Shamanism is an ancient form of mysticism. Although there are many localized variations, the basic tenet is that all things are sacred and alive. Shamans are experts in this perspective and act as priests, holy persons, guides, researchers, explorers or professionals. Most have the ability to enter trance or altered states to access information related to their work.
The shaman acts as a bridge. While in contact with life in other dimensions of the universe, they also use what is available in the local environment as an aid in returning a person, place or situation back into balance.
The historical paths to becomming a shaman are many and varied. Before we had instant mass communication, and global travel, a would be shaman lived in a small village like all our ancestors. These small tribal settings were located in different ecosystems, some tropical, some cold, mountainous, valley, desert, forest, etc. Each place had it's own unique energy, with different plants and animals. You won't find a whale in the desert, so each potential shaman had very different life experiences and local resources to work with. Also, mythological systems vary a great deal.
Individuals were called to become shamans for varied reasons. Some were simply born sensitive. Some individuals had a near-death experience, mental break, disease or accident which caused them to search for a method for their personal recovery. Through trial and error they found a mineral, plant, location, ceremony or something to help cure them. Apon their recovery, them became shamans specialized to that problem. People came to them for their secret knowledge when in a similiar situation. Thus, a new shaman was born into the community.
Still others had a big dream, went on a vision quest or entered an apprenticeship with another shaman. Some became shamans because it was a family tradition, much like doctors tend to run in families. Some were forced to become shamans because of a need in the community. Sometimes the shamans and village elders watched the children, searching for a distinguishing sign or omen; they looked for the troublemaker, the curious one, the adventurer, the leader or the shy one. When they found what they felt was the right personality, they often placed that child in training...even against their wishes, since the needs of the tribe were considered more important.
Today, there are still traditional shamans in every culture, but there are also modern shamans. There are people today who have reawakened an interest in this ancient profession and are in training.
Jerry is a former psychotherapist and is currently a professional shaman. He publishes an online magazine and newsletter dealing with shamanism and holism as they apply to life and business. You can reach the magazine at this address: http://www.jeremiahhuck.workzsites.com
scheduled maid service Northbrook ..What kind of foolishness is astrology? You read about Sun... Read More
I cringed lower into the seat of my grey metal... Read More
In your quest for enlightenment, always ask what's in it... Read More
It seems to me that our moment to moment relationship... Read More
Whether we admit it or not, we operate by emotion.... Read More
Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 (NIV) We... Read More
If you were Satan and your goal is to destroy... Read More
Yesterday, a marketing guru asked me a question that left... Read More
Knowing what is right and what is wrong in your... Read More
In the early 90's I had a spontaneous Kundalini Awakening... Read More
The time has come for the mass population on Earth... Read More
Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai, "Go, assemble... Read More
An etheric body, also known as the aura, surrounds every... Read More
I thought I would draw this article up as a... Read More
I was originally brought up Catholic, at the insistence of... Read More
If you spend a hundred bucks and buy the right... Read More
No, I have never seen a fairy, an angel, nor... Read More
Love...it's a deep emotion. Sometimes we say it in jest... Read More
Sometimes we're already free but we don't realize it. We... Read More
Actually I have 'helped' exorcize spirits more than once but... Read More
Matthew 2:16-18Herod Kills the Children16 Then Herod, when he saw... Read More
Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God;I... Read More
"Spirit is beyond the void of space. This realm, beyond... Read More
Ever notice how people dread discussing... Read More
We often forget that we are human beings first, and... Read More
reliable maid service Highland Park ..CARLSBAD, CALIFORNIA: Of course we may never know the real... Read More
The term spirituality is a confusing term. Usually, when one... Read More
Can God really heal your pain? Does every trial come... Read More
I am a Falun Dafa practitioner. Maybe you've heard... Read More
Most of us know that the universe - God's universe... Read More
Some people think just by saying the words thank you... Read More
As human beings it is inherent to want to self-actualize... Read More
"Spirit is beyond the void of space. This realm, beyond... Read More
A Tarot card deck typically consists of 78 colorful cards... Read More
Let's take a look at all these aspects. The bible... Read More
What is the purpose of guilt?Well, let's look at it.Some... Read More
During my childhood days, I disliked Lenten season because radio... Read More
Have you ever wondered which Angel governs your sign? And... Read More
Malice is a great enemy to mankind. It is evil... Read More
"...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I... Read More
In the golfing world, yesterday may have been one of... Read More
Being"You have taken yourself to be something that you are... Read More
I was recently asked how I interpreted the Mayan and... Read More
With another year full of family events coming upon us,... Read More
It seems more people today are using the Christian god... Read More
I have a confession.I used to have doubts about God's... Read More
I have studied many of the great Religions, Quantum Physics,... Read More
Years ago no matter where I lived, whether a house... Read More
Carl Jung, 20th century psycho analyst and dream researcher, said:... Read More
He knew it was going to happen. He wasn't really... Read More
Spirituality |