The Ethics of Shamanic Healing

In shamanic work, there is one essential ethical requirement; permission. According to Susan Mokelke, who leads the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, "Permission means the express, informed consent of the client for a specific individual or group to perform shamanic healing or divination—including the consent to disclose any information about the client." Healing without permission is not only unethical, but deviates into the realm of sorcery and black magic. It is unethical because it is every person's right and responsibility to decide what to do in matters relating to his or her own soul.

If the healee is in a coma, permission should be obtained from the person's closest living relative or guardian before doing shamanic work of any sort. Even then, you should still journey to ask that person's soul what healing, if any, they wish to have done. Before doing psychopomp work or other mediation involving the soul of a deceased person, you still need to get permission from his or her next of kin. When you journey to help a deceased person, you should ask their soul what assistance, if any they want. When in doubt, don't perform the work.

Even in cases of natural disasters and crises, it is essential to get permission from the spirits of the land or people involved before trying to help. When doing distance shamanic healing in drumming circles, it is important to do only the work that was requested and to work closely with your helping spirits.

Experience the Power of Chanting

Chanting is prayer. In ancient times, chant was the closest thing to dialogue with the spirit. There are chants to honor the dead, to pay homage to deities, or to invoke qualities such as wisdom, compassion and empathy. Given our contemporary hectic lifestyles, chanting is the most conducive path of spiritual practice for the times we live in. Chanting has no limitations of time and space and can be done anytime or anywhere. Chanting as a spiritual practice helps to foster maximum spiritual growth and overall well-being. It is a simple and effortless way to still the mind and bring deep relaxation to the body. It is an effective way to open the heart and connect with a higher power.
 

Many chants are mantras—single words or phrases repeated over and over. Mantras are indestructible positive energies, meaning they remain in the universe indefinitely for the greater good of all. One of the most simple and powerful mantras we can chant is the sound of OM, the primal sound from which the universe constantly emanates. Chanting the mantra OM attunes us to the eternal oneness of all that is, unifying body, mind and spirit. When pronouncing OM, it should sound like "home" without the "h" sound. When chanting OM, equal measure should be given to both the "O" and the "M" sounds (i.e., oooommmm). Take in a deep breath and voice the sound as you exhale through the mouth. When chanted with love, devotion and sincerity, the positive effects are greatly accentuated.