The way of Shamanic Mediation 

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Basic description: Entry into altered states of consciousness in which persons become mediators or channels for the intervention of spiritual reality, in the expectation that “supernatural” (trans-mundane) recourses of imagination, power, and guidance will be released for solving or dealing with otherwise intractable problems of life. Expressed through phenomena such as “possession trance,“ “oracular utterance,” “ ecstatic vision,” and/or spirit journeying,” it seeks at-one-ment with ultimate reality in what is taken to be its readiness to bring about healing, well-being and fulfillment for the world.
Text Box: Basic description: Entry into altered states of consciousness in which persons become mediators or channels for the intervention of spiritual reality, in the expectation that “supernatural” (trans-mundane) recourses of imagination, power, and guidance will be released for solving or dealing with otherwise intractable problems of life. Expressed through phenomena such as “possession trance,“ “oracular utterance,” “ ecstatic vision,” and/or spirit journeying,” it seeks at-one-ment with ultimate reality in what is taken to be its readiness to bring about healing, well-being and fulfillment for the world.

 

 

 

 

Characteristic virtues                                    Characteristic vices

         or excellences of practice                           or degenerations of practice

1. Competence: Mastery of the spirit realm; mastery over oneself vis-à-vis the spirit realm; discernment of spirits (distinguishing good from bad or evil spirits); highly developed imagination; direct, sustained acquaintance with the spirit realm and not just secondhand knowledge that has been acquired from others; acquired charisma that evokes and keeps other persons’ trust; developed trust in the processes of shamanic mediation.

 

2. Balance of finitude and infinitude:

Awesome sense of the mysteries of the spirit world coupled with deep appreciation for the fragile  beauty and good of the mundane world; openness to and trust in the deep imagination but not indiscriminate trust; composure and confidence with respect to spiritual powers (yet not overconfident), coupled with the appreciation of the arts and crafts of mundane practice (e.g. mundane healing arts); knowledge of one’s own limitations coupled with a sense of a shaman’s high calling.

 

3. Selflessness: Sincerity of commitment to spiritual guidance, healing and empowerment for the sake of the greater good of the person, the group, and the larger living community (i.e., commitment to so-called “white magic” spiritual power for the good); radical honesty and sincerity (freedom from duplicitous motivation); open commitment to spiritual growth and transformation; always treating other persons as spiritual ends in themselves, never as mere means.

1. Shadow side of competence: readiness to treat all problems as calling for solvable through shamanic mediation; spiritual impulsiveness and lack of structure.

 

2. Incompetence: Lack of basic, sustained acquaintance with the spirit world; lack of spiritual discernment; un-cognizance of danger, recklessness and foolhardiness (flirting with danger) in relation to the spirit world; overconfidence in one’s mastery of the spirit world  and of oneself; distrust and skepticism towards the spirit world and the processes of shamanic mediation.

 

3. Imbalance: Loss of finitude: Inordinate preoccupation with the spirit world and shamanic mediation in a way that eclipses mundane concerns and appreciation of mundane practice (e.g. mundane healing arts and technology) and ordinary common sense; indiscriminate trust in “supernatural” powers and spirit guidance (occultism).

 

4. Imbalance: Loss of infinitude: Charlatanism and fakery; spiritual adventurism and “power tripping”; shamanic dilettantism; preoccupation with the outer forms and rituals of shamanism with no genuine involvement of personal transformation; loss (or lack) of the awesome mystery of the spirit realm.

 

5. Egoism: So-called “black magic” or “black sorcery,” where supernatural and occult forces, or the appearance thereof, are employed to promote egoistic motives, material advantage, or the detriment of some person or group.

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