The Shamanic Journey

Often, when experiencing a true Spiritual Awakening, there is a blend of healthy and pathological elements within the psyche.

Shaman Initiation

The process of shaman initiation is often associated with a spiritual awakening, as it involves a profound shift in consciousness and a deepening of one’s connection to the spiritual realm. During the initiation process, the shaman-to-be may experience intense emotional upheaval as they confront their deepest fears and vulnerabilities. This process of facing and integrating the shadow self is similar to the process of spiritual awakening described in the statement.

We’re forced to confront the darker aspects of ourselves and work toward our conscious awareness. This process can be challenging and requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to face one’s deepest fears and vulnerabilities. By embracing both the healthy and pathological elements within ourselves, we can move towards a more authentic and integrated being, and cultivate a deeper sense of connection to the world around us.

Hindu saint Ramakrishna was once asked, “How can one get rid of their lower self?” He responded, “Just as a blossom naturally withers away as the fruit grows, your lower self will also disappear as the divine within you strengthens and grows.”

INITIATION BY ELDER OR SPIRIT

Being severely damaged or wounded almost always initiates a “Calling” and often accelerates the emergence of the “Shamanic Archetype”, embedding itself into the unconscious.

Shaman: Humanities Origin

Shamanism is the origin from which humanity’s different spiritual disciplines emerged. The earliest known sources of modern psychotherapy in history are rooted in archaic shamanism.

Communicating With Spirits

Shamanism is a spiritual practice that involves communicating with spirits, ancestors, and other entities through altered states of consciousness. It is found in cultures all over the world, including those in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.

Spiritual Mediator Between Realms

In shamanism, the shaman serves as a mediator between the physical and spiritual worlds. By tapping into the spiritual realm, the shaman can gain insights and wisdom that can be used to help heal physical and emotional ailments.

Paleolithic Era

The earliest known forms of shamanism can be traced back to the Paleolithic era, which lasted from about 2.6 million years ago to around 10,000 BCE. During this time, humans began to develop spiritual beliefs and practices, including shamanism.

Shamanism played a significant role in many ancient cultures. For example, in Siberia, the shamans were known as the “chosen ones” and were considered to have the power to heal sickness, predict the weather, and communicate with the spirits of the dead.

Modern Psychotherapy

In addition to its spiritual aspects, shamanism has also been found to have therapeutic benefits. Modern psychotherapy, which aims to help individuals overcome emotional and mental health issues, has its roots in archaic shamanism.

Modern Psychology

For example, guided imagery, visualization, and meditation are all techniques that have been used by shamanic practitioners for thousands of years to access deeper levels of consciousness and heal psychological and emotional wounds.

In therapy, these techniques are often used to help clients access unconscious material and work through unresolved issues and traumas. Additionally, the use of ritual, storytelling, and symbolism in shamanic practices also has parallels in modern psychotherapy, particularly in narrative therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Overall, the shamanic worldview emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of spiritual and emotional well-being in healing physical and mental illness. These values are increasingly becoming recognized in mainstream psychological practice, highlighting the potential for shamanic practices to inform and enhance modern therapeutic approaches.