What are Spirit Helpers?

Shamanism is the intentional effort to acquire and nurture ongoing relationships with personal helping spirits by journeying into realms where the spirits dwell. These helping spirits might be the spirits of nature, animals, plants, the elements, ancestors, gods, goddesses, or teachers from various religious traditions. The reason for developing intimate relationships with spirit helpers is to gain wisdom, healing techniques, and other vital information that can benefit the community. In shamanic healing, it is the spirit helpers who do much of the actual healing work. In some ways, it might be more accurate to call the shaman the spirit's helper rather than vice-versa.

Whether you realize it or not, you have always had helping spirits. Helping spirits are like family and friends, and each has a unique personality. Basically, a spirit helper is a coherent energy pattern that may take form as an animal, plant, ancestor, deity, element, or even a mythical creature such as a unicorn or dragon.

Mythical creatures manifest in our conscious, mythic awareness because they still exist in the Lower World. The same holds true for creatures that lived in the past and that are now extinct. A group archetype or oversoul of each extinct species continues to exist in the Lower World, so a person may have a dinosaur or mammoth as a power animal.

All helping spirits are extensions of the "one spirit" that pervades all existence, whom we could call God, the Tao, or Great Mystery. Spirits are a natural manifestation of human consciousness. They manifest in two main categories: those who have physical form and those who do not or no longer do. Those helping spirits that have a physical form are known as elementals and may include representatives of the plant, animal, or mineral kingdoms, or an element such as air, water, fire, earth, sun, moon, planets, stars, and so on.

Spirit helpers that do not operate out of the physical realm may include ancestors who choose to be of service to us or divine archetypes such as angels and devas. In the cultures of the past, these typically were the gods and goddesses of the Upper World. These helping spirits can take on a human form temporarily and act as intermediaries between us and the powers of the universe. They may include great spiritual teachers such as Jesus, Buddha, Lao-Tzu, and so on.

Trees and plants also manifest as helping spirits. Plant spirits are one of the major allies of shamans for healing, seeing, dreaming, and empowerment. Shamans heal using their knowledge of plant spirits as well as the plant's medicinal properties. When the shaman does not know what plant medicine to use for a sick person, the spirit of the plant tells him. 

 

Plants, however, are more than their chemical components. They are intelligent beings that have the capacity to raise consciousness to a level where true healing can take place. Plants have always evolved before their animal counterparts and offer profound guidance regarding our own spiritual evolution.

Power Animals

The majority of helping spirits take animal forms called power animals. Power animals are also called guardian spirits, spirit allies, totem animals, and tutelary animals. A power animal is the archetypal oversoul that represents the entire species of that animal. It is actually the spirit of one of the First People, as they are called, who at the end of mythic times turned into the animals as we know them today.

The mythology and creation stories of all Earth peoples speak of a primordial, but now lost paradise--a Garden of Eden in which humanity lived in harmony with all that existed. The cosmos had total access to itself. There was but one language for all creatures and elements. Humans were able to converse with animals, birds, minerals, and all living things. 

 

As respected Nakoda elder John Snow puts it, "We talked to the rocks, the streams, the trees, the plants, the herbs, and all nature's creations. We called the animals our brothers. They understood our language; we understood theirs. Sometimes they talked to us in dreams and visions. At times they revealed important events or visited us on our vision quests to the mountain tops."

Animal characters played a prominent role in mythology. They were often portrayed as essentially human in bodily makeup, but possessed the individual characteristics of animals as they exist in nature today. Thus, Coyote is distinguished in the tellings by its mischievous behavior and Eagle by its great vision and ability to fly high into the sky realm of the Creator. Then, according to various cultural myths, the animals evolved into the forms in which they are found today. Raven, for example, is embodied in each individual member of the raven species, but Raven himself still lives in mythic times.

In the worldview of the shaman, power animals or animal archetypes such as Eagle, Coyote, and Bear represent and protect their entire species. When you connect with a power animal, you align yourself with the collective strength and wisdom of the entire species. One of the most important gifts that animal allies offer is protection and guardianship to the shaman during arduous shamanic tasks. Without this alliance, it is widely accepted that it is impossible to become a shaman.

Power animals are themselves great teachers and shamans. In many shamanic cultures, the knowledge imparted by a power animal is considered more important than the practical guidance of a master shaman. Power animals are valuable allies who can help you navigate through life's challenges and transitions. Many animals will come to guide you, some briefly and others throughout your life.

Power animals offer humans a much needed medicine. They remind us of what is innocent and truthful. Animals subsist from the heart, with a deep instinctual knowing that is always connected to the web of life. They live from the heart and are not entrapped by their reason. Humans, on the other hand, tend to live from the head, trying to figure everything out. But the energy that comes in from the source is directed through our hearts. We come into our own power when we learn to live from the heart. The heart attunes us to the flow of a dynamic, interrelated universe, helping us feel connected rather than isolated and estranged.

 

Building a Sacred Partnership

Shamanism is a sacred call to build relationship. A skillful shamanic practitioner works in sacred partnership with helping spirits--the power animals, the benevolent ancestors, and the sacred elements. Spirit helpers are the caretakers in the unseen world who want to support the earth and her inhabitants at this time. They are here to teach us how to gather wisdom from the spiritual realms, the natural world, the past, the present, and the future in order to give birth to new ways of being.

The shamanic relationship between humans and helping spirits supports our spirit's quest for self-realization. Helping spirits, if engaged regularly and skillfully, offer flexibility, creativity, and perseverance in fulfilling our own unique path. The spirits are here to teach us to be better humans. They come to assist us in doing the principal unique thing we have come here to do in a way that benefits all living things.

The Time of the Black Jaguar

In the deep rainforests of the Amazon, among the sacred ruins of the Maya, and within the myths of indigenous cultures across the Americas, there is a recurring symbol: the jaguar. Elusive, powerful, and deeply revered, the jaguar is not just a predator--it is a guardian, a bridge between worlds, and a harbinger of transformation. Today, many spiritual thinkers, elders, and eco-activists refer to a new age dawning: The Time of the Black Jaguar.
 

This is not merely a poetic title. It is a profound invocation--a recognition that we are living in a moment of planetary shift, calling us to awaken ancient wisdom, honor the Earth, and face the darkness within and without. It is a time of fierce grace.
 

The Mythic Jaguar
 

For millennia, the jaguar has held an exalted place in the spiritual traditions of Mesoamerican and South American peoples. Among the Maya, the jaguar was associated with the underworld and night. It was a creature that could move between realms--life and death, day and night, seen and unseen. The Olmecs, some of the earliest inhabitants of Mesoamerica, carved massive stone heads that many believe depict jaguar-human hybrids, symbolizing shamanic transformation.
 

To the Inca, the jaguar (called otorongo) represented power and was one of the three sacred animals of their cosmology: the serpent (wisdom of the underworld), the puma (power of this world), and the condor (vision of the upper world). The Amazonian tribes still see the jaguar as a spiritual teacher--a totem of integrity, instinct, and inner sight.
 

But what does it mean when we say this is the Time of the Black Jaguar?
 

A Threshold Moment
 

The world is undeniably at a threshold. Climate collapse, biodiversity loss, mass migration, spiritual disconnection, and systemic inequality press in on all sides. Yet, alongside this, there is a rising tide of consciousness, activism, and reconnection to ancestral ways. More and more people are turning to indigenous knowledge systems, seeking healing through plant medicine, embracing holistic sustainability, and rediscovering the sacredness of life.
 

The Black Jaguar emerges as a symbol for this epoch--a time that requires us to move beyond conventional paradigms. The black jaguar, rarer and more mysterious than its golden kin, represents the hidden, the mystical, the shadow. It asks us to stop looking for salvation in the light alone, and instead, to find power in the darkness we've avoided: our collective traumas, our forgotten histories, our broken relationships with the Earth.
 

Embracing the Shadow
 

The Black Jaguar is not comfortable. It does not give easy answers. It demands that we face ourselves honestly. In Jungian psychology, the "shadow" is everything about ourselves we deny or repress. The Time of the Black Jaguar asks humanity to confront its shadow on a collective level.
 

