Shamanism

Shamanism is an ancient form of mysticism. Although there are many localized variations, the basic tenet is that all things are sacred and alive. Shamans are experts in this perspective and act as priests, holy people, guides, researchers, explorers or professionals. Most have the ability to enter trance or altered states of access to information relating to their work.

The shaman acts as a bridge. While in contact with life in other dimensions of the universe, but also use what is available in the local environment as an aid to return a person, place or situation in equilibrium.

The historical paths of becoming a shaman are many and varied. Before we had instant mass communication, and the race overall, a shaman would live in a small country like all our ancestors. These small tribal settings were located in different ecosystems, some tropical, some cold, mountainous, valley, desert, forest, etc. Each place had its own unique energy, with different plants and animals. You will not find a whale in the desert, so any potential shaman had very different life experiences and local resources to work with. Moreover, the mythological systems vary greatly.

Individuals were asked to become a shaman for various reasons. Some were simply born sensitive. Some people had near-death experience, mental break, illness or accident that caused them to seek a method for their personal recovery. Through trial and error they found a mineral, plant, location, ceremony or something to help care for them. Upon recovery, they have become shamans specialized for this problem. People came to them for their secret knowledge, when in a similar situation. Thus, a new born in the shaman community.

Still others had a big dream, you went on a vision quest or entered an apprenticeship with another shaman. Some became shamans because it was a family tradition, just as doctors tend to run in families. Some were forced to become shamans because of a need for community. Sometimes shamans and village elders looked at the children, looking for a distinctive sign or omen, they tried the troublemaker, the curious, the adventurer, the leader or the shy one. When they found what they felt was the right personality, often placed the child in training ... even against their will, since the needs of the tribe were considered most important.

Today, there are still traditional shamans in every culture, but there are modern shamans. There are people today who have awakened an interest in this ancient profession and are in training.