Shamanism Facts

The Shamanic practise is tens of thousands of years old and is as ancient as human beings themselves. The core beliefs of a Shaman are:

• All beings, living or non-living, have a soul.
• All things are vibrations.
• All things are energy and everything exists in an energy system.
• Our souls/spirits affect our lives in ways we cannot clearly comprehend.
• Everything is connected in a system; we are connected by an invisible spiritual network.
• Must be balance within the soul so there is balance in life.

Every religion or practise has aspects. The aspects of Shamanism are:

• There is a deep connection with nature, many practises tapping into the power of Mother Earth to obtain knowledge and teachings.
• Shamanism has a concept of protecting the whole, not just an individual.
  • Eg: In remote areas of the Amazon forest, local Shamans ensure there is no excessive tree-cutting as this could harm the forest spirit.
• Shamanism inculcates a sense of harmony via meditation and practise, helping you to be in harmony with yourself and everything around you.
• Nature is very important. Rivers, mountains and lakes are seen as natural wonders and hold much spiritual importance.

A Shaman is capable of doing many different things. These are:

• A Shaman can influence spirits (good and bad) for the wellbeing of the community.
• A Shaman can perform various rituals involving spirits.
• A Shaman can go in a trance-like state and go on a vision quest.
• A spirit guide is needed to travel within the spirit world, usually in the form of a specific animal.
• A Shaman's spirit can leave the body and find lost souls/find answers.
• A Shaman may use divination and foretell the future.

Some people often ask whether Shamanism is a religion and it has been questioned until quite recently:

• Shamanism is not a religion, it is in fact a practise and a set of beliefs.
• Unlike religions, it only encounters the spiritual realization of life, not every detail.
• Unlike religions, there is no "leader" or "prophet."
• Unlike religions, there is no "bible" or similar, only old scriptures.
• In conclusion, it can not be considered a religion as it lacks the essential components to be one.

Shamanism has been around for a very long time and is thought to be the first healing practise on earth:

• It stretches back to the stone age, dominant in Nomadic and hunting tribes.
• These tribes had great respect for nature and called the land the "Soul of the Earth." They developed rituals and the Shamanic power was realised.
• Scholars urge that Shamanism is the basis of the spiritual aspects in all religions due to Shamanism being such an old profession.
• Shamans have existed amongst every society and Nomadic tribe. The term may differ, by they are all the same.

There is a wide range of Shamanic history. Old ritual remains have been found all over the world, especially in certain places.

• Extending from Nomadic times to present day, especially in Siberia and Northern Asia.
• Earliest accounts are from Palaeolithic times, drawings and sketches of people in ritual practise.
• Rock artifacts and stone figures have been recovered, proof of rituals in pre-historic times.
• Remains of drums and their sticks found, a common find but yet still proof.
• Special Shamanic ritual sites uncovered.

Shamanism has a lot of history which extends all over the world, some good, some not so good. It is also included in some myths and used in other practises.

• Greek Mythology: Stories of Tantalus Prometheus, Medea, Calypso, and the Eleusinian mysteries.
  
• Tibetans, Mongols, Manchus and Buddhists had strong Shamanic influences.
• Buddhist monk meditation is said to be a form of Shamanic practise.
• During the Christianity spread, Shamanic rituals were stopped. Temples were destroyed and their ceremonies outlawed.
• Repression of Shamanism worsened with the spread of Spanish Colonialism; it was seen as Devil worship and witchcraft.
• Nowadays, Shamanism is sometimes seen as sinister, with some being attacked in third-world countries.
• It is still prevelant in Africa, South America, tundras, jungles, deserts, and even in cities and towns.

Shamanism uses Altered State of Consciousness (ASC), it is a very important part of the practise:

• A robust link is made between the limbic system and lower brain, which controls the spinal cord and bodily neurology.
• The slow synchronous waves of alpha, beta, and theta must be lowered; the theta desired to be 3-6 cycles per second.
• The body is relaxed and aware in ASC, all negative feelings are removed; the body becoming one.
• When in ASC, the Shaman can manipulate emotions, thoughts, memory, self-awareness, and social bonding.
• To conclude, ASC utilizes the complete potential of the brain, arranging the received information in an orderly manner.

Shamanic healing is much different to other healing practitioners, such as Priests.

• Shamanism forms its basis on repairing the soul.
  
• They are independant from any system/organization.
• Unlike a Priest, a Shaman uses their skills for the general wellbeing of the society and not for a specific person. A Priest is only a figure for a specific set of people.
• Shamans use chants, ceremonies and dream interpretation. There is no fixed way of healing, no rules, and no methods. A Priest follows a sacred book, unable to deviate from the rules.
• To conclude, a Priest works with one spirit whilst a Shaman believes that all things have a spirit.

There is a major difference between Shamanism and magic, yet Shamanism was once and sometimes still is, referred to as a type of magic.

• Shamanism is spiritual whilst magic involves altering reality through spells and rituals.
  
• A Shaman transcends into the spiritual realm to contact spirits whilst witches make no journey at all.
• Magic is seen as sinister/unholy and is said to involve evil spirits for help, with sacrifices often made. A shaman doesn't require such an act, merely making a peaceful journey alongside their spirit guide.

Due to science, modern medicine has improved throughout the years, with most turning to it when ill.

• Modern medicine has methods of curing the ill but is plagued with bureaucracy and materialism.
  
• The costs of medicine have made the common man thirst for an alternative. Medicine can cause financial burden.
• The first healers were the Shamans, yet scientists insist there is no room for spiritual healing.
• Although doctors follow science and revoke the concept of spiritual healing, they are unable to crack the logic behind it.
• Many doctors and scientists have tried to undermine the practise, calling it an intricate reaction to the brain's external stimuli.
• A Shaman heals anyone, devoid of materialism and nobody has to go through rigorous processes or have insurance.

A Shamanic healing experience is peaceful and different to other methods. Drumming, chanting, songs, and storytelling are often used to stimulate the auditory senses. ASC has remarkable effects on the psyche:

• Access to all of the brain leading to increased focus and retention power, and bringing back forgotten memories.
• Sense of connection with the world and oneself.
• Convergence of body, mind, and soul.
• Reduced stress, anxiety, depression, negative emotions, blockages, and traumas.
• Decrease in chronic pain.

There are many benefits of the Shamanic journey. These include:

• Enhanced creativity and problem-solving skills.
• Healing of spiritual wounds, such as childhood traumas and phobias.
• Being able to look into oneself and develop a sense of purpose in life.
• Understanding oneself and your place in society.
• Developing a strong relationship with the spiritual realm.
• Getting closer to nature.

Research has shown that Shamanic practises are healthy for the brain and body:

• ASC (Altered State of Consciousness) involves the serotonergic transmitters and serotonergic nervous system of the brain. This results in a greater balance, relaxing the mind.
  
• Shamanic healing leads to emotional healing and psychological intergretion.
• Fulfills the social need to connect with other and ones own self.

Shamans can cure the body and spirit via healing:

• A CURE is a one-dimensional mode of action; the cure eliminates the illness but the illness may return. A cure is not concerned with the general wellbeing of the soul.
  
• A HEALING method encompasses all factors and aspects of your health as it occurs on all levels, internal and external.