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What, then, is enlightenment from a Shamanic point of view?

Alex Webley — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 09:50:56 +0000

What, then, is enlightenment from a Shamanic point of view?

Recently I received this email (Name of sender removed for privacy reasons).

Dear Alex,

******* here. I bumped into your own Black Shaman blog by mere chance, and what a chance?!!

To me, you seem to be a very, very honest and profound person. I feel connected to you in a way. I don’t know how and why.

Your smile in the photo depicted on your website along with the small beautiful kitten you had in your hands sends shills down my spine.

I wanted also to ask you a question, “What does shamanism think of enlightenment? What, then, is enlightenment from a shamanic point of view?”

Thank you so much for your beauty and profoundness.

Yours,

******* :-)

Here is my reply:

Hello *******,

Thanks so much for your email and compliments.

Enlightenment is such a profound area that it is not possible to do it justice with the written word. It has to be experienced because it involves things which are not of our physical dimension and which can only be understood by actual knowing/experience.

Simply speaking, it includes:

the knowledge of our dependence upon Spirit and Spirits

an ability to have a ‘foot in both worlds’ and move there easily and at will

interaction with Spirit and Spirits – knowing them

a deep awareness that one is loved by Spirit

a healthy, balanced and considered love for others, environment and fauna

a deep dependence upon Spirit (deep humility and recognition that Spirit is the Source of all)

awareness that as we will pass into Spirit upon death we should live in Spirit now. Why wait?

knowledge and acceptance that the will of Spirit should prevail

wariness of our own opinion & ego

love for truth – not ‘my truth’ (contradictory), a brand of truth or such like; but reality

trust of Spirit

experiential joy

deep knowledge (living experience) that Spirit is our rock. When we are ‘burned’ there is nothing left standing but Spirit

emotional & mental health

an awareness that Shamanic techniques/phenomena can and do heal both bodies and minds

There is more.

Please also bear in mind that Shamanism is humanity’s original spirituality dating back tens of thousands of years before man and religion messed so much up.

Warm Regards,

Alex Webley
Life Coach | Counsellor | Corporate/Business Coach | Shaman
Personal Development Magic

“Fixes For Mind, Emotion, Soul And Spirit”

Mobile/Cell: +61-421 27 28 29 Fax: +61-7 5677 0279

PO Box 9303, GCMC, Bundall, Qld 4217, Australia
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Contact me on Skype: alexwebley

What, then, is enlightenment from a Shamanic point of view? is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

Fancy being a Shaman? Perhaps not.

Alex Webley — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 12:24:35 +0000

Today I came across a fantastic article by Galina Krasskova.

A somewhat unusual article, Devotion is a Warrior’s Art touches on a number of important areas.

One area I want to highlight today is this, and I quote:

I worry when I encounter people who are drawn to the idea of being a God-servant or becoming a shaman. Those of us who have been through the breaking, the dying, the reforging answer those innocent queries with “no, you really don’t. You don’t know what it entails. Run now, while you still have the freedom to do so.” Watching novices jumping headlong into “shamanism” without any preparation, without any idea of what ‘shamanism’ really entails chills me to the core. They don’t understand that they may not survive the journey. Those who do this without a strong devotional practice, without a strong connection to a specific Deity (who will also look after the person in question) makes it that much more difficult. Devotion may involve openness of heart, and surrender of spirit but with that it calls for tremendous courage. Rather than explore ‘shamanism’ I’d encourage any would be spirit worker to first get their spiritual “house” in order. Begin with devotion. Allow devotion to lead to strength, discipline, and other essential training. This is a fundamental all too often neglected. It’s not the only thing one needs to survive, not by a long shot, but it certainly ups the odds.

Are you one of those people which this segment describes?

If you are, you might not survive.

Becoming a Shaman is not some kind of game, weekend thrill, or fashion. People can, and have, died.

Becoming a Shaman will change you markedly. It is not something undertaken lightly.

I survived, but only just. And I am ‘called’.

Once on the other side of the – fire – valley of death – abyss – the joy, wisdom, peace and sense/experience of being loved is literally out of this world. It is more than worth it.

But are you ready? Really ready?

If not….you might not make it back.

