Shamanism and personal development

Shamanism? What is it? And how is it relevant to personal development?

Shamanism, in simple terms, is the world’s oldest “religion” or spirituality. Evidence of the practice exists in ancient rock art dating back tens of thousands of years. Shamanism predates all the various religions of the world.

One could say that Shamanism is humankind’s natural spirituality. As time passes, I will write a number of articles on the subject which will illustrate this view more clearly.

If you want to find out more about Shamanism in general you can start by looking at the Wikipedia entry here. Please try not to get distracted by all the complex and unfamiliar concepts you will find there.

Back to the essence of my article…..

One of the key reasons why Shamanism is relevant to personal development is that aspects of the practice deal with the visual deep inner psyche (to speak simply).

You do not need to be a Shaman to practice Shamanism and you do not need to be a “member”, join a church, follow a “guru”, “priest” or any man/woman to benefit from Shamanic practice and techniques. You can benefit from Shamanism at any time simply because it is part of the natural order of the world – like the laws of gravity. It works in harmony with the way your mind, brain, psyche work because it is natural. There is no religious dogma to follow. Your mind is predisposed to work in a Shamanic manner.

Some aspects of what some people call “inner healing” are actually Shamanic in nature. For people who want to jump on ahead; check out Shamanic Journeying. I especially recommend the book below, which for the academically/scientifically minded, is well referenced.

I will continue with this theme in future articles, but for now will leave you with this thought: Quite recently, I came across some information that scientists have recently discovered that DNA (which has apparent inherent healing properties) can be affected in a positive (healing inducing) manner by imagery, especially that which is charged with strong emotion. Unfortunately I cannot recall the reference and overlooked writing it down. Imagery, especially that charged with strong emotion, can be a key facet of Shamanic work. What scientists are now discovering appears to tie in nicely with principles that have been untilized for tens of thousands of years.

Here is the link to the book I mentioned:

And here are some reviews of the book (I will be doing my own review in due course).

Amazon.com Review
Jeannette Gagan’s Journeying is a must-read for those who are interested in shamanism but have been turned off by fuzzy-headed mystical claims or sloppy exposition. In this well-written and eminently useful manual, shamanism, “perhaps the oldest form of practical spirituality in the world,” is explained in a straightforward, scholarly manner by a respected licensed psychologist. Gagan succinctly summarizes the procedures, philosophies, and purposes of modern psychology, illuminating the common areas occupied between the two. She builds a strong case for the introduction of shamanistic journeying into the retinue of healing modalities for the modern psychotherapist. For those intent on healing the psyches of themselves or others, shamanism may well work where other modalities have failed. For example, long-repressed anger can be processed while journeying without fear of upsetting the neighbors, or one day awakening to the horrible realization that you just kicked the dog. –Randall Cohan

Review
A landmark application of shamanic wisdom to early developmental wounding where the ills of society begin. – Larry Dossey,MD, author of Prayer is Good Medicine

Examining modern social concerns such as inadequate bonding in infancy and the effects of violence, brain research, and the consequences of altered states of consciousness, Gagan applies the ancient technique of journeying to the intellectual structure of psychological theory. Her approach is refreshingly original, the goal being to encourage rapid self-discovery and self-healing. – NAPRA REVIEW, Vol. 9, No. #, 1998

Gagan uses transformative imagery and symbolism as she probes the depths of inadequate bonding in infancy, violence in adulthood, the imprint of violence on the collective psyche. Gagan masterfully tells us why we need the power of shamanic healing in our lives, how psychology would benefit from a marriage of the two, and how even shamanism stands to gain from psychology’s theoretical positioning. Highly recommended for practitioners and lay persons alike – LEADING EDGE REVIEW, Summer, 1998

Here is an author who clearly knows her subject. . . .Gagan’s book is nothing short of fascinating. It doesn’t ask you to reject modern psychology, only to consider augmenting the discipline with a deeper plane of consciousness. – THE NEW MEXICAN, March 8, 1998

Shamans in indigenous cultures were and are also the psychologists of the communityl. – Sandra Ingerman, author of Soul Retrieval and Fall to Grace

This phenomenal book…shows how the separating and controlling energy of violence transforms into healing unity. – Twylah Nitsch, Seneca Elder

Related posts:

1. Fear – deeper remedies.
2. Is personal development hard work?
3. Personal reflections on Shamanism
4. Empathic civilization animated video – scientific, psychological and philosophical information you must see.
5. Shamanic Healing