The Path of the Shaman Then and Now

by Amber Wolfe

 
I recently heard a wonderfully simple definition of the word shaman .
It was: “A shaman is one who helps people in their dealings with the other worlds.”
These other worlds are the realms above, beyond, and deep within the experiences of our lives. These are the realms of spiritual, psychic vision and of pure, natural Earth energies. In shamanism, these worlds were traditionally represented as the upper world of the sky, or spirit levels, and the lower worlds of Earth and Nature. Humankind, along with all its symbols and traditions, was the middle world. Because of their abilities to alter their states of consciousness, the shamans were able to explore these worlds and bring back vision.

Shamanic Consciousness

by Amber Wolfe

 
To understand the sacred, other world journey of the shaman , it is necessary to first understand shamanic consciousness. To begin with, consciousness is usually divided into two primary types:
The focused, waking consciousness in which we are alert and aware of our surroundings.
The unfocused, non-waking consciousness in which we are either dreaming or unconscious of our surroundings.

Power Objects

by Amber Wolfe

 
It has been said, power is effective energy. In the shamanic philosophy all aspects of the universe have energy, which has potential use and power. Developing a relationship with objects in Nature, or in Spirit, to use their energy is called developing a totemic relationship. Power objects are totems for the shaman .