Demystifying Shamanism
Shamanism is a spiritual discipline rooted in nature, an ancient tradition that has been practiced for over thousands of years. Shamanism is connection, shamanism is strength, shamanism is healing. Shamanism is not a religion like many believe; it is a tool for healing that we can all utilize to improve our well-being.
"Because it is not an organized religion as such, but rather a spiritual practice, shamanism cuts across all faiths and creeds, reaching deep levels of ancestral memory." ~John Matthews, The Celtic Shaman
In shamanism, it is recognized that the world around us is alive, every plant, tree, and creature possesses a spiritual essence, and we are all connected in the web of life.
What is a shaman?
Shamans have been called many names around the world, from medicine man or woman, curandero(a), healers, priests, and so on. Each culture having its own unique name for those who access the spirit realm and act as a medium to provide healing for others in their community.
“The shaman is a Master or Mistress of entering the altered states and journeying into higher spiritual realms to help bring through higher wisdom, grace, and guidance.” - Liz Gracia
The Misconceptions of Shamanism
Shamanism uses plants medicine
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about shamanism; many people believe that in order to journey, plant medicine, like ayahuasca, is needed. In many practices, the sacred drum is used to enter a state of shamanic consciousness without the need for plant medicine.
Shamanism is strange and scary
Shamanism has been a part of the human experience for thousands of years; it is a modality that can provide deep healing and connection with nature and oneself.
If you are religious, you can’t practice shamanism
Shamanism is not a religion, and people from all walks of life and beliefs can enjoy the benefits of shamanic healing.
The shamanic medicine wheel
The Andean medicine wheel symbolizes spirituality and a way for us to find our path; it also symbolizes the “circle of life” and the ongoing process of birth and death - a forever-evolving cycle.
The four directions:
The four directions, South, West, North, and East, can represent many things, from stages of life and elements in nature to animals and even colors.
The South, The Hero’s Journey:
The South represents the earth (Allpa), the snake (Sachamama, Great Serpent), and the color white (Yuraq)
In the South, you’ll learn to release the gripping hold of fear and illusion that is keeping you stuck in the past. You'll confront and heal your personal history and let go of what no longer serves you so that you may leap into who you are becoming and create a new future from a place of love.
The West, The Path of the Luminous Warrior:
The West represents water (Unu), mother jaguar (Otorango), and the color yellow (Q'ellu)
In the West, you’ll learn about the cycles of death and transformation. You'll discover what needs to be continued or completed in your life and what can be let go. You'll open to limitless possibilities and begin to transform into who you truly want to be.
The North, The Way of the Seer.
The North represents fire (Nina), the teachings of the hummingbird (Sewar Kenti), and the color red (Puka)
In the North, you’ll honor the wisdom of your ancestors and teachers and step beyond into your own seat of personal power. With humility and grace, you'll learn to walk softly on the belly of Mother Earth, opening your heart to see blessings, in all forms, with clarity and insight.
The East, The Way of the Visionary.
The East represents air & wind (Wayra), the teachings of the eagle and the condor (Hatan Kuntu), and the color green (Q'omir)
In the East, you'll set yourself free from limitations and self-realize your role as a co-creator. You'll begin to practice self-mastery while staying connected to spirit and honoring all life, consciousness, and awareness.
How can we benefit from shamanism?
Shamanism focuses on the power of the mind, spirit, and body and focuses on restoring balance. Shamanism is not magic, but it can help us move through the blockages and traumas that have been holding us back from reaching our full potential.
Here are some reasons to engage in shamanic healing:
You are on a spiritual path and need deeper guidance and support
You struggle with physical or mental health issues that you have been unable to resolve using conventional therapies
You feel stuck or unable to move forward in your life due to past trauma, family history, or beliefs that no longer serve you
You have a strong desire to connect more deeply with the natural living world to find guidance, joy, and inspiration
You struggle with anxiety, fear, depression, or a lack of purpose and want to bring back the spark of life into your conscious awareness
You are at a crossroads in your life and need guidance on how to move forward in alignment with your true purpose
You struggle with friendships and relationships and yearn for a deeper, meaningful connection
Ready to learn more about shamanism? Embark in our Shamanic Medicine Wheel 4-Part Intensive.
“This is a great class to explore yourself spirituality using meditation and shamanic practices. The most helpful part for me was exercising my spiritual creativity and using that to expand and grow my awareness of myself and my environment. I also was grateful to have a group of classmates to share my journey with and to hear about theirs.”
— JM