An Introduction to Shamanism

The teachings of traditional shamanism are being revived in our times and have permeated many fields of contemporary life and work, with deep roots of connection to practices such as mindfulness, and a host of healing and therapeutic techniques.

‘Shaman’ is a word originally used by the Tungus tribe in Siberia, and is translated as ‘the one who sees’, ‘the one who knows’ or ‘the one who sees in the dark’. A shaman can be female or male.

With evidence of practice as far back as the Paleolithic, shamanism is a spiritual tradition, a mysticism, more than a religion. It is a way of understanding and perceiving reality that has similar traits in tribal cultures across the globe: everything has consciousness and soul, everything is alive and is animated. Therefore all manifestations of life are to be respected, whether rivers, mountains, trees or stones. They are an expression of a greater mystery that links us all.

There is a visible world, ‘this reality’, as defined by the senses and the rational mind. There is also an invisible world, the world of spirit and energy accessed through psychic ability, meditation, trance, and contemplation. For there to be harmony and balance in life and in society, both realms (the visible and the invisible) need to be given their proper place. The shaman is a messenger between these two worlds; they know the art of travelling back and forth between them; they bring messages to and from the spirit world in order to heal what needs re-balancing, creating equilibrium in the community, and in the greater cosmos. Thus shamans have the ability to transcend: to see and understand that which is hidden. When bringing healing to people, the shaman works as a vessel for spirit and is not the source of the healing.

To find out more, explore the articles by Chris below

Breathwork: Setting of the Sun

Breathwork: Setting of the Sun

‘The Setting of the Sun’ is a shamanic method of breathwork to clear the events of the day from your mind and heart, enabling deeper dreams.

Nature and Spirit

Nature and Spirit

Shamans tell us that is time to take the heritage of our ancient wisdom and step forward into a new world, leaving behind outdated ways.

The Way of the Jaguar

The Way of the Jaguar

Let the jaguar teach you how to observe yourself, to track your own patterns, and ultimately to embrace death in order to live life fully.

Shamanic seeing

Shamanic seeing

A shaman is ‘the one who sees’. What kind of seeing is this, and how can a person enter into it safely, and with respect for the origins of shamanic knowledge and practice?

Beetle

Beetle

Discover how the humble beetle can teach you about renewal, the power of spirit, and the protection of trust – very different from that of fear.

Pigeon

Pigeon

One of our most common birds, pigeons bring us the challenge of ‘seeing’ in the shamanic sense, a way that opens the heart to deeper layers of meaning.

The Star Bird

The Star Bird

The journey from your head to your heart can be a long one. Our hearts know the deep joy of just being alive, but fear can confuse us.

The Power Animal

The Power Animal

Knowing a power animal can benefit not just the individual in their authentic self, but also the whole circle of life. Read more about how a power animal can enhance your access to the guidance of your instinctual wisdom.

The Lone Wolf

The Lone Wolf

What does it mean to walk the path of the Lone Wolf? Find out more about leaving behind the world that you know, being willing to take a risk, and set out into the unknown in order to find yourself, your power, your true destiny.

The two minds of the human being

The two minds of the human being

There are two fundamental aspects to the mind: the inner mind and the outer mind. The inner mind is a shamanic mind that has a spiritual essence, and it understands that all of life is connected…

Shamanic Training

Shamanic Training

Chris explains what is involved in authentic shamanic training which is true to traditional shamanism – training in which the heart and spirit of this ancient tradition is kept alive and vibrant, and this essence pervades all the teachings.

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