Colonialism, industrial exploitation, racism, the commodification of nature--these are not aberrations, but consequences of a deeper rupture from the sacred. The jaguar calls us back to wholeness. That means reconciling with our past, acknowledging the wisdom of those we have silenced, and taking responsibility for the future.
 

This time is not about guilt or shame--it's about courage. Like the shamans who don jaguar pelts in ceremony, we are being asked to embody this courage: to move into the unknown, to protect what is sacred, and to lead with heart and instinct.
 

The Return of the Guardians
 

In many indigenous prophecies, there is a vision of a return--not just of balance, but of the Earth's guardians awakening once more. The Q'ero people of the Andes speak of the "Pachakuti," a turning of the world, where ancient knowledge resurfaces. The Hopi talk of the "Day of Purification," and the Kogi of Colombia refer to themselves as the "Elder Brothers," watching the younger (modern) brothers awaken at last to their role in the web of life.
 

In this context, the jaguar is more than an animal--it is a guardian spirit. The Black Jaguar, especially, is a signal that the time of forgetting is over. It is time to remember who we are: not owners of the Earth, but kin.
 

Jaguar Medicine
 

Jaguar represents shamanic power, magic, shapeshifting, transformation, and the life-and-death principle. She embodies the wisdom of the  underworld, the primal space of the unconscious deep within each of us. Jaguar's lesson is to move beyond your fear of the dark unknown. Jaguar is the epitome of a chaotic storm moving through your life, all the while demanding you to remain calm, centered, and grounded. This fierce animal is the gatekeeper to the unknowable. Jaguar medicine includes comprehending the patterns of chaos, walking without fear in the darkness, moving in unknown places, soul work, and reclaiming power. Invoke Jaguar to reclaim your true power. 

 

Rewilding the Soul
 

At the personal level, the Time of the Black Jaguar is an invitation to rewild the soul. Many of us live domesticated lives--scheduled, sanitized, separated from the natural world and from our own bodies. The jaguar does not tolerate domestication. It thrives in mystery, in instinct, in presence. To walk with the jaguar is to listen again to the Earth, to live from the gut, and to reclaim a deeper, more embodied way of being.
 

This does not mean retreating from the world. Rather, it means bringing our wild wisdom into our modern lives--choosing integrity over convenience, truth over comfort, presence over performance. It may take the form of activism, art, community healing, spiritual practice, or environmental stewardship. The outer form is secondary; what matters is the inner fire--the calling to live awake and aligned.
 

A Call to Protect the Sacred
 

Lastly, the Time of the Black Jaguar is a call to guardianship. As the jaguar protects its territory with silent watchfulness, we are being asked to protect what is sacred: the forests, the waters, the ancestral ways, the marginalized voices, the future generations.
 

This is not a romantic call to heroism--it is a sobering responsibility. It requires sacrifice, humility, and vision. It demands that we walk like the jaguar--silent when needed, fierce when provoked, always aware of the whole.
 

In a world obsessed with speed and spectacle, the jaguar teaches stillness and stealth. In a culture addicted to dominance, it teaches reverence. In a society lost in noise, it moves in mystery.
 

Becoming the Jaguar
 

We are living in mythic times, whether we acknowledge it or not. The Time of the Black Jaguar is not something to wait for--it is now. It is happening in the wildfires and the protests, in the deep soul yearnings, and in the quiet acts of reconnection. The jaguar walks among us, and within us. To embrace this time is to step beyond fear, into a deeper power. It is to reclaim the wisdom that lives in the land, in our bones, and in our dreams. It is to walk with grace, strength, and mystery. 

 

The Black Jaguar has awakened. Will you?

The Power of Shamanic Energy Healing

In a world where stress, anxiety, and chronic illness seem more prevalent than ever, many people are turning to ancient spiritual practices for healing. One such practice is Shamanic Energy Healing--a holistic approach rooted in indigenous traditions that aims to restore harmony and balance within the individual. This powerful modality blends spiritual wisdom, energy medicine, and nature-based rituals to address emotional, physical, and spiritual imbalances.

What Is Shamanic Energy Healing?

Shamanic energy healing is based on the belief that all living things are interconnected through an invisible web of energy. When this energy--often referred to as life force, chi, or spirit--becomes blocked or distorted, illness or emotional unrest may follow. Shamans, often considered "spiritual doctors" or "energy healers," work to identify and remove these energetic blockages, retrieve lost soul fragments, and restore the client's energetic integrity.

This form of healing is not just about treating symptoms; it addresses the root causes of dis-ease by accessing spiritual realms, ancestral wisdom, and the client's own inner guidance. This approach enables individuals to break through barriers that traditional medicine alone may not address, offering relief that spans physical, mental, and emotional dimensions.

A Brief History of Shamanism

Shamanism is one of the oldest known spiritual practices, dating back over 30,000 years. It has existed in cultures across the globe--from the indigenous tribes of the Amazon and Native North America to the shamans of Siberia, Mongolia, and Africa. Despite their geographic distance, these cultures share similar cosmologies: belief in a spirit world, the concept of a soul, and the role of the shaman as a mediator between worlds.

Traditional shamans enter altered states of consciousness--often through drumming, dancing, chanting, or plant medicines--to communicate with spirits, animals, ancestors, and other non-physical entities. Their goal is to bring healing, insight, and guidance to the people they serve. Modern Shamanic Energy Healing adapts these age-old practices to contemporary settings, often blending them with principles from psychology, energy work, and trauma-informed care.

Core Principles of Shamanic Healing

Shamanic healing operates on several foundational beliefs:

1. Everything is Energy: At the heart of shamanism is the understanding that everything--people, animals, plants, even thoughts and emotions--consists of energy. Illness or imbalance arises when this energy becomes stagnant or fragmented.

2. Spiritual Dimensions Exist: Shamans believe in a multidimensional universe comprising the lower, middle, and upper worlds. These spiritual realms are inhabited by guides, power animals, ancestors, and other helpers who can offer insight and healing.

3. Healing Comes from Spirit: Shamans do not consider themselves the source of healing. Instead, they serve as conduits or facilitators, calling upon spiritual allies and the wisdom of nature to support the client's healing journey.

4. Soul Loss and Retrieval: Trauma, grief, or intense stress can cause parts of the soul to "detach" as a protective mechanism. This is known as soul loss, and it can result in feelings of emptiness, disconnection, or chronic depression. A central aspect of shamanic healing is soul retrieval, the process of bringing back these lost fragments.

Common Shamanic Healing Techniques

Shamanic energy healing can take many forms, depending on the practitioner's lineage, tools, and training. Some commonly used methods include:

1. Energy Clearing: The shaman identifies and removes energetic intrusions or attachments using hands-on healing, feathers, rattles, smoke (like sage, cedar or sweetgrass), or sound.

2. Soul Retrieval: Through journeying (often accompanied by rhythmic drumming), the shaman travels to non-ordinary reality to locate and return lost soul fragments to the client.

3. Power Animal Retrieval: Power animals are spiritual allies that offer strength, protection, and guidance. A shaman may help a client reconnect with their power animal to restore vitality and purpose.

4. Extraction Work: If harmful energies or entities have lodged in the client's energetic body, the shaman will extract them through ritual and spiritual intervention.

5. Ancestral Healing: Shamans can work with the ancestral line to resolve inherited trauma or patterns, freeing the client from generational burdens.

6. Plant Spirit Medicine: In some traditions, shamans work with plant spirits--ranging from herbal remedies to entheogens like Ayahuasca or San Pedro--for deep healing and transformation.

What to Expect During a Shamanic Healing Session

Shamanic energy healing sessions focus on rebalancing the body's energy field, clearing emotional and spiritual blockages that contribute to illness. Each healing session is unique, but most follow a similar structure:

• Intention Setting: The session begins with a conversation about what you're seeking--whether it's emotional release, clarity, or physical healing.
• Energetic Assessment: The practitioner may scan your energy field using intuition or physical tools like feathers or pendulums.
• Journey or Ritual Work: The shaman may enter a trance state to retrieve guidance, perform a soul retrieval, or clear blockages.
• Integration: After the energetic work, the practitioner will share insights and offer tools or rituals for continued healing (journaling, ceremony, grounding practices).
• Follow-Up: Healing continues after the session. Some practitioners recommend follow-up visits, especially if multiple issues are being addressed.

Sessions can be done in person or remotely, as energy transcends physical space.

