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SHAMANISM - SPIRITUAL MEDICINE
Shamanism - use of the archaic techniques of ecstasy that were developed independent of any religious philosophy - the empirically validated, experientially operable techniques that produce ecstasy. Ecstasy is the contemplation of wholeness. Source: The Archaic Revival by Terence McKenna
The word "shaman" is Siberian and means in English "one who knows". Traditionally, the shaman is an associate of the Gods and Goddesses, the possessor of extraordinary magical and psychic abilities, a channeler of potent archetypal energy, a worker with the dead, a descender into the underworld, a shape-shifter, counselor, healer, artist and poet.
Shamanism is essentially indigenous visionary spirituality. The shaman either undergoes a visionary journey through the cosmos, or calls spirits to him, in order to heal or to accomplish other benefits for the tribal people who s/he represents. S/he is a skilled intermediary between humans and the spiritual world.
The shamanic practices of medicine men (shamanic healers) are central to almost all Native American traditions. Each nation has different shamanic practices and ceremonies.
Shamans and medicine men have special gifts to guide individuals toward the power of the spirits. Medicine men are a traditional and central part of native culture and spirituality and have a strong effect on their community.
They are responsible for healing the sick, dealing with troublesome spirits, guiding the individual toward their spiritual goal and directing rituals and ceremonies. Shamans are responsible for preventing, diagnosing and curing illness - not just of the physical kind, but also that caused by witchcraft, violating taboos or failing to respect holy objects.
Shamanism is in many ways the most primordial of all religious traditions; it is certainly the most archaic of traditions, and in some ways the most dangerous as well. For the shaman must either undertake arduous journeys of the spirit, sometimes through very hostile realms, on behalf of others; or s/he must work with spirits, among whom he must be able to differentiate, and from whom his protection is both his tradition and his spiritual power, or his spiritual protectors.
Shamanism, while it engages the psyche at levels unfamiliar to most of us, is not merely a matter of psychology. It is a very powerful and dangerous practice to which one is called, at times even against one's own desires, in order to work on behalf of one's tribe. One can certainly contact powerful and archaic images in the psyche; but this is not the same as shamanism seen in toto, which entails a total cosmology and sometimes contact with very hostile discarnate entities.
The central message of the Indian medicine man or woman is that human nature is identical with the nature of the universe and that we can learn about our own nature from nature itself. The "rain dances" of native shamans were a way of building up emotional energy and thought to communicate with the elementals.
In order to become a shaman, a person has to receive a call to his vocation by way of a dream or vision, undergo a symbolic death and resurrection, acquire one or more spirits and learn the secret language of the spirits.
All living things have a spirit, and all the spirits are connected to form a powerful spiritual world. The power of the spirits - medicine - may be harnessed to provide a range of spiritual healing.
Every person has access to the spiritual world through dreams and visions, and they may consciously seek visions by attending a sweat lodge ceremony, going on a vision quest, or dancing themselves into a trance.
For an excellent article on Shamanism, please visit
this Aquarius Metaphysical article.
Smudging
A wonderful Native American method of clearing is to burn cedar and sage leaves and pass your crystal through the smoke. Cedar and sage may be purchased in most shops that specialize in herbs. You can also use a smudge stick, which combines cedar, sage, and often other herbs. This method is excellent for clearing your crystal as well as yourself and your environment.
Acting on the psychic energetic level is the practice of 'smudging'. 'Smudging' is the common name given to the Sacred Smoke Bowl Blessing, a powerful cleansing technique from the Native American tradition. However the burning of herbs for emotional, psychic, and spiritual purification is common practice in many religious, healing, and spiritual traditions. It is a ritual way to cleanse a person, place or an object of negative energies or influences. The theory behind smudging is that the smoke attaches itself to negative energy and as it clears it takes the negative energy with it, releasing it into another space to be regenerated.
There are many ways to smudge and a variety of different herbs may be used. When the herbs used for smudging are tied into a bundle and allowed to dry they are called a "smudge stick". In traditional societies the herbs used for smudging are considered sacred and the smudge stick is treated with great respect. Two common herbs to use are Mugwort and Lavender.
Mugwort stimulates psychic awareness and acts a strong cleanser of negative energies, while the Lavender restores balance, creates a peaceful atmosphere and attracts loving energy.
How to Smudge
Any action, undertaken with intention and belief can become a potent ritual so consider your intention before you smudge and hold it clearly in your mind. You may wish to invite the spirit of the herbs to join you and guide and assist with your intention.
A candle flame is recommended to light the smudge stick as it may take a little time to get the stick smoking. Once there's a flame blow it out so that the smudge stick is smoldering, not burning. Blow or wave the flame with your hand to put out the fire. Allow the smudge stick to smolder, freeing the smoke to circle in the air.
Smudging yourself
Fan the swirls of smoke around your body from head to toe. You may want to especially focus on areas where you feel there are blockages or where there has been or is physical, emotional, or psychic pain. Imagine the smoke lifting away all the negative thoughts, emotions and energies that have attached themselves to you. If you are feeling depressed for instance you could visualize the smoke carrying away all your feelings of depression.
Smudging another
It is often appropriate to smudge guests as they enter the space at a ritual, ceremony or special event. Smudge as if you were smudging yourself, fanning the smoke all over their body. You may want to speak an intention or a suggestion for the smudging as you do it. For instance "Allow the sacred smoke to cleanse your body and spirit and bring you present and available into this moment"
Smudging a room or space
Light the smudge stick and walk about the perimeter, giving special attention to the corners and the places behind doors. You can also fan the smoke throughout the room with a large feather.
During healing work
During healing work, the smoke may be fanned over the person either by your hand or with feathers. This clears out unhealthy energies and brings in the special attributes of the herbs. You may also direct smudge to each of the person's chakras and as you do so visualize each chakra coming into balance as it is purified by the smudge.
(Most of this Smudging information was obtained from
http://www.yoni.com/healerf/smudge.shtml
VISION QUEST
The term "vision quest" was introduced by anthropologists studying the Sioux. It is one form of initiation.
Different from most other ceremonies, it requires a seasoned and accomplished
guide. It should not be undertaken alone or with amateurs, as it provides an
element of danger - a life and death situation.
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