People often ask me what exactly shamanism is. In this blog I will share my own observations and experiences. A note that my training is in the Peruvian Medicine Wheel tradition. There are many varieties of shamanism, and much variety within each tradition. That said, here is my take on some common shamanic themes.
Deep Connection with Nature
Shamanism is intricately connected with the natural world. Shamans develop a reverence for mother earth and her varied inhabitants. Certain animals and birds bring power and guidance to shamans. The elemental forces of fire, water, earth and air are very important (see below for info about my upcoming workshops on these). Shamans often have pets and/or find joy in interacting with animals. Shamanism also frequently invovles a reassessment of our relationship with nature, such as how we eat and what we consume. I am learning how to take what I need for my health and for enjoyment, with care, but without guilt.
Creative Practice
Shamanism is a very personalised practice. It involves various techniques, but the way in which these are applied and integrated varies greatly. So too do the experiences. A shamanic journey can bring insights which are unique to each practitioner. I never quite know what will come out of shamanic pracrice, and the results are often surprising. In my last shamanic training I (re)discovered a passion for watching Fromula 1. I realised that I had denied this part of myself, as it didn't fit with my eco / spiritual self-view. Embracing my inner boy racer has been joyful!
Adaptivity
Shamans tend to live within, or frequently interact with, communities. Shamanism is not a monastic tradition, i.e. one where spiritual progress is sought away from society. Instead Shamans use the everyday world as part of their teaching. This interaction with the wider world has meant shamans need to adapt to their surroundings. When European colonisers arrived in the Americas (and elsewhere), they felt deeply threatened by shamanism. Intense colonial persecution forced many shamans into hiding. Pessure makes diamonds however, and the shamans continued their craft out of view of these oppressive forces. As we move into a more open-minded era, shamanic practices are resurfacing. Nonetheless, some residual suspicions of the old-world persist. Shamans may live in ways that don't adhere to conventional rules or morality. As such, shamans require an ability to hide in plain sight. For me personally, I have learned to exercise some caution in who I discuss shamanism with, and how much I choose to reveal.
Light-heartedness
It may seem like shamanism is a serious business. On one level it is. Yet shamans don't take themselves too seriously. They have an appreciation for the divine comedy, the cosmic giggle. Shamans often fart or (in my case) burp, then chuckle heartily about it. Javier, a shaman I met in the Peruvian amazon, had a grin that seemed to come straight from infinity. Shamans certainly experience hardship, yet develop an ability to see the beauty within it. We can be standing in the eye of the storm, with chaos all around, and take a deep breath, and another, and another. Then hey, you've taken three deep breaths, why not take a few more?
Healing and Liberation
Ultimately, shamanism is about healing. Traditionally one of the core roles of a shaman was to heal others in the community, and this continues today. Increasingly there is also a focus on the healing process of the shamanic practioner themselves. Healing from what exactly? In my experience, all of us carry wounds, from our personal past and beyond. We develop various dysfunctional behaviours to compensate or avoid pain, and to navigate our difficult world. Shamanism can bring us insight into these patterns, and allow us to move beyond them. And what lies on the other side? Well, that's when things get interesting. From what I've seen, I would say it is something like liberation. An evolutionary step. The most mysterious process.
Interested in finding out more? I will be running a series of introductory workshops on Shamanism and the Four Elements. The first of these will be themed around the element Fire. Come along on Saturday 25th November, 2-4pm, at Experience Light, North Oxford. The workshop will include shamanic breathwork and a deeply relaxing shamanic journey. Head over to our booking page to book your place.
Tom Oakley