Those damned mind parasites probably got to him
Just because Castaneda invented all those stories doesn't mean one can't appreciate them. Just like any fantasies. Have to look up that forum...
There are one or two insights in the stories which even Richard de Mille* concedes are worthwhile. One can always appreciate good fantasies - trouble is, Castaneda offered his fabrications as absolute truth, insisting that he had really met the 'Yaqui Indian Sorcerer' Don Juan Matus, and was simply relaying everything he taught him. Unfortunately, there may be many thousands of people in the world who still believe that, and certainly many devoted personal fortunes and their lives to this very 'sham shaman'.
The books, once examined closely for their inner contradictions, should have been enough for most people to throw up their hands and say "Bugger me, I've been well and truly had!" If only - there are still plenty of loonies who think they have become 'naguales' and are living in 'the Second Attention'.
*Perhaps the most convincing and intensive of Castaneda's critics. Nephew of Cecil B de Thrill, of biblical epic fame.