Shamanism
Shamanism is an Ancient Spiritual Tradition
Shamanism is one of humanity’s most Ancient Traditions and has been practiced by many over centuries, throughout the world! Traditionally, a Shaman is known to be able to change their state of consciousness at will, journey to other realms (dimensions) where they obtain knowledge, information and understanding and bring this back for themselves and/or for the members of their respective community, in a benevolent way.
In many Ancient Traditions, the Shaman were known as the medicine men and woman and were at times also seen as the spiritual leaders within their community. They were generally respected and valued and were seen to be different. They were often considered as the doctor/healer/teacher/counsellor - the "Wise One", the one who was able to assist the community with everything. They were also feared and at times shunned.
Shaman work energetically and they use their traditional methods for healing and solving problems. They generally keep in harmony with nature, community and society. Shaman would assist others with problems; sickness; finding direction for themselves and in their lives; and so on. They were also called to assist the dying during the dying phase or crossing over period. In addition they would perform ceremony and/or ritual for all celebrations. In some cultures the Shaman were called to the birth of a baby and would sit in meditation, contemplating this child’s purpose and destiny. They would often give the child a suitable name to fulfil their path and destiny. This is a time of great celebration and a ceremony or ritual was often performed as part of these celebrations.
To be a Shaman was a Soul-calling! The shaman-lineage and ancient ways were passed from one generation to another - from a Father or Grandfather to a son or grandson and at times a daughter or granddaughter would receive this blessing. The elder would then be their mentor and teacher, until such time the apprentice becomes the Shaman.
It was mostly males who were trained to be Shaman and the woman were trained to be the Curanderas (healers). The apprentice would spend many years in nature when training with their elder-teachers. During this period the apprentices knowledge will expand in every possible way, whilst learning more about himself, his personal skills and natural talents and about nature in its many forms. Only when an apprentice proved himself to be properly skilled, have gained sufficient knowledgeable and understanding, mastered his apprenticeship and reached a certain level of maturity and emotional intelligence, was he initiated as the Shaman for the community and stepped into this role of greater service to them.
Shamanism is still practiced throughout the world in many ancient cultures, and lineages are still being passed on to those of calling either within the family and/or the community. It is also said that many of the ancient ways and traditions are currently being lost, due to modernization and urbanization. No longer are the ones who were brought up in the ancient ways necessarily living this expression. Many have moved into the cities and once there, only some have continued with their ancient traditional practices.
The reality of ancient traditions dying out has been recognised by many Elders within ancient cultures. Some have decided to initiate and teach "perceived outsiders to their community" about the ancient sacred ways, in order for their lineages and knowledge to continue. I am one of many such initiates who were trained in the Sacred Andean Tradition. I am a South African who received my training and initiations from my Peruvian Shaman Teachers, both in both South Africa and in Peru. This took many years and I finally received my last initiation as Kuraq Akulleq (Master Teacher) in October 2009, whilst in Peru.
The Modern Shaman
There is very little difference between a modern shaman and those who have come before. They too have a Soul-calling to become a Shaman, change their state of consciousness at will, journey to other realms (dimensions) and obtain information, knowledge, understanding and bring back with them for themselves and other as required.
Shaman today is certainly less hampered by unnecessary representation. Although they still assist individuals with problems as before, the language, culture and practices may have changed somewhat. They offer a great deal of assistance to others with their current understanding of Self, Self-love, Self-worth, the environment, nature, human nature, and the Divine, whilst continuously still growing themselves mentally, emotionally and spiritually, gaining greater understanding and wisdom through practice.
The Shaman today is often willing to empower others, allow freedom of choice and give relevant tools to their proteges. They are more loving, empathetic, compassionate and authentic as they lead by example. This is only different in some ways to the Shaman of ancient times.
Shamanism is and has always been a Soul-calling. It is also a personal journey back to the Self first and has nothing to do with the label or lower ego. It is not about matters of the head only but a marriage of the head and heart. Only when we as the Shaman have reached a certain level of emotional and spiritual maturity, and we can be authentic, can we truly be of service to humanity, Mother Earth and the greater whole, in a new and magnificent way!
