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Introduction - Shamanic Practices Mankind alone amongst the beasts demonstrably examines and actively seeks to understand and quantify his existence. Until he examines the physical, spiritual and mental as an integrated whole, the Question will not be answered. Until viewed wholistically, any answers can make no sense because the Questions themselves are not understood. -- Craig Berry |
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Psi Field *
Preface *
Jealousy & possessiveness Shamanism Light Work Shadow Work Dark Work |
One of the most well known yet least understood mechanisms of shamanic practice is that of shamanic journeying. Around the world, shamanic cultures have used many different mechanisms to facilitate journeying; often referred to as trance states by anthropologists etc.. Chanting, Dancing, Drumming (rhythmic sounds), Fasting, Physical pain/trial and taking entheogens like peyote, ayahuasca, or psychedelic mushrooms are all popularised ways of achieving a journeying state of mind.
Regardless of the methods used to achieve the mind state for journeying, the aim is to take the mind into a state of deep relaxation similar to that of self-hypnosis where the target brain wave activity is in the very low Alpha to Theta range of around three to five cycles per second. Probably the most famous in Western cultures are the entheogens. Peyote and ayahuasca are arguably the most popularised substances to achieve this state of mind. Many plastic shaman and new-age explorers use these substances in a recreational or near-recreational manner. Whilst shaman of different areas routinely use these substances to assist 'clients' into journeying, they are neither necessary, nor in many cultures, preferred. One of the more popular and safer forms of achieving this state of mind is a monotonous, repetitive sound in the form of chants, drumming, rattles etc. The target rate is 240 beats per minute or 4 cycles per second, helping the listener anchor to that magic four cycles per second. Repetitive sound is, in my opinion, the safest and simplest form of journeying as it allows a conscious return, unlike entheogens which keep the user in altered states until the chemical effect wears off. Another danger in substance enhanced journeying becomes real when a user unexperienced in journeying places themselves under entheogenic influence and literally lose themselves. In traditional society, 'lay persons' will use these substances only under the supervision and guidance of an experienced shaman to ensure their complete and safe return. Whilst those in industrialised society might scoff at this idea, the evidence of psychosis, schizophrenia and delusional/irrational behaviours following so called, 'bad trips' with LSD and other psychedelic agents are real and documented. Science is at a loss to explain why this is so; shamanism recognises it as a deep and real danger of unwise journeying. Using soul recovery techniques, many who have suffered loss of self through these journeying mishaps can be reunited with a near immediate and complete clinical reversal of pathological signs. Endorphin highs through pain, sweat lodging and similar can also take a person to this altered state but the most common non-entheogenic path to journeying is exposure to a repetitive sound or constant beat dancing. Physical exhaustion may also be used in some cultures but the euphoric state brought on by this practice is considered detrimental to the spirit and limits the useful 'working life' of a shaman considerably, as does the pain/physical deprivation route. NEXT - Shamanic Worlds |
About Craig:
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