MORE ABOUT SHAMANISM

About Shamanism

Everyone wants a little magic in their lives.  Well, there is a certain kind of magic always around us here on Earth.  You can recognize it whenever you feel that surge of delight that courses through your cells as it permeates the space around you.  It is the joy of throwing off your jacket in Spring because the sun is finally, again, all you need to warm yourself.  It is the delicate explosion of pink that enchants you at cherry blossom time.  It is the acute awareness of peace and expansion brought on by the thunderous yet tranquil sound of a cascading waterfall.  It is the sensation that accompanies the inspiration for a painting, the pleasure you get from the smile that bursts from a child, the awe you feel in your heart and soul as you gaze up at the Milky Way. 

These experiences open you up and you feel “connected.”  Time is suspended and you find yourself in a state of exuberance and gladness that is, yet, so serene.  You are in a state of connectedness – to nature, to the Source, and to yourself.  Shamanism is a means of entering that state at will.

A BRIEF HISTORY

Human beings of all cultures have practiced shamanism in one form or another since the beginning of time.  Archeologists and anthropologists have found evidence on the markings of antlers and bones that date back at least 30,000 years and suggest shamanic rites and practices took place in deep caves.  There is evidence as far back as Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic eras that shamanism was widespread in many indigenous cultures.  It is apparent in Greek and Roman myths, and it is obvious in the present-day indigenous cultures of the Americas, where it is enjoying a resurgence.  Likewise, it is reemerging in Europe and Asia, and growing in the United States.

The word shamanism, itself, has its roots in many languages.  The Manchu-Tungus word, saman, comes from the verb “to know,” so the shaman is “one who knows.”  In Sanskrit, shaman means ascetic.  In Japan and Korea, shamanism is called mugyo (alluding to the Great Void from which all springs) or shingyo (referring to the sacred in everything).  In Mexico, it is called curanderismo.  Most cultures do not use the word shaman and shamanism.  They have their own word for their connection to Spirit and healing.  However, there are common elements across cultures: 

Within the society, shamans are typically the spiritual and secular leaders, the teachers, healers, herbalists and midwives.  Their ability and authority comes not from dominance, but from a strong relationship with Spirit that provides vision, guidance, healing and protection to the community.  The shaman understands the importance of harmonious relationships – with one’s own mind and body, one’s own family and friends, with community, with nature, and with spirit.  The shaman develops and refines his/her realtionships on all levels to benefit and enrich the community, and to be in service to the people.  To that end, shamanism grows and changes with the evolving world, yet never looses its essence or relevance.  

WHAT  SHAMANISM OFFERS

Shamanism offers us ways of accessing the exquisite peace and beauty found in the silence between our thoughts.  It is a very special stillness where you can hear your guidance whispering to you, and where you can find healing for your mind and body, heart and soul.  Shamanism directs you to a deep honoring of life - - your own life and all life in this miracle of creation.  It helps develop your relationship with the Source of All Being, and you begin to have a more fulfilling and satisfying life.  When you honor life, you begin to notice your own place in the grand scheme.  When you see how you fit into the design, you can recognize your gifts, realize who you are, and offer your contribution to peace and goodness on earth.

When  to seek shamanic guidance

Recurring Issues – Sometimes there is an issue in your life that you have been trying to resolve for a while.  You have tried everything you can think of but cannot find a solution.  The issue just repeats or continues, despite all your efforts.  You know you must be missing something but can’t figure out what it is.  Shamanism will give you another approach, another view, previously unseen, that can help you get to the next level. 

People In Your Life – You may look around you and notice that the people who fill your life are angry, jealous, needy or generally unhappy.  You wish you had companions who were more  loving, caring and compassionate.  Know that the people who surround you reflect your orientation toward the world.  Your orientation can only change when you do.  Shamanism offers the tools to make that change “in a good way,” as the Native Americans say.  In Celtic shamanism they say “if it harms none, do as you will.”

Times of Transition – You may be experiencing one or more of the top three stressors in life: 1) moving (home or career/job); 2) divorce; 3) death in the family.  Perhaps a mid-life crisis has grabbed hold of you.  Maybe facing the empty nest is more difficult than you anticipated.  More support than you could have imagined is available to you through shamanic avenues.  Your personal allies and your personal power to handle the transition are within reach.  

Restlessness – Maybe you are in a good place in your life right now, but things are happening that you don’t understand. You may be feeling restless or ready to break free of old restrictive patterns.  You may get tingles or shivers on your scalp or skin.  Events seem to flow with more synchronicity.  Perhaps you have more energy, and yet you feel a little lost, or waves of emotion come upon you suddenly, for no reason.  These can be signs of spiritual awakening that calls out for the kind of direction that centuries-old shamanic wisdom and meditations offer. 

BLUEPRINT OF a shamanic guidance session

The first thing that happens in a session is an in-depth about your personal history and what is going on in your present life that has you seeking shamanic counsel.  Next, a sacred space is formally set up and prepared, both spiritually and emotionally, for you and your session.  The guide prays to be of service and connects with Spirit to hear what is needed for your personal development, healing and spiritual evolution at this time.

