Wednesday, February 14, 2018

The Goal Of Natural Shamanism And Spirituality

By Mary Roberts


When it comes to choosing a spiritual path, individuals have options. For example, while meditation and yoga are common with New Age believers, so too is Natural Shamanism. Whereas, a number of people do not understand the basic beliefs or goals of practice.

When defining the term shamanism, it is often suggest to be a health path or spiritual tradition. For, the basic concept of the practice is to build a stronger sense of connection to spirit and nature. First discovered as a spiritual path by Anthropologists, the term refers to an ancient Siberian tribe. Upon encountering the tribe, these individuals learned about the practice and associated rituals. After which, the term Shaman was given, and refers to the leaders of these indigenous tribes.

Later, it was discovered that the practice had cross-cultural connections to nature and spirit. After which, the practice and terminology became popular in varying parts of the world. Since that time, a newer form of shamanism has been developed which is often the esoteric form found by those practicing in the Western world.

Once this New Age version took hold, the practice became far more popularized as part and parcel to New Age and Pagan beliefs. Now, it is often difficult to differentiate between the two practices. At the same time, shamans with an ancestry, heritage and history are often considered ancient. Whereas, those holding meetings and social groups at New Age bookstores and other locations are often considered esoteric.

While there are many people whom consider shamanism the universal spiritual wisdom of all indigenous tribes, there are others whom disagree. For, while most all ancient spirituality and practices are rooted in nature, there are tribes with differing belief systems. As such, while it is a method which people can use to strengthen a connection between spirit and nature, it is not a belief or method shared by everyone.

Ancient shamans often believe that only the earliest Shamans and descendants have healing powers. For, it is believed that the ability and practice with regards to healing has been handed down through generations. Whereas, while there can be present day shamans, most indigenous tribes believe only those descended from ancient shamans have such power. In either case, it is often good to do a background check before providing payment to anyone whom claims to have cleansing or healing powers, a shaman or otherwise.

In fact, most shamans who provide healing in this day and age often do so on a voluntary basis. In most cases, the healer will request a donation, while sometimes recommending a nominal monetary value. While this is the case, as it is the duty of these individuals to heal others as well as animals, wild life, sea life, people and the planet, this is not always the case. In order to provide healing to others, those doing so often maintain an ongoing committed daily practice to achieve these and other shamanistic goals.

With the ultimate goal being to create overall balance and well being, it can often be important to focus and meditate on a daily basis. There are times when shamans can be called to set up a vigil as a method of obtaining a calling or purpose. Whereas, there are others whom travel to different spiritual areas in order to strengthen and renew body, mind and spirit.




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