Shamanism is the oldest spiritual practice known to human beings. There is evidence of shamanism from 100,000 years ago, from nearly every part of the world. This means that all of us have shamanic beliefs and practices in our ancestral history.
The word shaman comes from the Tungus tribe in Siberia and means “one who sees in the dark” or “healer.” The Toltec word is naguals, which means “the awakened one.” It is also the Toltec word for “life force energy,” or what we often call the soul.
Someone who sees in the dark is not using their eyes, they are using their heart. Seeing with the heart is looking for connections between all people, and all of creation. Understanding that connection places me directly into creation as an equal, never as a more evolved creature or as having power over others. Being awake is awareness of what is going on inside myself, as well as around me, even in the unseen world. Shamanism is not head learning, it is not theology, or stated beliefs, or adoption of someone’s ideas about the Divine. It is, rather, experiential. Shamanism is a relationship with the Divine and awareness of all the ways the Divine communicates with us. Because of this way of knowing and experiencing, I find it difficult to write about this topic.
Journey into non-ordinary reality.
The spiritual practice of shamanic journeying is often an introduction to shamanism. It is a practice of entering “non-ordinary reality.” As we live and work in ordinary reality, we typically miss communication from guides, teachers, and nature spirits that surround us and offer helpful insights. When we journey, we let go of ordinary reality and travel to the lower world to meet our power animal. Our power animal always chooses us, and it brings its wisdom, guidance, and unique attributes. If we journey to the upper world, we may meet ascended masters such as mystics, angels, and saints. Power animals and teachers invite us to pay attention, to listen, and to learn from them.
But shamanic journeying is not training to become a shaman. It is simply a tool nearly anyone can use to connect with guides, nature spirits, and with the inner self. It is a brief glimpse into broader awareness of the realms of spirituality we do not typically engage with.
What is shamanism?
Shamanism is a powerful tool for healing and for receiving guidance. It is a calling; in the same way a priest or other spiritual leader claims his or her life role. Becoming a shaman requires years of study and practice. It does not happen overnight, and a true shaman never claims the title for themselves. Becoming a shaman means a drastic change in the interior life of a person, which is never a performance.
One of the basic concepts of shamanism is The Spirit That Moves In And Through All Things (“TSTMIATAT”). TSTMIATAT is not me, and I don’t have any special powers. Rather, through consistent practice, I learned how to connect and access information from TSTMIATAT. And the best thing about TSTMIATAT is that it is always present, also accessible, and it is everywhere I look, listen and feel. TSTMIATAT does not live in some far-off heavenly realm, accessible to me only after I leave this world. It is here, now, forever, and constantly communicating with me.
Shamanic practices and TSMIATAT do not ever carry you away. Do not slip into a shamanic journey, or other altered state when you are driving! The shamanic realms are always accessed and experienced with presence and intention. Drums may be used to create theta brainwaves to enhance shamanic journeying, but once you know how to get to your realm, they are not necessary. And drugs like peyote and ayahuasca are often associated with shamanism, but they can be a form of spiritual bypassing because they interrupt the discipline and learning that creates lasting change.
Take a journey, not a trip.
Shamanic spirituality is available to anyone who is ready to experience a deeper relationship with Spirit. The wisdom of shamanism is never a quick trip, but a journey that lasts a lifetime. Are you ready to see with your heart instead of your head? Your new view begins here.
With special thanks to my shaman teacher, for allowing his intuition to guide me to the language I needed today.
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