Shamanism is one of humanity’s most Ancient Traditions and has been practiced by many over centuries, throughout the world! Traditionally, a Shaman is known to be able to change their state of consciousness at will, journey to other realms (dimensions) where they obtain knowledge, information and understanding and bring this back for themselves and/or for the members of their respective community, in a benevolent way.
In many Ancient Traditions, the Shaman were known as the medicine men and woman and were at times also seen as the spiritual leaders within their community. They were generally respected and valued and were seen to be different. They were often considered as the doctor/healer/teacher/counsellor - the "Wise One", the one who was able to assist the community with everything. They were also feared and at times shunned.
Shaman work energetically and they use their traditional methods for healing and solving problems. They generally keep in harmony with nature, community and society. Shaman would assist others with problems; sickness; finding direction for themselves and in their lives; and so on. They were also called to assist the dying during the dying phase or crossing over period. In addition they would perform ceremony and/or ritual for all celebrations. In some cultures the Shaman were called to the birth of a baby and would sit in meditation, contemplating this child’s purpose and destiny. They would often give the child a suitable name to fulfil their path and destiny. This is a time of great celebration and a ceremony or ritual was often performed as part of these celebrations.
To be a Shaman was a Soul-calling! The shaman-lineage and ancient ways were passed from one generation to another - from a Father or Grandfather to a son or grandson and at times a daughter or granddaughter would receive this blessing. The elder would then be their mentor and teacher, until such time the apprentice becomes the Shaman.
It was mostly males who were trained to be Shaman and the woman were trained to be the Curanderas (healers). The apprentice would spend many years in nature when training with their elder-teachers. During this period the apprentices knowledge will expand in every possible way, whilst learning more about himself, his personal skills and natural talents and about nature in its many forms. Only when an apprentice proved himself to be properly skilled, have gained sufficient knowledgeable and understanding, mastered his apprenticeship and reached a certain level of maturity and emotional intelligence, was he initiated as the Shaman for the community and stepped into this role of greater service to them.
Shamanism is still practiced throughout the world in many ancient cultures, and lineages are still being passed on to those of calling either within the family and/or the community. It is also said that many of the ancient ways and traditions are currently being lost, due to modernization and urbanization. No longer are the ones who were brought up in the ancient ways necessarily living this expression. Many have moved into the cities and once there, only some have continued with their ancient traditional practices.
The reality of ancient traditions dying out has been recognised by many Elders within ancient cultures. Some have decided to initiate and teach "perceived outsiders to their community" about the ancient sacred ways, in order for their lineages and knowledge to continue. I am one of many such initiates who were trained in the Sacred Andean Tradition. I am a South African who received my training and initiations from my Peruvian Shaman Teachers, both in both South Africa and in Peru. This took many years and I finally received my last initiation as Kuraq Akulleq (Master Teacher) in October 2009, whilst in Peru.
The Modern Shaman
There is very little difference between a modern shaman and those who have come before. They too have a Soul-calling to become a Shaman, change their state of consciousness at will, journey to other realms (dimensions) and obtain information, knowledge, understanding and bring back with them for themselves and other as required.
Shaman today is certainly less hampered by unnecessary representation. Although they still assist individuals with problems as before, the language, culture and practices may have changed somewhat. They offer a great deal of assistance to others with their current understanding of Self, Self-love, Self-worth, the environment, nature, human nature, and the Divine, whilst continuously still growing themselves mentally, emotionally and spiritually, gaining greater understanding and wisdom through practice.
The Shaman today is often willing to empower others, allow freedom of choice and give relevant tools to their proteges. They are more loving, empathetic, compassionate and authentic as they lead by example. This is only different in some ways to the Shaman of ancient times.
Shamanism is and has always been a Soul-calling. It is also a personal journey back to the Self first and has nothing to do with the label or lower ego. It is not about matters of the head only but a marriage of the head and heart. Only when we as the Shaman have reached a certain level of emotional and spiritual maturity, and we can be authentic, can we truly be of service to humanity, Mother Earth and the greater whole, in a new and magnificent way!