Showing posts with label neo-shamanism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label neo-shamanism. Show all posts

Sunday, March 7, 2021

Becoming a Shaman

Many people in today's world are being called by spirit to become shamans. A yearning exists deep within many of us to reconnect to the natural world. It is a call to a life lived in balance with awareness of nature, of spirit, and of self. We live in a culture that has severed itself from nature and spirit. Humans have lost touch with the spirit world and the wisdom of inner knowing. The spirits, however, have not forgotten us. They are calling us to a path of environmental sanity, to rejoining the miraculous cycle of nature.
 
The spirits call many to work with them, but only a few may respond to the call. Choosing to ignore a calling may have undesirable consequences or none at all. For some, it can lead to depression and illness as the life force is constricted and thwarted. Those who choose to follow their shamanic calling may have no idea how to begin.

What do you do if the ancestral shamanic tradition no longer exists in your culture, but you still feel the call today? While traditional, indigenous shamanism continues to decline around the world, shamanic ideology has gradually entered Western humanities and social sciences and developed into the neo-shamanic movement. Neo-shamanism is a term used to describe the creation or revival of a shamanic culture. Most modern shamanic practitioners fall into this category. Neo-shamanism is not a single, cohesive belief system, but a collective term for many such philosophies. Neo-shamans use a variety of core techniques from different shamanic disciplines. 

Mircea Eliade, a religious scholar, was perhaps the first to write about neo-shamanism. In his classic work, "Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy," Eliade discusses the three stages of becoming a shaman: the Call, Training, and Initiation. The first stage to becoming a healer, as described by Eliade, is that of the calling--this call comes from the family, the community, or from the world beyond. Some are called, initiated and trained by spirit guides and/or human teachers from childhood.

Spirit calls us to a path of shamanism in many ways. It can be as dramatic as a life threatening illness or as simple as a dream. Some people receive signs of a shamanic calling through their dreams. Shamans frequently journey during their dreams, often flying through the air. Shamans may have recurring dreams in which they meet certain animal or teacher figures that are manifestations of the very spirits who are calling them.

The more common signs of a shamanic calling are ones of personality, such as a desire to spend time alone in nature. Shamanic candidates tend to be loners and are often considered eccentric or "different." One of the most reliable signs of a shamanic calling is the urge to learn about shamanism. One of the things I have learned working with spirits is that they often prompt me through urges to do one thing or another. This is a common form of communication and instruction by helping spirits. The very fact that you are reading this post at this time is meaningful. It is the spirits themselves who are guiding you to search for information about shamanism. Your yearning to learn more about shamanism is a sign that the spirits are calling you. The call functions to awaken your own inner knowing and the yearning to express your true self through the artistry of the shaman. 

Shamans are called, and then receive rigorous instruction. Training may follow an ordered tradition or take a spontaneous course guided by the shaman's spirit helpers. The function of training is to develop the skills and talents so that shamanic practitioners don't unintentionally hurt themselves or others. Though the spirits give shamans their healing powers, shamans must learn the technique of invoking them. Traditional shamanic training requires considerable devotion and personal sacrifice, not so much to gain power, but to become the person who can wield that power responsibly. Ongoing practice and learning are essential to perfecting any art or skill.

Where does one find shamanic training in the digital age? There are growing numbers of spiritual seekers who learn about shamanism from the internet or through reading the published works of individuals who have received shamanic training. Though a handbook is no substitute for an apprenticeship program, it can convey the fundamental methodological information. Authentic shamanic knowledge can only be acquired through individual experience; however, one must first acquire the methods in order to utilize them. Once you have learned the basic skills, your helping spirits can provide you all the training you need.

Then there is Initiation. Shamanic initiation is a rite of passage, connecting the apprentice shaman intimately to the spirit world. It is typically the final step in shamanic training, though initiation may be set in motion at any time by spirit's intervention into the initiate's life. Ultimately, shamanic initiation takes place between the initiate and the spirit world. It is the spirits who choose and make the shaman.
 
How does someone embark on the shamanic path? To be an effective shamanic healer, one must go through the three steps. The first step is to acknowledge the calling.

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Carl Jung and the Neo-Shamanic Movement

"Consciousness" by Sar Maroof
The works of Carl Jung, the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, have profoundly influenced modern psychology and spiritual practice. His concepts of the collective unconscious, archetypes, and individuation resonate far beyond the confines of clinical therapy, inspiring movements rooted in spiritual exploration and self-discovery. Among these is the neo-shamanic movement, which integrates ancient shamanic practices with Jungian insights to create a path for healing, self-awareness, and connection to the greater whole. In this post, we'll delve into Carl Jung's contributions, explore the neo-shamanic movement, and discuss how these two areas intertwine to address modern existential challenges.

