WELCOME!

This is an ongoing US and global project to help enthusiasts, scholars, practitioners, and curious parties learn more about shamanic living in a contemporary culture. The space here is devoted to sharing info, experiences and opinions about all forms of shamanic expression covering shamanism's multiple permutations. Among subjects explored are traditions, techniques, insights, definitions, events, artists, authors, and creativity. You are invited to draw from your own experiences and contribute.

What is a SHAMAN?

MAYAN: "a technichian of the Holy, a lover of the Sacred." CELTIC: "Empower the people...by changing the way we think." MEXICAN APACHE: "Someone who has simply learned to give freely of themselves..." AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL: "...a teacher or healer, a wisdom keeper of knowledge... (who) takes people to a door and encourages them to enter." W. AFRICAN DIAGRA: "views every event in life within a spiritual context." HAWAIIAN: "...human bridges to the spiritual world and its laws and the material world and its trials..." QUECHUA INDIAN: "embodies all experience." AMAZON: "...willing to engage the forces of the Universe...in a beneficial end for self, people, and for life in general."


-- from Travelers, Magicians and Shamans (Danny Paradise)

Monday, July 28, 2008

Yellow Phase Rattle Snake


This beautiful 3 y.o. female Rattlesnake came to visit us about two weeks ago.


It's interesting how one little creature can invoke so many varied human responses. Ranging from: the on-call Erlich man who stated that he would only come out to kill it, Wildlife Nuisance guy who came out at 9:30 at night and for $95 removed it safely, Fish Commission RS project manager who along with DCNR biologists returned her to her den. (which is shown on the picture). And, it all started with my son who calmly and accurately identified it--notified me, and together as a family we were able to plan a safe re-location with a good outcome for everyone.

Yesterday, during a 20 mile bike ride, two more showed up.
On the bike trail: the response was anything from skidding to a halt to get a glimpse of this elusive creature to riders bolting ahead in a panic on their bikes.


Yes, it was a grand Homeschool experience. The pictures add a great memory of her release back to the den. We're now more informed and better prepared to hold a calm space when one encounters such a beautiful creature both feared and revered.


For me, well, there's much to learn from Rattlesnake...

So, here's an invitation to share your very own response / experience.

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

For My Friends in Sedona

Protection

Be unharmed, be at at peace
Release and be
Present
Envision any coming shock's charge
As a bolt of beauty
A new space unvisited
Reveals a breath change unlimited

My you find your way
with protection absolute
Let the day and Night within you
Bring you
Sing you through
Fixed journeys and moving destinations

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Tradition vs Heritage

Definitions from the Webster's New World:

Tradition: The process of preserving orally. Syn - legend, wisdom of the ages, oral history.

Heritage: Inheritance, birthright, ancestry. The most general of these words, applies either to property passed on to an heir, or a tradition, culture, etc. passed on to a later generation (our heritage of freedom)

I believe that I've acquired my "Wisdom of the Ages" and my unique abilities possibly thru my ancestry line, but "directly from Spirit." It is indeed Spirit's voice and direction that I hear everyday.

The discussion below triggers a similar feeling to the age-old dispute between Religions. I cannot see much difference between the Religions--perhaps, they've blended together in my eyes, connected by a common thread. LOVE

LOVE: Passionate and tender devotion.

Therefore, I'm not sure that I want to spend time dissecting Shamanic Traditions/Heritages.

I'm comfortable with knowing what I know. So is Spirit !