tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6380299379480069502024-03-05T05:43:56.072-08:00Shamans TouchMeandering conversations on shamanism and the healing of invisible wounds. . .Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-87755263895020385402014-06-19T00:15:00.000-07:002014-06-19T00:15:00.091-07:00When Visions Become RealOne of the visions I've had over the past several years is of the classic pub gig, some musicians in a crowded Irish pub, playing traditional Irish music. Somehow that didn't quite happen during the past few trips. It always turned out to be a guy and guitar singing ballads, or someone with a harp playing Enya covers. While planning the current tour, I added in the hope that I could dance a jig and a reel with Patricia. She took up Irish dance shortly after our daughter Meghan did, and has gotten rather good at it.I managed to pick up the jig and reel while helping Meghan to practice her dances for her end of year recital.<br />
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Stopping at the music store in Kenmare, we found out that there was going to be a "session" for local musicians at Crowley's pub that evening. We got there early and watched John tuning up his banjo and a female friend of his tuning her fiddle. They soon launched into a medly of reels, which made me smile. Finally some live traditional Irish music in an Irish pub - in Ireland! Then a badhron player joined in and my vision was complete, so we danced a couple jigs and reels to the amusement of the locals, before finally walking home almost at midnight.<br />
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The sun has been setting slowly here, finally disappearing around 10:30 or 11:00. So that walks home have been under pretty fabulous skys.<br />
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We still have a few more days here in Ireland, and a few more opportunities to bring visions to life.Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-23589290396065633532014-06-14T08:17:00.000-07:002014-06-14T08:17:49.165-07:00More on Ireland and the Continuing SagaWe have this weekend off from planned group activities, which doesn't mean we don't have anything to do. We will be taking some long walks around kenmare, going to see the Celtic Tenors this evening and generally enjoying how much better everything tastes over here in Ireland.<br />
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Last night was amazing. I've been planning this trip for over three years, gradually piecing together my visions into something that could work. During that time, I read Frank Delaney's Ireland, which gives the best account of the traditional Irish storyteller that I had found, and I wanted to include that in our tour. I did a lot of searching and finally settled on two likely characters. I don't believe any one person could have carried the weight of all the contradictory elements of this Seanachai vision, so I was very fortunate to find both of them. Amantha Murphy is anchors the role of the speaker for the pre-christian, pagan land, filled with goddesses and gods, heros and heroines, everyday wonders and the miracles that arise in every generation. Batt Burns is the quitisential, traditional, hill-walking, brough-talking, condensation of the Catholic Irish, filled with pride in his country and in the people upon whose shoulders he satnds. He is a showman and a bit of a magician, even popping on an old hat and pair of spectacles in order to invoke the character of his own grandfather, from whom he learned the art of the storyteller, as well as many of his stories. Watching Batt yesterday evening, sitting beside the turf fire, just as so many before him, reciting the words of his ancestors, I was struck by how well this vision had come to pass. I leef so much gratitude to all my ancestors and all the other spirits and people who have helped to make this visions real.<br />
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After the storyteller left, we went out for a pub crawl. And these were some pubs! We started off with the Wander Inn, where I had a pint of Smithwicks and Patricia a Bulmer's cider. After we finishered there, Patricia and I bowed out and walked over to the food truck to get a cheeseburger and chips. There was an interesting conversation already going on between an older woman and a fellow who looked to be about my own age. She was telling him that he should find himself a good younger woman and get on with life. He said he was a widower these past 11 years and had no interest in trying to find someone to take the place of his wife, though he missed his two sons dearly, both of whom had imegrated illegally to New York. As we tend to do, Patricia and I joined into the conversation and the four of us had a good bit of fun before we finished our food and headed home under a magnificent sky, the towering clouds painted from behind by the light of the full moon.<br />
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Meghan sounds like she is stirring and so we will be setting off for a hike soon. I promise to add another post soon. Wishing you all well from here in Ireland.Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0Dromneavane, Co. Kerry, Ireland51.882420084848142 -9.601348088915983751.881195084848144 -9.603869588915984 51.883645084848141 -9.5988265889159834tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-23833826627785911492014-06-11T01:18:00.000-07:002014-06-11T01:18:09.812-07:00Off to Ireland again!It's the beginning of our third full day here in beautiful Kenmare, and this is the first day that I've managed to get the blog site to work.<br />
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Patricia warned me before we left that Mercury was going retrograde and would remain that way for the whole trip. Even without the heads up, I would have figured it out by now. But despite communication snafus and interruptions, this has been the best time yet! There are 24 of us in all, staying at the Ardmullin Holiday Homes in Kenmare. Apparently I cannot add photos to this blog on my iPad just yet, so until I remedy that, you will have to use your imagination.<br />
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We arrived at Shannon airport at about 8:30 in the morning on Sunday and were met by the Kerry Coach driver named Derry, who was like a compilation of Patricia's Irish uncles. The coach was perfect. We did not miss having to drive. We stopped off at Adare Manor for breakfast, thanks to Derry, who happens to know the manager. Then a quick stop for groceries at a Super Valu and it was into Kenmare to unload our bags and settle in. I managed to stay awake for the walk into town for dinner at Foley's, then crashed about 20:00 and slept for ten hours straight.<br />
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Our first full day, known as Day Two on the itinerary, was spent getting everyone comfortable finding their way around town. After one of our flock missed a turn and wound up taking an extended walk, I made sure that everyone could find their way hame from town. Dinner was at O'Donnabhain's Pub, which is owned by our landlord here. They had a fellow playing traditional irish ballads on guitar. He managed a version of a reel so that Meghan could demonstrate her prowess at irish step dancing.<br />
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Yesterday - Day Three - was our first day trip. The coach picked us up at 9:30 and we drove up to Killarney, stopping at Ladies View to give many of the tour their first view of the Lakes of Killarney. Have I( mentioned that there are 24 of us? We had to leave Meghan and her nanny behind that morning, because Meghan hadn't woken up yet and we have firm rules against waking sleeping children. In Killarney we took a jaunting car ride (pony cart) which we have been wanting to do for the first few times we were here, so it was about time. Beware the bad jokes. Okay. It's time to get dressed and walk to town for Market Day. More later!Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-64358225457774376782014-02-02T07:23:00.000-08:002014-02-02T07:23:01.428-08:00<h3 class="index-title" style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span class="in" style="color: #422100; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.shamanstouch.com/blog/shamanism-in-tribal-and.html" style="color: #422100; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" title="Shamanism in Tribal and Post-Tribal Contexts">Shamanism in Tribal and Post-Tribal Contexts</a></span></h3>
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I am going to address a couple of the things I hear most often on Facebook pages and other forums dedicated to shamanic traditions. </div>
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“No real shaman ever refers to him or herself as a shaman.” and “No real shaman charges for their services.”</div>
