In the last decade or so, we¡¯ve witnessed an explosion of healing therapies and channels of spirituality that we can connect with. Reiki, theta healing, and angel guidance are just some of them. But there is one philosophy which is one of the oldest belief systems in the world dating back to almost 30,000 years and is still prevalent in a few cultures around the world. Shamanism is a traditional spiritual practice known to have started in Siberia and Mongolia. In ancient times, its practitioners were referred to as witch doctors or ¡®priests of the devil¡¯, since shamans have the power to enter trance at will. To understand correctly, shamans are healers who can move into altered states of consciousness, connect with the spirit world to bring back information for healing purposes and help individuals diagnose their problem using the knowledge they gather.?
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Shamans use elaborate techniques and tools to carry out their rituals. These may vary, but the main essence remains the same. For instance, drums and rattles are essential elements. However, in certain parts of the world, they may not be required at all. The main focus is on how effectively the shaman can connect with the energies required for healing. Detachment from ego and pride are the main lessons that a shaman strives to master. Compassion and empathy are necessary skills to be a successful shaman. ?
Some of the techniques used include soul retrieval, spirit channelling, stone healing and sacred pipe. In each of these processes, the shaman journeys to other worlds. However, he/she retains control over their physical body. In soul retrieval, the shaman enters a state of trance to bring back missing parts of a client¡¯s soul. In stone healing, stones are used to create power bands around the individual, for protection. These serve as shields.
Spirit channelling is one of the most common techniques. It involves making a direct connection with the spirit world and the client¡¯s body. The spirits send their healing through compassionate songs. The sacred pipe is used mostly by shamans in North America.?
The consumption of alcohol, magic mushrooms and hallucinogenic brews is common for attainment of ecstasy to perform their rituals. Shamans are dressed in robes made from animal skin, accompanied by an elaborate headgear and a percussion drum (or tambourine). The headgear is made up of bird feathers, and these give the shaman strength and versatility. In some traditions, the headdress is made of deer antlers.?
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The earliest references of shamanism in Siberia are around the 14th century. It involved a reverence for all spirits since it was believed that everything in the natural world was governed by spirit force. Shamans in those days were not just limited to being healers, but they also took on other roles such as curing diseases, interpreting dreams, blessing new born babies, overseeing burials and even serving as midwives. Yes, women could be shamans, too. They are referred to as Shamankas.?
Initiation was either a hereditary process through either of the parents, or when the individual felt a strong calling towards the cult and left mainstream society to dabble in the practice. Often times, these initiations included episodes of rebirth, journeys to the underworld, or out-of-body experiences.?
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Research shows that the shamans from Siberia travelled across the Bering land bridge which connected Siberia to Alaska, and this is how shamanism reached parts of North America, South America and Africa. The Bering Bridge disappeared 12,000 years ago due to the melting of the Artic glaciers. Today, these regions have several tribes and communities, which continue to persevere in the practice, each with its own variations and adaptations.?