Don Juan Matus

Don Juan Matus

Don Juan Matus is a major figure in the series of books on Nagual 'Sorcery' by Carlos Castaneda.

Matus is described as a Yaqui Indian to whom Castaneda was first introduced at a bus depot in Yuma, Arizona in the early 1960s. He turns out to be a 'Man of Knowledge' who imparts much of his wisdom and clarity through his 'connection' with Castaneda. The Knowledge is passed on to Castaneda by means of actual experiences, simple exercises and much patience on the part of both which ends in further transforming both characters' view of the world.

Carlos Castaneda never claimed Juan Matus to be a shaman and yet the actual existence of don Juan has been disputed by a handful of critics who claim his practices and beliefs are inconsistent with his alleged identification as a Yaqui shaman. In Journey to Ixtlan, Juan Matus is quoted as saying "No one knows where I am really from or who I am for certain", so in effect the statements in regard to Juan Matus' lineage are not applicable.

Read more about Don Juan Matus:  In Castaneda, In Subsequent Works

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