Understanding Carl Jung's Core Concepts

The Collective Unconscious and Archetypes

One of Jung's foundational ideas is the collective unconscious, a universal layer of the psyche shared by all humans. Unlike the personal unconscious, which houses individual experiences, the collective unconscious contains archetypes--primordial symbols and themes that manifest in myths, dreams, and cultural narratives. Examples of archetypes include:       
  • The Hero: Embarking on a transformative journey.
  • The Shadow: Representing the darker, hidden aspects of the self.
  • The Wise Old Man/Woman: Symbolizing guidance and wisdom.
For Jung, these archetypes serve as blueprints for human experience, shaping behaviors, emotions, and spiritual inclinations.

Individuation: A Journey of Wholeness

Jung emphasized the process of individuation, a journey of integrating various aspects of the self—conscious and unconscious—to achieve psychological wholeness. This quest for unity aligns with spiritual pursuits found in many ancient traditions, including shamanism.

What Is the Neo-Shamanic Movement?

Neo-shamanism is a contemporary adaptation of traditional shamanic practices, often blending indigenous wisdom with modern spiritual and psychological approaches. While traditional shamans are deeply embedded within specific cultural and tribal contexts, neo-shamans typically operate in more eclectic, globalized settings.

Key Elements of Neo-Shamanism

1. Altered States of Consciousness

Techniques like meditation, drumming, and breathwork help participants access altered states, akin to the shamanic trance, where they can explore their subconscious mind.

2. Healing Practices

Neo-shamanic rituals often focus on emotional and spiritual healing, using visualization, ceremony, and energy work to restore balance.

3. Connection to Nature

Emphasizing a deep relationship with the natural world, neo-shamanism promotes ecological awareness and reverence for the interconnectedness of life.

4. Global Adaptability

Unlike traditional shamanism, which is often localized, neo-shamanism incorporates elements from various cultures, making it accessible to diverse practitioners.

The Intersection of Jungian Psychology and Neo-Shamanism

Jung's ideas are naturally aligned with shamanic principles. Both frameworks recognize the profound power of symbols, dreams, and altered states of consciousness in facilitating transformation and healing.

Archetypes as Spiritual Guides

In neo-shamanic practice, archetypes play a central role. Participants often work with archetypal energies--such as the Warrior, Mother, or Healer--during rituals or meditative journeys. These figures serve as guides, helping individuals confront personal challenges or uncover hidden potentials.

For example, the archetype of the Shadow is particularly significant. By facing and integrating one's Shadow, neo-shamanic practitioners aim to overcome fears, unresolved traumas, and suppressed desires--mirroring Jung's emphasis on embracing the unconscious.

Altered States and the Psyche

Jung viewed altered states of consciousness as gateways to the unconscious. His own experiences with active imagination--a technique of consciously engaging with inner images--paralleled shamanic journeys. Neo-shamanism adopts similar practices, using tools like drumming or plant medicine to facilitate introspection and healing.

Individuation as a Modern Vision Quest

The shamanic vision quest--a spiritual journey undertaken for insight or renewal--aligns closely with Jung's individuation process. Both paths seek to harmonize internal conflicts, foster self-awareness, and connect the individual with a greater cosmic or spiritual order.

Relevance in the Modern World

The convergence of Jungian psychology and neo-shamanism offers a profound response to the alienation and existential crises of contemporary life. By addressing the spiritual and psychological dimensions of the human experience, these practices provide tools for navigating modern challenges.
 
Benefits of Integrating Jungian and Shamanic Approaches

1. Healing Trauma

Both frameworks address trauma at a deep level, using symbolic and experiential methods to process and transform pain.

2. Cultivating Meaning
    
Archetypal narratives and rituals provide a sense of purpose and connection, countering the disconnection many feel in a materialistic society.

3. Fostering Ecological Awareness
    
Neo-shamanism's reverence for nature resonates with the current need for ecological consciousness, encouraging sustainable practices and harmonious living.

4. Empowering Personal Growth
    
By exploring the unconscious and integrating its lessons, individuals can achieve a greater sense of self-awareness and empowerment.

Criticisms and Ethical Considerations

While the integration of Jungian ideas and shamanic practices holds great promise, it is not without criticism. Cultural appropriation remains a significant concern, as neo-shamanism often borrows rituals and symbols from indigenous traditions without proper respect or understanding. Practitioners and seekers must approach these practices with humility, authenticity, and a commitment to honoring the origins of shamanic knowledge.

