Shamanism
The effectiveness of a shaman is generally measured by the results he or she is able to achieve. It is believed that unless the shaman is able to call power animals and spiritual aid to help her, she will not be effective. Indeed that individual could not be called a shaman.
The teaching of detachment, and letting go of one’s ego is a central lesson for the shaman. If the individual cannot let go of pride and self interest, he or she are not considered to be a good healer, and may not be able to enlist the spiritual aid considered necessary for effective healing.
There is a concept that the spirits must take pity on the healer and the one being healed. If the shaman cannot evoke compassion from those that would aid her or him, but instead offends with his or her pride – no assistance will be given to that person for the healing work.
Source: Shaman Links
This award winning short film tells the story of a boy, a shaman and the drum that changes his life forever.
I found a great blog post about shamanism at a pretty cool website called Blue Plant Shaman. The whole thing is worth reading – I just pulled the juicy part out for posting here:
Here is a list that I came up with that I call the basic requirements for a person to be a good Shaman.
- You need to come from a dysfunctional family.
- You need to understand abuse, alcohol, drug, sexual, physical, mental, verbal, the more the better.
- You need to have a fast mind. This is usually shown through a quick humor and/or problem solving skills.
- You may have a thought that nothing is sacred nor should it be.
- You will probably have a very strong sex drive.
- You may think some things are funny while other people severely disagree.
- You have the ability to teach without formal training.
- Even the most introverted people will instantly open up to you.
- You can make friends with the most vicious junk yard dog because you can relate.
- You had the “visits” from the other side at an early age.
- Sometimes we can seem like a twisted bunch, but everyone wants to come to our parties.
Things a Shaman Sees
is alive
on a steep river bank
there’s a voice that speaks
I’ve seen the master of that voice
he bowed to me
I spoke with him
he answers all my questions
everything that is
is alive
little gray bird
little blue breast
sings in a hollow bough
she calls her spirits dances
sings her shaman songs
woodpecker on a tree
that’s his drum
he’s got a drumming nose
and the tree shakes
cries out like a drum
when the axe bites its side
at these things answer
my call
everything that is
is alive
the lantern walks around
the walls of this house have tongues
even this bowl has its own true home
the hides asleep in their bags
were up talking all night
antlers on the graves
rise and circle the mounds
while the dead themselves get up
and go visit the living ones.
~David Cloutier
Khetani Machangana: 
I think it's time to go shopping... maybe even buy some really cool stuff at my online shops!!
