About Shamanism...
Shamanism is a spiritual practice that involves a practitioner (shaman) interacting with the spirit world through altered states of conciousness. The modern English word shaman comes from the word samān from a Tungusic language used in Northern Asia/ Sibera. Also the Sanskrit word śramaṇa, means a wandering holy figure, this word has spread to many Central Asian languages along with Buddhism and could be the ultimate origin of the word shaman.
Shamanism is practised in cultures all around the world, each with its own customs, rituals, and tradition. Altered states of mind are accomplished through different means like dancing, drumming, praying and taking in plant medicines.The goal is usually to bring healing, to purify and cleanse, and to gain certain insights and wisdom along with giving thanks and experiencing mystical oneness and connection with all.
The form of Shamanism I practise is called Inca Shamanism. In this tradition altered states of conciousness are entered without any outside aid. Musical instruments, like bells, rattles, conch shell, drums and flute, are often used to call in certain energies.
Inca Shamanism makes use of the four directions with their archetypes, power animals, and elements of fire, earth, water, and air.
There are three worlds with layers and chambers to journey to. Simply said, the middle one is where we live our daily lives. The lower one is the layers within the earth and is not low as in being lesser. The higher one is where light beings, angels dwell.
The shaman works with all of these energies, removing heavy energy from the body and bring it deep into the earth where it belongs. Bringing nectar-like joy into the heart from above. And bringing back 'lost soul parts' so we can be complete again.
The tools of the shaman further consist of a medicine bundle of sacred hand picked stones and crystals, feathers along with palo santo wood and Florida water for cleansing, and personal items. I also work with crystal skulls and dragons in addition to my medicine bundle.
In Inca Shamanism, all is living energy, within us and around us, even objects. The shaman can manipulate these energies into balance again. Always in service of Spirit and the higher good of all.