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Let’s consider tribal culture for a moment. First off, the primary unit of this culture is communal – the tribe itself. This is something that is simply impossible for most modern Americans to grasp. Your very concept of “self” is radically different from someone growing up in a tribe. Further, the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/PostTribalShamanism/" target="_blank">community</a> of the tribe is quite closely knit – much more so than small towns in our own culture. Even more so that extended families. These are cultures in which everyone knows what is going on with everyone else, to a degree that would be quite uncomfortable for folks from our culture. Now, if someone is chosen by the tribe’s shaman as an apprentice, everyone knows this. They know how that person is doing with the process of learning and initiation and they know when that person receives the blessing of the shaman to begin working. For the initiate to go around proclaiming him or herself a shaman would be ludicrous. They already know. </div>
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In our culture, in shamanic practices, we have clientele who we have never met before they come to see us. There is no community net of people who already know what we have been through and that we have received our teacher’s blessing. What we have is word of mouth – and business cards. </div>
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You see, not calling yourself a shaman has everything to do with the tribal context, and nothing to do with shamanism. </div>
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The issue of charging for your services is another case of the same thing. The tribal communities still function on barter and exchange. They don’t use money in the same way that those of us in the post-tribal culture do. So naturally the shaman doesn’t get paid in money. However, the shaman does get paid in food and labor and whatever else he or she needs. </div>
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Once again. Charging money for anything is a matter of cultural context, not shamanism. It is important to be able to view shamanism as it is, separate from the tribal context, if we are to be able to practice it in a meaningful way in our post-tribal context. </div>
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For more on the difference between shamanism and tribal culture, check out <a href="http://www.shamanstouch.com/" target="_blank">post-tribal shamanism</a>. </div>
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Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-79186045383079839812013-09-24T09:34:00.000-07:002013-09-24T09:34:43.913-07:00Reframing the PastThis summer I was one of 13 artists participating in a group show entitled Faces and Figures at the Artisan Enterprise Center in Covington, Kentucky. This was the first exhibit I had been a part of in over twenty years, so I was pretty excited. But I have also not really produced any significant painting or drawing since the late 80's, so it was a selection of those pieces created in the midst of my healing crisis that were taken out of storage, put behind glass and given a public viewing.<br />
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The process of dragging these old remnants of my inner struggles into the light understandably offered me the opportunity to revisit those experiences from the present perspective. This allowed me a brief period of glowing appreciation of how far I've come and how much happier, healthier and more whole I am than I was as the clinically depressed art student, who dressed in black and smoked too much. Deeper introspection revealed that most of the shadows I had carefully stored away had left some residue behind. Those remains no longer run my life, but it was good to have them brought to my attention. It took a few weeks of work to clear away what I could.<br />
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Choosing frames for the art was easy - cheap and black. The process of doing so led me to thinking of how I was reframing those old outpourings of my soul, and then putting them on display. This is not such a bad thing to do. A little self-disclosure is a good means of reminding us who we are and where we come from.<br />
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The framed pieces are back in my basement again, awaiting their next outing – or perhaps a collector of expressionist art? They have served to remind me of how my past inhabits my present and to inspire me to create some new works of art that I can look back on in the future to remind me of my journey.Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-71198776663699528262013-09-01T18:26:00.001-07:002013-09-01T18:26:08.846-07:00Dance of Stones – second edition!<br />
Back in 1998 I took a road trip with a friend from Germany. At the time, I was trying to come up with a way of writing a book on shamanism that wouldn't be "just another book on shamanism." A couple days into the trip, with my friend constantly asking questions about my work, I realized that this a an excellent opportunity, and started keeping better notes. The journey took us to some powerful places, both in the outer world as well as the inner. The experiences were pivotal to my own growth and realization, and they seemed to have an impact on my friend as well. We followed the signs if synchronicity across through Brittany and across the Channel to Cornwall. At each turn, the spirits welcomed us with new opportunities for deepening.<br />
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Ten years later I published <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0979789508/" target="_blank"><i>Dance of Stones: A Shamanic Road Trip</i></a>, and now it is being released in a second edition from the good folks at <a href="http://www.moon-books.net/" target="_blank">Moon Books</a>. Later this year, they will also be releasing my second book, <i>Post-Tribal Shamanism: A New Look at the Old Ways</i>.<br />
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<i>Dance of Stones</i> succeeded in doing everything that I had hoped. It expressed the foundation teachings of post-tribal shamanism in and accessible and coherent way. It allowed the reader to begin his or her own journey into their exploration of the deeper parts of self. It also received excellent reviews, sold much better than could have been expected and opened up doors that have allowed me to expand my teaching practice. With the re-release, I hope to be able to extend the reach of post-tribal shamanism to an even wider audience.<br />
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These teachings are need in the world today. With the various crisis of society, earth and soul that each of us are going through, it is essential to reconnect with those things that nurture our souls. The journey we took through Cornwall is only one facet of the larger fractal that we are all embarked upon. I invite those who have not yet taken this journey to join me as we set off for a deeper place within us.<br />
<br />Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-9648963295647593252013-03-05T07:07:00.004-08:002013-03-05T07:07:29.518-08:00the Unparented Parent<br />
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In my work as a shaman, I have been aware for awhile that – at least at a soul level – all parents love their children and all children love their parents. This begs the question of, if this is so, why do so many parents and children have such a conflicted relationship?<br />
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Having observed a great many of these parent child relationships in the healing process, I see a number of reasons for this failure of mutual trust, respect and regard. I will address one of the most common causes, which I call the Unparented Parent.<br />
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All too often in our culture, due to abandonment, death, illness or absence, children do not have a competent parent available to them in their formative years. In combination with chronic low-level traumatic stress, this can derail the emotional maturity of the child, leaving them stranded in a childish state, often for the rest of their lives. They have not received competent parenting themselves and so, when they become parents, their child is constantly in competition with that inner aspect of their child self, who still seeks the nurturing of a parent. This can lead to behaviors that appear narcissistic and inappropriate, because the un-parented child aspect of the parent is desperately trying to get his or her own needs met, and can feel very resentful and fearful of the infant that is now receiving the attention, caring, nourishment and nurturing that they feel they were denied.<br />
