Shamanism: An ancient and universal method using simple tools and techniques for connecting with the universe – both seen and unseen worlds – and moving beyond the limitations of rational thought into realms of sheer awareness. It is a living, evolving tradition. It is the world's oldest method of expanding consciousness - consisting of a collection of straightforward techniques for accessing energy, power, vision, healing and creativity through direct and immediate spiritual experience.
Shamanism is distinguished by the use of "journeys" to hidden worlds otherwise mainly known through myth, dream, and near-death experiences. The shamanic journey also helps to forge powerful relationships with the world around you, to rediscover links with ancestral energies, power animals and helping spirits. All of which can enable you to progressively and efficiently come into alignment with your own soul energies, your destiny and your place within the order of the Universe.
Pre-religious, pre-political and pre-philosophical in nature, Shamanism is a way of life, dating back to Paleolithic times, of living in harmony, respect and oneness with all life forms. It requires no guru or religious hierarchy to intervene on your behalf. Shamanic methods place the authority back in the hands of the individual to embrace this expansive power not only to intellectually understand but also to experience the spiritual.
Shaman: Word derived from Russian - the Tungusic (language of the Tungus people of Siberia) or the Tungus-Manchu noun-word, saman. The Tungus-Manchu verb-root, sa, means 'to know', and its noun-root sam is related to some other Altaic languages, such as the cognate kam, a Turko-Tatar word for 'shaman'. The cognate saman conveys the literal meaning of 'he who knows' or 'see-er'.
The Shaman is a spiritual activist, an intermediary, who successfully bridges the realms by entering an
altered state of consciousness to journey in spirit to gather wisdom, healing, power and/or guidance for
themselves and others.
A shaman's intention and compassion is for the wellbeing of the community with whom they share their visions. It is infused with humility, as he/she knows that the power is not their own but only flowing through them for the benefit of all life. Holger Kalweit, an ethnopsychologist, describes shamans as "technicians of the sacred, the Specialists of the beyond."
Grandfather White Eagles's definition is:
One who transcends all religions and walks in simple purity.
Journey: The dynamic shamanic meditation which crosses between the two worlds - that of ordinary reality
and non-ordinary reality.
It generally occurs when in a state of altered consciousness – also referred to as a shamanic state of consciousness.
It is a journey of the soul – done deliberately, with clear intention and compassion. It is this spiritual voyage
for vision, healing, power and/or wisdom that distinguishes shamanism from other forms of healing.
Spirit Guide: Spirit helper who helps you on your spiritual path and assists you in helping others also through teaching or healing for example.
Power Animal: A Spirit perceived as taking an animal form which instructs, guides and protects an individual or shaman and usually becomes closely identified with the individual concerned.
Shape shifting: An important element in Shamanism is the ability to travel in mind through the environment and observe distant events.
To accomplish this the Shaman can adopt the form of a bird or animal within the Shamanic Journey.
Shape-changing: Is frequently encountered in Shamanic practice.
There seem to be three types of shape-changing:
a. The way in which an inner body appears. This may be called Soul or Spirit shifting, because it involves the movement and shifting in appearance of the image of someone or something as they appear inwardly in Spirit form.
b. When it is the Spirit form which can be seen physically. The person shapeshifts and can change how they appear to others while in Spirit form.
c. Actual physical shapeshifting.
Shamanic Healing: Therapeuthic intervention (mental, physical or spiritual) facilitated by a Shamanic practitioner/shaman using methods that include journeying, working with Spirit helpers, extraction, Soul retrieval, power animal Retrieval, power restoration and de-possession etc.
A dimension that is beyond our five senses is called on and the recipient receives what is appropriate using the practitioner/shaman as a bridge. It concentrates on two things - removing any energy that is not in harmony with the recipient's body or should not be there and restoring lost energy or power.
This can be for a person, animal or place and is often done in conjunction with other therapies to restore balance and wholeness.
Shamanic Practitioner: A person who utilises Shamanic techniques and lives a Shamanic way of life. Shamanism as it is practiced in the western world is often based on the "core" practices found in every ancient and traditional culture worldwide. What distinguishes Shamanic practitioners is their use of the Shamanic journey, an altered state of consciousness in which they consult with Spirit helpers. There is an onus on every practitioner to act in an ethical and professional manner - which includes being compassionate with pure intent for the highest good of all.