How do people become Shamans?
Shamans are called to their vocation in the same way as people on other spiritual paths. For some it is a matter of ancestral lineage or hereditary bonds establishing the person in that position. Sometimes a would be shaman seeks initiation from one already established in the role. In other cases it seems that Great Spirit have chosen the Shaman, rather than the other way around. These are the 'greater shamans'; those who have been called spontaneously through dreams or mystical visions to embody these powers. Those that have simply inherited their role are regarded as 'lesser shamans' and hold a lower status in society, especially among the people of Siberia and Artic North America.
To begin with as children or young adults, shamans are often of a nervous or sensitive disposition (sound familiar) may seem strangely withdrawn from society. Anthropologist Ralph Linton states:
'The shaman child usually shows marked introverted tendencies.When these inclinations become manifest they are encouraged by society. The budding Shaman oftren wanders off and spends a long time by himself in nature. He is rather anti-social in his attitudes and is frequently seized by mysterious illnesses of one sort of another.'
Shamanism is rooted in the mists of history and its practices are thought to be the longest surviving rituals in which people tried to communicate with their Gods. The only difference is today; we do not need such rituals and we many of us do not perceive God to be outside of the self.
Who is a Shaman ?
We can define a shaman as a person who is able to perceive this world of souls, spirits and gods, and who, in altered state is able to travel among them, gaining knowledge of the what is considered to be the supernatural realm. Shamanism is a visonary tradition, an ancient practice of utlising altered states of consciousness to contact spirits of the natural world. The essential call of shamanism is clear: we should respect and honour the sanctity of Nature. So modern day the voice of the Shaman is a potent message.
My view is that the Shaman is changing; the only constant is change. Rigid beliefs of what a Shaman must be really does not hold sway in this modern age. Shamans are like animals they shapeshift and this is good because modern day shamans are able to be at one with nature yet move with the times and be part of the society and culture that surrounds them, yet still walk between the worlds of different dimensions of consciousness. Who would have ever thought that one would find a thriving fox in the city of London? The Shaman is the same from my perspective; although I must admit I was surprised to see a Fox casually walking across the by-pass in the city of London.
From my perception all healers and mediums have a part of a Shaman within them; for there is no separation from nature and the universe in which we live. We may demonstrate it or express our skills differently but ultimately there is very little difference between a shaman and a lot of spiritual people of today. In ancient days, clairvoyants and mediums were called Seers, and Prophets the only difference is the title and how one defines it or understands it.
This is just a starter thread, I did not wish to bore you. It would be great if all those involved in shamanic work would like to add information about Shamans and the work from history to modern day. Can we develop a thread that is informative to those interested in the way and path of the Shaman? So I hand this thread over to the budding Shamans on these forums.
Divine Love
RE: How Do People Become Shamans?
Hi divine love
Can you tell me if there are any good books to read so I / wewill have a little knowledge, I felt that my life had changed slightly when I had reiki attunements and still think my life is changing and would like to read some books on shamanism..
Love & Light Smartie
RE: How Do People Become Shamans?
Dear Smartie,
I am no expert on Shamanism and there looks like some good book recommendations on another thread started by Azalia. However, for a beginners overview of all the cultures from around the world you could begin with a book that used to be published by Element called simply 'Shamanism' A richly illustrated voyage into the rituals and inner worlds of Shamanism. You might be able to order it from the library, then if you are really interested or drawn to it you could further and deeper into it.
Some very experienced Shaman friends run excellent training courses in Spain if you ever fancy a holiday adventure, you would be in very safe hands with them.
Divine Love
RE: How Do People Become Shamans?
I have just enrolled on a course with Bear Spirit, the course content looks very interesting, I feel that I first got the initial call 17 years ago, but know that I had to live certain things before I was ready. And now I am 🙂
RE: How Do People Become Shamans?
Hiya Smartie,
I have read a book called 'Shamanism: Archaic Techniques in Ecstasy' by Mircea Eliade. It is quite academic and can be quite difficult to read at points, but it does appear to cover the history and culture of Shamanism in depth and can make an interesting read...
[link= http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0691119422/qid=1143245937/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_3_1/203-2943627-2499954 ]http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0691119422/qid=1143245937/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_3_1/203-2943627-2499954[/link]
Love & Blessings! 🙂
Lisa x
RE: How Do People Become Shamans?
Singing the Soul Back Homw by C Matthews is good on core shamanism
tigress
RE: How Do People Become Shamans?
This is an interesting thread for me, as it's something that "speaks" if anyone understands...............
A few years ago, a very wise man that I was having a conversation with said to me "You are a Shaman." I went very cold (in a good way) when he said it. For me personally, I would rather learn verbally; I have really bad eyesight, and reading can be a struggle, unless in large print!
RE: How Do People Become Shamans?
Hi Guinevere
there are quite a few workshops etc around the country to give you direct shamanic experiences.
I think it is important to 'read 'the natural world around us with all our senses
tigress
RE: How Do People Become Shamans?
Thank you tigress-and I agree; we need to read with all our senses.
I will perhaps look for a workshop at some point. When I have been able to do any reading on Shamanism, I've been able to relate to most things I've read.............
Thank you again. 🙂
RE: How Do People Become Shamans?
ORIGINAL: Guinevere
I have really bad eyesight, and reading can be a struggle, unless in large print!
May I respectfully recommend;
The Beginners Guide to Shamanic Journeying
by Sandra Ingerman.
It is a CD audio book about/how to/etc , and includes a drumming track.
I'm sure you can find a copy in Amazon etc.
RE: How Do People Become Shamans?
How kind of you-many thanks.........I haven't heard of this.
Thanks again! 🙂
RE: How Do People Become Shamans?
Hi there people
Well that was good. I was going to the Spirituality forum and must have accidentally (and we know what they are) hit on this forum. And now I am definately going to look into Shamanism.
I becameaware of my path just over a year ago and it has been fast forward ever since. I am managing to do meditation on my own now and will very soon find the inner peace that my soul needs. I have got to Reiki III but unfortunately with the people I went to that doesn't include the masters. I am desperate to teach so that I can give Reiki to the people who need it but cannot financially afford. I have been told by spirit that this will be in August/September when I will receive Masters - and will have to pay nothing!!
There was I thinking that would be it for at least now, but this morning I have discovered something else that I will try.
Haven't got time today - I am off to IKEA - I have made a deal with my brain - If I sort out my CDs I will sort out all the information I have gathered about Reiki to be able to start my manuals!!!
Thank you for this thread in inevertably introducing a new coming.
Much love and light to you all.
TRACY ANN