Omar W. Rosales is an American writer, anthropologist, and expedition leader renowned for his work exploring spirituality across cultures. His acclaimed book, "Elemental Shaman," blends adventure travel with spiritual inquiry as he documents encounters with healers and masters worldwide. Rosales has interviewed prominent figures such as His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and the 17th Karmapa, transmitting their teachings through his writing. His works bridge anthropology, spirituality, and personal transformation, often focusing on indigenous traditions and esoteric practices.
Rosales holds an honors degree in Anthropology and Economics from Vanderbilt University and a doctorate in Law from The University of Texas School of Law. Before pursuing writing, he served as a Captain in the United States Marine Corps, completing two tours in Japan. His academic mentors included noted Mayanists William R. Fowler, Arthur Demarest, and Edward Fischer, shaping his interdisciplinary approach. An experienced hiker and member of the American Alpine Club and Royal Geographical Society, Rosales has undertaken expeditions from Guatemala's Maya highlands to Bhutan's Himalayan monasteries, studying under Toltec shamans, Cherokee Spirit-Walkers, and Vajrayana Buddhist masters.
Currently based in the Pacific Northwest, Rosales continues to write and plan expeditions, with future journeys spanning India, Oceania, North Africa, and the Mediterranean. His works reflect a lifelong commitment to documenting spiritual traditions while advocating for their preservation.