I found this site by the researcher Edie Stone, MA, LPC. It is an excellent resource on Shamanism in many forms. Although I might not agree with every point, I feel it is well worth passing to you for your contemplation. With her permission this is shared and the link to continue at the bottom. Enjoy!
"Shamans were the world's first healers, priests, and therapists. The word "shaman" or "saman" comes from a Siberian tribe, but most indigenous societies around the world relied on someone who could perform this role when they faced illness, loss of spirit, or other crises. Cave paintings in southern France suggest that shamanic practices are at least 20,000 years old.
Scientists have studied contemporary shamans, and the shamanic state of consciousness (or SSC). Although tribal shamans are often skilled at herbal remedies and other healing techniques, the essential quality of shamans is their ability to "journey." In a typical journey, a shaman enters a special state of consciousness, encounters spirit beings, and returns with knowledge or healing for a client or the community.
Recent research and practical experience show that some aspects of shamanic healing and awareness are accessible to all of us, even though we live in the modern world. Almost everyone can learn to journey. It is a natural state of consciousness that I believe is part of our spiritual birthright as human beings.
The Shamanic State of Consciousness (SSC)
The shamanic state of consciousness has several qualities that distinguish it from other altered states of consciousness such as meditation, dreaming, channeling, hypnosis, or daydreaming. The first quality is the degree of control: like mediators, shamanic practitioners enter and leave a journey by choice. Within the journey, they are able to exercise their free will, maintain focus on their intentions, and make conscious choices.
Most people are quite alert and able to concentrate, even speak, within the journey. Unlike some forms of hypnosis and channeling, the SSC does not produce amnesia. People return from journeying with clear, vivid memories. However, techniques for processing the journey are important for maintaining and integrating the shamanic experience into one's life.
The content of a journey depends directly on the intention. People typically travel through a landscape and encounter animals, spirit beings, guides, angels, saints, or ancestors who have wisdom and healing to share. Sometimes people visit scenes from their childhood or past lives, or reclaim power and soul qualities that were lost during traumatic events. Most journeys have a strong visual aspect, but some are experienced through sound, physical sensations, flows of energy, movement, or a deep inner knowing. Some journeys are serene and joyful, others involve a deep release of emotion, followed by an experience of love, power, or healing energy. Many people are surprised to find what a good sense of humor their spirit guides have."
http://www.ediestone.com/ancient_techniques.html
© 2005 Edie Stone. Permission given for article to be quoted, as long as credit and copyright information is included.
