The Soul of the Shaman

The distinguishing characteristic of shamanism is its focus on an ecstatic trance state in which the soul of the shaman is believed to leave his or her body and ascend to the sky (heavens) or descend into the earth (underworld). The drum, sometimes called the shaman's horse, provides the shaman a relatively easy means of controlled transcendence. Researchers have found that if a drum beat frequency of around three to four beats per second is sustained for at least fifteen minutes, it will induce significant trance states in most people, even on their first attempt. During shamanic flight, the sound of the drum serves as a guidance system, indicating where the shaman is at any moment or where they might need to go. The drumbeat also serves as an anchor, or lifeline, that the shaman follows to return to his or her body and/or exit the trance state when the trance work is complete.

The shaman's mount, namely the single-headed frame drum, originated in Siberia along with shamanism itself thousands of years ago. The word shaman comes from Siberia, and it is in this vast geographical region where shamanism proper is to be found. Siberian shamans use the frame drum to convey to the spirits of a place their greetings, any requests, and thanks. It is a spiritual practice designed to help human beings relate to all of nature. Siberia is one of the few places in the world where the shamanic heritage has remained unbroken. Read more.

Top 10 Books on Shamanism

This is a list of the ten books that most influenced my path of shamanism. I have read many other informative books, but these are the books that most resonated with me on my shamanic path of learning and fulfillment. Shamanism offers a valid and effective path back to our soul and its purpose for being here. By engaging life from a shamanic perspective, we rediscover our core values and deep loves, find others who share them, and recommit our lives to living from what has heart and meaning. Listed in order of year of publication, my top 10 books are:

1. The Way of the Shaman: A Guide to Power and Healing (1980) by Michael Harner. Founder of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, Harner blazed the trail for the worldwide revival of shamanism and shamanic drumming with his 1980 seminal classic. This informative guide to core shamanic practice set me on a new course in life. From this guide, I learned to hone my skills of shamanic journeying. Harner teaches core shamanism, the universal and common methods of the shaman to enter "non-ordinary reality" for problem solving and healing. Particular emphasis is on the classic shamanic journey; one of the most remarkable visionary methods used by humankind to access inner wisdom and guidance by the teachers within. Learning to journey is the first step in becoming a shamanic practitioner.

2. Secrets of Shamanism: Tapping the Spirit Power Within You (1988) by Jose Luis Stevens. This was among the first books I read about shamanism. It is a useful introductory guide to personal shamanic practice. It is very easy to read and has lots of information. I keep a copy of this on my bookshelf for reference and recommend it to anyone interested in learning core shamanic techniques.

3. Urban Shaman (1990) by Serge Kahili King, Ph.D. Dr. King is the author of many works on Huna and Hawaiian shamanism. He has a doctorate in psychology and was trained in shamanism by the Kahili family of Kauai. Today he teaches people how to use shamanic healing techniques and uses his knowledge of Huna to help others discover their own creative power. Huna refers to a way of life, a way of being, that brings healing to the self and to the world at large. Uniquely suited for use in today's world, Hawaiian shamanism follows the way of the adventurer, which produces change through love and cooperation -- in contrast to the widely known way of the warrior, which emphasizes solitary quests and conquest by power.

4. The Spirit Of Shamanism (1990) by Roger N. Walsh, Ph.D. This scholarly text is a great addition to any library. Dr. Walsh offers an exciting look at the variety of shamanic practices and its basis in sound psychological principles from a thoroughly Western perspective. The timeless wealth of spiritual insights available through shamanic techniques are shown to the modern, non-tribal student.

5. Being and Vibration (1993) by Joseph Rael and Mary Marlow. Of the many books I have read on sound healing, none resonated with me more than Rael's beautiful treatise on vibration. Highly respected Ute healer and visionary Rael teaches that the nature of all existence is vibration. From human breath and heartbeat to the pulsating energies of subatomic particles, to expansion and contraction of stars and of the universe itself, there is pulsation-vibration inherent in all that exists. Rael's teachings show how we may experience spiritual reality in its totality through drumming, chanting, and vision quests. The book includes practical instructions and visualizations around breath, chant, and sound.

