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About Shamanism
The shamanic worldview is based on an understanding of our collective connection to Spirit. This means that all of us humans – family, friends, folks whose political opinions differ from our own, individuals on the other side of the globe – as well as every non-human life form in this and every other universe are all connected at the level of spirit. Acknowledging this connection makes spiritual healing possible for all beings in every time and place. The practice of shamanism is as ancient as the history of human beings on this planet. At the same time it is as new as this morning’s sunrise. Ancient shamans served their communities as healers, counselors, mystics and priests through direct interaction with the spirit realm. Modern shamanic practitioners use the same visionary method to address the problems of twenty-first century society. Shamanism is a spiritual practice -- a way of being in the world. It is also a series of healing techniques, as effective for restoring the health of our ailing planet as for easing the suffering of the people who live here. Like their ancient counterparts, contemporary shamans use a repetitive, percussive sound – usually a drum or rattle – to induce a trance state. This classic shamanic journey into an alternate reality allows them to access practical assistance and advice from compassionate spirits for the purpose of healing their communities. Although many of us who live in the US associate the term “shaman” with Native American peoples, the practice of shamanism is not unique to the Americas. It is true that traditional Native American cultures have embraced a shamanic worldview, and that many still do. At the same time, indigenous cultures on every continent have included some form of shamanic tradition. According to shamanic author Sandra Ingerman, the word shaman – meaning “spiritual healer” or “one who sees in the dark” – comes from the Tungus tribe in Siberia. No matter what our ethnic origins, we may be sure our ancestors turned to shamans for healing and inspiration. Anthropologist and shaman Michael Harner studied the techniques of indigenous shamans all over the world. His work has evolved into what he terms Core Shamanism, a blend of the basic principles of many different shamanic traditions. He established the Foundation for Shamanic Studies to train modern shamanic practitioners in these ancient trans-global techniques. I have received my own training in Core Shamanism with this Foundation.
There are many books available for further reading on shamanism and spiritual healing. The following are some of my favorites:
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