Benefits of Shamanic Energy Healing

The benefits of this healing modality can be profound and far-reaching. Clients often report:

• Greater emotional clarity and resilience
• Relief from anxiety, grief, or depression
• Increased energy and vitality
• Spiritual connection and purpose
• Resolution of chronic patterns or ancestral trauma
• A sense of wholeness and empowerment

It's important to note that shamanic healing is not a replacement for medical or psychological care but can be a deeply supportive complement.

Is Shamanic Energy Healing Right for You?

If you're feeling stuck, disconnected, or curious about your spiritual path, shamanic energy healing may offer the insight and support you need. It's especially powerful for those who:

• Have experienced trauma or loss
• Feel fragmented or emotionally numb
• Seek spiritual growth and self-discovery
• Want to heal ancestral or karmic patterns
• Are open to non-traditional and intuitive methods

You don't need any prior experience with spirituality or shamanism--just a willingness to be open and present.

Choosing a Shamanic Practitioner

Because this field is unregulated, it's important to choose a practitioner with integrity, experience, and proper training. You can find a shamanic practitioner at the Society for Shamanic Practice. Look for someone who:

• Has studied with reputable teachers or indigenous elders
• Respects cultural traditions and ethical boundaries
• Provides a clear explanation of their methods
• Creates a safe, inclusive healing space

Trust your intuition when choosing someone to work with. The right practitioner will make you feel safe, seen, and supported.

Final Thoughts

Shamanic energy healing is a timeless and powerful practice that bridges the gap between the seen and unseen, the physical and the spiritual. It invites us to connect with the deeper aspects of ourselves, clear the energetic residue of trauma, and reclaim our vitality and wholeness. In an age of disconnection, this ancient path offers a return--to nature, to spirit, and to the true self.

Animism vs. Shamanism

Throughout human history, our relationship with the natural world has shaped our spiritual beliefs and practices. Two of the most ancient and influential systems that reflect this connection are animism and shamanism. While they share a deep reverence for nature and spiritual forces, animism and shamanism are distinct in their principles, roles, and practices. This blog post explores the similarities and differences between the two, offering insights into their cultural significance and their relevance in modern times.
 

Understanding Animism
 

Animism is often considered the most ancient spiritual worldview, one that sees all aspects of the natural world--trees, rivers, animals, rocks, and even the wind--as alive and imbued with spirit. Derived from the Latin word anima meaning "soul" or "spirit," animism is not tied to any specific religion but is a characteristic found in many indigenous and traditional belief systems.
 

At its core, animism holds that:
 

1. Everything Has a Spirit: Objects in the natural world are not just material entities; they have a spiritual essence or consciousness.
 

2. Interconnectedness: Humans are not separate from nature but part of an intricate web of life. This fosters a sense of respect and responsibility for the environment.
 

3. Personalized Relationship with Nature: Individuals and communities may form bonds with specific spirits, such as a guardian tree or a river that sustains their livelihood.
 

Animistic beliefs are prevalent in various cultures, from the tribes of the Amazon rainforest to the indigenous peoples of Australia and the Arctic. This worldview encourages sustainable living and ethical interaction with the natural world, as harming nature is equivalent to harming spiritual beings.
 

Understanding Shamanism
 

Shamanism, like animism, is an ancient tradition that emphasizes the spiritual dimension of life. However, it is primarily a practice rather than a worldview. Shamanism focuses on individuals who act as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds--known as shamans.
 

Key features of shamanism include:
 

1. The Role of the Shaman: Shamans are spiritual leaders who undertake journeys into non-ordinary reality to gain insight, heal illnesses, or communicate with spirits. They are chosen through spiritual calling, lineage, or extraordinary events.
 

2. Rituals and Techniques: Shamanic practices involve altered states of consciousness achieved through drumming, chanting, fasting, or the use of psychoactive plants. These rituals facilitate connection with the spirit world.
 

3. Healing and Guidance: Shamans serve their community by restoring balance--whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual. They are mediators, healers, and sometimes diviners.
 

Shamanism exists in diverse cultures, from the Sami people of Scandinavia to the tribes of Siberia and Central Asia. While the specifics vary, the universal role of the shaman is to navigate unseen realms for the benefit of the community.
 

Key Similarities Between Animism and Shamanism
 

Despite their differences, animism and shamanism share common ground. Both are rooted in a profound connection to the natural world and the belief in spiritual forces. Here are a few shared characteristics:
 

1. Recognition of the Spiritual World: Both systems acknowledge that the physical world is interwoven with spiritual dimensions.
 

2. Nature as Sacred: The natural environment is seen as a source of wisdom, power, and sustenance, deserving of respect and reverence.
 

3. Practical Benefits: Animism and shamanism are not abstract philosophies but practical systems that guide daily life, decision-making, and communal well-being.
 

Key Differences Between Animism and Shamanism
 

The distinction between animism and shamanism becomes clearer when examining their roles and focus:
 

1. Worldview vs. Practice: Animism is a worldview or philosophy that permeates a community's way of life, while shamanism is a specialized practice performed by individuals with unique spiritual abilities.
 

2. Role of the Practitioner: In animistic traditions, every person can engage with spirits through rituals or offerings. In shamanism, the shaman is a designated figure with the expertise to interact with the spirit world on a deeper level.
 

3. Community vs. Individual Focus: Animism emphasizes collective harmony with nature, while shamanism often revolves around the shaman's personal journey and responsibility as a mediator.
 

Cultural Context and Evolution
 

Both animism and shamanism are deeply embedded in the cultural and environmental contexts from which they arise. For example, animistic beliefs in the Amazon reflect the biodiversity and abundance of that region, with spirits associated with every plant and animal. In Siberian shamanism, harsh climates and survival challenges shape rituals focused on protection and healing.
 

As societies evolve, so do these traditions. In many modern contexts, animistic beliefs are integrated into environmental activism, emphasizing the sanctity of ecosystems. Shamanic practices have also found resonance in contemporary spirituality, particularly among those seeking holistic healing or connection to ancestral wisdom.
 

Relevance in the Modern World
 

In today's world, where environmental crises and spiritual disconnection are prevalent, animism and shamanism offer profound lessons:
 

1. Ecological Awareness: Animism reminds us to honor and protect the natural world as a living entity, promoting sustainable practices and deeper environmental stewardship.
 

2. Healing and Balance: Shamanic techniques for spiritual healing and stress relief are increasingly popular in wellness movements, reflecting their timeless relevance.
 

3. Cultural Preservation: Understanding and respecting these traditions enriches our appreciation of diverse cultures and their contributions to global heritage.
 

Conclusion
 

While animism and shamanism originate from ancient traditions, their principles remain remarkably pertinent in the 21st century. Animism teaches us to see the soul in all things, fostering respect for nature and interconnectedness. Shamanism, on the other hand, provides tools and practices for navigating the spiritual realms, offering guidance, healing, and balance.
 

By exploring these traditions, we not only connect with our ancestral roots but also gain inspiration for living harmoniously with the world around us. Whether as philosophies, practices, or lifestyles, animism and shamanism remind us of the sacredness of existence and the enduring power of the human spirit to bridge the seen and unseen worlds.

What is Animism?

Animism, derived from the Latin word "anima" meaning soul or breath, is a belief system that attributes spiritual essence to all things, both animate and inanimate. It is one of the oldest forms of religious beliefs and is often considered the foundation of human spirituality. This blog post explores the concept of animism, its historical context, core beliefs, and its relevance in contemporary society.

 

Historical Context
 

Animism is believed to have originated in the Paleolithic era, long before organized religions took shape. Early humans, deeply connected to their environment, perceived a living spirit in everything around them. Rocks, trees, rivers, animals, and even weather patterns were seen as imbued with spirits. This perspective fostered a profound respect for nature and a recognition of the interconnectedness of all life forms.
 

As human societies evolved, animistic beliefs laid the groundwork for many indigenous and tribal religions. Shamanism, totemism, and various forms of nature worship can be traced back to animistic principles. These practices were not merely spiritual but also integral to the social and cultural fabric of early communities.
 

