Shamanism
A Shaman is a healer who has the ability to walk between worlds.
TheShaman journeys into the "otherworlds"
to obtain important information
inorder to "heal" as
well as to do actual healings. The Shaman is able
togenerate
vast amounts of energy or power in order to journey. In
manycultures the Shaman is feared
rather than revered because of the ability
towalk between worlds, speak
to spirits and raise power. In these cultures
theshamans often have "power wars" betweeen groups.
Shamanism is a spiritual
belief, not a religious practice, and therefore can
bepracticed by persons
of any religious or spiritual faith. Shamans do
notpractice black magic or use
their powers to control or harm others. The
Shaman enters an altered state
of consciousness in order to travel intoother
realms (or worlds) of reality to
gain knowledge, heal others, or to forsee the
future. This is also called a "vision
quest" in some cultures. While on her/his
spiritual journey the Shaman is
aided by spirit guides. Spirit guides can be in
the form of an animal, plant, deity, elves,
fairies or departed loved ones. Most
Shamans have one "personal"
spirit guide that is always present during
each spiritual journey.
Many cultures practice Shamanism, not just Native Americans.
You do not have to practice the form of
Shamanism, that fits into your ethnic
background.
