What is 'Shamanism'?
The use of the words "shaman" and "shamanism" is a topic of much passionate debate and sensitive discussion.
Where I live, these words are recognized as a particular set of methods that are quite removed from the original use of these terms. Even these associations are now beginning to morph and shift as "shamanism" gains in awareness and popularity. For these reasons, I aim to use these terms sparingly and intentionally.
Shamanism, as we understand the term here in the west, is animistic in nature yet is based on the ability to alter conscious perception for the purpose of creating reciprocal relationships within the spirit realm. In modern times, this practice is usually intended as a medicinal way of working to bring about balance and right relationship within people, communities, buildings, the land, and animals. As it is considered the oldest form of spirituality, techniques and methods vary widely around the world, by culture, lineage and even between practitioners within the same tribe or clan. A few common generalizations among them all are that everything and everyone has a spirit, this spirit can be communicated with, and healing involves the removal of energy that doesn't belong and returning what does belong. Entering an altered state of consciousness to communicate with the spirit realm is another global commonality. What separates shamanism from animism or other forms of spirituality is the the manner in which practices are conducted, the cosmology of the practitioner, and that it clearly holds a purpose of effecting change in our day-to-day ordinary reality.
"Shaman" is the current common name in use, appropriated from the Tuvan language, for this specific type of medicine person who is acknowledged by their community for their efficacy in healing and accurate results based on traditional shamanic techniques. Similarly, "Bean Feasa" is a Celtic term for a wise woman of similar ilk, Curandero in Peru, Sangoma in Africa, and so on. They may or may not use additional healing techniques and their attention extends beyond the wellness of the single person at hand, to entire families, tribes, communities, the land around them, the animals – all of these areas need harmony in the spirit realm to flourish in the physical realm. Usually these medicine people have undergone rigorous training from both human and spirit teachers after inheriting this responsibility, or by being called after other traditional criteria such as near death experiences, or animal attacks.
A "shamanic practitioner" is a general western label for one who offers traditional shamanic healing such as Soul Retrieval, Extractions, Psychopomp, and Curse Unraveling, while a "shamanist" can refer to one who works with shamanic techniques in their personal lives, such as journeying for personal guidance and healing, reading omens, working closely with spirits and dreaming work.
A "shamanic" lifestyle was once a worldwide cultural norm. Daily life was infused with spiritual practice and people recognized immediately when disharmony, soul loss or disrespect upset the balance. Living closely with Spirit and minding personal health in both the seen and unseen realms has been greatly lost, much to the detriment of the human condition and the hardship we have inflicted on the beautiful earth. More and more of us have felt this loss and seek to replenish the depth, the richness, and the zest that living a soul-filled life brings us.
I invite you to explore if these forms of personal healing and lifestyle brings you relief from past trauma, tools to turn personal crisis into wisdom and replenishes your life with greater connection, deeper meaning, and direct revelation.
Where I live, these words are recognized as a particular set of methods that are quite removed from the original use of these terms. Even these associations are now beginning to morph and shift as "shamanism" gains in awareness and popularity. For these reasons, I aim to use these terms sparingly and intentionally.
Shamanism, as we understand the term here in the west, is animistic in nature yet is based on the ability to alter conscious perception for the purpose of creating reciprocal relationships within the spirit realm. In modern times, this practice is usually intended as a medicinal way of working to bring about balance and right relationship within people, communities, buildings, the land, and animals. As it is considered the oldest form of spirituality, techniques and methods vary widely around the world, by culture, lineage and even between practitioners within the same tribe or clan. A few common generalizations among them all are that everything and everyone has a spirit, this spirit can be communicated with, and healing involves the removal of energy that doesn't belong and returning what does belong. Entering an altered state of consciousness to communicate with the spirit realm is another global commonality. What separates shamanism from animism or other forms of spirituality is the the manner in which practices are conducted, the cosmology of the practitioner, and that it clearly holds a purpose of effecting change in our day-to-day ordinary reality.
"Shaman" is the current common name in use, appropriated from the Tuvan language, for this specific type of medicine person who is acknowledged by their community for their efficacy in healing and accurate results based on traditional shamanic techniques. Similarly, "Bean Feasa" is a Celtic term for a wise woman of similar ilk, Curandero in Peru, Sangoma in Africa, and so on. They may or may not use additional healing techniques and their attention extends beyond the wellness of the single person at hand, to entire families, tribes, communities, the land around them, the animals – all of these areas need harmony in the spirit realm to flourish in the physical realm. Usually these medicine people have undergone rigorous training from both human and spirit teachers after inheriting this responsibility, or by being called after other traditional criteria such as near death experiences, or animal attacks.
A "shamanic practitioner" is a general western label for one who offers traditional shamanic healing such as Soul Retrieval, Extractions, Psychopomp, and Curse Unraveling, while a "shamanist" can refer to one who works with shamanic techniques in their personal lives, such as journeying for personal guidance and healing, reading omens, working closely with spirits and dreaming work.
A "shamanic" lifestyle was once a worldwide cultural norm. Daily life was infused with spiritual practice and people recognized immediately when disharmony, soul loss or disrespect upset the balance. Living closely with Spirit and minding personal health in both the seen and unseen realms has been greatly lost, much to the detriment of the human condition and the hardship we have inflicted on the beautiful earth. More and more of us have felt this loss and seek to replenish the depth, the richness, and the zest that living a soul-filled life brings us.
I invite you to explore if these forms of personal healing and lifestyle brings you relief from past trauma, tools to turn personal crisis into wisdom and replenishes your life with greater connection, deeper meaning, and direct revelation.
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Inspiring words from those I've worked with
"I have had the pleasure of attending several journey circles with Juliette. As a group we co-create a beautifully safe & sacred space to journey and reveal the messages which spirit would like to share. During every circle I have had significant insights which have guided me along my path. I really appreciate Juliette's gentle and loving presence as she shares her teachings, wisdom and passion while supporting us on our journeys". ~ Ross Tayler
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