Core Beliefs of Animism
 

At its heart, animism is about recognizing and respecting the spiritual essence in all things. Here are some of the core beliefs that define animistic traditions:
 

1. Spiritual Interconnectedness
 

Animists believe that everything in the universe is interconnected through a web of spiritual relationships. This includes humans, animals, plants, rocks, rivers, and even celestial bodies. The spirit or soul is not exclusive to living creatures but is inherent in all elements of nature. This interconnectedness fosters a sense of kinship and mutual respect among all entities.
 

2. Spirit Communication
 

In animistic traditions, communication with spirits is a common practice. Shamans, spiritual leaders, or medicine men and women often act as intermediaries between the human world and the spirit world. Through rituals, trances, and other practices, they seek guidance, healing, and wisdom from the spirits.
 

3. Respect for Nature
 

Animism promotes a deep respect for nature and its cycles. Natural features such as mountains, rivers, forests, and animals are revered and often considered sacred. This respect translates into sustainable practices and a harmonious relationship with the environment, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural resources.
 

4. Ancestral Worship
 

Ancestral worship is a significant aspect of animistic belief systems. Ancestors are believed to continue their existence in the spirit world, influencing and guiding the living. Rituals and offerings are made to honor and seek blessings from ancestors, maintaining a strong bond between past and present generations.
 

Animism in Different Cultures
 

Animism is not confined to a single culture or region; it is a universal belief system found across various societies. Here are a few examples of animistic traditions from different parts of the world:
 

1. Indigenous Tribes in North America
 

Many Native American tribes, such as the Lakota, Cherokee, and Navajo, hold animistic beliefs. They view the earth as a living entity and emphasize harmony with nature. The concept of "Wakan Tanka" or the Great Spirit in Lakota spirituality exemplifies the animistic belief in a life force pervading all things.
 

2. African Traditional Religions
 

In Africa, animism is prevalent among various ethnic groups. The Yoruba religion, for instance, recognizes numerous deities and spirits associated with natural elements. These spirits, known as Orishas, play a vital role in the daily lives of the Yoruba people, influencing everything from health to weather.
 

3. Shinto in Japan
 

Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, is deeply rooted in animistic beliefs. Kami, or spirits, inhabit natural features such as mountains, rivers, trees, and even human-made objects. Shinto practices involve rituals and offerings to honor these kami, fostering a connection between the physical and spiritual worlds.
 

4. Aboriginal Spirituality in Australia
 

Australian Aboriginal spirituality is inherently animistic. The concept of "Dreamtime" refers to the creation period when ancestral spirits shaped the land and its inhabitants. These spirits continue to exist in the natural world, and Aboriginal rituals and stories reflect their ongoing presence and influence.
 

Relevance of Animism in Contemporary Society
 

In today's world, animism may seem distant from mainstream religious practices, yet its principles remain relevant. The growing environmental movement, with its emphasis on sustainability and respect for nature, echoes animistic values. By recognizing the intrinsic value of all living and non-living things, animism offers a philosophical foundation for ecological conservation.
 

Furthermore, animism encourages mindfulness and a holistic approach to life. It reminds us to see beyond the material and acknowledge the spiritual dimensions of existence. This perspective can foster greater empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility toward the planet and its inhabitants.
 

Conclusion
 

Animism, with its profound respect for the spiritual essence of all things, offers timeless wisdom. It teaches us about the interconnectedness of life, the importance of respecting nature, and the value of maintaining spiritual relationships. While modern society may have moved away from animistic practices, the core beliefs continue to inspire and guide those seeking a deeper connection with the world around them. By embracing the principles of animism, we can cultivate a more harmonious and sustainable way of living, honoring the spirit that resides in every aspect of our existence.

"The Shamanic Drum" Audiobook Release

I am excited to announce the release of the audiobook version of my bestselling books The Shamanic Drum: A Guide to Sacred Drumming and Shamanic Drumming: Calling the Spirits. The Shamanic Drum is my definitive guide to shamanic drumming, a form of repetitive rhythmic drumming. Its purpose is to induce ecstatic trance states in order to access innate wisdom and guidance. The essence of shamanism is the experience of direct revelation from within. Shamanism is about remembering, exploring and developing the true self. Shamanic practice heightens the ability of perception and enables you to see into the deeper realms of the self. Once connected with your inner self, you can find help, healing and a continual source of guidance. To practice shamanism is to reconnect with your deepest core values and your highest vision of who you are and why you are here.

Drawing from 30 years of shamanic practice and teaching, I present the first practical guide to applying this ancient healing art to our modern lives. Through a series of simple exercises and lessons, I teach the basic shamanic methods of drumming. The focus is on creating sacred space, journeying, power practice, power animals, drum circles and the therapeutic effects of drumming. There are no prerequisites to learning shamanic drumming. Whether you are an accomplished percussionist or a total beginner, this user-friendly book will help you harness the power of drumming. Listen to a sample of The Shamanic Drum.

In my book Shamanic Drumming: Calling the Spirits, I recount my journey into shamanic practice and explore what someone should do if they feel the call to become 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. Following up on my book, The Shamanic Drum, I provide a new series of exercises and lessons that allow for a deeper understanding and utilization of this core shamanic practice. 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.

This empowering book is a call to build relationships with helping spirits. Spirit helpers are the caretakers in the unseen world who want to support the earth and her inhabitants at this time. They are here to teach us how to gather wisdom from the spiritual realms, the natural world, the past, the present and the future in order to give birth to new ways of being. The shamanic relationship between humans and helping spirits supports our spirit's quest for self-realization. Helping spirits, if engaged regularly and skillfully, offer flexibility, creativity and perseverance in fulfilling our own unique path. The spirits are here to assist us in doing the principal, unique thing we have come here to do in a way that benefits all living things. Listen to a sample of Shamanic Drumming.

Virtual Voice Narration

These audiobooks use Virtual Voice narration. Virtual Voice is a computer-generated speech technology designed explicitly to create Audible audiobooks. Audible is an Amazon-owned company renowned for its vast library of audiobooks. Audible's Virtual Voice is a cutting-edge technology that utilizes advanced artificial intelligence (AI) to generate lifelike voice narrations for audiobooks. Unlike traditional methods that require human narrators, Virtual Voice can create high-quality narrations using synthesized voices. This technology leverages deep learning and natural language processing (NLP) to produce voices that sound remarkably human.  

One of the significant advantages of Virtual Voice is the consistency it offers. Human narrators, while talented, can introduce variability in their performances due to factors like mood, health, or fatigue. Virtual Voice eliminates these inconsistencies, ensuring that every chapter of a book is narrated with the same level of quality and energy. I was hesitant to publish any of my books using Virtual Voice, however the quality of the narration is much better than I could have ever imagined it would be. 

The Rise of Audiobooks 

In the fast-paced digital age, the way we consume content has significantly evolved. Audiobooks, once considered a niche market, have surged in popularity, providing a convenient and engaging way for people to enjoy literature. Audiobooks have grown exponentially over the past decade, thanks in part to the proliferation of smartphones and the increasing popularity of multitasking. People can now listen to books while commuting, exercising, or performing household chores. This convenience has turned audiobooks into a preferred medium for many readers. Audible has been at the forefront of this transformation, offering a vast selection of titles across various genres. 

For those who listen to audiobooks, the arrival of Virtual Voice will be seamless to the existing customer experience. Audible users will be able to easily discover and enjoy audiobooks featuring virtual voices, and audiobooks created with Virtual Voice will be clearly marked to avoid any confusion with traditional, human-narrated audiobooks. Customers will be able to listen to samples prior to purchase, just like with any other audiobook, and decide for themselves whether they want to give this new technology a chance. Whether you're a long-time audiobook enthusiast or a newcomer to the format, Virtual Voice promises to enhance your listening experience in ways you never imagined.

Myth as a Map for Inner Journeys

Shamanism is based on the principle that innate wisdom and guidance can be accessed through the inner senses in ecstatic trance. Ecstatic trance is an academic term referring to those inwardly focused experiences of cosmic oneness, that mystical connection to a living, intelligent Universe that exists within each of us. Practitioners enter altered states of consciousness in order to perceive and interact with the inner world of the self. The act of entering an ecstatic trance state is called the soul flight or shamanic journey. 

