I consider shamanism to be the earliest form of healing work known to man. It has been practiced by indigenous people for thousands of years, maybe as much as 80,000 years ago. Since it is the first known form of healing, I believe that every form since has been born out of shamanism and contains shamanic healing in some way. An interesting fact about shamanism, is that indigenous people all over the world practiced it in similar ways without ever having direct contact with one another.
Shamanism is a spiritual practice that involves a person interacting with the spirit world through an altered state of consciousness, or trance. This altered state is called a Journey, and the goal is to ask spirits or spiritual energy to help heal a person in the physical world.
Shamanism teaches us that everything that exists is alive and has a spirit. Practicing shamanism, involves working with nature to expand our understanding of how we are in relationship with everything. We are connected to animals, plants, the elements, the cosmos, and much more. When we practice shamanism, we call on all the spirits that want to assist us in our healing by building a relationship with our allies.
Shamanism helps us look at and heal three major causes of illness: Soul Loss, Spiritual Intrusions, and Loss of Power. Soul Loss occurs when a person experiences a mental, emotional or physical trauma. It is believed that a piece of our soul flakes off to protect us from the experience. That lost piece can be brought back to heal the person through a process called a Soul Retrieval. Spiritual Intrusions are when a person takes on misplaced energy in some form that causes illness for that person. Intrusions can be removed through a process called an Extraction. Loss of Power is when a person loses life force energy through an experience which causes depression or anxiety. One form of healing for the Loss of Power is to retrieve a Power Animal for assisting a person to work through emotionally difficult times.
By taking classes on Shamanism, we can experience personal spiritual growth and become more aligned with our True Self. Through the process of being in a deep relationship with the Spirit World, we truly are connected to the Universe.
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