Fancy being a Shaman? Perhaps not. is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

Shamanic Healing

Alex Webley — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 01:29:05 +0000

Shamanic healing – do you know anything about it?

A friend (“Ecuador Shaman”) told me about this site:

http://www.AmazonShaman.com

Check it out for yourself – there are several videos.

Find out more about Shamans and Shamanic healing.

Enjoy the beautiful South American scenery.

Hear from ‘ordinary’ people who have benefited from Shamanic healing.

Check out the tiny monkeys (pets).

Open yourself up to a different world….a real and very powerful world.

And before you scoff, or become sceptical….have you ever thought about your own spiritual beliefs logically?

Critically?

Have you analyzed the basis for your beliefs?

Just what might you be missing out on?

And why are intelligent, logical people, including businessmen, interested in Shamanic healing?

Find out today!

Shamanic Healing is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

The Lost Language of Plants: The Ecological Importance of Plant Medicines for Life on Earth

Alex Webley — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:55:13 +0000

The Lost Language Of Plants is a highly unusual book.

It will be confronting to many.

The book contains a critique of technological medicine as well as a different take on Gaia Theory.

A mix of New Age spiritual understanding and hard science, The Lost Language Of Plants will affect both your reason and emotions.

If you have concerns about the state of our health care systems, the environment and our culture; then this book is an essential read.

The Lost Language of Plants: The Ecological Importance of Plant Medicines for Life on Earth is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

What is the shamanic perception of wellbeing?

Alex Webley — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:54:47 +0000

Throughout the world there are varying definitions of wellbeing.

Some of these definitions are connected to negative outcomes for some of the affected. Some include intense greed, at times at the expense of others. Some are rooted in fear. Others are based on religion. Most are rooted in disconnection from true Spirit. Some are found in the bottom of a bottle or at the end of a needle.

What light does Shamanism, which is humanity’s original spirituality, throw on this issue?

Piers Vitebsky, who is an anthropologist and Head of Social Science at the Scott Polar Research Institute, University of Cambridge, England, comments:

The shamanic perception of wellbeing does not only encompass physical health in the medical sense, nor is it restricted to mental health in the psychiatric sense. It includes good nutrition, good friendship, prosperity, and successful business and warfare. All of these things depend on ideas of balance, flow and equilibrium in the environment, and on ideas of giving and withholding, love and anger, and motivation and intention among the spirits which animate this environment.

(Vitebsky, Shamanism, 2001, 99-100)

Vitebsky, who has extensive knowledge and understanding of ‘indigenous’ shamanism has summed up the situation beautifully.

Interestingly, the above conclusion is one which I have arrived at during my own personal life journey – without ‘learning’ it from spiritual texts or verbal instruction.

Every word which Vitebsky has written above is rich in meaning, and power.

Read more here in Vitebsky’s book: Shamanism.

What is the shamanic perception of wellbeing? is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

Personal Anecdote – knowledge of physical problem.

Alex Webley — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 05:52:02 +0000

Just recently I was working away on my computer, vaguely aware that my wife was talking to a friend on her cell phone.

My ears pricked up when I heard her talking about the friend’s severe muscular pain.

Immediately, I started to receive information from Spirit about the situation.

I saw in my mind’s eye a muscular problem stretching between the base of the neck and the top of the right shoulder. I also had a picture of the person involved looking up high and to the right, which was in context of being the root of the problem.

In this case, the person my wife was speaking with did not have problems with scepticism and was interested to hear more when my wife relayed my comments.

When speaking with the person, I confirmed that he did indeed have a pain in the area which I saw (and which both my wife and he knew I had no way of knowing about via ordinary means), and that earlier that day he had been reaching up and straining often to get stuff down from a very high shelf.

It gave the person some advice on seeking spiritual assistance for his problem within his skill range and also suggested that next time he look after and respect his body by using some kind of a stepladder.

As always, the credit for this is not due to me. I am merely a channel for supernatural knowledge. I am grateful, and honored, to be of assistance.

Personal Anecdote – knowledge of physical problem. is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

Another personal anecdote – photo reading.

Alex Webley — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:11:18 +0000

Some readers will be aware that I read photos.

Simply speaking, what I mean by reading photos is that I can look at a picture of someone and know things about the person which are not revealed by the body language, expression, clothing or context of the photograph.