6. The Invisible Landscape: Mind, Hallucinogens and the I Ching (1994) by Terence and Dennis McKenna. This is a thoroughly revised edition of the much-sought-after early (1975) work by the McKenna brothers that looks at shamanism, altered states of consciousness, and the organic unity of the King Wen sequence of the I Ching. I discovered this visionary book while researching my 1997 book, I Ching: The Tao of Drumming. I was fascinated by Terence McKenna's theory that the King Wen sequence of the 64 hexagrams represents a wave model of time. I spent hours trying to decipher the complexities of the "Time Wave Theory" in order to write about it in my own book. Simply put, the King Wen sequence is a symbolic blueprint of the unfolding continuum of time in which events and situations recur on many different scales of duration. Each hexagram represents a unique yet integral wave cycle within the continuum. Many reputable scientists and physicists have embraced it. It has broken the barriers between esoteric philosophy and pragmatism.

7. Ecstatic Body Postures: An Alternate Reality Workbook (1995) by Belinda Gore. Anthropologist Felicitas Goodman discovered that specific yoga-like poses recur in the art and artifacts of world cultures, even societies widely separated by time and space. Goodman's hypothesis, therefore, was that these postures represented coded instructions on how to produce consistent trance-like effects. Goodman researched and explored ritual body postures as a means to achieve a bodily induced trance experience. She discovered that people who assume these body postures report strikingly similar trance experiences irrespective of their worldview or belief systems. With clear instructions and illustrations, Belinda Gore, one of Dr. Goodman's prominent students, demonstrates these shamanic postures and how to work with them. There are different postures that facilitate divination, shapeshifting, spirit journeys, and more.

8. Riding Windhorses: A Journey into the Heart of Mongolian Shamanism (2000) by Sarangerel Odigon. The first book written about Mongolian and Siberian shamanism by a shaman trained in that tradition. This is a great introduction to Mongolian and Siberian shamanic beliefs and practices. Sarangerel was an American of Mongolian descent. As an adult she returned to live in the place of her ancestors and studied Mongolian shamanism for many years. She was the author of two books on Tengerism (Mongolian shamanism). Both of her books are in my top 10.

9. Chosen by the Spirits: Following Your Shamanic Calling (2001) by Sarangerel Odigon. In her second book, Sarangerel delves more deeply into the personal relationship between the shamanic student and his or her spirit family. She recounts her own journey into Mongolian shamanism and provides the serious student with practical advice and hands-on techniques for recognizing and acknowledging a shamanic calling, welcoming and embodying the spirits, journeying to the spirit world, and healing both people and places. Sarangerel traveled across the globe passing on the teachings of her people to all who wanted to learn them. Sadly, in 2006 she passed into spirit.

10. Shamanism: A Biopsychosocial Paradigm of Consciousness and Healing (2010) by Michael Winkelman. Winkelman is one of the world's foremost scholars on shamanism. His groundbreaking book contains cross-cultural examinations of the nature of shamanism, biological perspectives on alterations of consciousness, mechanisms of shamanic healing, as well as the evolutionary origins of shamanism. It presents the shamanic paradigm within a biopsychosocial framework for explaining successful human evolution through group rituals. According to Winkelman, shamanism is rooted in innate functions of the brain, mind, and consciousness. As Winkelman puts it, "The cross-cultural manifestations of basic experiences related to shamanism (e.g., soul flight, death-and-rebirth, animal identities) illustrates that these practices are not strictly cultural but are structured by underlying, biologically inherent structures. These are neurobiological structures of knowing that provide the universal aspects of the human brain/mind." This book is a must read for any serious student of shamanism.

 

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The Bear Spirit Posture

In my previous post, I described anthropologist Felicitas Goodman's research on ecstatic trance postures. To introduce you to ritual body postures, I have selected a powerful healing posture from Belinda Gore's book, Ecstatic Body Postures: An Alternate Reality Book. According to Gore, one of Dr. Goodman's prominent students, the ancient Bear Spirit Posture is for curing disease and restoring harmony and balance to the individual and the community. This comfortable standing posture connects us to Grandfather Bear -- the "great healer." Evidence of this posture has been found throughout the world, dating from 6000 BC and still in use today. The Bear Spirit will absorb any negative feelings, blockages or emotional trauma within you. It is not unusual to experience being split open. Trancers often describe having their bodies scored by the claws of the Bear Spirit to release emotional and physical toxins. And even though mutilation is a common theme in this posture, rarely do people report having real physical pain with this trance. It is not uncommon for people to sway, rock, bounce, or shake in this posture; however, no one has ever fallen. Along with physical movement, people frequently experience intense heat, which is associated with being healed. Members of my shamanic circle have effectively utilized the Bear Spirit Posture in psychopomp work -- the shamanic art of assisting others in their death journey to the other side.

