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
shuttle to Midway Beardstown .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareHow do you feel when you see homeless people on... Read More
What is the opportunity here? What is the benefit of... Read More
Symbols and symbolism are popular in almost every civilisation, culture... Read More
As more and more alternative and spiritual healings are being... Read More
It has long been surmised that emotional trauma can lead... Read More
The Question Really picture this in your mind.... Someone tells... Read More
Connect with Your GodDo you at times, feel fearful, depressed,... Read More
"Who being in the very nature God, did not consider... Read More
Sometimes we're already free but we don't realize it. We... Read More
Want more peace and joy in your life? Daily stress... Read More
In one forum, one participant posted this query:I think quite... Read More
I am going to remind of some simple, yet important... Read More
For the past several years I have struggled with getting... Read More
The time we spend on earth is very short when... Read More
Limiting beliefs, just like positive, empowering thoughts, provide a foundation... Read More
The Kundalini is a pool of energy that lies dormant... Read More
We all need space, we all need time to ourselves.In... Read More
Who is the more spiritual person? The woman out on... Read More
"I learned I was not, as most Africans believed, the... Read More
Among some of us who deem ourselves spiritual, the use... Read More
What is success? It probably means different things to different... Read More
What is it with angels and digital clocks? I fell... Read More
Some of my greatest teachers have taught me that faith... Read More
In the golfing world, yesterday may have been one of... Read More
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me,... Read More
Green Bay Hummer H2 SUV rentals ..During my childhood days, I disliked Lenten season because radio... Read More
Everything in the entire universe, big and small, visible and... Read More
Jesus said, "No one can see the Kingdom of Heaven... Read More
Good morning Roy, good morning JosethWhat about me, were do... Read More
I would like to share my experience, working with the... Read More
For many years of my life, I thought the spiritual... Read More
There is an old tradition song called, The Lighthouse and... Read More
An analysis of Western man's guiding presuppositions, A Review of... Read More
This question, "what is grace" plagued me more into knowing... Read More
Originating in what is now modern India; Tantra is at... Read More
The time has come for the mass population on Earth... Read More
Often, in being dishonest about our own faults and failures,... Read More
"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,... Read More
For me, the best poetry stirs my soul; it awakens... Read More
"...I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I... Read More
Looking for some ways to feed your soul in the... Read More
Recently, I received a postcard from Ireland. Without reading the... Read More
When we find spirituality, or it finds us, the experience... Read More
Yesterday, a marketing guru asked me a question that left... Read More
I am sure many of you reading this article have... Read More
I believe in a phenomenon I have been known to... Read More
One day Gilligan ventures off as usual into the jungle.... Read More
Aristotle referred to happiness as the most we can achieve.... Read More
Spiritual stuff is a hard sell Roy and one of... Read More
Matthew 2:16-18Herod Kills the Children16 Then Herod, when he saw... Read More
Spirituality |