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This can become a trans-grenerational cycle that can inflict its wounds time and again. However this cycle can be broken by those rare adults who engage their own healing process fully, reintegrating their wounded child aspects, before becoming parents themselves.<br />
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Much of the shamanic work I do with my clients is directed at this sort of healing soul level wounds that reach back over many generations, usually to a parent who was lost to war, illness or other life trauma, leaving a family bereft.<br />
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The good news is that these wounds can and do heal. It is not to late for that child to finally receive the parenting he or she needs. What may be hard for some to hear, is that that parent needs to be you.<br />
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<br />Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-3496726917671868832012-04-02T16:30:00.003-07:002012-04-02T17:22:54.667-07:00The search for new space - a shamanic quandary?<div style="text-align: justify;">Recently the doctor who owns the space where my wife and I have our offices told us that we needed to find a new location as our office spaces were going to be needed for her practice. This space is a hard act to follow, as it is very much what we want in office space. It's an old house that was completely renovated, with wonderful natural light, hardwood floors, high ceilings, reception area, and an elevator. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So – for the past month, we have been scouring Cincinnati for something that would seem like a step up instead of a spatial demotion. We've narrowed the search down to a few places, each of which has its upside and its downside, which is where the quandary lies: In asking the spirits for their input, I keep getting "it's up to you. Make a decision." This is the same sort of situation so many of us find ourselves in. Presented with multiple choices, none of which is clearly the "right" one, we wish that the "Universe" would magically make the decision for us. Instead, it is a part of the process of awakening (and maturation) that we must make the choice ourselves – accepting the responsibility for whatever comes of it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So - sometime in the next week or two – we will bite the proverbial bullet and make a choice between these different locations...assuming that the spirits don't present us with yet another option which is so clearly superior to the others....</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll let you know.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-155386900159129082012-03-29T15:54:00.001-07:002012-03-29T15:54:27.798-07:00moving forward...slowlySo - some new things on the horizon. I am working with a team to put together a webinar introduction to Post-Tribal Shamanism. If that goes well, I will move forward with putting more of the teachings into webinar format. I am not sure how much of them will actually translate to the web, but we shall see.<br />
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Also - it has been suggested that I open this blog up to other folks to write in, so that it maintains a more consistent presence than I have been able to manage on my own. With this in mind, I would invite any of my advanced students or apprentices who have an interest to contact me about writing "guest appearances" here. They would need to be on topics related to Post-Tribal Shamanism, but other than that, I think it's a pretty open forum.Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-35421360153396545612011-12-19T04:04:00.000-08:002011-12-20T05:04:28.439-08:00The Shaman's Paradox and an Excellent Fedora<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-Na9spX3Y9R2bBilvcAmkvqyfJGfBwit1iWN_cLdz0shFGHEbnrc_5U5oc3TIYGcV0j4MqCGUNFUzRUhXko24cjQFQ3cSEtYnE8BJWnklZGfDPNJUihZUG8RNCBagTAUI-_m_41w82oQ/s1600/pro2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 344px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-Na9spX3Y9R2bBilvcAmkvqyfJGfBwit1iWN_cLdz0shFGHEbnrc_5U5oc3TIYGcV0j4MqCGUNFUzRUhXko24cjQFQ3cSEtYnE8BJWnklZGfDPNJUihZUG8RNCBagTAUI-_m_41w82oQ/s400/pro2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687810594836383666" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I would like to think of myself as non-materialistic. It fits with my philosophy and ethics and general worldview, so when I find myself coveting something that is – to my view – outrageously expensive and unnecessary, I have to take a moment to be mindful of what is happening. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Now, I will admit to having a fondness for fedoras and that I try not to leave the house without one. I like a warm head and shaded eyes...and I suppose there's a bit of my sense of identity wrapped up in it as well. My dad wore fedoras, and this is one way for me to express my loyalty to him. However, I generally find my fedoras on Ebay and pay no more than $50 for one, which should last me for many years. So I was surprised to find that, when I came across some truly amazing hats – the kind "they don't make anymore – being produced by a little company in Tennessee, I was so taken with them that I am seriously considering ordering one, even though they start at $800. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>At first, I tried to laugh it off and let it go, only to find that the idea of wearing such an excellent hat kept re-emerging. So I took a look at it. What was is engaging about this? What deep hunger is it tapping into? Why can't I just shake it off and be done with it? It took awhile sitting with this quandary before I realized what it was about. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>One of the aspects of life as a working shaman is that, on the one hand I need to keep myself very grounded in the everyday world, in order to be able to do my work and relate to my clients. On the other hand, I need to stay in touch with Spirit/Soul, in order to do my work and relate to my client's souls. I spend as much as six hours a day in soul awareness, working with clients, in addition to my own personal practice. So keeping myself grounded in the relative world of the ego is sometimes difficult. (It helps to have a lovely wife and daughter, who keep me engaged with their loving presence.) I call this the Shaman's Paradox – that I need to live and function in two apparently contradictory realities at once. Buddhists – who have an excellent vocabulary for this sort of thing – refer to it the relative and absolute. It's not that it's so difficult, but it does help to have "things" to anchor me into the the relative world. Since my ego is already aware the permanence is an illusion, it really likes to have something that is at least long-lasting. These hats remind me of the fedora I wore in art school – a gift from my friend Troy Gerth. It was a buttery soft, fur felt stetson, probably made sometime in the mid-40's. It disappeared at a senior party in the foundry, right before graduation, and it was a great loss. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When I think of wearing one of these fedoras, I feel myself suspended between the relative and absolute – enjoying the beauty, quality and comfort of the relative world, while appreciating its fleeting nature with equanimity. This brings me to a place of peace about my apparent obsession with ordering a very expensive, custom made fedora, but it doesn't get me any closer to doing so. However, it does keep me very aware of what I yearn for in this relative existence. When I hold such a well-made object, constructed from the best materials, I experience the beauty of it's design, the care with which it has been made, the sensual quality of its material and the sense of all these elements coming together in a meaningful way – assuring me that there is value in this experience of being human and being Here. I realize that I look for these same qualities everywhere in the world – in myself and in friends, in my home and – apparently – in my hats. Not such a bad thing, I think.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Note: I visited with my dear friend and mentor, Eli, yesterday. When I told her about the hats, she said, "You should do like they do in Italy. Put it on your wish list and ask your friends to contribute. Then you could have a present from all of them that you would really love." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I'm considering this. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-34802649981859402032011-12-13T03:37:00.000-08:002011-12-13T09:31:07.980-08:00Shaping Your Life<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHi9F0Z2Sfa5dxmpQE1K8bwWi4xok7JoLjH92s0JpfCHLXh8RGtPwyUMOIM9BDWvem-AeL-z36aIXuFdjZt7ck546jU-e3byVGiyz-jPJJSK2m0BlAOj3QP7nzoM8GgjUTJddNk8lbElT/s1600/DSC00877.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHi9F0Z2Sfa5dxmpQE1K8bwWi4xok7JoLjH92s0JpfCHLXh8RGtPwyUMOIM9BDWvem-AeL-z36aIXuFdjZt7ck546jU-e3byVGiyz-jPJJSK2m0BlAOj3QP7nzoM8GgjUTJddNk8lbElT/s400/DSC00877.