Introduction to Shamanism
One of the most diverse forms of practice shamanism conjures images of witch doctors, voodoo priest and barbaric rites. More clearly defined as a tradition than a pagan path shamanism has a very long history and is the heart of all pagan magicks. Shamanism is a ancient and natural form of magick untouched to some extent from modern day magick and neo pagan influences.
The heart of a shaman is personal experience learning to battle demons personal and spiritual to gain knowledge both personal and spiritual as well as learning magick skills that are taught through communion with higher spirits and deities.
Shamanic practices are present in all pagan path that being said a large number of pagans are now choosing to call themselves simple Shaman and to follow a shamanic path.
Shamans will often spend a majority of their time seeking visions in solitude mostly in natural surroundings commonly known as vision questing, during which time a shaman will gain spiritual knowledge of plants and herbs through communion with plants, they will even meet guides and totems to aid them in magickal workings.
The central belief of shamans is that everything contains a spirit from the smallest grain of sand to the largest mountain, animals, plants even the elements have their own spirits and through training a shaman will be able to communicate with these spirit to gain alliances, gain information or do battle and defeat said spirits. The trained shaman will act as an intermediary between the earth realm and spirit world he or she will act as guide for others, healer or diviner.
It is common for shaman to use mind altering substances to help lift them into the spirit world, the term “mind altering substances” may include ritual herbs with psychotropic elements but more likely to dancing and drumming, fasting or sweat lodge
A quote from Shamanic Voices by Joan Halifax
‘Shamans are healers, seers, and visionaries. .. They are in communication with the world of gods and spirits. Their bodies can be left behind while they fly to unearthly realms. They are poets and singers. They dance and create works of art. They are familiar with cosmic as well as physical geography; they know the ways of plants, animals, and the elements. They are psychologists, entertainers, and food finders. Above all, however, shamans are technicians of the sacred and masters of ecstasy.’
Due to the rise in the interest in Shamanic Practices more information has become available and there has been a huge rise in the numbers of Shamanic groups offering training.
Since due to shamanic practices are in there purest form are part of tribal culture and accessibility due to culture and location are limited making pure shamanism much less accessible as a pagan path, Modern shamanic paths are based from known shamanic practices from sociological and anthropological studies as well as reconstructions from historical accounts from traditional cultures such as The Native tribes of America.
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