What do you consider shamanism?

[spirituallygiving]

This may sound silly, but I took a religious studies course in uni and now I'm a little confused about what shamanism is.

Is Shamanism the ability to speak to spirits?
Is Shamanism the ability to 'take on' someone's illness and transmute it?
Is Shamanism both of these or something else?

Input is appreciated I've been thinking about this for a few days...

[Sloan]

Another type of healer really. I couldn't come up with my own definition that didn't sound silly, so I copied one, but one book that you may want to consider if you want to learn more would be Kristin Madden's The Book of Shamanic Healing. It's very informative and helpful.

Shamanism refers to a range of traditional beliefs and practices concerned with communication with the spirit world. There are many variations in shamanism throughout the world, though there are some beliefs that are shared by all forms of shamanism:

* The spirits can play important roles in human lives.
* The shaman can control and/or cooperate with the spirits for the community's benefit.
* The spirits can be either good or bad.
* Shamans engage various processes and techniques to incite trance; such as: singing, dancing, taking entheogens, meditating and drumming.
* Animals play an important role, acting as omens and message-bearers, as well as representations of animal spirit guides.
* The shaman's spirit leaves the body and enters into the supernatural world during certain tasks.
* The shamans can treat illnesses or sickness.
* Shamans are healers, gurus and magicians.

Its practitioners claim the ability to diagnose and cure human suffering and, in some societies, the ability to cause suffering. This is believed to be accomplished by traversing the axis mundi and forming a special relationship with, or gaining control over, spirits. Shamans have been credited with the ability to control the weather, divination, the interpretation of dreams, astral projection, and traveling to upper and lower worlds. Shamanistic traditions have existed throughout the world since prehistoric times.

Some anthropologists and religious scholars define a shaman as an intermediary between the natural and spiritual world, who travels between worlds in a state of trance. Once in the spirit world, the shaman would commune with the spirits for assistance in healing, hunting or weather management. Ripinsky-Naxon describes shamans as, “People who have a strong interest in their surrounding environment and the society of which they are a part.”

Other anthropologists critique the term "shamanism", arguing that it is a culturally specific word and institution and that by expanding it to fit any healer from any traditional society it produces a false unity between these cultures and creates a false idea of an initial human religion predating all others. However, others say that these anthropologists simply fail to recognize the commonalities between otherwise diverse traditional societies.

Shamanism is based on the premise that the visible world is pervaded by invisible forces or spirits that affect the lives of the living. In contrast to animism and animatism, which any and usually all members of a society practice, shamanism does not require specialized knowledge or abilities. It could be said that shamans are the experts employed by modern, animists or animist communities. Shamans are, however, often organized into full-time ritual or spiritual associations, as are priests, being the unordained priests of instinct.

[Peace]

lainey!!!!! we need you here!! lol. she knows a good bit about this. good definition, sloan.

[Sloan]

Thanks faery, and you're right. Lainey could do this better justice but at least this is a starting point!

[♥Starlene]

Thats a cool definition Sloan, thanks for sharing
((hugs))

[Anamere]

Ok... So I prolly won't have much to add.

What Sloan had in this section almost says it all:

"Some anthropologists and religious scholars define a shaman as an intermediary between the natural and spiritual world, who travels between worlds in a state of trance. Once in the spirit world, the shaman would commune with the spirits for assistance in healing, hunting or weather management. Ripinsky-Naxon describes shamans as, “People who have a strong interest in their surrounding environment and the society of which they are a part.”

It is confusing and even more confusing to put something that seems to the average person just a deep meditation and weird visual imagery is actually stepping into the spirit realm and aiding the spirit either to where it needs to be or healing through connection.


I can add some "stuff" from my Teacher Foxfire and I hope this is helpful too.


"Shamanism is an ancient and powerful spiritual practice utilized throughout history and still today to restore spiritual and physical health and obtain self-knowledge. The Shamanic Journey has been called one of the “most remarkable visionary methods used by humankind to explore the hidden universe otherwise known mainly through myth and dream”.

The experience of journeying is deep, profound and healing. Our tribal shaman ancestors knew how to live in harmony with their environment, their associates and their Gods. They did this in part by using the deep, profound, and healing technique of Shamanic journeying.