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685594232111136674" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I just returned from my morning run and am reflecting on the lessons it offers me about life. At the moment, my body is just beginning to take me seriously again after a month off and then a couple weeks back in training. For the first week or so, it was treating each workout as a one off – not really expecting me to continue. After all, it's not easy getting out of bed at 6:00 to go meditate and it's even more difficult to then put on my running shoes and go out into the cold (below freezing!) dark night and run three miles. So why would someone who enjoys being warm and comfortable and getting a full night's sleep even contemplate such a thing? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Each morning, when I start my run, I have to disengage from my rational mind in order to get out the door. I treat it as a habit - as some odd thing that I do without thinking. This gets me out to the sidewalk and around the corner. Next thing I know I'm pounding along the pavement, shivering slightly and already beginning to drop into stride. After the couple blocks, I look up and see the moon – not quite full anymore but beautiful – and my mood begins to lighten. The first mile drops away and I am warmer and feeling good. I begin to think about how life offers such wonderful opportunities – like running – to shape our lives. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Just as my choice to get up and run or workout most mornings shapes my life now and in the future, so do the other choices we make. The more intention and awareness we bring to this process, the more clearly we can determine the life we are choosing. One of the keys to the process is recognizing and taking advantage of the opportunities we are presented with. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Gratitude is the open doorway to abundance. This adage has fueled a lot of of growth for me. Realizing that by appreciating what I have and feeling grateful for the gifts I am receiving, I open the doorway for that flow to continue. I have since realized that having gratitude to my mother and father, for the gift of life I receive from them, lets my soul know that I am ready to receive these gifts – and all other good things. </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Another opportunity to consider is joy. When we experience joy, we affirm whatever we are engaging in, lending its presence strength in the matrix of our life. So, pay attention. The more you feel joy, the more you welcome experiences that bring you joy.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 16.0px Georgia"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>A final experiment for you. Next time you park your car in a metered space, consider leaving all your emotional baggage with the car. As you put your coins into the meter, think of all the burdens that you are going to be leaving with your car, while it is parked. Walk away without them. When you return, be very careful about what you choose to take back. Give it a try. I thought of it on my run this morning and am curious to see how it will work. </p></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span></div>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-1102835281917773232011-12-04T11:23:00.000-08:002011-12-05T07:48:35.849-08:00Soul Healing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7V_MJz96Xivo_zPU4Z6Ixq-P1QDk5vy7Qvr6d0Tkx1J32FMlwYznF7lKFVYADXgEodHwre2Vu4vD9pxeBfTAPM7D_1N8kUTgs9wrCBEkEL5UQ3SbGQUCRPbyRriexY1DaSaeLOiyGLB_L/s1600/64431.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 231px; height: 223px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7V_MJz96Xivo_zPU4Z6Ixq-P1QDk5vy7Qvr6d0Tkx1J32FMlwYznF7lKFVYADXgEodHwre2Vu4vD9pxeBfTAPM7D_1N8kUTgs9wrCBEkEL5UQ3SbGQUCRPbyRriexY1DaSaeLOiyGLB_L/s400/64431.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682671696768479490" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This term – "Soul Healing" – can be read in two ways: Either as the healing of a wounded or damaged soul, or the healing the Soul offers the ego. Shamanic practice makes use of both of these meanings. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>First – a brief overview of what we mean by "Soul" and how it is viewed from a shamanic perspective. From the perspective of my teachers, each human being has at least three souls while they are alive in the physical body. One of these souls comes to them at birth from their physical ancestors, and ties them to these ancestors throughout their life and even after death. I call this the "Ancestral Soul." There is also a Soul that has lived other lifetimes before this one, and will probably choose to live other lifetimes in the future. I call this the "Reincarnating Soul" or "Infinite Soul." Finally, many shamans would consider the ego, the part of you that thinks of itself as "me" and which is formed by the interaction between your other souls and your physical body, creating an interface with the world we experience around us. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>At the death of the physical body, the first two souls tend to move toward the ancestors, into the Under World, while the ego portion will tend to stay near the body until it gradually dissolves. Once in the Under World, the two remaining souls will rest, coming to resolution about their shared lifetime. When this is reached, the Infinite Soul will rise up through the World Tree to the Upper World, where it will make itself available to a new baby being born into the Middle World. Here it will combine with a different Ancestral Soul and gradually form a new ego. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When it comes to healing, these different Soul provide radically diverse opportunities. The Infinite Soul is the one part of the Self that does not change. Communing with this Soul; moving into the awareness of this Soul and resting there, is a profound healing practice that impacts all the other parts that make up our sense of self, including body, mind and energy. In short, this is done by a regular practice of sitting meditation that focuses on resting in Soul Awareness. The Ancestral Soul, on the other hand, is very likely to be carrying distortions from the traumas and wounds of previous generations of the family. These wounds can be healed to a great extent, if the Soul is willing and open to the process. Finally, the ego – if we are to consider this a soul as well – carries its own share of injuries from this current incarnation, much of which can be addressed by a competent therapist. Still, there are things that can be quite helpful in the healing of the ego, which modern therapists tend to shy away from. One example of this is "soul retrieval" which can be a very effective treatment for ego/soul trauma. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This blog post is only a brief overview. Depending on responses, I may go into more detail on this in later posts. </div>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-45651949985621414992011-11-26T06:38:00.000-08:002011-11-27T13:49:50.007-08:00Studentship<p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When receiving instruction from a spiritual/shamanic teacher, it is important to place one's self in the most effective state of consciousness to receive the depth of the teaching. This is because, unlike subjects which which can be communicated through words, numbers, diagrams and the like, there are many spiritual teachings which can only be passed along through direct transmission. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>By direct transmission, I mean that the teacher and the student share a field of charged energy, through which the teacher shares a profound experience or realization with the student. This is not something that can adequately be described, nor can it be communicated through books or film. Though it is possible, if the student is truly ready, for the transmission to arise spontaneously. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Back in the late 70's I had the opportunity to attend a siddha yoga event. I was quite young and very resistant to the idea that there was anyone who knew more than I did about anything of interest to me. However, I had been attending a small local siddha practice group for awhile and had memorized a couple of the chants, so I thought I would give it a try. The first day, I sat with my legs turning to lead and fire, feeling gradually more and more excluded and disconnected from what was going on around me. I was able to get something out of the guru's talks, but I found that my mind insisted on questioning everything he said, and that I would often miss points, because I was busy refuting something in my own head. I finished that day frustrated with myself and with the whole experience. Worst of all, I was stuck there for another day. