Shamans have played an important role in evolving consciousness in cultures across the globe for at least 30,000 to 40,000 years, and possibly as long as 100,000 years. Through their abilities to travel into the dark and mysterious spirit realms they bring healing and integration. In fact, the word “shaman” originates from the Tungus tribe in Siberia and means “spiritual healer” or “one who sees in the dark.”
The practice of Shamanism is designed to bridge the formed (ordinary) and formless (non-ordinary) realms through the use of tools and ritual. To bridge these worlds, a practitioner learns how to journey into other dimensions by entering a shamanic state of consciousness. Usually done through the use of sound or movement, referred to as sonic driving, this involves a repetitive rhythm, that is produced by a drum, rattle or stick as well as through chanting or ecstatic dancing. Our Shamanism segment is designed to deepen your understanding of how this ancient practice can facilitate transformation.
Initiation Part 4: Aspects of Shamanic Initiation
While shamanic initiation may be unique for each individual, cross-culturally, there are similarities. My shamanic initiation experiences had many hallmarks of traditional initiations. Here are those that I encountered: Upper world experience – My sense, [...]
Initiation Part 3: My Spiritual Dismemberment
One initiation is plenty, but, a shamanic practitioner often has many throughout their life. Why would this be? Usually they are each different types of initiation and take the practitioner into a different level of [...]
Initiation Part 2: Stepping Into Shamanic Initiation
Initiation experiences can come in different forms. Sometimes they come in dreams and visions. The most common form is to be taken by spirit into another dimension. In most cases, shamanic initiation occurs in a [...]
An Introduction to Shamanic Initiation
Unwittingly, my first shamanic initiation experience occurred prior to having any previous knowledge about shamanism. And, since planting my feet on the shamanic path, other initiations have occurred. However, before I share my personal stories [...]
Shamanism: Bridging Worlds
When journeying, the most common method for bridging the ordinary and non-ordinary worlds, the practitioner’s soul is freed from physical form and takes flight into the formless realm. S/he becomes an intermediary or facilitator between [...]