What is shamanism?
Shamanism predates religions and is not a religion. It is an animistic-magical cult, in the sense that it attributes divine powers to all beings of nature, it has as its means ecstasy and its goal is the liberating treatment of man physically and spiritually.
Shamanism as a traditional rite exists scattered in different parts of the earth, such as in Amazonian tribes, in South America, but also in Siberia.
Shamanism connects the sky with the earth, with the world Tree, and attempts to give a meaning to the world, with the help of nature itself.
The shaman
The center of shamanism is the shaman, the sorcerer-healer-leader who possesses all the secrets through heredity, since his ancestors were also shamans, or through a personal charisma, which became distinct from an early age. In each case, the new shaman receives the anointing from the elders in the secrets of shamanism through specific initiation rites.
The shaman speaks with nature and understands the codes of the invisible spiritual world. He is able, through communication with the spirits, to guide the person who needs the energy unblocking, to spread his wings on a liberating journey of spiritual search and healing of physical and mental wounds.
His place in the tribes
The position of the shaman in each tribe has always been important since he holds the secrets of the spirit and the body. Although shamanistic practice contains many elements of magic, with little scientific background, the shaman is considered a highly respected person. Although the shaman is usually a man, there are also women – shamans.
The shaman simultaneously plays the role of the mystic – priest, but also the doctor, since he knows with which herbs and medicines he can cure the common diseases of the body. At the same time, it unites the world of the living and the dead, heaven and earth.
Ritual
The key word for shamanism is trance, which the shaman reaches through being guided by his spirit guides (which can be an animal or a spirit or by “flying” himself mentally into the world The shamans themselves, through their altered state of consciousness, become spirits that converse with other spirits.
Drums set a strong rhythm throughout this healing treatment, in which hallucinogenic plants are often used.
You need enough “sacred” space for the process, for the lighting of the candles, as well as the palo santo (sacred wood), the use of crystals, the music.
In Indian shamanism they fill their sacred pipe with the dried inner bark of the Kinnikinnik, mixed with licorice and tobacco. By smoking their pipe, it is as if they are sucking in the occult knowledge of the universe.
Often the shaman’s attire has bells or feathers on it that also participate in their own way in the ritual of ecstatic meditation, since the shaman bounces hundreds of times, to the rhythm of the music, around the created altar.
Feathers are also used to clear the negative aura around the patient’s physical body.
Ceremonies can last for hours. Often, before the ceremony the shaman may have a vision of exactly how the practice of his ritual should be.
Totems – Animals
In shamanism, each person has their own animal as a spiritual guide and protector in life, according to their date of birth. Then it is called an animal – totem, which is like the sign of Western astrology.
At the same time, depending on the time a person is going through, the image of an animal may be revealed to him, giving him a message about his choices, through a dream or meditation.
Shamanism means connection
If we were to describe the philosophy of shamanism, although shamanism is not a philosophy, we would say that shamanism is taught by nature and teaches the value of connecting with what surrounds us.
To feel oneself, to communicate with nature and one’s environment, to open without prejudice to the invisible worlds, to unite heaven and earth within oneself, to be able to leave one’s material body through meditation and “flying”, it is shamanism.
To love every creature of the visible and invisible world is shamanism.
Again according to Indian shamanism, as stated in the book “Magic, the Occult Tradition of the World”:
Mosquitoes don’t bother you if you have positive feelings. These create vibrations… you can create a smell that repels them… control the whole situation with the vibrations you create. (Thunder Thunder, Cherokee Shaman).
Western world and shamanism
In the past, the Western world viewed shamanism with suspicion as something primitive and forbidden. In recent years, more and more people around the world are interested in learning about its principles and being healed through it.
Of course, this needs attention, because there are not a few people who are called shamans to become lifestyle advisors and guides of famous people.
How you can incorporate shamanism into your meditation
Shamans, in addition to their other powers, know how to interpret dreams.
Put a dream catcher above your bed to capture your dreams so you can remember them and learn through experience to interpret them.
Through meditation with drumming and the use of crystals, seek out your own spirit animal on your spiritual journey and it will guide you in what steps are good to take in your daily life.
Create your own altar on which to place your offering to your spirit guides, a simple offering such as a fruit, e.g. an apple.
Pray and meditate with pure intention and purpose.
Ask spirit guides for the answers you need.
Open your spirit to earth and sky.
At the same time, take more frequent walks in nature and see every creature, like the ant that takes its food to its nest, with absolute respect. Because it is an inhabitant of this planet, just like you.
Shamanism is an alternative way of looking at everything that surrounds you.
ENERGY THERAPIES – YOUR GROWTH GUIDE
Shamanism is the most ancient form of energy healing.
Already from that time man subconsciously knew how it is above all energy, and how even physical problems start from blockages of this energy.
Today, this knowledge is accepted even by Western medicine as fact.
Come and experience an energy treatment (pranic healing, cosmoenergy, crystal therapy) and start your own journey of life, with a lighter body and mind, and with the liberating feeling that everything is one, everything is connected.
Each energy treatment works in addition to the medication you may be taking for a health problem or psychotherapy sessions, if you do. No medications are provided.
Sources
https://el.wikipedia.org/wiki/%CE%A3%CE%B1%CE%BC%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B9%CF%83%CE%BC%CF%8C%CF%82
https://meditationtransformation.gr/el/personal/reiki-healing-2/