The word “Shaman” comes from Siberia and means “one who sees in the dark.” Shamanism is a visionary tradition – a shaman literally “sees” into other worlds, other dimensions, through a state of altered consciousness called “journeying”. There are many different “lineages” of shamanism - from South America, North America, Siberia, Australia, African and the Artic. There are common themes that run across all of the lineages.

The definition of a Shaman is someone who works in conjunction with spirit, whether this be a spirit of an ancestor or one from the higher realms, a power animal or animal helper – even the spirit of plant, rock or stream –for the benefit of his or her community. While he or she may well receive guidance in their work from spirit, most lineages use this information in conjunction with the ancient traditions and systems of healing which has been passed down to them from generation to generation.

A shaman uses the information gained from their spirit guidance and the wisdom of their lineage to carry out healings for individuals, dwellings, situations, the Earth and even the deceased! He or she has many roles within the community, and is often a wearer of “many hats” ie, healer, priest, doctor, adviser, therapist, confidant, diviner, mystic or spiritual adviser and teacher. Shamans are often called upon to perform ceremony to ensure a person, community or land is in “right relationship” with nature and spirit.

Whereas a doctor usually works on treating an ailment using physical means, - perhaps surgery or drugs – a shaman is more concerned with the emotional, energetic or spiritual root of an illness. They tend to focus more on prevention than cure; indeed a shaman aims to remove a disease from a person’s energy field BEFORE it has reached the physical body.

Shamanism is the earliest spiritual tradition known to man; it is thousands of years old and it still practiced today, which is testament to its power. Older than any religion and not a religion in itself, it forms the basis of all religions. There is no set of beliefs to follow, no book of rules, no idol to worship, indeed each person is encouraged to follow “their own footsteps” and make their own connection to God, or Great Spirit and nature, which is merely a reflection of God. To a shaman, God resides not only in the Upper World, but in each and every thing - each stone, plant, river and animal. A shaman communicates with all aspects of creation for the good of all, understands that every “thing” has a level of consciousness, intelligence.

Interestingly enough, the “new” sciences are just coming to this conclusion themselves – it’s a shame they are a few thousand years late!

Shamanism is a way of working in balance and harmony with nature, of respecting and honouring Mother Earth and giving thanks for all that she gives us, of knowing that one is connected to all things -the rivers, the trees, the rocks and of course, to each other.

It is said that a Shaman “aims never to leave footprints in the snow” - which means his or her aim is to have the least possible detrimental effect on the environment, and to live in “ayni” – reciprocity with all things and all of nature.

Nowadays, modern Shaman focus mainly on the healing methods of their
particular lineage for either their community or the Earth. There are even
Corporate Shaman who “heal” companies! With regard to healing for individuals, the healing methods focus on three areas – an individual’s power, i.e., the state of their energy body, the state of their soul – has soul loss occurred? If so, it needs to be retrieved - and the removal of any energetic or spiritual blockage. Once these issues have been addressed and healed, the person is returned to wholeness, which is the overall aim of shamanic healing.

I can’t help but feel that the Shaman of old have many, many important lessons to teach us in this age. It is my hope that the old traditions will be reborn - that we will start to live once more in balance and harmony with Nature, to live life consciously once more – to give thanks for all we receive – and be mindful of the quality of life of the creatures we eat. And to attempt to no longer leave our footprints so deeply embedded in the snow.

Please go to www.timeofthesixthsun.com and see the trailer of a glorious film about the awakening and transformation of global consciousness as we approach 2012. This life changing film is a true journey to the heart, funded by the hearts of the people. PLEASE make a donation on the site so that the filming of the elders from around the world can continue and this film can be birthed for all of humanity.

For beautiful crystals, cards and jewellery available online, please go to www.shamanscrystal.co.uk