Things I become aware of can be very varied, including thoughts, personality types, behaviors and health issues.

A few weeks ago I commented to my wife that when I saw a new picture of someone we know, I could see death around the person (in the spirit). I have recently been informed that the person concerned has discovered that they have a medical condition which research shows is so serious, that without treatment it would result in death within 1 to 3 years.

Now, I have not delved more deeply into the spirit for more revelation, however this may well be what I was seeing. At the time I did not delve more deeply into the situation for a variety of reasons (one of which is not caring enough; so a kick up the bum for me). I have never mentioned what I saw to the person concerned either. I tend not to, partly because some people can tend to scoff (not that that sort of thing bothers me personally) - what is the point of casting one’s pearls on the floor.

A couple of months ago I noticed a problem (in the spirit) with the eye of a friend. I did mention it to him and he had the situation checked out with an independent party, who later confirmed that what I said was correct.

This kind of stuff is a normal part of being connected with Spirit and of Shamanism. All credit and honor is due to Spirit. The less of me and the more of Spirit the better for all. You see, that is a fundamental key; the more we let Spirit flow the more we can receive assistance. Logic can actually be a great help in matters of Spirit, however oft times people misuse logic to confuse the situation, scoff and spew out sceptical drivel.

A good starting point for such scoffers is to logically research the incidence of Police and Intelligence Officers (including Military Intelligence) being involved with psychic phenomena and research. If you are a sceptic, ask yourself what they might know that you don’t? Such officers are concerned with facts and results after all.

In my case I have had so much of this kind of stuff happening it is routine (but highly appreciated and valued nonetheless – I have a deep respect for Spirit). My wife has witnessed lots of it. She could, if she wanted, take a polygraph test about what she has seen which would show that she is speaking the truth. So could I. Now, I know that not all people believe polygraph tests are accurate, however they have proven to be in many cases which is why they are used so often, and even accepted in courts in some jurisdictions.

So, if you are one of those people who scoffs at all this stuff I suggest to you that you are robbing yourself. If you are so proud of your logic, then start doing some research as I suggest. Or are you interested in retaining your own opinion.

And while you are at it, have a read of some of the stuff I write which is not related to matters of Spirit and ask yourself if you honestly think I am the kind of person who would be into rubbish.

I am into it because I KNOW.

Another personal anecdote – photo reading. is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

What do the Spirits say?

Alex Webley — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 05:16:29 +0000

A key aspect of human nature is to have a tendency to ignore natural laws that we can see. What I mean by this is that many people know the good things that they should do for themselves and other people, yet they do not do them.

There can be a multitude of reasons why people do not do the things which they realise they should, however this post is not about these reasons — instead; it is about the fact that people do disregard physical and other laws that they are aware of, in spite of such attitudes leading to negative outcomes.

Then there are the natural laws that many of us are unaware of, which includes many laws from the spiritual realm.

Many people do not believe in psychic/spiritual phenomena. In fact, only this week I was watching a current affairs program about a young psychic girl, where the program invited an alternative view from a credentialed expert in psychology. I was shocked to hear this so called ‘expert’ say that she had never heard of a psychic giving any bad news – it was all good news she said. Need I say more? Perhaps that this ‘expert’ not only undermined her own credibility and that of her profession of psychology, but that of the TV station.

Of course, there are many half baked psychics out there as well as the usual charlatans. Your key focus however should be on those who really do know stuff, and on hearing stuff for yourself.

On a personal basis, I am a very logical and factually orientated person. These traits actually assist me in spiritual activity for a number of reasons. Surprise, surprise!

Because I have become aware of the existence of a supernatural intelligence, I am increasingly tuning into it. Ego’s have a tendency for ‘knowing it all’ – this is not the way of Spirit. The more we focus on listening to Spirit the better off we will be – in the true sense of the word.

This simple equation makes simple logical sense:

If indeed there is a supernatural intelligence then an idiot by definition is someone who blocks it out, or otherwise does not seek it.

Which are you?

Are you humble and smart?

Or ‘clever minded’ and stupid?

What do the Spirits say? is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

Want to learn about Shamanic healing?