The shamanic journey takes you to the dimension of the Spirits, a non-ordinary reality that is next to us and all around us but which lies just beyond our everyday perception.

Journeying boosts the immune system, energizes the body, mind, and spirit, and is unparalleled as a wisdom tool. Answers to any questions, concerns, or issues that you might have are within your reach. Journeying provides a direct connection to Spirit that will help you bring calm, peace, and insight into your everyday life. "


Let me know if this helps. As it really is very difficult to put words to something that has to be experienced. Sloan will prolly back me on that.


And I'll post this and some other info right now, guys I'm so sorry I've been so busy.

Love ya all bunches!!

[♥Starlene]

So tell me,,, do you think that shamanic journeying is similar to meditation in that way? I have never put into words how I meditate but what you wrote her is very similar to what I consider a form of meditation.... I have met several guides, some in human forum, some in animal form through meditation... I love reading this stuff,,, makes you think... Thanks for sharing!
((hugs)))

[saffy]

Great Question. I will read these a few more times...having trouble getting in the meditative state...maybe this can kick by but a little

[Sloan]

I completely back you on this Miss E. Although you still explain things better! And is it like meditation...kinda...but I felt it was more than that. Ummm, like she said its hard to place in words...I felt more, saw more than I ever do in meditation. But then again I can't say I'm the best at meditation either but I think she's right, you have to experience it. If you ever get the chance to take a journeying class, do it! It's really well worth it in the long run.

[Anamere]

Again, Sorry I'm so late with reply.


Ok, to answer the question It's sort of like a deep meditation. I don't have all the scientific jargon explaining the chemicals produced during drumming. But it's like it helps to put you into a different or altered state of mind.

Now SOME cultures have been known to use hallucinogenics for this "altered state" I have not, so I have no experience with that.

It's said that during the Journey you are actually stepping into another reality.

The Spirit Realm.

This is why it seems different. It's also why it should only be used with specific intention. I mean I don't journey just to journey. It's said it is better to do with a group or a guide when you are learning or training (as in a shaman or pseudo shaman which would be easier to come by LOL!) and it really is an amazing experience.

I hope this makes sense all ALL!

I mean I've seen guides and totems during meditations too. This is just a like specific route during an altered state that leads to well another reality.

I hope this makes sense. It's WAY easier to experience.

Meditation seems different because I seem to be more in control of what's going on. During the Shamanic Journey I've felt chords and what felt like daggers being removed from my hips. Afterwards the healing I had was amazing. There is a physical aspect to it too if that makes sense.


See! Now we're just all gonna have to get together and drum together and take a journey and experience it together!


Anyway I hope this ramble helps.

[saffy]

I have always had interest in learning and I would love to learn more about this. It would be so cool to have a drumming session. Is that something that cam be done over distance.

[Sloan]

Ouuu good question...Miss E?

[katnips]

Drumming is used in many tribal rituals, it resembles the heart beat of mother earth, what we as children hear in our mother's womb...it is used in Christ's Light healing techniques..in that certain tones can actually have effect on one's dna, like a tuning fork...what interests me are the animal guides shamans use, because one of my gifts is the ability to see animals with people, gives you insight into the person's psyche...I believe this is an ability from a past life for me...very interested in shamanism

[katnips]

The power animals interest me....in awe of what they mean, some have different meaning for different cultures...I know that I could use this gift, to help in my reiki healing, help in understanding the person and what might be happening to them in the now. However I do not see the animals in another state of consciousness, I can see them just by talking with the person, or focusing my attention on them, as in an every day occurrance...I have learned that those that get my attention first, are those present in the now, and those I may see, but in the background so to speak, are those that may always be with them, just not in the forefront of their lives at the moment...I find the shaman path quite interesting, would love to hear more
Kat

[katnips]

Thank you so much Piper for the info
Kat

[♥Starlene]

Hey Ya!
Things for sharing some of my attunement information with everyone Piper! If you are curious about anything on my website feel free to contact me Kat. I am always around the e-mail or on the boards. Also it might be helpful for you to hold a stone something like a leopard jasper stone those are good for helping you find your animal totem.
Hugs, Star