Description
This article is from the Religion-Shamanism FAQ, by Dean Edwards,
Stef Jones, Jilara, Jane Beckman, Ann Albers with numerous
contributions by others.
48 Call (shamanic)
Shamans are 'called' by Spirit, Soul or by spirits
to become a shaman. This may occur in a number of ways. A person may
experience physical trauma or psychic distress or from a direct or
indirect experience in dreams, spontaneous trance states, or by the
invitation of Spirit or of spirits. Physical distress may include
such events as a fall from a height, being struck by lightening, or
a serious fever or illness, or other near encounters with death.
Dream and trance initiations and experiences with spirits are also
common experiences of being called to become a shaman. Sometimes
psychic distress may be experienced as sudden and significant mood
swings or periods of lengthy melancholy, loss of affect, incoherency
or even loss of consciousness. The Call may also come from deep
within, from the higher core essence of the prospective shaman.
When signs of shamanic tendencies are recognized by other shamans or
members of the shamans family, clan or community, the individual who
appears to have been 'called' may be advised to seek training and
begin to gather the necessary equipment of a shaman which is
appropriate to that community and cultural milieu. Some may chose to
avoid this Call to become a shaman, others may deliberately seek it
out. (See Shamanism-General Overview for additional information
about becoming a shaman. See also Shamanic Sickness.)
Dean Edwards (deane@netcom.com)
Continue to:
Share and Enjoy
Bookmark this story so others can enjoy it:
Tags
new-age, paranormal, spiritual, shaman, kam, consciousness, spirit, visions, dreams, oobe, soul, siberia, native, dreamtime, ecstasy, journeying, otherworld, sacred, axis-mundi