Sometimes you will learn meditations or techniques to build you up and make you effective in your area of concern.  Other times you may receive healings that erase negative self-images or old beliefs that do not serve you.  Usually you will receive messages suggesting specific attitudes and practices that reinforce your hopes, insights and endeavors.

Almost always, depending upon the directive of Spirit, you will learn to “journey.”  Journeying is one of the most commonly used practices of all shamanic traditions.  It involves going into a meditative state to meet your guides.  They can be angels, animal totems, spirit guides . . .  They are the beings given to you at birth by Creator to help you through your life.  They are your allies, and you can rely on them for advice and assistance.

what  i provide as a shamanic guide

A shamanic practitioner is especially beneficial during those periods when “going it alone” isn’t really working that well and you could use a little boost to navigate the ups and downs of life.  The services I offer include a variety of journeys and healings that will get you in touch with your inner voice and guidance, and help you identify tools and practices for improving the quality of your life.  Some of the most common traditional methods, across all shamanic cultures, are:

·      Grounding

·      Connecting with the Elements

·      Employing the Four Directions

·      Meeting your totem animals

·      Identifying and retrieving your Soul

·      Chakra development

·      Messages from your angels and guides

·      Hands-on or off-the-body energy work

Neither you nor I get to choose when a particular method will be used.  The timing and sequence of events unfolds according to a greater wisdom.  In a prayerful meditative state, I listen to hear the message from Spirit of how to best serve you, and proceed accordingly.  It is always Spirit that directs what will happen in a session, depending on your need at the time. 

It is my aim and endeavor as a shamanic practitioner to walk evermore deeply in harmony with All That Is.  This is much to your benefit, for it is the power of that well-established connection to Earth and Sky that helps me bring Spirit closer to you.  When the two of us are together in the same space, you will feel the strength of that connection, and it helps you identify your own connection.  Working with Spirit and my own guides, I will do everything I know to give you clear access to your own spirit . . . and to Great Spirit . . . and put you in touch with your unique guidance system.  I will introduce you to the shamanic realm, where you will learn how to reinforce your bond with Spirit and elevate it to the next level.  We can then orient these new skills and knowledge toward the areas of your life you want to enhance or improve.

MORE ABOUT CHAKRAS

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ABOUT CHAKRAS

Chakras are vibrational orbs of energy located at specific areas of the body.  They regulate your energy and activate the life force within you.  When you increase the power of your chakras’ vibrations, you amp up the energy that improves health and happiness, and you build mental strength and spiritual fitness.

The 1^st, or Root Chakra is located at the floor of the pelvis at the base of the tailbone, and is associated with the ovaries and testicles.  It represents stability, life, and existence itself.  It helps ground your spiritual nature into your material existence.  The more you ground yourself, the greater your chance of developing into the person you would like to become, and of making your dreams real.  This first level enables you ‘to be’ and ‘to have.’  It entrusts you to love and take care of yourself, your body and your physical needs. 

The 2^nd, or Navel Chakra is located all around the navel, and is associated with the adrenal glands.  It develops your sense of boundary and enables you to understand what will enhance and enrich your life.  It represents love, perception, sensitivity and protection.  At this level, extra-sensory awareness begins to develop, and you learn to how to feel the world from the viewpoint of another.  This second level of development enables you ‘to feel’ and to pursue gratification.  It entrusts you to care about others, as well as yourself.

The 3^rd, or Solar Plexus Chakra is located at the solar plexus and is associated with the pancreas.  It represents hope, justice and fairness.  It gives you your self-esteem, self-worth, confidence, decision-making ability and personal power.  Developing this chakra allows you to make satisfying and healthy relationships.  This chakra enables you to act.  It equips you to accept yourself, and entrusts you to have best wishes, not only for another, but truly for the whole world. 

The 4^th, or Heart Chakra is located in the center of the chest at the heart area, and is associated with the thymus gland.  It represents peace, faith and compassion.  It brings you into unity and kinship with the entire universe.  It expands your love and understanding to the point of accepting the entire world.  This level of development enables you ‘to love and be loved.’  It entrusts you with loving all of creation as though it were you (see the Root Chakra). 

The 5^th, or Throat Chakra is located at the level of the Adam’s Apple, and is associated with the thyroid gland.  It channels mental energy to your mind and heart, giving a voice to your feelings, thoughts and experiences.  It represents truth, communication, integrity, self-expression and creativity.  When you reach the potential of control and authority possible at the Fifth Chakra, you master the Law of Attraction.  This level of development enables you to speak and be heard, as well as the ability to listen deeply and to hear truly.  It entrusts you to control yourself and your surroundings.

The 6^th, or Third Eye Chakra is located at the forehead, just above and between the eyes, and is associated with the pituitary gland (some say the pineal gland).  It allows you to be simultaneously aware of your inner state and the state of the world around you.  It represents wisdom, knowledge, intuition, discernment, imagination, goal and time.  When developed, it gives you the ability to clearly see what is important for your happiness and well-being, and connects you to your goal and purpose.  This level of development enables you ‘to see’ and to self-reflect. 