 

The capacity to enter a range of trance states is a natural manifestation of human consciousness. A landmark study by Michael Winkelman, one of the foremost scholars on shamanism today, reveals that the cross-cultural manifestations of basic experiences related to shamanism (e.g., soul flight, death-and-rebirth, animal identities) are rooted in innate functions of the brain, mind and consciousness.(1) The inherent ability to enter trance states makes us human, not shamans. What makes shamans unique is their mastery over an otherwise normal human trait. It requires a great deal of training, practice and devotion to master any expressive art. Shamans master the art of ecstasy to see the true nature of the Universe.
 

Rhythmic drumming is a simple and effective way to induce ecstatic trance states. When a drum is played at an even tempo of three to four beats per second for at least 15 minutes, most people can journey successfully even on their first attempt. Transported by the driving beat of the drum, the journeyer travels to the inner planes of consciousness, using myth as an inner map to guide their journey. Myth is the reality of the soul, just as history is the reality of the temporal world.
 

The Shaman's Mythic Cosmos
 

According to shamanic cosmology, there are three inner planes of consciousness: the Upper, Middle and Lower Worlds. There are numerous levels in both the Lower and Upper Worlds and they exist outside of time. The upper or celestial realm is the home of the Star Nations and Thunder Beings--a related family of divine beings who bring about weather changes and sustain life on Earth. This shamanic realm relates to our higher self or superconsciousness. It is the domain of divine archetypes such as angels, deities and evolved teachers. They may include great spiritual teachers such as Jesus, Buddha, Lao-Tzu, and so on. In this realm are the archetypal patterns or original energetic blueprints of everything that has or will ever exist. The celestial realm forms the matrix of possibilities that correspond to the world we experience through our mind and senses. All situations, conditions and states of being are a manifestation of a world of archetypes--as above, so below. Every event in the visible world is the effect of a "seed" image or pattern in the unseen world.

We can journey to the Upper World to acquire archetypal knowledge, to bring a vision into being, or to influence events in the material world. By interacting with the archetypes, we interact with their counterparts in the outer world. We can also go there for inspiration, insight, or to find ways to restore balance in the world. As anthropologist Felicitas Goodman points out, "One of the most pervasive traditions of shamanic cultures is the insight that there exists a patterned cosmological order, which can be disturbed by human activity."(2) When harmony between the human realm and the original intended pattern is disturbed, we can journey to the celestial realm to bring back the balance. To journey up, you can visualize a tree or ladder that you climb up, soar on the wings of an eagle, or simply lift off the ground and rise into the air. Once you get to the upper realm, the landscape is typically more ethereal, higher in frequency and scintillating in light.

The Middle World is where spirit meets matter and is related to our ego or conscious self. The Middle World can be thought of as a non-ordinary mirror of ordinary reality. It is the spirit counterpart of the material realm and the inner region most like outer reality. The middle realm is so parallel to the world in which we live that a skilled journeyer can travel across it and visit all the places, people and things they know in ordinary reality. Spirit journeys in the Middle World provide a means of travel and communication without cars, planes or cell phones. It is a means of exploring our temporal landscape to find the location of healing herbs or lost objects, or to establish communication links over great distances.

To take a Middle World journey, simply imagine yourself walking out your front door and traveling through the landscape very quickly to look for something you have lost or to reach a distant destination. However, I do not recommend journeying to the Middle World unless you have a very good reason to go there. Unlike the upper and lower realms, where everything is guided by benevolence, the middle realm does not have benevolence or ethics at its core. That does not mean that it is a bad place. Rather, it is a place that mirrors what is happening in ordinary reality--the chaos of our times. It is a place full of risks and hidden dangers, such as holes in the ground that can entrap you. Traveling in this realm can be tricky even for an experienced journeyer. Moreover, the spirits who dwell in this realm cannot provide the wisdom, healing and empowerment you find in the Upper or Lower Worlds.
 

The Lower World relates to our unconscious mind. It is the realm of animal spirits, spirit guides and the ancestors, the place to which human spirits travel upon physical death. This inner plane is the domain of power animals, also known as guardian spirits, spirit allies, totem animals and tutelary animals. A power animal is the primeval oversoul that represents the entire species of that animal. A spirit journey to the Lower World is generally undertaken to seek the help and guidance of one's power animal, to connect with benevolent ancestors, to recover lost power, or to find and return a sick person's wandering spirit. Moreover, just to clear up any misconceptions, the shamanic underworld is not associated with anything dark, sinister or evil. That concept belongs to a completely different, often monotheistic religious belief system and cosmology.

For your first journeys, I recommend traveling to the Lower World, using the technique taught by the late Michael Harner. Founder of The Foundation for Shamanic Studies, Harner was widely acknowledged as the world's foremost authority on experiential and practical shamanism. To take a Lower World journey, Harner suggests that you visualize an opening into the earth that you remember from sometime in your life. The entrance could be an animal burrow, hollow tree stump, cave, and so on. When the journey begins, you will go down the hole and a tunnel will appear. The tunnel often appears ribbed and may bend or spiral around. This tunnel-like imagery is related to the central axis that links the three inner planes of consciousness. Enter the tunnel and you will emerge into the Lower World. The terrain that you traverse is typically very natural and very Earth-like.

 

The three cosmic realms are linked together by a vertical axis that is commonly referred to as the World Tree or axis mundi. The roots of the cosmic World Tree touch the Lower World. Its trunk is the Middle World, and its branches hold up the Upper World. This central axis (spinal column) exists within each of us. Through the sound of the drum, which is invariably made of wood from the World Tree, the shaman is transported to the cosmic axis within and conveyed from plane to plane. As Tuvan Siberian ethnomusicologist Valentina Suzukei explains, "There is a bridge on these sound waves so you can go from one world to another. In the sound world, a tunnel opens through which we can pass, or the shaman's spirits come to us. When you stop playing the drum, the bridge disappears."(3)

 

The Inner Journey

 

The shaman traverses the inner planes in order to mediate between the needs of the spirit world and those of the material world. It is an inward spiritual journey of rapture in which the shaman interacts with the inner spirit world, thereby influencing the outer material world. In the shaman's world, all human experience is self-generated. Experience is shaped from within since the three realms or resonant fields that define our experience of reality exist within each of us.

 

The essence of shamanism is the experience of direct revelation from within. Shamanism is about remembering, exploring and developing the true self. Shamanism places emphasis on the individual, of breaking free and discovering one's own uniqueness in order to bring something new back to the community. Shamanic practice heightens the ability of perception and enables you to see into the deeper realms of the self. Once connected with your inner self, you can find help, healing and a continual source of guidance. To practice shamanism is to reconnect with your deepest core values and your highest vision of who you are and why you are here.

 

We can engage the blueprint of our soul path through the vehicle of journeying. Shamanic journeying is a time-tested medium for individual self-realization. We can journey within to access wisdom and energies that can help awaken our soul calling and restore us to wholeness. It heightens our sense of mission and purpose, empowering our personal evolution. I invite you to try a shamanic journey.

1. Michael Winkelman, Shamanism: A Biopsychosocial Paradigm of Consciousness and Healing (Praeger, 2 edition 2010), p. 38.
2. Felicitas D. Goodman, Jewels on the Path: A Spirit Notebook, vol. II (Cuyamungue Institute, 1994), p. 55.
3. Kira Van Deusen, "Shamanism and Music in Tuva and Khakassia," Shaman's Drum, No. 47, Winter 1997, p. 24.

Love, Nature, Magic: Shamanic Journeys into the Heart of My Garden

In her new book Love, Nature, Magic: Shamanic Journeys into the Heart of My Garden, Maria Rodale takes the reader on an unusual autobiographical journey through her life. Rodale combines her love of nature and gardening with her experience in shamanic journeying, embarking on an epic adventure to learn from plants, animals and insects--including some of the most misunderstood beings in nature. Maria asks them their purpose and listens as they show and declare what they want us humans to know. From Thistles to Snakes, Poison Ivy to Mosquitoes, these nature beings convey messages that are relevant to every human, showing us how to live in balance and harmony on this Earth.

