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Shamanism in Europe
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Shamanism
 

What is shamanism?

The Shaman is usually regarded as a healer as well as a mediator between the normal - ordinary - world or reality, OR, and the spiritual world, the so called non-ordinary reality (NOR). He is an expert for communication with the helping spirits by changing his everyday consciousness to an altered state and "journeying" to NOR to retrieve power and information for his clients and tasks.

Traditional Shamanism

Traditional Shamanism is a complex of beliefs and behaviours embedded within a variety of cultures. Shamans are distinguished from other healers, mediums and various religious practitioners.

Szene aus Tuva Traditional shamanism in Tuva: Shamans sanctifying a spring

These criteria are helpful:
  • Usually shamans have direct contact with spiritual entities.
  • Strict control of one or more spirits. Spirits do not usurp or "control" the shaman's consciousness without his or her permission.
  • Control of an altered state of consciousness (the shaman determines when to enter and when to leave the altered state).
  • They focus rather on the "normal", material world than looking for personal enlightenment.
  • The ability for the "magical flight of the soul", i. e. the shaman's journey.
Comparison of data from tribal cultures show a cosmological pattern. In general shamans experience three worlds: The Upper, the Lower and the Middle World. Upper and Lower World are the realms of the compassionate helpful spirits of the shaman.

Schamanin Traditional shamanism in Tuva: Sanctifying a spot by sprinkling milk with the sacred spoon

 

Core Shamanism

Core shamanism consists of the universal or near-universal principles and practices of shamanism not bound to any specific cultural group or perspective, as originated, researched, and developed by Michael Harner

Since the West overwhelmingly lost its shamanic knowledge centuries ago due to religious oppression, the Foundation’s programs in core shamanism are particularly intended for Westerners to reacquire access to their rightful spiritual heritage through quality workshops and training courses.

Schamanische Masken Auch Masken (tungusisch) helfen dem Schamanen bei der Arbeit

Training in core shamanism includes teaching students to alter their consciousness through classic shamanic non-drug techniques such as repetitive drumming so that they can discover their own hidden spiritual resources, transform their lives, and learn how to help others.

Core shamanism does not focus on ceremonies, such as those of Native Americans, which are part of the work of medicine men and women, persons who do both shamanism and ceremonial work.

Szene aus Tuva Schamanen segnen eine Quelle in Tuva

Join the thousands each year who take the Foundation's rigorous trainings in core shamanism. The training programs have been carefully designed and thoroughly tested to provide an authentic shamanic experience and practical results.

     
„Schamanismus ist ein Weg des Wissens und nicht des Glaubens. Dieses Wissen kann weder von mir noch von irgendjemand anderem in dieser Wirklichkeit stammen. Um an dieses Wissen zu kommen, einschließlich dem über die Wirklichkeit der spirits, ist es notwendig, den Schritt ins schamanische Universum zu tun und Wissen durch Erfahrung zu erwerben“. (Michael Harner, Gründer und Präsident der FSS)
     
 
Glossary
 

Journey, shamanic journey

Shamanic State of Consciousness (SSC)

Non-ordinary Reality (NOR)

Spirits

Shamanic Tools

 
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