Conclusion

Carl Jung's psychological theories and the neo-shamanic movement share a deep affinity, both striving to heal the human spirit and connect individuals to a greater whole. By bridging ancient wisdom with modern insight, they offer a transformative path for those seeking balance, meaning, and renewal.

As interest in these practices continues to grow, they hold the potential to address not only individual healing but also collective challenges, from ecological crises to societal disconnection. Whether through introspection, ritual, or connection with nature, the union of Jungian psychology and neo-shamanism invites us to embark on a journey toward wholeness and harmony.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Evolving Shamanism

Shamanism, or more accurately an evolving form called Neo-Shamanism, has achieved a dramatic modern resurgence. Those who take the time necessary to properly investigate it are finding it to be an enlightening, rewarding and profound practice. Spiritual seekers are finding a sense of community, the healing they need, and an enhanced awareness based in a love for Nature and a connection with Spirit. Neo-Shamanism offers practical pathways or real, everyday life applications to enhanced awareness and vibrant health which can be objectively observed and verified. This is where Shamanism stands head and shoulders above other philosophies.

Thus, what is it about this evolving modern Shamanism that makes it so popular? First of all, Shamanism is not a religion, but rather a pragmatic and results oriented methodology. Shamanism has always been a discipline that delineates, very specifically, how to find what you seek. Everything you do is checked in the external reality, the observable world, to see if your work is bearing fruit. By observing the nature of the difference, or the specific places where no difference is made, Neo-Shamans apply their discipline to see where within themselves they are caught, and fix it. Simple as that. Read more.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Signs of a Shamanic Calling

Many people in today's world are being called by spirit to become shamans. A yearning exists deep within many of us to reconnect to the natural world. It is a call to a life lived in balance with awareness of nature, of spirit, and of self. We live in a culture that has severed itself from nature and spirit. Humans have lost touch with the spirit world and the wisdom of inner knowing. The spirits, however, have not forgotten us. They are calling us to a path of environmental sanity, to rejoining the miraculous cycle of nature.

Spirit calls us to a path of shamanism in many ways. It can be as dramatic as a life threatening illness or as simple as a dream. Some people receive signs of a shamanic calling through their dreams. Shamans frequently journey during their dreams, often flying through the air. Shamans may have recurring dreams in which they meet certain animal or teacher figures that are manifestations of the very spirits who are calling them. 

In Siberia, the homeland of shamanism, it is believed that certain characteristics are a sign that the spirits have selected an individual to become a shaman. Sometimes the shamanic candidate will have unusual marks or bodily characteristics such as being born with extra fingers or toes. Being born with a caul (thin membrane) covering your head is recognized worldwide as a sign that a person has a special relationship with the spirit world.

The more common signs of a shamanic calling are ones of personality, such as a desire to spend time alone in nature. Shamanic candidates tend to be loners and are often considered eccentric or "different." One of the most reliable signs of a shamanic calling is the urge to learn about shamanism. One of the things I have learned working with spirits is that they often prompt me through urges to do one thing or another. This is a common form of communication and instruction by helping spirits. The very fact that you are reading this article at this time is meaningful. It is the spirits themselves who are guiding you to search for information about shamanism. Your yearning to learn more about shamanism is a sign that the spirits are calling you. The call functions to awaken your own inner knowing and the yearning to express your true self through the artistry of the shaman.

In contemporary Western culture, people who have shamanic callings often don't understand what is happening to them, and may find themselves overwhelmed by fear of their non-ordinary experiences. To help potential candidates gain an understanding of these events, I have provided the following list of signs that you might have a shamanic calling. Have you had:

  • An intense desire to spend long periods of time alone in nature
  • Vivid flying dreams, prophetic dreams, or recurring dreams with the same animals or teacher figures
  • Recurring encounters with the same animals in ordinary reality, possibly in unusual ways
  • Frequent feelings of déjà vu
  • Imaginary friends as a child
  • Any physical, mental, or emotional abnormality that set you apart as a child
  • An strong connection with plants or animals
  • An awareness of subtle healing energy in your hands
  • A near-death out-of-body experience
  • Astute and accurate intuition and the ability to "read" other people
  • A parent who has paranormal abilities, such as prophetic dreams or telepathy
  • Ancestors who were healers, herbalists, or doctors
  • An occupation in the healing arts
  • Frequent clairvoyance, clairaudience, or other paranormal experiences
  • Were you born with a caul (thin membrane) covering your head
  • A life threatening illness, accident, or unusual event such as being struck by lightning, especially if this included a long recovery
  • A strong inner urge to learn about shamanism
If it seems that these signs are very general and happen to a lot of people, it is because the spirits call many to work with them, but only a few may respond to the call. Choosing to ignore a calling may have undesirable consequences or none at all. For some, it can lead to depression and illness as the life force is constricted and thwarted. Those who choose to follow their shamanic calling may have no idea how to begin.

