Shamanism
May 29th, 2008In many cultures Shamanism deals with the practices and beliefs related to communication with the spirit world. Only a few people in a society have the special powers to communicate with the spirits and are called shamans. Animals are message bearers and their behavior is often an indication of future events,
Though there are variations in the various forms of Shamanism practised in different parts of the world, there are some beliefs which are common.
These are:
1. The spirits can be good or bad.
2. They can play an important role in the life of a person
3. The Shaman can control and cooperate with the spirits for the benefit of the community.
4. By singing, dancing or meditation, the shaman can go into a trance.
5. During a trance, the spirit of a shaman may leave the body and enter the supernatural world.
6. The shamans can treat an illness and cure it.
Today Shamanism is the study and healing of relationships:
between mind, body, spirit and emotions;between people; between humans and nature; between matter and spirit.
The study is cross-cultural and multi-dimensional,providing the foundation for chosen spiritual practices.