Alex Webley — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 13:12:36 +0000

There are many ways in which we can learn more about Shamanic healing.

One example is by reading accounts of other people’s experiences.

Be prepared for some unusual concepts. To start with you might find some of them weird. I recall finding computing, the logic behind it and the terms all very weird when I first started learning programming back in 1981. Anything that is both new to us and very different form societal norm, as computing was to me in 81, will usually seem odd to start with.

So it is with Shamanic healing.

Don’t expect to understand everything to start with. Just pick up what you can. You will find that when you start seeking healing yourself, you will understand more, and that you will have experiences which you will not be able to doubt.

I have recently come across a book by Margaret De Wys: Black Smoke.

Margaret De Wys is a professor at Bard College’s Milton Avery Graduate School of the Arts. She is also a composer and sound installation artist. Her pieces have been performed at the Museum of Modern Art, Pace Gallery, Kitchen and The Knitting Factory. A CD of her music, I Oh, was released in 2000.

The book, Black Smoke, which I have not yet read, is available from Amazon and I quote their description:

When composer and Bard College music professor Margaret De Wys learned she had breast cancer, the diagnosis shattered her comfortable life. Seized by fear, crushed by existential loneliness, she couldn’t respond when her loved ones reached out to her. To everyone’s concern, the illness propelled her away from her family and deep into the Amazon to work with Carlos, a charismatic Shuar master of medicina milenaria, an ancient mystical tradition with a highly sophisticated and precise technology of healing. In Black Smoke, De Wys writes of her amazing encounter with Carlos as he guided her into a world of potent visionary plants, harrowing initiations, and ritual purification. It was, as Carlos called it, “the path of the warrior.”

At once an adventure story, a romance, and a rich exploration of a little-known culture, Black Smoke is destined to become a classic. It captures one woman’s physical, emotional, and “holy voyage” through a world that differs vastly from our own in its perception of healing and wholeness. And what emerges is a revealing chronicle of spiritual insight and a trenchant exploration of the limits of idealism. Not only does De Wys offer a probing look at how our modern technological culture can learn and benefit from indigenous wisdom, but she also weaves a cautionary tale about how potentially dangerous it is-on both sides-to try to cross those frontiers.

If you are interested in learning more about Shamanism, or Shamanic healing, then perhaps consider purchasing Black Smoke.

You know, it would be very easy to take the view that Shamanic healing is a load of rubbish, however ask yourself this: what if you are wrong?

In the near future I will detail a personal testimony of how I performed a healing on my wife’s arm.

My own purely physical healing abilities are currently low, yet I have experienced some amazing things. My strengths include the area of mind healing, some of which can lead to physical healing, and seeing stuff – last year a friend was very ill and I saw (vision in the spirit realm) a blockage in a vein. At the time this was not suspected by her doctors, however I was later told by my friend that tests had indeed revealed that she had a blockage in a vein.

From years ago I recall a shocking example of; in context of a very sick man whom I had not met, but who was being discussed; ‘hearing’ an angry voice in the spirit world snarl the word “cancer”. I had not been told what the man’s illness was and when I mentioned what I had ‘heard’, jaws dropped – I was then told that the man had cancer of the brain.

More recently (2001) I saw a death marker in the spirit over a kitten of mine called Finley. He seemed well and I did not pay much attention to what I had seen. Within a few weeks he was dead from a fatal illness which he had contracted at the breeder’s. His pics are here.

I know Shamanic healing is real because I have experienced it. If you seek it, then you will find it too. This stuff is real folks.

Want to learn about Shamanic healing? is a post from: Black Shaman Blog

DNA and Shamanism

Alex Webley — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 02:03:52 +0000

In some other posts I comment briefly on the subject of DNA in context of Shamanism.

Here are the two articles:

Four Fold Way = simpler life.

Shamanism and personal development

As an academic, geeky type as well as a Shaman, I find the DNA aspect fascinating.

If anyone wants to communicate with me about this subject*, then please do (*or anything for that matter).

Recently I came across a very interesting article:

DNA Found to Have “Impossible” Telepathic Properties

This whole area is one worthy of in-depth study by us ‘unscientific folk’ too! One wonders what hidden mysteries will be uncovered.

DNA and Shamanism is a post from: Black Shaman Blog