Shamanism is the world’s oldest spiritual practice. It is often seen as a nature based spirituality but shamans also journey to the upper world of spirit and had an ancient understanding of the cosmos and celestial realms.
Practitioners of Shamanism seek to bring harmony between the individual and other people, places and objects, by resolving all relationship ties in the physical realm and the spiritual realms, across all timelines
The word Shaman is Siberian, meaning one who ‘sees’ or ‘knows’ but the core of Shamanism has roots all around the world. There are distinct practices from culture to culture, however, its core beliefs are similar throughout the world. It is a way of life that honours the earth as a living entity, and all that lives upon her; rocks, plants and all creatures are sacred. Everything has a spirit, and everything is connected. Absolute respect is shown for everyone and everything around us, living in harmony and as one with all that is.
The Shaman is an adviser, counsellor and guide to the community. Using ceremony, divination or altered states of consciousness, a trance state, they converse with spirit for guidance, help and healing for those who come to them. The Shaman walks with one foot in the physical world and one foot in the Spirit World, walking between the two worlds to seek knowledge and guidance from the Spirits, the Ancestors, Power Animals, the Elements and Natural Earth Energies. This knowledge can be used to give healing to people, animals and the land. The Shaman may use drums, rattles, bells, feathers and stones to connect with spirit and bring healing energy
Many formalized religions, from Buddhism to Christianity, came from ancient shamanic roots and still bear the shamanic threads of deep connection to the divine in all things.
Just as in ancient times, contemporary people consult with modern day shamanic practitioners for practical and pragmatic solutions to problems in everyday life-from personal illness, professional challenges, or family discord to ancestral issues.