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I began the second day without any expectation other than boredom and discomfort. Late in the morning, we began one of the chants I had memorized and I was able to keep up for a change. It seemed like we chanted the few simple lines of sanskrit for hours, perhaps days. At some point, I realized that I was smiling and that my body felt warm and expansive, rather than painful and congested. The chant finished and we sat in silence for a long while. Glancing around, I saw that others were also smiling and I found that it felt good to be sharing this with them. Then the guru began to speak. I don't recall anything that he said, but do remember laughing with others at some of his comments. At one point, he paused and and turned toward me, looking into my eyes. My body shuddered involuntarily and he smiled and turned away, continuing his talk. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"> </span></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Nothing else remains in my memory of that day. It is as if a very small and precise nuclear explosion went off inside of me, wiping everything clean. To this day, I cannot put into words what I received in that moment, but it remains within me, and has helped to lead me to other teachings. One thing is clear though, I was extremely fortunate to experience the event is such a way that it peeled away my resistance, doubt and inhibitions, leaving me unknowingly prepared to receive that spark of realization. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Over the many years since that event, I have slowly come to realize just how important preparation and attitude is in the process of receiving spiritual teaching. I now realize that much of the meditation and chanting that so many spiritual practices use, places the student into an extremely receptive and open state, where they are most capable of engaging the energetic field of the teacher and of receiving what passes through that field. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In my own teaching, I try to be transparent about this process of preparation, letting my students know that the most important things that they will receive from the workshop will not come from what I say, but from their experience of being present in the shared, charged space. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica; min-height: 22.0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>There is of course, a place for discernment as well. To accept the instruction of any teacher, myself included, without discernment is potentially dangerous. But the time for judgement is after the teaching is received. Then is the time to try it out. Put it to work in your life and see if it has meaning to you. If it does, then you know that you have received something of value for you. If it does not, then you know that you can move on. </span></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; font: 18.0px Helvetica; min-height: 22.0px"><br /></p>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-40387228102028166052011-11-24T14:02:00.000-08:002011-11-25T11:03:09.888-08:00Become a Student of Gratitude<p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">I was thinking about gratitude yesterday – it being Thanksgiving Day and all – and feeling particularly appreciative of all those teachers who I have received from over the past 52 years. My Beloved wife pointed out something to me the other day: That it's not enough to offer gratitude to those teachers who I naturally respect and appreciate. I also need to be grateful to those teachers who I may have had a less than completely positive experience with. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">There is a wise old saying that "gratitude is the open door to abundance" and I've found that to be very true. For instance, the more gratitude I have felt toward my ancestors, the more I have been able to receive their blessings and the gifts of this life. The same is true when we look at those teachings that we have received – which could be anything from the multiplication tables to meditation techniques. If we look with gratitude upon those who have passed these teachings on to us, then it makes us more capable of receiving them and putting them to use in our lives. </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; min-height: 14px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;">In my mind, I've been retracing the steps of my life, offering gratitude to all those teachers who have impacted the journey so far. From teachers in grade school and high school to martial arts instructors and the fellow who taught me hypnosis, way back in 1978 – it is quite a list. I imagine I will be filling in the blanks for many years to come, and adding new ones from the present as well. It is a strangely uplifting process, which I would recommend to anyone who desires to be a more effective and grateful student of life. </span></p>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-67718245475273653922011-11-13T09:58:00.000-08:002011-11-13T12:11:24.980-08:00The Ambiguity of Shamanic Practice<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In art, when two shapes are very close together or touching, this creates a visual situation that is often uncomfortable for the viewer. This is even clearer in the classic image that can be seen as either two profiles or as a vase. The mind can look at one or the other, but has difficulty seeing both simultaneously. In a similar way, the shaman is constantly dealing with a much larger paradox: That of the soul and the ego. The awareness of the soul is non-dual and lacking in the sense of self, while the consciousness arising from ego is locked into the dualistic world of time, space, and all the related bits and pieces.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 226px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjlMgg8eCH-V5BtwIWXZCF9ZvAgvANCC61IBV7EqWq9uVYcYs7BRb8T8iBy0H9aCxed-U_daStu4T9cQtLCw9MlYO2ROU_mH6PHrqJFMcC5A1QEVTW-j8fUDLzKqrq3E9EiB-QaPIg3ZjK/s320/vase.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674569120008100114" /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This makes for a situation which most people find distinctly uncomfortable, but which is necessary for the shaman to maintain in order to do the work of healing the soul level wounds. Much of this healing is accomplished by the shaman maintaining an open awareness of soul while holding the client within the field of this awareness. This allows the soul of the client to align with the client's ego in a productive and healing (and Mysterious) way. This is a fascinating subject in its own right, but for the moment, I am focusing only on the ambiguous nature of the practice for the shaman. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Another classic example of the ambiguous nature of shamanism is Journeying. This is usually done by extending the consciousness of the shaman into a different body – one that is capable of moving into and through the three worlds and beyond – while still maintaining some function in the physical body and ordinary consciousness as well. So you are sitting in your physical body and speaking to a client about what you are experiencing simultaneously in your shamanic body. This is rather like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time – only more so. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The root of this ambiguous nature is simply this – and it actually applies to everyone and everything, but shamans tend to be more impacted by it – that the nature of existence is both absolute and relative. This means that the relative world – the one we generally consider "real" – is present on one hand, while on the other, the absolute is also present. To make this a tad clearer, I will offer my personal favorite creation story. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Before the beginning and outside of space, the One rests in its own awareness. This One contains all that is. It is a resonating singularity, unexpressed in any way, until it looks into the void and sees its own reflection. Its response is to jerk away from this reflection, this "other." This response sends the One away from itself. This movement creates the very space through which it moves, and creates time by moving from one moment to the next. This flight from itself continues until the One – now manifesting as two – begins to yearn for the wholeness of itself. Much like a rubber band will resist being drawn out too far, and upon release, will try to return to its original shape, the Two/One begins to move back towards its source. However, having created the relative world of duality, it is now trapped within this creation. As the separated parts of the whole come back together – now manifesting as the primal duality of Matter and Energy – they find instead that they cannot reunite, but can only connect in a more limited fashion. Matter is suffused with energy and becomes animated. Energy is contained by Matter and experiences resistance. This mutual experience is the birth of Consciousness. Consciousness is the reflection of the Awareness of the One, within the world that is created by its dissolution. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Clearer? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjuQxyK-CuFCHzDlko1yrj_ZsBYeosvOfT9RBhkLhF7oS4gEh1TFUu6b3JUHiC-8nL-0o3Z1iZMtyrBL4gu9Vh9oKF1tCc7U9-Y3bAMhdq_3sd55_GdIOoyU8gc51CqxF9MJTWiqUPg-Y/s1600/13astro-spiral.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjuQxyK-CuFCHzDlko1yrj_ZsBYeosvOfT9RBhkLhF7oS4gEh1TFUu6b3JUHiC-8nL-0o3Z1iZMtyrBL4gu9Vh9oKF1tCc7U9-Y3bAMhdq_3sd55_GdIOoyU8gc51CqxF9MJTWiqUPg-Y/s400/13astro-spiral.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5674574619665702274" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 247px; " /></a></div>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-91947814720071026072011-11-11T11:50:00.000-08:002011-11-11T12:16:44.487-08:00revving up the blog & the difference between Shamanism and Therapy<div style="text-align: justify;">Okay - so. Just has a meeting with some students from the University Marketing Department, who gently reminded me that I need to be updating my blog at least once a week...as opposed to once every six months. In the interest of getting off on a fresh start, I offer the following:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A couple weeks ago, someone questioned the validity of my delineation of shamanism and psychotherapy, and I was not able to give a satisfactory response. Having given the matter some thought, I'm still not sure I can clearly articulate the difference. However, I am becoming much more aware of the quandary. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">What I have said is that "the psychotherapist aims to heal the mind, while the shaman aims to heal the soul." While this is true, at least in many cases, it doesn't really address the fact that "soul" and "mind" are only words we use to map the landscape of the human experience. I cannot even say that the tools and intention of shaman and therapist are all that disimilar. The more I work with really excellent therapists, the more I come to see what they are doing as shamanism by another name. At the same time, the way the psychotherapeutic literature describes the process excludes much of that the shaman offers. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As a shaman, I can go to places on the map of human experience that most psychologists or therapists are trained to avoid. I can speak of the spirits of ancestors and of connecting with missing pieces of the soul, or of journeying to the spirit of the land to make peace with the place you live. On the other hand, I do not work in terms of diagnosis and I am constantly holding an intention of integration toward wholeness in my awareness, which guides my words and actions when in session with a client. Perhaps it is this difference of focus and mapping that allows me to differentiate my work from that of the psychotherapist. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I will dwell on this more. Thanks for getting me thinking about this Joshua. </div>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-83119271133412202102011-05-09T16:34:00.000-07:002011-05-09T17:06:06.331-07:00moving on...<div style="text-align: justify;">Okay. I am going to let go of deer hunt part II, since it's been sticking in my craw for the past few months without any movement. Instead I offer this train of consciousness clearing of my virtual "throat" to kick out the jams and get the juices flowing. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ahhhhhhhh! So much happening. So many little discussions, distractions and destinations to explore. I am currently engaged in an on-line workshop in Tibetan Meditation. Yes, I know. I was a bit leery at first as well. On-line workshop in meditation? Really? But it does seem to be working and - like anything else - it's really all about what you put into it. I've been getting up at 6:00 AM in order to sit and practice my QiGong before Meghan (my adorable and demanding almost 1 year old daughter) gets up in the morning – otherwise it just doesn't happen. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Patricia, Meghan and I spent a couple of weeks at the end of March over in Ireland, which is a great place to be at just about any time, just outside Kenmare, County Kerry. We walked an average of 1.5 hours a day and actually did very little that we had planned, instead staying close to "home" and making sure that we had Meghan back at the self catering Holiday House for her afternoon nap and bedtime. This did not leave time for my planned hike around the Ring of Kerry, or any of the other mildly ambitious ideas I had for how we would spend our vacation. Mind you, I am NOT complaining. This was possible one of the most enjoyable and relaxing vacations we have had yet - and that's really saying something.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I really said all that just to set up for something only vaguely related. Our friend Lisa flew over from Germany to stay with us in Ireland for 5 days and we got a few decent chats in. On one of those chats she managed to stir up some shadows I've not had to deal with for awhile. She was pointing out - in my own mind - that I have the capacity to be extremely successful as a shamanic teacher, writer, etc. She believes that I could teach over in Europe and I know that she's right. So I had to ask myself, why am I not pursuing this? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Okay. There are a few layers of answer here. The most immediate reason is that I am very involved in being a new papa, and that is not a process that I want to be any less engaged in than I am...usually and for the most part. Workshops and conferences in other cities already take me out of town approximately every other month. I think that's probably enough for now. That easily brought the consideration to a halt, at least on a superficial level – but I gradually became aware that it was still ticking away at deeper levels. When I hear about a wildly successful teacher who is offering essentially similar or even lesser material than what I do, I sometimes find myself struggling with my decision to put my "work" on a back burner for awhile. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Initially I saw this as my ego feeling jealous that it wasn't getting its just deserts for all the work it was doing. (My ego/I can sometimes get rather full of myself.) So I passed it off with a compassionate smile, assuming that it would dissolve, as such things tend to do. Instead it stuck around. It took me a couple weeks to realize this. It came to me just recently as I was reading about this recently disrobed zen monk/priest and feeling torn between righteous indignation at his sexual misconduct and compassion for the hungers and shadows that have driven him there. It suddenly occurred to me that I am not being entirely aware of my own process here. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I tend to be rather good, or so I allow myself to believe and pride myself in, at paying attention to what my soul, spirit allies, ancestors and teachers want me to be moving towards. This is probably more true than not, but in this case, I realize that I am actually cowering from what I see as "success." While my reasons are perfectly reasonable, they are also allowing me to avoid something I fear: That if I actually become "too" well known or well paid, my shadows will start chewing on me as well. And so maintain a pretty low profile, make sure I don't do anything that would attract "too much" notice, and tell myself that I am showing integrity by being a good husband and father. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It occurs to me now that, while true – this is also a pile of crap. If I was really ready to face my demons, I would easily find ways to move my work of Post-Tribal Shamanism forward while still having quality time with my family. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not a comfortable place to find myself it. Just goes to show you, as soon as you start resting on your laurels, they will start poking you.</div>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-72701187396041972242010-10-02T10:37:00.000-07:002010-10-02T11:30:54.693-07:00the Deer Hunt – part I<div style="text-align: justify;">It is 6:05 AM. I have just forced myself from bed in the still dark hotel room. Stumbling over pillows and comforter knocked to the floor during a night of tossing and turning, I make my way to the lit bathroom and crank on the shower. A few minutes later, much refreshed by the scent blocker bath gel, I pull on my layers of hunting garb and prepare to head out in to the early morning. I stuff my army surplus pockets with sheath knife, binoculars, freezer bag, vinyl gloves, hunting license and permit, tag protector, cell phone (on vibrate) and permission form, signed by the owner of the land I'm headed out to hunt. