Portraits of Shamans from Around the World

Baruch Osorno, from Mexico

The Festival du Chamanisme, or Shamanism Festival, is an annual event in Genac, France that brings together shamans from around the world. Photographer Flore-Aël Surun photographed shamans from all over the world at the festival in France earlier this year. Surun, who is from France, said she observed as the shamans showed their respective rituals to one another. "(One shaman) will show how they get entranced and how they make their healing (rituals), so the shaman from the other country can see," she said. "It's like everyone learns about the culture of the other one." There is by no means just one definition or description of what it means to be a shaman, but Surun said the shamans she met were connected in their efforts to keep shamanic traditions alive, as well as in their common messages of peace and hope. Read more.

Awaken the Shaman Within

Shamanism has achieved a dramatic modern resurgence. Recent studies by some of the world's foremost scholars on shamanism reveal that the contemporary world still hungers for transcendent experiences because the shamanic narrative is hard-wired in us all. Study results demonstrate that the cross-cultural manifestations of shamanism and its contemporary appeal are rooted in innate functions of the brain, mind, and consciousness. Furthermore, recent studies demonstrate that the innate modules of rhythm, like percussion, provide a secular approach to accessing a higher power and applying spiritual perspectives. Each person has the ability to connect directly with shamanic states of consciousness through the power of the drum.

When pulsed at some three beats per second, rhythmic drumming induces an alpha wave cycle in the brain. Alpha activity is associated with meditation, light trance states, and holistic modes of consciousness. The alpha rhythm is the resonant frequency produced by our planet's electromagnetic field. All life on this planet is plugged into this primary frequency. When the brain oscillates in this common frequency, attunement to planetary collective consciousness is achieved. One's sense of being a separate individual gives way to an experience of union, not just with other individuals, but with the entire planet. Drumming is a quick and easy way to induce this state of unity consciousness.

This ease of induction of altered states and related experiences contrasts dramatically with the months or years of practice usually required by most meditative disciplines to induce significant effects. Today's drummers are rediscovering the trance or ecstatic aspects of drumming. This new rhythm consciousness is oriented not toward performance and musical virtuosity, but toward personal transformation, consciousness expansion, and community building. Shamanic drum ways do not require faith or changes in your definition of reality. No change in your subconscious mind is required either, for the drum only awakens what is already there. It will awaken the shaman that lies dormant within you. Read more.

Standing Rock Wins Big Victory

Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Fireworks filled the night sky above Oceti Sakowin Camp as activists celebrated after learning an easement had been denied for the Dakota Access Pipeline near the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 4, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The US Army Corps of Engineers announced Sunday that it will not grant an easement to the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross under Lake Oahe on the Sioux Tribes Standing Rock reservation, ending a months-long standoff. Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault II released a Statement on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decision to not grant easement.

Now is the Time to Stand

Dakota Access Pipeline Protest

Now is the time to take action. It's time to build a reciprocal relationship of meaning to the Earth and to each other. Protect the Waters in the place you call home -- this is our first source of life. Become a person of place. Put down roots where you are; learn the people, animals, and plants. Love the water, air, and land. No great healing of the planet will take place until humans adopt and adapt to a biocentric standard of "nature first." Consideration must be given to the seventh generation in every decision that we make and in every action that we take. As Earthkeepers, we should adopt lives of voluntary simplicity so we have both the time and economic resources to support environmental action. Read more.

Joining Sacred Pipes For Standing Rock

"Drumbeat of the Rainbow Fire"

Joining Sacred Pipes for Standing Rock. It is a BIG WEEKEND at Standing Rock this weekend, and people are praying for the situation, all over the world. There are many in America and Europe who are pipe carriers, pipe holders - we can all help to hold sacred space. If you can, join your pipes each day and make prayers for the Water Protectors between the 4th and the 6th of December. I know many of you reading this will not have pipes, but you can still help in a sacred manner. This is a critical time to unite in prayer for all our relations. Aho Mitakuye Oyasin!