To assume this posture, stand with your feet parallel, about six inches apart, and point your toes straight ahead. Keep your knees slightly bent, removing any strain on your lower back. Curl your hands, as though you are holding a small, imaginary egg in the palm of each hand, and then place them across your belly. Place your thumbs loosely on your fingers, and hold your fingertips next to one another, but not pressed against each other. Position your hands so that your folded fingers form a tall triangle over your navel. The first joint of the index finger of each hand should touch to form the apex of the triangle. Keep your upper arms relaxed and close to your body. Tilt your head back to look at the seam where the wall meets the ceiling of the room. Close your eyes, and relax your jaw so your mouth hangs slightly open.

To enter a trance state and support your journey, you will need to listen to a shamanic journey drumming recording. Close your eyes, focus your attention on the sound of the drum, and imagine the power of Spirit Bear flowing through you, with all of its corresponding abilities. You may feel it, see it, sense it, or simply imagine it. As you focus on it, it will occur. All energy follows thought. If your mind wanders, bring the focus of your attention back to the beat of the drum. Drumming opens portals to the spirit world, draws spirit in, and opens you up to receive it.

Keep in mind that trancing requires a large amount of energy. After the journey, get plenty of rest and drink a lot of water. Avoid any kind of focused or intense activity for the rest of the day, and get a good night's sleep.

Ecstatic Trance Postures

I highly recommend incorporating ecstatic trance postures into your shamanic practice. Some of my most profound journey experiences have taken place while holding shamanic postures. Anthropologist Felicitas Goodman discovered that specific yoga-like poses recur in the art and artifacts of world cultures, even societies widely separated by time and space. Goodman's hypothesis, therefore, was that these postures represented coded instructions on how to produce consistent trance-like effects. Goodman researched and explored ritual body postures as a means to achieve a bodily induced trance experience. Her studies led her to many countries, and to trying out these body positions practically with hundreds of participants worldwide. She discovered that people who assume these body postures report strikingly similar trance experiences irrespective of their worldview or belief systems.

These postures produce a common effect, according to Goodman, because they all share one thing in common: the human body, the basic structure and functioning of which has remained unchanged since the time of our most ancient ancestors. The nervous and endocrine systems are, in fact, all much the same as they were 30,000 years ago, a fact which enables contemporary urban dwellers to enter non-ordinary reality as effectively, and through the same neural doorways, as shamans throughout history. You can access, energize, and integrate your creative and intuitive potential. Combined with shamanic drumming, the postures engender a profound change in consciousness, leading to new insights into healing, inner development and soul purpose. In her book, Where the Spirits Ride the Wind: Trance Journeys and Other Ecstatic Experiences, Goodman describes different postures that facilitate divination, healing, spirit journeys and more. In my next post, I will introduce you to my favorite trance posture.

Goodman identified several prerequisites for a successful trance posture experience, many of which will be familiar to you from your standard shamanic journey:

1. Preparing oneself spiritually, mentally and physically;
2. Establishing a sacred space with intention and respect;
3. Quieting the mind through meditation and breathing practices;
4. Inducing a trance state with a repetitive rhythm on a drum or rattle;
5. Holding a specific trance posture for at least 15 minutes.

What you will experience

Ecstatic trance is not always what many people anticipate it to be, and sometimes there may be doubt that anything at all takes place. There are, however, some key indicators that confirm a transcendent state of consciousness. Once you enter a trance state, the rhythm or sound of the drum tends to change. The drumbeat may appear to speed up or slow down while the sound may grow louder, softer or disappear. You may experience a change in body temperature, feel energy flowing through your body, or find yourself twitching, swaying or rocking.

