Contents
What is a Shaman? - By Redcat
Who becomes a Shaman? - By Redcat
What is a Shaman?
Written by Redcat
The term shaman or saman comes from the language of the Tungus reindeer herders of the lake Baikal region of Russia. Anthropologists researching and writing about native healing practises the world over have applied this term to tribal healers. The origins of shamanism pre-date recorded civilisation. Evidence exists from the Palaeolithic period, tens of thousands years ago, and it is the oldest way in which humanity sought connection with the realm of the Gods. It's practice is shared by native peoples the world over.
Shamanism is not a religion. It is a spiritual discipline that can be used in conjunction with ANY religion. It is an individual spiritual path that can be practised alone. You are not required to join a church or group. All you need is a willingness to learn, and to be dedicated and patient. Success will not come overnight , but it will come if you persevere.
The shamanic view of the structure of the Universe is that of 3 () interconnecting worlds:
1) An underworld of "power animals" or instinctive forces, elementals and native spirits, a subterranean world of the unconscious;
2) The sky world of guides , Gods and Goddesses, the rarefied world of the superconcious;
3) The middle world of everyday life, ordinary and extra sensory awareness
In the world of the shaman all is alive: all is life- this is the world of animism and pantheism which the Western world tried so hard to banish. The shaman sees all things as interconnected in a web of being-ness, in which everything affects everything else. What the shaman seeks is harmony and balance. The shaman is the restorer of balance, the healer- the maker of wholeness or "holy" person, and can be thought of as "the ecologist of the psyche".
The shaman is the master of ecstasy- from the Greek "ex-stasis"-one who enters non-ordinary states of consciousness and thus accesses knowledge not normally available. He/She is an ecstatic visionary whose task is to inspire- to bring to spirit. He/She can be a ceremonialist, healer, artist, singer and/or musician. NOW is the time when we truly need a rebirth of visionary knowledge and understanding to help us weather the great threats to the very survival of ourselves and our beautiful planet, and the revival of this ancient way is appropriate and timely.
Who Becomes a Shaman?
Written by Redcat
The shaman is a neurotic and a psychopath; the shaman is the sanest person in society, deeply sensitive to the moods of others; the shaman is a showman, conjuror, trickster and charlatan.
Who is a shaman?
All of the above are characteristics that observers have described in shamans. In fact these descriptions are the most regularly used even if they do conflict.
In view of the arduous nature of the shaman's calling, it is probably true that a distinctive personality is required.
The shaman's special gifts may be inherent in a person from birth, in which case they must be brought to light; or else the person may have a predisposition or potential for Shamanship.
Who needs to know?
Try this....
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What is your real reasons for wanting to practice shamanism?
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Are you disciplined? discreet? balanced?
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Can you face responsibility for yourself?
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Can you temper your advice to fit another person's beliefs?
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What effect does sunset have on you? the sunrise? a tree in a field?
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Can you let go of your past?
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Do you believe in the Divine Creator?
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Have you got an affinity with animals? with nature?
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Are you aware that you have 7 senses?
There are no right or wrong answers here, the purpose being that u answer those questions again in say 6 months time, and see how your answers have changed.
Who was a shaman?
The Bard Taliesin wrote about the 7 senses....
The order he put the senses in is deliberate.
It should be obvious why......
Bibliography: The Shaman by Piers Vitebsky; By Oak , Ash, and Thorn - D.J. Conway;
The Celtic Shaman - John Matthews;
