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Basic Shamanic Functions 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 |
Assuming that you have read my version of, "What is a Shaman?", let's now have a look at a by-no-means-complete list of what are generally accepted as shamanic practices. Very important to understand at this point is that these descriptions are based solely from my experiences of them and I do not claim that all shaman, everywhere, hold the same definitions or even the same services. All anyone may offer on a collective description of a widely variant practice is generalisation, of which I am herein guilty. I would strongly suggest that before attempting any of the things listed here, the reader seek the counsel of someone who you trust fully to have experience AND abilities in these functions to help and guide you. If something feels wrong, if that voice within is warning you of something, please, please, please listen! No one practice is more valuable than another Shamanistic practice is not ego driven! To assume that wrestling with a demon is somehow better, more valuable or more beneficial than visiting the upper world and meeting a spirit guide is an exercise of machismo driven futility and great peril which ultimately proves foolhardiness and disrespect rather than the glory sought. Such machismo places all of those within the realm of their prideful and foolish person at risk, and they place themselves at dire risk. Delusions, illusions and wishful thinking characterise many non-tribal folk who claim to be shaman; regardless of motivation. Understand that a tribal shaman is the keeper of tradition and lore for his or her community, an intermediary between the ancestors of a people and their community. Shaman is a description of a role rather than a title to be attained or bought. Someone who is a shaman does not require certification as they are recognised for what they are by their peers and their community through their achievements. For those seeking a shamanic practitioner in industrialised cultures far removed from traditional roles, seek people that have definitive, tangible and credible results occur regularly. One who understands shamanic practice will not have a Yellow Pages advert! A great example of results that can not be faked might be a heavy, immobile scar following a traumatic surgery which softens, disappears or changes substantially with a soul retrieval based around that surgery. Seek one who is gentle and respectful of the spirits, the client and their practice. Ego, machismo and exaggerated confidence are all pretty strong indicators, in this context, of a plastic shaman. Individual shamanic practices vary greatly Just as some people are better at golf than they are at bowling, shamanic talents vary and the wise practitioner recognises their strengths and limitations. It is also very important to note that not all shaman nor shamanic practitioners venture beyond (or even deeply into) shadow work. Dark work is a calling within shamanism and is not a place where those who are not called to do it should venture willingly. Dark work is not an indicator of a better, stronger or more powerful shaman as (a) there is no such legitimate thing, and (b) all power, effort and talent comes from a place other than the shaman in the first place! Imagine a world champion basket-baller trying to fly a fighter jet untrained; talent in one aspect does not confer or require talent in all. OK, I am off my soap-box now! On with what it is that you can expect of shamanic practitices:
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About Craig:
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