Description
This article is from the Religion-Shamanism FAQ, by Dean Edwards,
Stef Jones, Jilara, Jane Beckman, Ann Albers with numerous
contributions by others.
50 Shamanic Initiation
There are both inner and outer initiatory rites
and experiences in traditional shamanism. Initiation may come in
trance or in a dream. The manner in which the individual is called is
in itself a form of initiation. Dreams of being cooked, boiled and
consumed are one common initiatory dream. The internal organs of a
shaman may be removed and replaced with more spiritually attuned
ones or the shaman may be infused with the power of his or her
tutelary spirits or of Spirit itself. Other forms of inner
initiation range from the terrifying to the sublime. The acceptance
of a shaman by the community is often another form of initiation.
There are also certain ceremonies or ritual practices or journeys
which the shaman may be expected to undertake before being considered
to have been fully initiated as a shaman. (Significant treatment of
this Shamanism-General Overview for additional information.)
Dean Edwards (deane@netcom.com)
Initiation to me involves a quantum leap to a new level of energy or
awareness; the method differs among cultures, but I believe the
essence of initiation is the same; the initiate proves he/she is
ready for the new level of awareness and the shaman then proceeds to
energetically "bump" the initiate up to that new state.
Ann Albers (albersa@aztec.asu.edu)
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
