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Main Page  The Paths Shaman |
| Shamanism |
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| Written by Jesse Rangel | |
| Wednesday, 08 February 2006 | |
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Shamanism is one of the world's oldest healing traditions. The word Shamanism refers to a large range of spiritual and traditional practices found throughout the world that can involve healing the sick, protection of the people, divination, communion with animal spirits, communion with ancestral spirits and much more. The term “Shaman” is thought to have originated from Northern Asia and Mongolia. In Shamanic cultures the Shaman is a wise (wo)man, someone the people can come to for advice and treatment of illnesses; many of which are thought to be caused by an emotional or spiritual affliction rather than solely a physical one. Most aspiring Shamans study under a teacher as an apprentice for many years before they can become a Shaman. The way to become a Shaman varies a great deal from culture to culture. A prevalent belief in Shamanism is that of another world or worlds. These are places that the Shaman can access through what is called "Shamanic ecstasy". A trance like state of consciousness often accompanied by beautiful or frightening visions and euphoria; which can sometimes lasts for days. Some of the tools the Shaman can utilize to reach an altered state of consciousness are: drumming, singing or chanting, fasting and dancing. It does not really matter what the Shaman chooses to do as long as it works. There are no holy days which all Shamans observe due to the variety of spiritual paths that incorporate Shamanic thoughts and practices. Anyone can practice the Shaman's ways! I've heard of many "Shamanic Traditions" such as Hawaiian, Native American, Celtic, and Asatru. In fact modern day medicine is starting to take a second look at the healing traditions of our ancestors because for reasons that they can not fully explain tribal medicine works! I believe that the Shaman tries to live in harmony with mother nature and develop a close personal relationship with the plants and animals around him or her because much of the Shaman's power is nurtured from these resources. In this sense Shamanism is and always will be a form of Earth based spirituality! PERSONAL APPLICATIONS:Now I would like to go over some of the Shamanic techniques that I have incorporated into my spiritual path. Please bear in mind that this list is a work in progress. “The Sacred Garden”Anthropologist Hank Wesselman, Ph.D introduced me to the concept of the sacred garden. Your sacred garden is a place that you can reach in meditation; where things in your physical reality are mirrored in this spiritual place. A special place that resides within us all. If a person is suffering from depression for instance, the depression might manifest itself to you in your sacred garden as dying weeds. The theory is that if you take control in the sacred garden and remove the weeds you are in fact taking steps in recovering from your depression. “The Mother's Heartbeat”Drumming can open up the doors of perception and has many beneficial characteristics. It has been shown to strengthen the immune system, reduce stress and foster feelings of loving kindness. The first sound we all hear is the heartbeat of our mother while we are in the womb; thus to play the heartbeat drum is a great way to connect with that energy. It is said that the drum is the horse that the Shaman rides to the other world. Did you know the human brain has a beat of its own? Research has shown the human brain beats at a wide range of CPS (cycles per second) but generally stays in four major levels of consciousness known as beta (13 to 30 cps), alpha (8 to 12 cps), theta (5 to 7 cps), and delta (1 to 4 cps). When a person is drumming or following a beat; the human brain will begin to copy it allowing us to reach an altered state of consciousness where the possibilities are endless! “Rattle Medicine”Rattle medicine is all about bringing parts of yourself back that you might have lost and I have used my rattle for that purpose. The tones and rhythm that a rattle make can be extremely helpful in healing magic, grounding, meditation and centering. A rattle, just like the drum, has a distinct voice and it speaks to me about how we, the pebbles, can all work together to make a beautiful sound. It also speaks of finding balance within ourselves and learning to care for ourselves holistically. |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 05 September 2006 ) |
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