It is not uncommon to hear sounds or voices. You may even smell specific aromas. You may see colorful patterns, symbolic images or dreamlike visions. Some people may find that they have a highly developed inner vision, whereas others may rely more on an inner voice of insight or an inner feeling of certainty. Be prepared to experience ecstatic trance with any of your senses. The key is to observe whatever happens without trying to analyze the experience.

Ancient Wisdom for the Modern World

Huichol Yarn Painting

The Huichols, an indigenous tribe that lives in the mountainous region of central Mexico, are some of the happiest, healthiest, wisest people on earth. Many of them are shamans, and a surprising number of their tribe surpass 100 and work in the fields up until the day they die. Shaman-healer Brant Secunda traveled to Mexicoas a young man and was invited to live with the Huichols for 12 years, where he became the adopted grandson of a shaman named Don José Matsuwa, who lived to be 110. There are many lessons he learned from the Huichols, which he now writes about and teaches to others. One of them is how to cultivate a personal bond with nature. In the modern world we often get so caught up in our busy lives that we forget to honor our inherent connection with the natural world. Read more.

The Shamanic Revival

Shamanism has achieved a dramatic modern resurgence. A recent study by one of the foremost scholars on shamanism today reveals that the contemporary world still hungers for transcendent experiences because the shamanic narrative is hard-wired in us all. In his 2010 book, Shamanism: A Biopsychosocial Paradigm of Consciousness and Healing, Michael Winkelman presents the shamanic paradigm within a biopsychosocial framework for explaining successful human evolution through group rituals. According to Winkelman, shamanism is rooted in innate functions of the brain, mind, and consciousness. As Winkelman puts it, "The cross-cultural manifestations of basic experiences related to shamanism (e.g., soul flight, death-and-rebirth, animal identities) illustrates that these practices are not strictly cultural but are structured by underlying, biologically inherent structures. These are neurobiological structures of knowing that provide the universal aspects of the human brain/mind" (n1)

The psychobiological basis of shamanism provided it with functional roles in survival and cultural evolution, producing an evolved psychology that has applications in relatively intractable modern problems such as addictions treatment and in addressing the consequences of psychological trauma, alienation, and disconnectedness. Winkelman elaborates on shamanism as a paradigm of self-empowerment which strengthens individuals' ability to take an active role in their health and well-being. Shamanic practices produce deeper self-awareness by enhancing the use of the entire brain and provide "a vital connection with community and the spiritual dimensions of human health that have been lacking in modern societies." (n2)

Furthermore, recent studies demonstrate that the innate "modules" of rhythm, like percussion or dance, provide a secular approach to accessing a higher power and applying spiritual perspectives. The American Journal of Public Health reviewed drum therapy in its April 2003 edition, concluding that "shamanic drumming directly supports the introduction of spiritual factors found significant in the healing process. Shamanic activities bring people efficiently and directly into immediate encounters with spiritual forces, focusing the client on the whole body and integrating healing at physical and spiritual levels. This process allows them to connect with the power of the universe, to externalize their own knowledge, and to internalize their answers; it also enhances their sense of empowerment and responsibility. These experiences are healing, bringing the restorative powers of nature to clinical settings." (n3)

To learn more, visit my website at ShamanicDrumming.com. This site is part of my effort to create a vibrant international community devoted to shamanic drumming as a vehicle for healing, consciousness expansion, and community building. I invite you to listen to shamanic music, try a shamanic journey, and browse articles to learn more about shamanism and shamanic drumming. Find shamanic circles, drums, books, music, supplies, and practitioners at www.ShamanicDrumming.com/.

References

(n1.) Michael Winkelman, Shamanism: A Biopsychosocial Paradigm of Consciousness and Healing (Praeger; 2 edition 2010), p. 38.

(n2.) Michael Winkelman. Shamanism as Neurotheology and Evolutionary Psychology. Tech. 13 May 2002. Web. 28 Feb. 2012. <http://www.public.asu.edu/~atmxw/absneuro.pdf>.

(n3.) Michael Winkelman, "Complementary Therapy for Addiction: Drumming Out Drugs," American Journal of Public Health; Apr 2003, Vol. 93 Issue 4, p647, 5p.