerners. Many of his sources are individuals who also have that goal, including Castaneda and Eliade. Even if these sources choose to employ shamanism for different purposes than Harner does, these sources also strive to dispel the mysteries that shroud shamanism. Harner clearly believes in the benefits of shamanism for all people. Throughout the book, he builds the case for using shamanic techniques in Western cultures.