Rodale is the former CEO of now defunct Rodale Publishing, famous for magazine titles such as Men's Health, Runner's World, and Prevention, and also books including Al Gore's blockbuster, An Inconvenient Truth. Her approach to storytelling is fascinating and unique. She tells us at one point that her original intention was to write a straightforward book about plants, animals and insects, but somehow somewhere along the way she took a different path. The book is less of a single narrative than a series of episodes. In her garden, she periodically slips into a shamanic state of consciousness and communes with nature beings like bat, vulture, mosquito, mugwort, aspen, dandelion and milkweed. This allows her to transition easily from a mundane activity like weeding into a serious topic such as the genocide of Native Americans.
 

This is a beautiful book by a thoughtful author whose writing is both humorous and uplifting. However, it can be uneven at times. Some of the creatures she gives voice to are so preachy as to feel contrived--like the fireflies pleading against the use of pesticides and forever chemicals. At other times her thoughts flow so fast and free they are difficult to follow, like where she jumps from feminism to overpopulation to mosquitoes laying eggs in car tires. But overall she skillfully weaves together snippets of science with thoughts of nature and human existence in the future and episodes of her own life. She also gives voice to some of nature's most overlooked organisms with a wonderful imagination.
 

Rodale is hopeful and optimistic about the future. As she concludes at the beginning of her book, "I now believe it's possible to create a new Eden where knowledge is not a sin, desire is recognized as part of our human purpose, and love and understanding are the original blessings to be nourished and cultivated in the garden of our lives." To learn more, look inside Love, Nature, Magic: Shamanic Journeys into the Heart of My Garden.

Your Guide to Shamanic Drumming

I am pleased to announce the publication of my first online course, Your Guide to Shamanic Drumming, on Insight Timer. Insight Timer is a free smartphone app and online community with over seven million meditators, making it the most active meditation community on the planet. The meditation app made Women's Health and Time magazine's list of best apps. Three thousand meditation teachers publish free guided meditations, music and talks on the app. With 130,000 free guided meditations, including six of my shamanic drumming tracks to support your shamanic journeys, you can meditate on Insight Timer for as long as you want without ever paying a cent. Please note that courses are a premium offering and require either an individual purchase or an active subscription. You can purchase my course for $19.99 or start your 7 day free trial then subscribe to unlock all 1,871 Insight courses, playlists and premium features. Download the Insight Timer app here.
 

Course Description 

In this four-part audio course, best-selling author Michael Drake teaches about the power of shamanic drumming to improve well-being, promote spiritual growth and deepen our understanding of the inner self. Shamanic drumming is a form of repetitive rhythmic drumming. Its purpose is to induce ecstatic trance states in order to access innate wisdom and guidance. The essence of shamanism is the experience of direct revelation from within. Shamanism is about remembering, exploring and developing the true self. Shamanic practice heightens the ability of perception and enables you to see into the deeper realms of the self. Once connected with your inner self, you can find help, healing and a continual source of guidance. To practice shamanism is to reconnect with your deepest core values and your highest vision of who you are and why you are here.

Drawing from 30 years of shamanic practice and teaching, Michael presents the first practical guide to applying this ancient healing art to our modern lives. Through a series of simple lessons and exercises, he teaches the basic shamanic methods of drumming, journeying, power practice and healing the earth. You will learn how to alter your state of consciousness to access higher wisdom, renewed power and untapped insight. There are no prerequisites to learning shamanic drumming. Whether you are an accomplished percussionist or a total beginner, this course will help you harness the power of drumming. 

 

Drumming is a spiritual practice that can help us heal and restore ourselves and our communities. It is one of the quickest and most powerful ways to open the heart and connect with a power greater than ourselves. The drum is a time-tested vehicle for healing and self-expression. It can be used to address any number of health issues including trauma, addiction, depression and chronic pain. Recent research reviews indicate that drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system and produces feelings of well-being, a release of emotional trauma and reintegration of self. You can listen to the introduction and read the course outline here.

The Origin of Disease and Medicine

An excerpt from The Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees by James Mooney
 

In the old days, the beasts, birds, fish, insects, and plants could all talk. They and the people lived together in peace and friendship. As time went on, however, the people increased so rapidly that their settlement spread over the whole earth, and the poor animals found themselves cramped for room. To make things worse, Man invented bows, knives, spears, and hooks, and began to slaughter the larger animals, birds, and fish for their flesh or their skins. The smaller creatures, such as the frogs and worms, were crushed and trodden upon without thought, out of pure carelessness or contempt. So the animals resolved to consult upon measures for their common safety.
 

The Bears were the first to meet in council, led by old White Bear. After each in turn had complained of the way in which Man killed their friends, ate their flesh, and used their skins for his own purposes, it was decided to begin war at once against him. Once the angry crowd calmed down, White Bear told them that the human beings had a decided advantage -- the bow and arrow. So the Bears decided to make their own weapons.
 

However, the Bears had a problem. Their claws made it impossible to properly draw back on a bow. Some of the younger Bears thought of cutting their claws, but White Bear objected, " If we cut off our claws, we will all starve together. It is better to trust the teeth and claws that nature gave us, for it is plain that Man's weapons were not intended for us."
 

No one could think of any better plan, so the old chief dismissed the council and the Bears dispersed to the woods and thickets without having concerted any way to prevent the increase of the human race. Had the result of the council been otherwise, we should now be at war with the Bears, but as it is, the hunter does not even ask the Bear's permission when he kills one.
 

The Deer next held a council under their chief, Little Deer. After some talk, they resolved to use their magic. Thenceforth, if a hunter wished to kill a Deer, he must take care to ask their pardon for the offense. Any human hunter failing to do so would be stricken with rheumatism. The Deer sent notice of their decision to the nearest settlement of Indians and told them at the same time what to do when necessity forced them to kill one of the Deer tribe. No hunter, who has regard for his health, ever fails to ask pardon of the Deer for killing it.
 

Next came the Fish and Reptiles, who had their own complaints against Man. They held council together and determined to make their victims dream of snakes twining about them in slimy folds and blowing foul breath in their faces, or to make them dream of eating raw or decaying fish, so that they would lose appetite, sicken, and die. This is why people dream about snakes and fish.
 

Finally, the Birds, Insects, and smaller animals came together for the same purpose. They decided to spread disease among the humans. They began then to devise and name so many new diseases, one after another, that had not their invention at last failed them, no one of the human race would have been able to survive.
 

When the Plants, who were friendly to Man, heard what the animals had done, they determined to defeat the latter's evil designs. Each Tree, Shrub, and Herb, down even to the Grasses and Mosses, said, "I shall appear to help Man when he calls upon me in his need." Thus was medicine born. The plants, every one of which has its use if we only knew it, furnish the remedy to counteract the evil wrought by the vengeful animals. Even weeds were made for some good purpose, which we must find out for ourselves. When the doctor (shaman) does not know what medicine to use for a sick man, the spirit of the plant tells him.
 

Source: James Mooney, The Sacred Formulas Of The Cherokees. Published in the Seventh Annual Report, Bureau of American Ethnology, pp. 301-399. 1886.

Black Horse Symbolism

I recently did a deep meditation, seeking guidance regarding a life-changing decision. I closed my eyes and stilled the chatter of my mind by focusing on my breath as I inhaled and exhaled. The first image that popped into my mind was the spinning vortex of a tornado in the distance. Tornadoes tend to represent worry and anxiety, spinning out of control. Tornados are a sign you must slow down and regain clarity and calmness in your life. Since tornadoes destroy everything they come in contact with, dreams and visions about them could represent your unacknowledged desire to carve a new path for yourself.
 

Next, I saw the Tashi Gomang Stupa, located about two miles from my Crestone, Colorado home. Since the time of the Buddha's death around 483 BCE, Buddhists have constructed stupas to contain the relics of enlightened teachers. A stupa is an architectural rendering of the Buddhist path, the stages and aspects of enlightenment. When a great Buddhist teacher leaves his or her physical existence, the body that remains is considered to be permeated with the very essence of awakened mind, possessing tremendous intrinsic power and blessings. The appropriate vessel for containing these relics is a stupa.
 

Each stupa is designed according to ancient sacred geometry; situated on land selected for its beneficial properties and graced with the sanction of the elemental forces. Through its design and contents, a stupa is regarded as having the power to transmit the essence of awakened mind, on the spot, to anyone ready to receive it. The Buddha said that whoever sees the stupa will be liberated by the sight of it. Feeling the breeze around the stupa liberates by its touch. Having thus seen or experienced the stupa, by thinking of one's experience of it, one is liberated through recollection.
 

