Carlos Castaneda

Carlos Castaneda
Carlos Castaneda in 1962
Born	December 25, 1925 Cajamarca, Peru
Died	April 27, 1998(1998-04-27) (aged 72) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Author, anthropologist
Nationality	American
Education	UCLA (B.A.) UCLA (Ph.D.)
Period	20th century
Subject	Anthropology, ethnography, shamanism

Carlos Castaneda (December 25, 1925–April 27, 1998) was an American author with a Ph.D. in anthropology.

Starting with The Teachings of Don Juan in 1968, Castaneda wrote a series of books that describe his training in shamanism, particularly with a group whose lineage descended from the Toltecs. The books, narrated in the first person, relate his experiences under the tutelage of a Yaqui "Man of Knowledge" named don Juan Matus. His 12 books have sold more than 28 million copies in 17 languages. Critics have suggested that they are works of fiction; supporters claim the books are either true or at least valuable works of philosophy and descriptions of practices which enable an increased awareness.

Castaneda withdrew from public view in 1973 to work further on his inner development, living in a large house in Westwood, California with three colleagues whom he called "Fellow Travellers of Awareness." He founded Cleargreen, an organization that promotes Tensegrity, which Dr. Castaneda described as the modern version of the “magical passes” of the shamans of ancient Mexico (Magical Passes p. 22). Magical Passes comprise bodily movements discovered in dream states by shamans of don Juan’s lineage, expanding their powers of perception. (Magical Passes p. 1-2)

Castaneda moved to the United States in the early 1950s and became a naturalized citizen on June 21, 1957. He was educated at UCLA (B.A. 1962; Ph.D. 1973). Castaneda married Margaret Runyan in Mexico in 1960, according to Runyan's memoirs. Castaneda is listed on the birth certificate of Runyan's son C.J. Castaneda as his father even though his biological father was a different man. It is unclear whether Carlos and Margaret were divorced in 1960, 1973, or not at all, and his death certificate even stated he had never been married.