What do you do if the ancestral shamanic tradition no longer exists in your culture, but you still feel the call today? While traditional, indigenous shamanism continues to decline around the world, shamanic ideology has gradually entered Western humanities and social sciences and developed into the neo-shamanic movement. Neo-shamanism is a term used to describe the creation or revival of a shamanic culture. Most modern shamanic practitioners fall into this category. Neo-shamanism is not a single, cohesive belief system, but a collective term for many such philosophies. Neo-shamans use a variety of core techniques from different shamanic disciplines.

Mircea Eliade, a religious scholar, was perhaps the first to write about neo-shamanism. In his classic work, Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy (paid link) Eliade discusses the three stages of becoming a shaman: the Call, Training, and Initiation. The first stage to becoming a healer, as described by Eliade, is that of the calling -- this call comes from the family, the community, or from the world beyond. Some are called, initiated and trained by spirit guides and/or human teachers from childhood.

Shamans are called, and then receive rigorous instruction. Training may follow an ordered tradition or take a spontaneous course guided by the shaman's spirit helpers. The function of training is to develop the skills and talents so that shamanic practitioners don't unintentionally hurt themselves or others. Though the spirits give shamans their healing powers, shamans must learn the technique of invoking them. Traditional shamanic training requires considerable devotion and personal sacrifice, not so much to gain power, but to become the person who can wield that power responsibly. Ongoing practice and learning are essential to perfecting any art or skill.

Where does one find shamanic training in the digital age? There are growing numbers of spiritual seekers who learn about shamanism from the internet or through reading the published works of individuals who have received shamanic training. Though a handbook is no substitute for an apprenticeship program, it can convey the fundamental methodological information. Authentic shamanic knowledge can only be acquired through individual experience; however, one must first acquire the methods in order to utilize them. Once you have learned the basic skills, your helping spirits can provide you all the training you need.

Then there is Initiation. Shamanic initiation is a rite of passage, connecting the apprentice shaman intimately to the spirit world. It is typically the final step in shamanic training, though initiation may be set in motion at any time by spirit's intervention into the initiate's life. Ultimately, shamanic initiation takes place between the initiate and the spirit world. It is the spirits who choose and make the shaman.

In my 2012 book, Shamanic Drumming: Calling the Spirits (paid link), I recount my own journey into shamanic practice and explore what someone should do if they feel the call to become a shaman. Working with the guidance of my helping spirits, I have written a guide to becoming a shamanic healer that encompasses the power of the drum, of community, and of the accountability inherent in authentic shamanic practice.

How does someone embark on the shamanic path? To be an effective shamanic healer, one must go through the three steps. The first step is to acknowledge the calling.

© 2013 by Michael Drake
Creative Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0) Photo by Arkady Zarubin

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

"The Beauty of the Primitive"

The Beauty of the Primitive explores how shamanism, an obscure word introduced by the eighteenth-century German explorers of Siberia, entered Western humanities and social sciences, and has now become a powerful idiom used by nature and pagan communities to situate their spiritual quests and anti-modernity sentiments. The major characters of The Beauty of the Primitive are past and present Western scholars, writers, explorers, and spiritual seekers with a variety of views on shamanism. Moving from Enlightenment and Romantic writers and Russian exile ethnographers to the anthropology of Franz Boas to Mircea Eliade and Carlos Castaneda, Znamenski details how the shamanism idiom was gradually transplanted from Siberia to the Native American scene and beyond. 
 
He also looks into the circumstances that prompted scholars and writers at first to marginalize shamanism as a mental disorder and then to recast it as high spiritual wisdom in the 1960s and the 1970s. Linking the growing interest in shamanism to the rise of anti-modernism in Western culture and intellectual life, Znamenski examines the role that anthropology, psychology, environmentalism, and Native Americana have played in the emergence of neo-shamanism. He discusses the sources that inspire Western neo-shamans and seeks to explain why lately many of these spiritual seekers have increasingly moved away from non-Western tradition to European folklore. A work of intellectual discovery, The Beauty of the Primitive shows how scholars, writers, and spiritual seekers shape their writings and experiences to suit contemporary cultural, ideological, and spiritual needs. With its interdisciplinary approach and engaging style, it promises to be the definitive account of this neglected strand of intellectual history.