The 7^th, or Crown Chakra is located just above the top of the head, and is associated with the pineal gland (some say the pituitary gland).  It provides a point of connection to an abiding sense of peace and joy, based in the knowledge that you are one with Source.  It represents beauty, spirituality, connection with the Divine Source and existence in God.  This level enables you ‘to know.’  It entrusts with self-knowledge and aligning your will with your divine guidance and inspiration.

A BIT OF HISTORY

The first written references to chakras are found in India’s most ancient sacred texts, the Vedas (circa 1,500 BCE) and the Upanishads (circa 600 BCE).  However, it was not until the translations of 10^th and 16^th Century texts by an Englishman, Arthur Avalon, that the information came to the West in 1919.  Chakras are most commonly linked with the science and practice of yoga.  As yoga flourishes in the West, chakra development becomes increasingly sought out.

WHAT CHAKRA DEVELOPMENT OFFERS

By increasing the vibratory rate of your chakras, you upgrade the power and quality of all your functions.  You amplify the energy that improves health and happiness.  You build mental and spiritual strength and fitness.  Chakra Development results in a renewed zest for life and a sense of inner sturdiness.  You synchronize your body and mind and make them compatible.  Your energy is more easily revitalized and your spiritual nature can begin to blossom.  This gentle, gradual opening of consciousness brings a new optimism and appreciation for your life and the possibilities that await.

When to seek CHAKRA DEVELOPMENT

Usually, all the chakras are operating together, though some may function more or less optimally than others.  When they are weak or out of alignment, you will commonly experience physical and emotional symptoms:

·      1^st – Obesity, anorexia, sciatica, constipation, fear, survival

·      2^nd – Sexual problems, urinary trouble, guilt, desire

·      3^rd – Digestion, chronic fatigue, hypertension, shame, will

·      4^th -  Asthma, coronary or lung disease, grief, love

·      5^th – Sore throats, neck & shoulder pain, thyroid, lies, communication

·      6^th – Vision, headaches, nightmares, illusion, intuition 

·      7^th – Depression, alienation, confusion, attachment, understanding

Chakra Development diminishes these irregularities.  It promotes health and balance throughout the Chakra System.  Some of the benfits are:

·      Diminished symptoms

·      Increased mental clarity

·      Power and stamina in your mind and body, heart and soul

·      Energy reserves for the activities and challenges of everyday life

·      Less reaction to stress

·      Less fatigue

·      Overall sense of well-being

BLUEPRINT FOR CHAKRA DEVELOPMENT

Chakra Development is how you acquire the skills to activate and upgrade your Chakras.  It is available in two formats:

1.    Four Classes ,1 1/2-hours each, that meet once a week

·      The benefit of the weekly course is that you have time during the week to practice and integrate the knowledge. 

2.    1-Day Workshop that meets from 10:00-5:30 on a weekend day 

·      The benenfit of the 1-day worshop is that you can complete the course in less time (either way delivers the same content in the same amount of hours).

 

·      Both formats provide you with the opportunity to ask questions, and to learn from your classmates’ questions as well, which is a benefit that cannot be overestimated.

Topics include:

·      Regulating your brainwave states

·      Building the Crystal Mountain

·      Spinning the Seven Chakras

·      Activating the Eight Directions of Yin & Yang

You learn methods for increasing the vibrational strength and spin of your Chakras.  These practices remove blockages and promote the flow of healthy energy throughout your body, mind, heart and soul.

By the completion, you have a practice that is so flexible you can do it all at once in less than a half hour, or you can break it up throughout the day, doing a few minutes here and a few minutes there.  This practice is simple, yet it deepens very quickly.  Over time, you will find that it is very effective and quite profound.

I give thanks and acknowledgement to Gregory Anthuin, 

the “shaman without a drum” 

who taught this to me and gave me permission to teach it to others.  

  

WHAT I PROVIDE AS A TEACHER

As a teacher, I like the mood in the classroom to be relaxed and light-hearted, yet focused.  I encourage participants to bring forward their eagerness to learn and to respect all who are present.  I prepare and organize the material so that each segment builds on the previous one.  My knowledge base in the subject matter is always greater than the class material.  I make time for questions and give answers in several ways for clearer understanding.  I provide hand-outs so that  you can continue practicing what  you have learned at home.

In a class such as Chakra Development, I create an atmosphere for you to get an actual physical sensation of the subtle energies of the Chakras using specific exercises that I specially designed.  I generate an alpha state induction technique taken from my shamanic studies to lead you through the exercises.  This allows you to raise the level of your brainwave activity so that you have a first-hand experience.  You have time during class to express and record your experience to make sure it is easy for you to recall your sensations.  Time for sharing with the group also gives you the opportunity to inspire, and be inspired by, your classmates.  You may find yourself deeply touched.  I always am.