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I scouted the land again yesterday afternoon, stopping by at the house to pay my respects to Gene. On my walk down the access road, I watched a snake slither across my path just ahead of me. I smiled at the good omen. Everything looked good. Plenty of deer sign, though I didn't spot any actual deer. I did check out the man-made pond, where I saw a yellow spotted frog, and a dried creek-bed, where I saw a chipmunk and lots of deer tracks. I took time to connect in with the land spirit as well as Deer spirit and Grandfather. All signs looked good. After a few hours of practicing my somewhat silent and stealthy stalking, I went off in search of a hotel room for the night. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Arriving at Gene's farm house, I kill my lights before they can shine in his windows and park in front of the open pole barn. I open the back of my car and begin going over my checklist. I seem to have everything I will need. I consider taking the coil of rope with me, just in case I get lucky first thing and need to string up the carcass to do the field dressing, but I don't want to load myself down, so I decide I will come back for it after I tag the deer. I take only one arrow, with the assumption that I probably won't have more than one chance to shoot anything. Knocking the arrow, I head out for the access road. It is still mostly dark as I practically skip down the partially graveled road. I am moving as quietly, but quickly as I can, balancing speed and quiet for what I hope is a happy medium. I see the turnout for the pond and move more slowing in hopes of surprising some deer at their morning drink. No luck. It's just me and a few birds. I take up a position on the far side of a small mound, so that I will be out of sight of any does and bucks that come wondering up from the west. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've been squatting here for over an hour. The sun is above the horizon. Fish are popping the surface of the pond and a duck flies overhead – but no deer. I move into shamanic body and journey into the Under World to chat with Deer. I assure the Old One that I am here to honor the old contract between humans and the deer. I make offerings of tobacco, corn, salt and beans. I've been making these visits for the past month, leaving offerings and asking for Deer to help me find one of HIr people on this hunt. As usual, I don't get much of an answer. The dew is beginning to dry on my bow where it has settled into the long, sawtoothed grass. It is time to move. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Cutting back across the access road, I decide to try some more stalking. I wade into the waist-high weeds at the tree line, carefully turning to avoid the curving limbs of berry bushes with their hooked thorns. Now I want to be really quiet, so I go to stalking mode and am doing pretty well, until I lose my balance and come down hard on some twigs, snapping them loudly in the stillness beneath the trees. There is nothing I can do about it, but I begin moving even more slowly, carefully threading my way towards a large tree that probably has a clearing around it. As I approach the tree, I see that someone has built a tree stand against the trunk . . . several years ago, and it is now hanging off at an angle. Not something I would want to try to climb. Peering through the undergrowth, I spot another big tree that I think I recognize from my scout yesterday. It has wide undulating branches that make it look a little "spooky." Smiling to myself, I begin working my way through the trees, brambles, berry bushes and assorted unknowns toward this landmark. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Suddenly aware that I could get lost in here, I stop to orient myself. I can make out the open sun-lit space of the access road off to my left. The spooky tree is straight ahead. That puts Gene's house and fields beyond that, which means that I have already strayed out of the proscribed hunting zone (the farm I have a signed permission form for) and into what I've been told "shouldn't be a problem." Forging ahead, I make it to the tree with spreading arms. The undergrowth is more sparse beneath the limbs of the tree, so I can move more freely. I peer off in all directions, wondering where the deer may have bedded down for the day. I touch the ground with my fingers and send a prayer to the land spirit, asking for its help on this hunt. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-91284444181735652232010-09-21T09:00:00.000-07:002010-09-21T09:00:05.436-07:00Shamanic Spirituality<div style="text-align: justify;">One of the often difficult aspects of authentic, shamanic work is that the spirits that one works with generally have their own ideas of what you need to do and they expect you to follow them. If you don't, you run the risk of loosing the alliance with that spirit. I've certainly tested Grandfather, my spirit ally to great lengths in this regard, but he has stuck with me none the less. Eventually he gets through to me. It just takes awhile. For the past ten years or more, he has been "suggesting" that I learn deer medicine by going bow hunting and connecting with the spirit of Deer. I've managed to put it off all this time, but now that I'm finally moving forward with it, I find that Deer medicine is surprisingly powerful and meaningful. This is filling an old blind spot that I had no idea was still present. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">All of this leads me to consider more about the sort of spiritual path that shamanism provides.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">The foundation of shamanic spirituality is Animism – the awareness of the presence of the divine in all things. Without further definition, this makes for a pretty broad spectrum spiritual practice. I remember realizing just how deeply this goes on our trip to India, where there are places in which pretty much everything is sacred. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Add the Soul to this already intoxication mix and you have a very rich spiritual melange. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For myself, this has generated a constantly changing practice of mindfulness, self realization, honoring of my ancestors and other spirits and recognition of the divine everywhere. But the fundamental is a regular sitting practice that seems to create space for the soul to enter more fully. Everything else in the practice is built on this connection with soul. </div></div></div>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-2631020193081373512010-09-14T05:07:00.001-07:002010-09-14T06:41:10.326-07:00How the Role of the Shaman has EvolvedIn the early hunter-gatherer cultures, there is substantial evidence to suggest that the shaman's role covered a lot of territory. The shaman was the healer, the seer, priest, storyteller, judge and even war leader at times. As society became more settled, moving to agriculture and cities, there was more excess food to support those who didn't directly work at finding or making the food. This lead to specialization. Roles that were originally part of the shaman were taken on my others. Priests, diviners, storytellers and others developed their own niches in the culture, and the role of the shaman become more focused on direct communication with the world of spirit. <div><br /></div><div>This original state developed to what we see today in many traditional cultures. The shaman takes care of healing the wounds of the spirit while the medicine man or woman heals the ills of the body. The two often work in tandem for their patients. </div><div><br /></div><div>In our post-tribal world, we see that the shaman is re-emerging in response to a need that is not being met by the mainstream religions or modern psychology. This need is the soul's hunger for connection – with the earth, our ancestors, the divine and our own selves. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is the work of the shaman in our current western culture: To bring the pieces of the whole Self back together, realigning mind, body and spirit into Human Being. </div>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-14903506975946696002010-07-29T08:02:00.000-07:002010-07-29T09:07:03.669-07:00What is "Real"?<div style="text-align: justify;">All of our perceptions of reality are based upon – or extrapolated from – the product of our five physical senses. The general paradigm is "if I can see it, touch it, taste it, hear it or smell it – it must be real." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The problem with this paradigm in a shamanic context is immediately apparent. So much of what we are working with – the soul, spirit, ancestors, journeying – deals with experiences that are necessarily beyond the realm of our physical senses. