Shamanism

Shamanism helps us to live in harmony with the Way of the world. By living in harmony with nature, in harmony with our own spirit and those around us, and in harmony with the way that life flows, we progress more easily through life and live the truth of who we are.

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The shaman or shamanic practitioner* acknowledges that spirit exists within all (animism) and may use a variety of techniques to connect and communicate with spirit. As a direct link between the physical and spiritual realms the shaman is sometimes referred to as a ‘walker between the worlds’. The shaman may also be thought of as a conduit through which spirits and people collaborate. 

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Shamanism is both an ancient and contemporary spiritual practice. Evidence of shamanism dates back tens of thousands of years and it is practised today in many societies, both indigenous and multicultural. It is a collection of ways for working directly with spirit for the benefit of others and yourself. Shamanism is not a religion; it is not fixed in holy books and it has no dogma. Shamanism is compatible and complementary with many religious paths, enabling people to achieve closer connection with the spirits of their own path.

 

In the shamanic journey the shaman travels in the spirit world to work with the spirits; receiving help such as power, guidance or healing. The shaman connects with spirits by shifting their awareness into a shamanic state of consciousness. In this state what the shaman experiences is led by spirit rather than being an experience of the physical world. You may be familiar with visualisation techniques, such as guided meditation, but a key difference is that the shaman is not controlling the visualisation, nor are they being instructed by a person guiding the experience. Instead, the shaman meets with a spirit guide and spirit leads the shaman through the journey. 
 

Although each shamanic culture or group may have differences in the way it uses shamanism, academics studying these cultures identified that there are several common or core practices that are used by many indigenous shamanic people. This group of commonly used spiritual practices is sometimes referred to as Core Shamanism. In places where local shamanic traditions have been lost, it is likely that the ancient cultures used techniques found in Core Shamanism.

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To enter the shamanic state of consciousness it is common to use strong repeating rhythms. Often a drum is used; sometimes other methods such as rattles, singing/chanting and dancing are used with drumming or instead of it. These rhythms help the senses to partially disconnect from the physical world and open the shaman’s awareness to the spirit realm (scientists have monitored brain activity and have confirmed that these rhythms change the way the brain operates, helping people enter a trance state). However, with practice, it is possible to journey shamanically by quietly sitting in peace, making a connection with spirit and allowing them to lead.
 

The spirit realms are often experienced as 3 different (but connected) levels, referred to as the Lower World, Middle World and Upper World. The shaman may travel to a specific world for a specific reason. The Lower World is frequently visited when the shaman wishes to access or retrieve power. The Upper World is typically visited for guidance and wisdom. The Middle World is the spiritual equivalent of the physical world and may be visited if seeking help with applying to the material world that which has been gained from journeys to the other realms.

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Before conducting a shamanic journey, the shaman will often rattle, chant or sing to call the spirits and form the circle of those present. The intent of the journey will be clearly defined. The shaman will then journey with that clear intent; assisted by drumming, etc, the journey will begin with the shaman meeting a spirit guide who will then lead the journey. At the end of the journey the shaman will give thanks to the spirits that helped on that journey and return fully to the physical world. Once returned, the shaman will then review and interpret what was experienced during the journey. The shaman is a 'tool' used by spirit; it is spirit that has the power and does the work.

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* the term 'shaman' is a title given to a person who holds that position within their indigenous society. In the UK and other societies where the indigenous shamanic traditions have not survived, the term 'shamanic practitioner' is preferred when referring to people who use shamanic techniques. A shaman and a shamanic practitioner both practice shamanism and may use the same methods and do the same work, but 'shaman' is considered to be a title that is given by others rather than self-designated. I use the term shaman in this text when describing shamanism in general and I refer to myself as a shamanic practitioner.

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