Shaman's Realm
Many times, I am asked the meaning of Shamanism, what it is, and what it entails. This is a difficult thing to answer, for there are many facets, many beliefs and many different concepts of Shamanism. But, I will attempt to explain - at least in part - this realm of the Shaman.
To begin, among my own people, as with many Nations, the term used is not Shaman, but Holy Man or Holy Woman. Shaman has grown to be a common term, as has calling the Native American an Indian. I have often heard it said that the Holy ones are somewhat touched in the head, for they walk in both worlds - the Spirit world as well as the terrestrial.. that sometimes one is so caught in the Spirit thoughts that he seems not totally here.
I guess in a way, this may seem true, for the Holy ones do deal with the Spirit world, and the Spirits of all living things. We teach, we guide, and we heal. It seems the hardest lesson for mankind to learn is to listen to the spirit voice within us; for the Spirit is true, and will never misguide you. Too often, the voice of the mind rules, and then when things falter, we blame the Spirit voice. The voice of our desires, our angers and our frustrations can be very loud, and can make it difficult to hear the gentle voice of our Spirit.
The Holy ones strive to walk a path of peace, though this is sometimes a difficult task, for we deal with the wounds and scars foolishly created within the gentle Sacred Spirit. It can be a hard task to bring answers and healing to a spirit that has been torn and tattered by years of abuse and wrongs done. We see the wounds, and we feel the pain that has been inflicted by others. It is not always easy to provide an answer and understanding as to why these things happen. But it is only in the understanding of why that the spirit may release the pain, and know healing.
We know the powers of the animals and the plants around us, and know that each animal has special gifts and teachings for us to learn. We have animal totems and animal guides which help us in our daily lives. We respect all life - and know the healing powers of the plants, the roots, and other things. We walk as one with the animals, and with all that lives on our Earth Mother.
All too often, we face bringing healing to the Spirit of one that has known great pain. All too often, we see the anger rule, and lead to fighting and wars. Too often the Earth Mother knows the pain of seeing her lands torn and wasted; and watches her children being slaughtered for sport. It is not a good way, for in the end, man will suffer the greatest loss. Listen to the spirit voice within, and learn to hear with your heart.
Often, I have taught to view the Spirit as the Spider's Web. When we touch this web, it adheres to our skin, and a bond is formed. And so it is with the Sacred Spirit Web..we cannot touch the spirit of another without this bond. If you pull free of the Spider's Web, this delicate web is torn - sometimes beyond repair.
It is for this reason, one must seek within with truth and total honesty to know without question that if this bond is formed, there will be no tearing away. Only then may we seek to touch the Sacred Spirit Web of another. The Spirit is sacred, and this bond eternal. With time, this bond grows ever stronger, each gaining strength from the other, each becoming more and more a part of the other, until they are so entwined it is difficult to know where one ends and the other begins - and there is oneness. Remember always this Sacred Web, and touch it gently.
To ask what a Shaman or Holy Person is is like asking a priest, minister, or rabbi what his is and does. We deal with the Spirit - or soul of all living things. We strive to bring peace and healing, not only to Man, but to the Earth Mother as a whole. We are not gods - we are yet human, and yet know human weaknesses, anger, and frustrations. But, we often are found alone with our thoughts, or listening to the winds, and all that surrounds us. It seems that all too often, others see us as one they dare not approach, being unworthy of being in the presence of one with so much power and greatness. Yet, those that do find a very gentle spirit, and often an unexpected sense of humor. But the true Shaman, or Holy One does not boast of what he or she is, for our way is very humble and quiet. We are known by our actions, not our boasting. Many of our acts go quietly unnoticed by others, and that is as it should be.
Toksa, Kola - and may peace guide your journeys and the winds be gentle at your back.
-Ptesanwin
"wolfhawke"
graphics created by other artists and obtained from other pages.
midi - Dunbar from Dances With Wolves
last updated 7/5/99