Shamanism is the most ancient form of spirituality practiced by human beings as far as we know. We find tantalizing evidence of shamanic activities in cave paintings tens of thousands of years old. We find people serving the role of the shaman in cultures all over the globe.
We also live in an era of modern technology, medicine, psychology, communication, and science.
So, what on Earth could shamanism offer us in today’s age?
Well, the answer is - quite a bit.
The Shamanic Archetype
Why do we think that the role of the shaman had popped up in every culture across time? Well, one reason is that there is a shamanic archetype, part of the collective unconscious. This archetype pops up as a spiritual response to a crisis.
Can you think of a time in human history where there has been no crisis? I can’t.
On an individual level, the shamanic impulse may arise as the result of some trauma or injury. This healing crisis is also known as the shamanic call to initiation. And initiation is also characterized by difficulty.
As I write this, the world is rocked by a global pandemic, racial and political unrest, and economic upheaval. There has never been a time in my lifetime riper for shamanic awakening. It’s no doubt that so many are feeling the call.
Shamanism Works
So why does this archetype pop up everywhere throughout history and prehistory? If we think of shamanism as a technology for healing the spiritual body - it is a tech that works and has continued to work for the entirety of human history,
Shamans work with helping spirits to provide healing to the astral or spirit body. That body interfaces with the energy and physical bodies. This can lead to profound healing at the levels of body, mind, and spirit.
Further, many shaman’s practices ancestral, past-life, and parallel life healing - helping to facilitate multigenerational healing which crosses the boundaries of time and even into other realities. This can be a little mind-bending - I get it. Healing the ancestral line is a form of multigenerational healing.
Shamanism is a Path of Personal Revelation
Although shamanic practices vary by culture, generally speaking, shamanism is a practice of personal revelation. That means it is perfect for personal development, strengthening the bond between the individual ego and the divine source.
Shamanism is fundamentally nature-based - helping human beings live in harmony with the web of life around them. Deepening one’s connection to the natural world itself is healing.
In the practice of shamanism, one must do one’s own work. This is no easy path. If you’re called to the work, you will be initiated. This work involves looking at your shadow side, healing your spiritual wounds, confronting your traumas. It’s hard, but it’s worth it.
Ancient Practices for The Modern World
Despite our modern culture and technological advantages, humans haven’t changed much physically or spiritually for several hundred thousand years. Some things that worked for our ancestors still work for us today.
Shamanism is not a New Age practice; it’s ancient. It’s prehistoric. And yet, its relevance to humans remains today.