Shamanism is an ancient healing form. It’s an indigenous practice and way of life from the hunter-gatherer communities dating back to at least 40 thousand years ago – some anthropologists believe from as long as 100,000 years ago. The practice of shamanism has a very broad background geographically and existed and exists within different communities around the world. The word Shaman is derived from the Tungus tribe in Siberia and is a word for spiritual healer, or one who sees in the dark. The actual word šamán” means “one who knows”.
Shamans held significant roles in the community as healers of illness – seeing the spiritual aspect of illness. They were communicators with the spirit world and the creators and holders of ceremony. The shamans provided the link between the earthly and divine. They were in tune with the vibrations of their community. In modern times, the shaman or shamanic practitioner can be understood to repair the energetic injuries that are unseen to the eye.
A shaman or shamanic practitioner brings their awareness to different realms through an auditory induced trance achieved by drums or rattling. They meet with, receive council from and access their compassionate guides and their healing wisdom in three worlds- the Lower World, the Upper World and the Middle World. In order to receive these messages with integrity, a shaman or shamanic practitioner dedicates themselves to lifelong Hollow Bone work.
Shamanism is not a religion. It is a way of living, of experiencing life that can fit with any belief system. Shamanic living means coming back to nature and walking in right relationship and balance with nature and the animal kingdoms. It can connect you to ancient vibrant gifts and practices along your ancestral lines, reconnect you with your responsibility to the Earth and offer an opportunity to remap your personal definitions with power and in community with the world. You can experience shamanism as an opportunity for mindfulness, finding ritual in the every day, tuning into your soul’s path and taking responsibility for your footprint in the world.