Atop the golden spire in the center of the 42-foot-tall bell-shaped stupa, I saw a winged horse wind vane spinning in the wind. The wind vane represented my unsettled emotions; the weather of my mind. One cannot forcibly subdue an emotional struggle by an exertion of the will. If you attempt to force stillness upon restless emotions you will only create deep inner conflict. Equanimity must develop naturally out of the tranquility of a meditative state. I focused on the stupa and it instantly brought me calm and clarity.
 

The Black Horse
 

The next imagery that I saw was a galloping black horse. Black horses are messengers and carriers of positive, mysterious energy. Seeing a black horse in your meditation means there is an energy that is about to enter your life. This energy will have a positive effect on your life, though it may not be obvious at first. This energy can come into your life in a myriad of ways. It could be a person, a career change or an unexpected event. Actually, it could be anything. The key here is that the sequence of events that will be set into motion by this energy will have an overall positive effect. If you see a black horse, be on the lookout for something extraordinary on the horizon.
 

Black horses symbolize the ability to overcome obstacles and come out on the other side. It is also widely known to be a symbol for death. This does not always mean death in the literal sense; in this case it means leaving behind things which no longer serve you. The black steed symbolism is both death-defying and death-seeking. In other words, it is symbolic of death and rebirth. It signifies the closing of one door and the opening of another. It can also symbolize the need for you to take a leap of faith. Trust your intuition even if you can't see the reason or the result.
 

If a black horse appears in your life, you may need some reassurance that you are powerful enough to take on any challenge that comes your way. While many people hold on to things that no longer serve them out of fear, you must be brave enough to take the power and do what you need to do in order to come out on the other side. A black horse is an omen of powerful and courageous transformation. The notion of death and rebirth portends that the black horse will bring an end to things and relationships which no longer serve you. In doing this without fear or hesitation, the horse is transforming and creating a better version of you.
 

Horse medicine teaches you to be true to your authentic self. Though you may be quite attached to your plans, ideas, self-image, social position, security and relationships, it is time to strip away old ideas and habits; eliminate the outmoded or worn out. Dive into the problem without thought of immediate gain or purpose. This is the end of an old cycle and the beginning of a new one. Now is the time for bold action.

Meeting My Spirit Guide

An excerpt from my new book, Shamanic Journeys: An Anthology.
 

My journey into shamanism began in 1988 when I learned how to take a shamanic journey. Learning to journey is the first step in becoming a shamanic practitioner. Once I learned to journey, my shamanic training began. I sought out and met my spirit helpers and guardian spirit. I made friends with the spirits of Nature. I communed with the archetypal realms of the collective soul. The spirit world became my classroom, and the spirits became my teachers. My first powerful journeys took place outside in the wild, immersed in the natural world. They were transcendent flights of the soul that I shall never forget.
 

I remember riding my bicycle through the forest one summer day when a monarch butterfly flew directly into my path. The butterfly is an archetypal symbol of transformation, transmutation and the human soul in world mythology and religion. Virtually all cultures have marveled at the process that transforms a caterpillar into a fluttering butterfly. When I encounter one of these remarkable beings, I stop and observe them carefully. I have learned to trust these endearing spirit guides. I once had the soul of a deceased relative appear to me as a butterfly on the day that she passed away. The butterfly landed on my nose while I was hiking that day. I felt her presence and knew that she was with me. Butterflies have brought me messages from my ancestors and guided me to specific places of power in the web of life on many occasions.
 

The monarch butterfly fluttered across the road in front of my bicycle and into the pine forest. I felt the urge to follow it. Over the years, I have learned to trust my intuition and follow my inner urges. This is a common form of communication and instruction by helping spirits.
 

I got off my bike and pursued the butterfly into the woods on foot. When it paused or changed directions so did I. If I lost sight of it, the monarch would soon reappear. Eventually, the butterfly led me to an area of disturbed soil under the forest canopy. I found several badger burrows dug into the sandy pumice soil. Badger is a spirit helper who connects us to our inner knowing and helps us see below the surface of things. The energy felt different here. There was an electrical tingle in my hands and scalp. I knew instantly that this was a power place for me -- a place to journey.
 

I returned the next day on my bike, bringing a Walkman cassette player and headphones so I could journey listening to the sound of drumming. I also brought a voice activated micro-cassette recorder so that I could narrate and record my journey as it transpired. This can be distracting at first, but it is one of the best ways I know to make sure you are getting all the information your helping spirits are giving you. On my first journey sitting near the entrance to a badger den, I encountered some very influential teachers.

The drumbeats carry me away on the wings of an eagle. I soar high over South Sister (a volcanic peak in the Central Oregon Cascades) and then dive into a cave on her south flank. Clear quartz crystals shimmer from the walls, floor and ceiling. I transform into a man and follow a narrow path through the crystal cave. The path leads me through a labyrinth of twists and turns until the cave ends abruptly in a wall of crystals. A small portal appears in the wall and sucks my awareness into a dark tunnel. I spiral downward and come out of the tunnel onto the rim of a red mesa. I see a pueblo below me at the base of the mesa. I hear drumming and chanting and see many dancers.

Suddenly, I become one of the dancers. I gaze at the man who plays the booming drum. He wears a ceremonial kilt, sash and red headband. He smiles at me and chants loudly. At the sound of his voice, I transform into a golden eagle and take flight. I circle the pueblo and then glide over the desert. I soar towards the sun high above the Earth. I see the Earth below transform into a beautiful crystal globe. I fold my wings and plunge to the Earth below. I fly across the desert to the ruins of an ancestral Puebloan cliff dwelling built high in the alcove of a towering sandstone cliff. I fly into a doorway and transform once again into a man. 

 

I look at the floor of the room and see the white bones of a human skeleton. The skeleton rises, transforming into a beautiful Pueblo woman wearing a royal blue shawl and a radiant white knee-length manta-dress embroidered with corn designs. Her black hair is styled in a traditional butterfly whorl. She wears white buckskin moccasins and a woven red sash around her waist. She walks toward me and gently caresses my cheek with her hand. She smiles and says, "I am your guide."  

 

I clasp her outstretched hand and we both transform into golden eagles. We fly away from the cliff dwelling and soar high above the desert. As the sun begins to set on the horizon, we separate and I return rapidly to the red mesa above the pueblo. I enter a small portal in the top of the mesa and retrace the passage back to my body.

The spirit guide I encountered in the preceding journey became my mentor in the ways of the spirit world. Known as Corn Woman or Corn Mother, she is an important deity archetype in Pueblo mythology. She represents fertility, life and the feminine aspects of this world. The importance of corn deities in Pueblo mythology reflects the importance of corn in the Pueblo diet. Each pueblo performs a ritual Corn Dance to honor Corn Woman and pray for rain, growth and fertility. A drummer and a chorus of chanting men support the lines of colorful dancers who move in a continually changing zigzag pattern. The dancers make gestures to indicate their requests to Corn Woman: lowering the arms depicts the lowering clouds, moving the arms in a zigzag motion denotes lightning, lowering the palms signifies rain, and lifting the hands symbolizes the growing stalks of corn.
 

The drummer I met in my spirit journey later manifested as a human guide in the physical world. Like the drummer in my journey, he wore a red bandana around his forehead and carried a drum. The shaman's name is Jade Grigori, and he mentored me in shamanic drumming.

Hummingbird Medicine

Hummingbirds always capture my attention when they fly into my life. I am dazzled by their humming wings and iridescent light. I am awakened to the beauty of the present moment. There's something about the hummingbird that makes me think of healing beauty, that something that beautiful can't possibly exist in flesh, and yet it does. When I see this magical bird, the boundaries of flesh cease to exist, for a moment, for a second I am in non-verbal space, and am one with the Hummingbird, with the flower, with the water and air, with all of nature, in a great glorious symphony of joy and celebration.

Hummingbird's exist only in the western hemisphere, but their magic is available to everyone in the world. They are extremely adaptable because they can hover, fly up, down, backwards and forwards with great speed. Generally speaking, Hummingbird brings joy, happiness, good luck and light to the world. It speaks to the heart in all of us and tells us that a closed heart shuts away life's radiant energy and color. Without an open and loving heart, we can never taste the nectar and pure bliss of life. Hummingbird disdains ugliness or harshness, and quickly flies away from discord or disharmony. Hummingbird’s message is: "Do not judge, assume, make conjecture about others, rather, laugh, sing and celebrate differences. In doing so you will elevate the world."

