Shamanic traditions and practice have survived thousands of years in all parts of the globe. Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia still have communities preserving ancient shamanic knowledge and living, traditional Chinese Medicine is super sophisticated, Persons frustrated with the clinical medical system in the west turn to ayurvedic treatments to finally tackle the problem at its root and Rituals as well as Medicine of Mesoamerican naturalistic culture have not just been preserved vastly by communities and descendants of these rich ancient societies but also gain appreciation and popularity throughout the world. While in all parts of the globe industrialisation, religion and materialism have become leading concepts of reality, the teachings of Nature have never become obsolete and have always been sought out especially by people who see the faultiness of modern science in its practice. Only after exhausting the new age systems, they are able to open themselves up to the repressed view of ancient, holistic wisdom that lacks nothing but a capitalistic foundation.
Shamanistic practice generally involves a person that acts as a medium and is able to transmit between the spirit world and the common human dimension. They can bring themselves to reach an altered state of consciousness from where they receive and share experience for support of any kind by bringing healing, divinity and counselling to their fellow humans.
Shamanic Techniques
Each shaman works with unique yet interwoven rituals and techniques. A big role in most plays the use of vibration in the form of rhythmic sound from drums, voice or movement (stomping/clapping) to connect to the higher frequency where energy prevails. Similarly natural sounds as the dropping of rain or the own heartbeat and many kinds of musical instruments are utilised to break through the barrier of the material and mystical worlds.
Shamanic practises have been developed in a naturalistic, non-resistant societies that intuitively interacted with natures resources and cycles. Vast knowledge existed about the use of powerful plants, how to live in harmony with natural cycles and understanding energetical correlations. Much of this knowledge that is far older than any science and yet universally applicable to modern problems. So is the “forever science” of ayurveda still in many fields advanced to modern clinical medicine and Europeans enjoy sauna experiences mimicking the relieving sweat lodge rituals of ancient cultures. Additionally, nowadays modern science slowly catching up in translating and showcasing historic knowledge about life in modern, accepted language. Researchers are conducting clinical studies to systematically document and interpret the potentials, effect and processes of ancient healing techniques.
Alongside sound, breath and dance is commonly used in shamanic practices to receive healing, balance and prosperity in unity with the spiritual world. Much of those elements may have gotten lost or transformed through modern use, but there still is an abundant Library of universal knowledge and practices available to us, providing everything we would need to life in this or any other world.
Use of Shamanic Rituals and Practices
Carefully placed and conducted rituals can support even in the modern world, in releasing energies that are not beneficial any more or invite those that will benefit us. It lets us live in a state of acknowledgment and appreciation for the powerful energies within us and the universe and we can be guided to create a symbiotic relationship with those to fulfil our potential while respecting and honouring what is bigger than us.
Many shamanic journeys are designed to guide the participants to release blockages, energies and emotions in a healthy, non-destructive way. This is a key for cleaning ourselves and open up to receive, and connect with, the power of the divine. Others or the same journeys also let us look at ourselves in a clear way to gain insight into our deepest pains, potentials and truths, which can set the groundwork to work through unconscious parts of our reality and towards a harmonious being; or it can show us where we truly are on our path. Rituals are often held in communal settings with several participants of diverse competencies, fostering the connection and support amongst the tribe and it lets individuals benefit from the energy field created by performing rituals in big circles. Individual rituals and counselling with a shaman may be held for specific healing purposes.
Shamanism can be practiced in modern times to help with mental health issues as it has strong empowering and centring effects that can support individuals let go of negative influences that hold them back. They may feel more capable to take charge of their life and make positive changes in alignment with their inner self. Shamanism is neither a religion nor a specific philosophy. The main believe powering shamanic work is that we can unite with natural and universal systems, around and within us, to life in symbiosis with them. We then receive knowledge and healing from all of existence and do our part to strengthen and foster abundant life in all dimensions.
