Unbeknown to me, on a sub conscious level, I have been practising Shamanism for over 20 years and I can tell you it made me quite excited when I realised.
Shamans might get a bad rep - people can hold an image of a scary witch doctor, using medicines, trances and intense sounds to work their magic. Yet when you strip it right back, Shaman - 'one who sees in the dark', means to connect with, what others might not yet see, feel or hear, especially when working between the 3 worlds. Essentially, shamans, or those that practice Shamanic healing 'see' energy.
Shamanism, an ancient spiritual practice found in many cultures worldwide, is rooted in the belief that everything in the universe is interconnected. Shamans, the practitioners of this tradition, act as connectors between the physical world and the spiritual realm, using their connection to heal, guide, and protect their communities. Central to shamanic practice are the Medicine Wheel and the Three Worlds, which together offer a deeper understanding of life and awakening spiritual healing.
The Medicine Wheel
The Medicine Wheel is a powerful symbol in shamanism, representing the cycle of life, the four cardinal directions, and the interconnectedness of all things. Each direction—East, South, West, and North—holds distinct energies and teachings:
East: Symbolises new beginnings, vision, and enlightenment. It's associated with the sunrise, spring, and the element of air.
South: Represents growth, abundance, and trust. Linked to the warmth of summer, midday sun, and the element of fire.
West: Signifies transformation, introspection, and endings. Connected to the sunset, autumn, and the element of water.
North: Embodies wisdom, stability, and renewal. It corresponds to the stillness of winter, night, and the element of earth.
Walking the Medicine Wheel, a shaman gains insights into the balance and harmony of life, understanding the importance of each phase and element. This holistic view aids in diagnosing spiritual imbalances and prescribing remedies that align with the natural order.
The Three Worlds
Another cornerstone of shamanic belief is the concept of the Three Worlds: Upper, Middle, and Lower. Each world holds unique spirits and energies, accessible through shamanic journeying.
Upper World: A realm of celestial beings and ancestral spirits, it offers guidance, wisdom, and a higher perspective. Shamans visit this world to gain insights into the divine and seek spiritual growth.
Middle World: The domain of ordinary reality, inhabited by nature spirits and the souls of living beings. Shamans work here to address everyday issues, heal relationships, and connect with the spirits of plants and animals.
Lower World: The underworld of primal energies and power animals, it provides strength, healing, and direct answers to life’s challenges. Shamans journey to this world to retrieve lost soul parts and reclaim personal power.
Spiritual Healing and the connection to Shamanism
Shamanic healing is deeply rooted in restoring harmony and balance within an individual. When someone experiences illness or distress, it is often seen as a sign of spiritual disconnection or an imbalance in their energy field. For many years I have been working on the exact vibration, going back to the original source of the imbalance of energy (samskara) and releasing it, to allow healing on this realm, at this time. Gradually introducing more sound and journeying into my treatments and letting the Shamanic energy guide me.
I am by no means calling myself a Shaman, this is a title that must be given to you by your elders or tribe, yet the more I learn, the more my heart sings, as if I was born knowing it and I am finally remembering. Maybe in a past life.....
My new online course begins September 5th 2024 if you want to dive into this even deeper with me
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