SHAMANISM
artwork by UK artist Yvonne McGillivray
Shamanism has been called the oldest spiritual path with estimates of its origins ranging as far back as 20,000 years. The remarkable system of methods they developed is today known as "shamanism," a term that comes from a Siberian tribal word for its practitioners: "shaman" (pronounced SHAH-mahn). Shamans are a type of medicine man or woman especially distinguished by the use of journeys to hidden worlds otherwise mainly known through myth, dream, and near-death experiences. (Partly taken from the Foundation for Shamanic Practice) While not a specific religion, shamanic elements have been noted in nearly all ancient religions. The original shamans were experts in specific magical techniques, particularly hunting magic, healing, divination, and ritual magic.
Shamanism is alive today in indigenous cultures around the world in its original form, and is rebirthing in non-tribal peoples who are awakening to their ancestral memories. A primary principle of shamanic belief is that everything is alive and has a spirit. All of life is spiritually interconnected. Each of us are a bridge between ordinary reality, the world in which we live... and non-ordinary reality, the world of the unseen. By journeying to non-ordinary reality we interact directly with Helping Spirits for guidance and healing. Modern shamans retain these magical specialties, although often in ways far removed from their predecessors among the early peoples on this world. Shamans today still lead ritual for the community, perform healing, and guide the souls of the departed.
A major focus of modern shamanic work is self-healing and personal growth, in order to be of better service to the community and the world at large.This practice returns our spiritual autonomy by allowing us to access Divine wisdom and guidance through direct revelation.
At Finca aguila y el condor, we will be hosting various shamans from both North and South America for one to three day seminars on discussions of various topics as well as practices in psycho-spiritual and physical healing using herbal medicine in ritualistic, ceremonial events. Plant and herbal medicinals will be available for direct teaching (use) and learning, as well as to take home. Please see our calendar of events for information on the shaman we will be hosting and for reservations.
Shamanism is alive today in indigenous cultures around the world in its original form, and is rebirthing in non-tribal peoples who are awakening to their ancestral memories. A primary principle of shamanic belief is that everything is alive and has a spirit. All of life is spiritually interconnected. Each of us are a bridge between ordinary reality, the world in which we live... and non-ordinary reality, the world of the unseen. By journeying to non-ordinary reality we interact directly with Helping Spirits for guidance and healing. Modern shamans retain these magical specialties, although often in ways far removed from their predecessors among the early peoples on this world. Shamans today still lead ritual for the community, perform healing, and guide the souls of the departed.
A major focus of modern shamanic work is self-healing and personal growth, in order to be of better service to the community and the world at large.This practice returns our spiritual autonomy by allowing us to access Divine wisdom and guidance through direct revelation.
At Finca aguila y el condor, we will be hosting various shamans from both North and South America for one to three day seminars on discussions of various topics as well as practices in psycho-spiritual and physical healing using herbal medicine in ritualistic, ceremonial events. Plant and herbal medicinals will be available for direct teaching (use) and learning, as well as to take home. Please see our calendar of events for information on the shaman we will be hosting and for reservations.