Don Juan Matus is a fictional character created by author Carlos Castaneda in his series of books about shamanism and spiritual teachings. He is portrayed as a Yaqui Indian sorcerer who serves as a mentor to Castaneda, guiding him through various spiritual experiences and practices. In the narratives, Don Juan introduces Castaneda to the world of shamanism, teaching him about altered states of consciousness, the use of psychoactive plants, and the philosophy of perceiving reality differently. His teachings emphasize the importance of personal experience and the pursuit of knowledge beyond conventional understanding.