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fortunately, it is relatively easy to refute this perspective – as I've done frequently in many workshops and with many students over the past twenty years – through direct experiences that the ego cannot entirely dismiss. To this end, I suggest a definition of reality that allows for a much broader experience: "If the experience leaves a lasting impact on my life – it is real." </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">THis is not always enough. Many people have an ego that is so strong and fearful, that it doesn't allow them to experience anything that it feels threatened by. Perhaps what I'm looking for is really more a matter of "validity" than "reality", however, because we tend to discount anything that doesn't pass our definition of "real", I need to address that directly.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another, more subtle, paradigm of reality is "if you experience the same thing I do, then it is probably real." This is also problematic in shamanic work, because to much of what we encounter is filtered through our subjective perspective. When encountering the World Tree, everyone seems to experience "something" that they define as the World Tree, however,t he details vary widely. I do not believe that this is because what they are experiencing is really so different but that we do not have the practice of matching our perceptions to a consensus in the otherworld as we do here. </div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the root of all these issues, is one prime cause: That is the struggle between the ego and the soul. It is the nature of the soul to awaken, just as it is the nature of the ego to resist that awakening. The soul is patient, but it will respond to opportunities. The ego wants to hold onto the illusion that it is the Self. Having to recognize that it is merely one part of something much larger is uncomfortable at best and generally terrifying. But it is this recognition that really frees up the Self to experience a larger reality and thus re-set the paradigms of what is real. </div>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-14702822033454831992010-07-21T17:24:00.000-07:002010-07-22T10:38:09.473-07:00Walking Between the Worlds<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xJDRAJfAe1WnagY2DF4Q0LOffyV1ysADx5ox_pdiPXSoj53ii8cTv6jM1WAt5a22S0phaysRyvtOAsMkBz9HBn4QPz7mgubudenG7CkHjr64TTZoV_poOGIeGn-nfEo_OH3olT8UrfHt/s1600/IMG_5825.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xJDRAJfAe1WnagY2DF4Q0LOffyV1ysADx5ox_pdiPXSoj53ii8cTv6jM1WAt5a22S0phaysRyvtOAsMkBz9HBn4QPz7mgubudenG7CkHjr64TTZoV_poOGIeGn-nfEo_OH3olT8UrfHt/s400/IMG_5825.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496785827764084018" /></a><br /><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px"><br /></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia">So – I'm just back from two back-to-back neo-pagan events at Brushwood Folklore Center near Sherman, NY. I have been making this trip every year for perhaps 15 years or more, and it provides me with an annual milestone of sorts – checking in with myself each year to see where I am relative to where I was. </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia">Brushwood has been hosting gatherings of this kind since the early 90's, and has gradually grown into one of the premier sited for the neo-pagan movement to hold large festivals. </p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px">Over the eight days there – teaching workshops, attending workshops, chatting with interesting folks, catching up with friends who I only see during Brushwood time, and just hanging out with my dear friends at Camp Sashu – all this served to open my heart and move me into a fairly deep altered state. Leaving that space and driving home has been a kind of movement from one world to another. Over the past few years, I've noticed that there is less of a shift. </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px">The shamanic perspective is that we are living in many different worlds all at once AND that all these worlds are the same world – perceived from slightly different perspectives. The ideal is to – eventually – integrate all the worlds (and all the parts of the Self) into one, unified whole. </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px">Coming home from Brushwood, I stopped for gas and noticed that I was scowling slightly at the people around me. I wondered why, and looked at what was behind this. I realized that I felt vulnerable and disconnected from these "others" because I had spent the previous eight days connecting within a limited community setting. This had created within me a sense of "us and them". </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px">Taking a few slow breaths, I attempted to extend my sense of "us" to include the rest of my fellow humans. I'm not sure how well it worked, but I stopped scowling. </p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px">And I'm very happy to be home.</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 16.0px Georgia; min-height: 19.0px"><br /></p>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-54116189809840228992010-07-11T14:05:00.000-07:002010-07-11T14:09:04.078-07:00Banging Head Against the Wall (Publishing eBook)Just a brief update here. <div><br /></div><div>I've spent my spare time over the past month formatting my Dance of Stones manuscript to be published as an eBook – only to have it run into issues in the conversion process. Apparently there are mysterious things that happen when a Pages document is converted to a Word document. In any case, I finally got most of the issues sorted and it is now available through <a href="http://www.smashwords.com">www.smashwords.com</a>. If you would be interested in reviewing the book on the smashwords site, contact me and I will give you a code for 50% off. </div><div><br /></div><div>Back to life as a papa shaman.</div><div><br /></div><div>namaste,</div><div><br /></div><div>Kenn</div>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-35166829423269818552009-12-09T20:25:00.000-08:002009-12-09T20:33:29.191-08:00The miraculous Quality of the Mundane (II)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFA2CiY7datPof2x71zaK4JK2811QAc7IjBdQZQytXGmPFZAFpCxNqMojI2R04j-vpDkl29OdPKJEYs7tMWciCNip88jVKjcIgqbj9rySK9H3SJiTEvz_kpc99XmYzpUCAVrO8cmbZuD6/s1600-h/IMG_5686.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVFA2CiY7datPof2x71zaK4JK2811QAc7IjBdQZQytXGmPFZAFpCxNqMojI2R04j-vpDkl29OdPKJEYs7tMWciCNip88jVKjcIgqbj9rySK9H3SJiTEvz_kpc99XmYzpUCAVrO8cmbZuD6/s400/IMG_5686.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413460971919283074" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One of the gifts of being a new father is the constant reminder to really be mindful of what a miracle this life is. It's easy to see that when I look at my beautiful little daughter, but this is a reminder fro me to realize that miracle in everything else I see as well. This miracle is not just in what is beautiful, or beloved or even alive. It is in all the bits and pieces in between as well. It is in the concrete sidewalk, the plastic cup, the rusty hinge on my garden gate and even in the plastic keys that I am typing on. The miracle is existence. It is easy to take this miracle for granted, but stop for a moment – right now – and open yourself to the realization that all of it is miraculous. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let that soak in a bit. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-638029937948006950.post-58149786629756303432009-10-12T17:32:00.000-07:002009-10-15T13:17:57.177-07:00Post-Tribal – not Anti-Tribal<div style="text-align: justify;">I've had a few people respond to the concept of "post-tribal" as if it was a reaction against "tribal." This could not be further from the truth. While I have great respect for the various tribal traditions, "post-Tribal Shamanism" simply recognizes that, for those of us not raised in a tribal setting (with tribal values, spirituality and internal ecology) it is inappropriate for us to use some of the shamanic techniques that most clearly pertain to tribal culture. The most obvious case of this appears in the relationship between the shaman and his/her patient. In a tribal setting, it is often appropriate for the shaman to act in the absence of the patient, or even without the patient's knowledge, for the good of the tribe. In our modern culture, this action would disempower the patient, causing the power to be projected onto the shaman. This is something we should try to avoid, as this sense of personal power and responsibility is considered essential for people in our culture. </div>Post Tribal Shamanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11957457361708083999noreply@blogger.com0