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SHAMANISM
Part One By Maryphyllis Horn |
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the difference between core shamanism and the style practiced by various
world tribes such as Native American or Peruvian natives. In a nutshell:
religion and customs. Each tribe around the world has its own customs, traditions,
music, ceremonies, and religion. These are intertwined and indelibly meshed
with the shaman's healing practices. The shaman of each tribe travels into
spiritual dimensions to find healing tools and insights, retrieve lost soul
parts, find past and future information, obtain spiritual guidance, escort
the deceased to the Light, and more. To help the shaman go into trance,
one tribe may use singing, another drumming, another clicking sticks, or
didgeridoo, singing bowl, rattles, or dancing. Despite the differing appearances
and means, they all get to the same healing place for their people. This is the crux of "core shamanism," as distilled by anthropologist Michael Harner. Core shamanism is not a religion and is not connected to any specific world culture. It is like music, that way. Music is not a religion, yet it is used in all religions and non-religions worldwide. Core shamanism, like music, is so malleable that it easily adapts to any religion, ethic or focus you choose to pair it with. If you are comfortable with Peruvian shamanism, then that's for you. If you are comfortable with Christianity, Wicca or another world religion, each of these melds easily with core shamanism. Core shamanism is not a spiritual practice. Rather, it is a tool for gleaning insight, guidance and healing. Inner journeying, shamanically, does not take the place of your spiritual practice. Prayer, meditation and applying spiritual ideals in life need to be practiced in conjunction with it. Continued next month with part two. Mary Phyllis Horn, Shamanic Practitioner,
MEd, CMHt, CTFT, Rev.
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