Mayan legends explain that the reason Hummingbird is so tiny is because it was created out of the scraps of feathers left over when other flying creatures were made. This tiny iridescent bird is a dynamo of energy, darting tirelessly from flower to flower in search of nectar. Hummingbirds can teach us how to use flowers for healing and to win hearts in love. Hummingbird is also a retriever of lost souls because it can fly quickly into small spaces and bring back the soul undetected. The playful Hummingbird sings a vibration of pure joy and shows us how to find happiness in all things. Invoke Hummingbird to help you find joy and sweetness in any situation. To learn more, look inside Bird Medicine: The Sacred Power of Bird Shamanism.

Return of the Horse Nation

The horse originated in the Americas more than 40 million years ago. After spreading to Asia and Europe, it became extinct in its homeland. In 1493, the horse returned to the Western Hemisphere when Columbus brought a herd of 25 on his second voyage. Back in the Americas, its native land, the horse flourished.
 

For Native peoples, the first sight of a horse must have been terrifying. A Spanish soldier on horseback would appear to be a single monstrous creature. The Spanish used this terror to advance their conquest, sometimes attaching bells to their armor to add more noise and confusion. The Spanish used horses as powerful weapons of conquest and made every effort to keep them out of Native hands.
 

But gradually, Spanish horses became Indian horses, and Native people began to weave a close relationship with the Horse Nation. Strays from colonial ranches and settlements formed wild herds that Native people caught and tamed. Other horses were captured in raids and rebellions against colonial forces. As horses spread across the Americas, they transformed Native lifestyles and became an important ally in fighting the European invaders. As each tribe encountered the horse, they coined a name for it. A number of tribes used names that likened it to the dog, which was used to pull the travois when tribes traveled.
 
The Pueblo Revolt
 
In 1680, after a century of Spanish domination, the Pueblo Indians rose up against their colonial rulers in the region now known as New Mexico. Led by Popé, a Tewa religious leader, they attacked Santa Fe, killing some 400 Spaniards and forcing many more to flee. Hundreds of horses--perhaps more than 1,500--were left behind, the largest number to pass into Native hands at one time. These horses became the ancestors of many tribal herds. The Pueblo people traded horses to neighboring tribes, and the horse population expanded rapidly across North America. Spain's monopoly of horses in the Americas was over.
 
In the West, horses dispersed quickly along Native American trading routes--first from the Pueblo to the Navajo, Ute, and Apache. The Comanche on the southern Plains traded them north to their kinsmen the Shoshone. These were among the first tribes to incorporate horses into their way of life. By 1700 horses had reached tribes in the far northwest--the Bannock, Nez Perce, Cayuse, Umatilla, and others. Trading links sent them east to the River and Mountain Crow and Missouri River tribes.
 
By the late 1700s, virtually every tribe in the West was mounted. Horses strengthened Native communities and helped in the fight for Indian lands. Horses revolutionized Native life and became an integral part of tribal cultures, honored in objects, stories, songs, and ceremonies. Horses changed methods of hunting and warfare, modes of travel, lifestyles, and standards of wealth and prestige. Horses brought abundance: more food from the hunt, more leisure time. Horse ownership, or an association with horses, conferred status and respect within the community.
 
Native peoples forged spiritual relationships with the Horse Nation. Plains tribes embraced the horse as a spirit brother and a link to the supernatural realm, and incorporated the horse into ceremonies. Embodiments of beauty, courage, and healing power, images of horses on ceremonial objects represent this spiritual connection. Horse visions are still reported by traditional believers who seek knowledge and strength through fasting and vision quests. Although visions are intensely personal, some may be shared through song, performance, and art.
 
Among Native American tribes today, the horse is a symbol of freedom--and protest as a way to achieve this freedom. Horses are an integral part of life for many Indigenous people of this country, so it’s no surprise the animals play a significant role in demonstrations, from the Dakota Access Pipeline protests at Standing Rock to the annual Dakota 38 + 2 Memorial Ride that honors those Dakota warriors killed in the largest mass execution in U.S. history. The medicine power of the Sunktanka Oyate (the Horse Nation in Dakota language) has helped strengthen, heal and empower Native people and youth through these efforts.

Shamanic Dreaming

Humans have always looked beyond the factual world of ordinary reality for something solid on which to ground their lives. The models of the mystery of life have always been based on the myths of an immemorial imagination. According to Joseph Campbell, one of the great mythologists of the 20th century, "Mythological cosmologies do not correspond to the world of gross facts, but are functions of dreams and visions." Dreams and visions have always been, and will always be, the creative forces that shape our understanding of the fundamental nature of reality. It is an inherent product of the psyche, a symbolic language of metaphysics recognized by shamans and seers.

Dreams are a doorway to the spirit world. In dreams we experience the shamanic world. Everything is alive; everything is connected. We can fly. Ancestors come to us. Animals talk to us. In his book, Honoring the Medicine: The Essential Guide to Native American Healing, Kenneth Cohen writes that John Trehero, a Shoshone Sun Dance chief, derived his healing power from frequent dreams about the beaver. He described his spirit helper thus: "I dreamed about the beaver. The beaver said here is my power, and then he showed me his front paws. If a person has pain I feel with my hand on him, and that pain comes in my hand. I use my own hands for beaver paws."

The accumulation of shamanic power and knowledge comes primarily through journeys, visions and dreams. Dreams are a doorway through which the shamanic practitioner can travel to the inner realms and interact with helping spirits. Shamanic dreaming is different from modern lucid dreaming: in the latter there tends to be an emphasis on controlling your dreams. In shamanic dreaming the spirits are in charge, not the humans. Spirit teachers or guardian animals come to us in nightly encounters and we can receive teachings and guidance. In other words, the spirits begin to train us in the dream state, and we may receive certain initiations along the way. This is one of the classical ways of being called onto the shamanic path.

Dream interpretation is an important skill that shamanic practitioners should develop. However, you can't interpret your dreams if you can't remember them. Dreams tend to fade quickly from conscious awareness upon awakening. To help me remember my dreams, I repeat the affirmation that I will remember all that occurs during sleep. On awakening, I note all of my dreams in a dream journal. Keeping a journal provides a record of your spiritual growth and allows you to reflect upon and better interpret dreams.

Journaling is a contemplative practice that can help you become more aware of your inner life and feel more connected to your experiences and the world around you. This process engages the subjective mind and intuitive awareness. In some cases, your dreams will be clear and easy to understand. At other times, your dreams will be full of symbolism. Interpret such dreams by looking for possible associations related to each symbol or image. Don't overanalyze the dream, for its meaning will become clear at the appropriate time.

When you are first starting out with dream interpretation, you would do well to invest in a dream dictionary as this can suggest common meanings for certain symbols. But as you continue recording your dreams, you may notice certain patterns repeat and your personal connection to certain symbols doesn't match the collective meaning. Both are valid.

There are a number of ways you can encourage and enhance shamanic dreaming. You can begin by asking your spirit helpers or guardian animals when you go to sleep to bring you a shamanic dream. Remember to thank your helping spirits when they bring you a dream. It also helps to smudge your bedroom before going to sleep each night. Smudging clarifies the mind and cleanses the environment by dispelling any stagnant or unwanted energy. The ability to have shamanic dreams on a regular basis requires energy. If you feel exhausted when you go to bed, and collapse into sleep every night, you don't have sufficient energy for this kind of dreaming. Eating well, exercising and meditating are some basic steps to build up your energy. With more energy new doorways may open up.

You can also put ritual objects into a dream bundle to open up the doorway to shamanic dreaming. According to Nicholas Breeze Wood, editor of "Sacred Hoop Magazine" -- a leading international magazine about shamanism, "The use of ritual objects to encourage and enhance dreaming is quite widespread within the Native American traditions -- everyone is probably familiar with the dreamcatcher... Dreams have always been an important channel through which to receive instruction and communication from Spirit, and not surprisingly there is a wealth of rich folklore and tradition concerning it." Read more about dream bundles.