Principles and Practice

This is a very simple break down of what Shamanism is; it is for the lay person more than the theologian or intelligencia.

Shamanism, it would seem, has been practiced since the beginning of human existence.  In olden times the practitioners would have been those responsible for the people's well being – physical, emotional, spiritual, economical - and for protection against outsiders. Some would relate names such as Shamans, Medicine Men, Crone's, Priest's, and later Witches to Shamanism; in some ways they have much in common, but not in all ways.

Shaman is an English word from the Tungus language of Siberia, Russia.  The Tungus people have no word for Shamanism; it has come about through anthropologists, religious historians and those who want to compartmentalize the experiences and practices of the shaman. 

The traditional way and belief of a shaman was to take himself/herself into a trance like state (known as ecstasy) from where contact with other worlds or dimensions was possible and communication with 'spirits of plants and animals, ancestors, deities, and other beings took place. A shaman could have control of natural elements, such as the wind and water and could influence the lives of others for good or ill - depending on the situation of concern.

Like all who are in positions of power there would be those who abused it for ego's sake or personal gain, however the majority worked out of love and commitment; these people were looked up to and held with respect and some fear.  The Shaman was looked upon to heal, cure, advise, destroy and ward off anything not wanted by the individual or the tribe. The tribe held him/her responsible if all did not go well.  The tribe kept the Shaman.

Today, there are traditional Shamans as well as non-traditional practitioners – some call themselves Shamans others do not.  The non-traditional Shamans tend to work mostly in the realms of emotional health – which of course also relates to the physical well being. Unlike the traditional Shamans they work for anyone who seeks them out and with whom they have rapport.

The practice of Shamanism is one of working in the Spirit Realms.  Depending on the issue, a Shaman journeys to another level of consciousness and enters the realm of the spirits.

 In the upper kingdom (world) there are the spirits of wisdom who teach or guide the Shaman on what is needed at that specific moment.  One could ask for a teacher to come forth and work with them permanently or for a specific period of time. The wise spirit can also decide when it is time for a new teacher or guide.  Depending on the question asked, the shaman might be sent on a further journey starting from the upper kingdom itself; this could be to receive personal experience into the subject at hand. The shaman is the one who chooses whether to use the information received.  Choosing not to use it is all right as long as it has been given deep consideration.  The teachers and guides demand to be taken seriously; respect is given and received; they do not tolerate fools.

Journeys can also be taken to the realm of the Lower Kingdom (under world) where the shaman will communicate with a specific spirit animal or other creature. This realm is especially good to go to when the shaman wants to use the power of a specific creature for protection, or understanding the base characteristics of the individuals he/she is journeying for. 

One would journey to this realm to first meet their own power animal.  All shamans have at least one Power Animal connected to them.  The purpose of having a power animal is to call on its' qualities when necessary.  For example, the wolf is known for being loyal to it's family, works as a group and is a good provider and loving protector of the young. The eagle has keen sight and can fly to great heights, allowing one to 'see' far and wide; 'seeing' is also important for visions. Like the spirits of the upper kingdom, these spirits demand respect and thoughtfulness of what they have shared with the shaman. They also are there to help, not hinder, and leave choice to the journeyer.

There is another kingdom that is parallel with the physical world (sometimes called the Centre kingdom) or other regions of this world. It is a kingdom that is traveled from the present time into a similar time or regions connected to this time, past or future.  From this kingdom one can communicate with those who have passed on into spirit. Some people seek out a shaman to journey to a loved one that died, as they feel there is unfinished business, and they cannot continue on with their own lives; at this time the shaman is acting as a 'pyschopomp'.

Shamans journey for others and for them selves.  Journeying is a way of finding answers to life's problems, however it is also a way to develop ones' own spirituality.

People of 'religious faith' are in their own way shamans – and have been researched by historians for similarities - for they call or pray to Saints, Enlightened beings, Jesus, Mary, God and others.  Some take on a Saints name, because of the Saint's qualities or character, and because the Saint has been known to perform miracles. They also meditate for communion with one of these spiritual beings' who are no longer in physical form.

Whether a traditional or non-traditional shaman, they are there for the purpose of helping those seeking answers.  Non-traditional shamans also teach others how to journey for themselves; so that they can further their own growth and become more responsible for their every day lives.

Journeys are made to recover parts of souls that have fragmented due to some trauma; or to see if a healing extraction is necessary.  There are 'forgotten soul part' journeys, vision journeys, and psychopomp journeys to name a few.   For traditional shaman's entheogens (plants) were and are used. For others (as well as the traditional) meditation, breath control, fasting, drumming and other practices help them to get where they are wanting to go, and manifest what they want to manifest (rain, calmness etc.)

Benefits

When Shamans journey for them selves or others, they know that on some level a healing has occurred and that the individual's life can change for the better. The person is aware that an opportunity has come forward that was not present before and it needs only to be looked at and acted on.  More than ever before, the feeling of being in control is apparent; it is not apparent to one who chooses to forgo the responsibility of choosing.

Since a shaman never takes a journey for a client with out permission from the spirit realm, the client is assured in advance that what he/she thinks or feels is important, and that some type of answer will be forth coming.

A client never has to feel afraid of the shaman, since the client is always informed that they may (in some cases must) bring a friend along with them.

Shamanic counseling is also self empowering. Whether it is the shaman who journeys or 'witnesses' while the client journeys, the information gathered is discussed, and then the client makes the decision on what to do next.

If the client decides to work further with the shaman, homework can be given and another appointment made. The shaman also must choose to continue with the client, to know when, what, and how to proceed in the most beneficial manner for the client.

It is always important that both parties be aware that unlike the traditional shaman, it is the client that in the end is responsible for their well being.  The shaman – just like the spirits - can teach and guide; it is the client who decides what to do with what has been given or returned.

This is very condensed information; there is much more to it than what is written here and you can find many, many sites giving in-depth information.

References

Info@shamanicstudies.com

http://www.deoxy.org/shaman.htm

To display a list of practitioners in the Quinte Region
click on the Go To Directory button.