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
housekeepers near Buffalo Grove ...Meeting someone so attractive, so beautiful. Your heart beats like... Read More
You decide! We are often asked to make decisions. Decision... Read More
I heard recently on a Christian radio station somebody talking... Read More
The Orisha are the Messengers of Oludumare, the God/dess of... Read More
Paul is led up a 512 ft. hill, Mars Hill,... Read More
Last Saturday, the children were down at their grandparent's house... Read More
The deeper beauty of spring is its process. In winter's... Read More
Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as... Read More
What really binds us to any negative emotional state in... Read More
Dreams take us not into ourselves, but out of ourselves.... Read More
As I sat down today to write this article, I... Read More
First, there is the field of complete consciousness.This then expresses... Read More
The bible tells a story about four men who sat... Read More
For me, the best poetry stirs my soul; it awakens... Read More
Judgement; What does this mean? The encyclopedia definition is, "The... Read More
Karen was the name of the reception person, who sat... Read More
The Angelic realms have been very active throughout the human... Read More
There's a lot of talk in meditation circles about emptying... Read More
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other,... Read More
In our fast paced society we often want everything done... Read More
The chakras are different coloured energy centres that originate from... Read More
Ecclesiasts 5:18 Then I realized that it is good and... Read More
I want to tell you a love story. It's actually... Read More
When the body of Christ isn't protected we become vulnerable... Read More
Some men see things as they are and say, "Why?"... Read More
top rated cleaning service Northbrook ...The human race had their beginning, and I had mine... Read More
Do you want victory in your life? Do you have... Read More
Does God care if I marry a gentile?Even as I... Read More
Green Principles: SoulBestABeing aware here now My path is progressive.... Read More
God made humans in his image but these days very... Read More
Surveys show that religion and spirituality play a central role... Read More
This article is a reply that deals with certain criticisms... Read More
I am a big believer in the strength of a... Read More
I am often asked to explain what I mean by... Read More
Jack Nicholson (Col. Jessup) (marine cornel) YOU CAN'T HANDLE THE... Read More
Talked to an interesting person today at a coffee shop,... Read More
I still remember the scene vividly. I was getting out... Read More
I don't know of anyone who really liked taking tests... Read More
We've all heard the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as... Read More
Are you at a crossroad in your life where you... Read More
"Let me take you down to a town called Paradise."Van... Read More
Mormons like to give testimonies. Unlike Mormon testimonies, I will... Read More
In the last 2 weeks or so, I have been... Read More
Most of us are familiar with the inner criticism and... Read More
When we ask ourselves the question who am I in... Read More
It seems more people today are using the Christian god... Read More
You are a Creative Worker:God carries on creative work through... Read More
"Everything in the universe is a pitcher brimming with wisdom... Read More
"For lack of guidance a nation falls, but many advisors... Read More
For we do not have a high priest who is... Read More
Spirituality |