Ever since I was first drawn to the "Way of the Shaman" by a
visionary experience 10 years ago, people have asked me "What exactly
is Shamanism?"

I have often found it hard to answer without either leaving people
confused, or overwhelming them with strange concepts, excessive
details and unfamiliar jargon.

I have even on occasions given extremely irksome replies like "Good
question! - I would hate to spoil it with my answer, why not allow
your own answer to unfold?"

Potentially a helpful answer for mystics! However, I feel that (as
yet!) ordinary folk are entitled to a helpful answer too, as opposed
to answering a perfectly reasonable question with a slap across the
face with a wet fish. I am reminded here of the classic Zen Buddhist
teaching about the student who asks the teacher "What is the Meaning
of Life?" and receives the deeply mystical reply of being hit sharply
on the head with a stout stick!

After 10 years (it really has taken that long!) - and many bruises
from stout sticks! - of unfolding my own answer I feel I have finally
reached a level of simple clarity about what Shamanism means for me.
Part of the elusive, beautiful magic of Shamanism is that it can mean
many different things for different people, so if you hold a
different piece of the jigsaw, I hope that you will feel free to
share it. In the meantime here is my own view as food for thought....

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Shamanism is a Lifestyle!
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Shamanism is a way of living ("The Way of the Shaman") that embodies
3 key "mind-sets"...

1. Honouring life in its many forms and experiences
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Seeking to accept and appreciate the varied forms, "knowings" and
experiences that life brings us. Looking for and supporting
the "good", the "wonder-ful" and the "lessons" - in life. Looking for
and supporting the best in ourself, in other people, and in the
creative, magical, unifying essence (divine spirit) that pervades
life.

2. Seeking to Live at Ease (in Harmony) with Internal & External
Forces (Energies)
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3. Finding & Following "Our Path" in Life
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Believing that there a personal "Path" in Life that is right for us.
A path that is sometimes difficult and sometimes lonely, but is
strewn with "blessings" and progressively builds connectedness and
fulfilment. A path that can support us in facing death peacefully and
without regret when "our time" is over.

As it says in "The Shaman's Prayer for Strength & Wisdom"...

"Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight
eyes.
So that when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to
you without shame."


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Taste the Lifestyle?
++++++++++++++++++++

UK Shamanic Practitioners Conference 9-12 September 2007 Glastonbury
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A programme of workshops, from an international array of presenters,
designed to enhance a practitioner's skills with teachings from a
variety of traditions and for a variety of applications. Also an
opportunity to share sacred space with people who are dedicated to
the teaching and practising the ancient and modern ways of the
shaman. Conference Brochures (incorporating booking forms) are
available at the Libra Aries bookshop on Mill Rd, Cambridge, or from
me (email or call 01954-789966).
see also
http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/CambridgePaganMoot/message/426
or http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/CambridgePagans/message/1585

"At the Centre of the Sphere" Shamanic Workshop
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Sunday July 22nd 2007 3-6pm 5 miles from Cambridge on A14
Find your place in the big jigsaw of life!
This workshop provides a range of exercises and experiences that
bring our conscious and unconscious (deep wisdom) minds into
alignment, focus and balance. It draws on ancient Shamanic principles
and wisdom that reconnect us with the healthy power and
resourcefulness of nature, spirit and community. No prior experience
required.
Details: http://www.sunflower-health.com/workshops.htm or call 01954-
789966

Beginners' Shamanism Course
--------------------------
I am planning to run another introductory course soon. Let me know if
you are interested - email me or call 01954-789966.