The mix of modalities we are able to offer each year depends on the skills and interests of the shamanistas who offer their services. Here is a partial glossary, with a rough interpretation of how the session is run, and links to relevant information available on the web.
basic tools and methods of spirit & some explanations.
eventually, we will try to add specific links and/or further readings for all of the essential ones.
literal things /tools are orange
methods /practices are blue
SHAMANISM: Shamanism is the most ancient surviving universal spiritual practice known. It is a range of healing traditions from native cultures all over the globe, which take place through communication with the "spirit world"-- or, stepping into non-ordinary reality if you will, dreamtime, The Dreaming, the unconscious, metaphor, archetype, the Rabbithole, and other names it likes to go by. -- A range of healing practices from animistic societies all over the globe, which take place through communication with the spirit world. The work is based on the premise that invisible forces pervade the visible and spirits that affect the lives of the living. Shamans operate outside established religions and people of any faith are welcome to join us.
SHAMAN: The Shaman journeys for the client to non-ordinary realities to the sound of the drumbeat to connect and collaborate with their power animals and spirit guides.
SHAMANISTA: The shamanic version of fashionista. As a form of respect, we like to reserve the term “Shaman” for our teachers and practitioners from native cultures and ancient traditions. We coined this word to describe a serious shamanic practitioner who is drawing from various native healing practices combined with his or hers own unique personal healing talents. Allied with power spirit animal guides, shamanistas facilitate the healing journey you undertake for yourself.
POWER ANIMAL: You already have one. Let's go find it and put it to work protecting you and guiding you on journeys to non-ordinary reality, where a lot of suprise resolutions are a gift from the universe.
Essential (Very Important!) Places & Concepts in Practice:
YOUR HOLE:
YOUR "MOUNTAIN":
THE CIRCLE - Is both a tool/thing, and a method/practice at once. It is essential to what we do, both in metaphor, in spirit, and in intention. The circle holds space. It creates community and holds creation together. It is how we connect and connection is where spirit comes from. Without circle, we have no "Dome", we have no Burning Man, we have no Earth. Without circle we actually have no Self. We do individual, paired, or group journeys, healing sessions, etc. but we open and close in a circle. It can be easy to underestimate the power or importance of such a seemingly simple and passive act, but the circle is **core**, is essential - and what it is all about. It surrounds us, it protects us, and forming one is setting shamanic space and intention, is almost the act of checking in with spirit itself.
EXTRACTION: The shaman journeys to the drumbeat in order meet up with their power animal and spirit guides. Following a brief diagnostic journey, the shaman can then remove bad vibes, nasty hitchhikers, stuck up energy, anger or frustrations. We all need a clean out!
SOUL RETRIEVAL: A healing journey to find your lost soul parts and bring them back to you. Welcome Home the Job is Done. Soul parts can wander off during and just before a trauma, abuse, car accident, surgery, or bad break-up. Co-dependency typically displaces soul parts. We can bring them back to you, then you will later be responsible for deciding how to incorporate them back into your life; so that you can catch up your returned soul part on how you have been evolving, for a fresh start.
POWER OBJECTS: objects (any) of power. tools used with spirit. [more soon]
Drum
Rattle
Feather
Stones & Crystals
Sage (Smudge)
Pouch (liken to vessel)
Pipe (Chanupa)
Water (see Soul Retrieval)
Flame
EYE GAZING- To really see and be seen by another is in itself a powerful healing tool. How often do we really allow ourselves to make deep contact with another human being? -- When eye contact between two people is initiated and maintained, an invisible energetic circuit is established between the two participants, dissolving the barriers that ordinarily separate them from each other, drawing them ever closer into a shared awareness of union. Eye gazing enables participants to drop into deep and loving contact with themselves and each other. As the contact deepens we begin to experience each other in an entirely different way. External issues such as physical appearance or personality cease to be relevant as we start to establish the mysterious 'energetic circuit' that Will Johnson refers to. At first we may feel uncomfortable and exposed with nowhere to hide. But this discomfort quickly dissipates when we accept it and surrender to the process. The more we can accept and surrender to whatever comes up the deeper we are able to go and thus the richer our experience will be. -- In the face of the safe and loving contact that eye gazing facilitates emotional pain held within the energy field and physical body will at some point surface for healing. As it does, we have the choice to really feel and release the pain, and in doing so clear and unblock chakras allowing more life force to flow.
Eye Gazing is a very powerful healing method because it very quickly takes us to an experience of recognising the other as ourself. It directly challenges the illusion of separation and offers us the chance to repeatedly taste our fundamental unity. If followed the practice offers the possibility of a complete dissolving of self and other into what Rumi calls the 'Consciousness of Union'. When we engage in eye gazing and we surrender to the emotions and sensations that arise . . . the limiting and fear based beliefs we held are challenged by the deep loving contact.
REIKI- Reiki is a spiritual practice developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. It uses a technique commonly called palm healing as a form of complementary and alternative medicine and is sometimes classified as oriental medicine by some professional bodies. Through the use of this technique, practitioners believe that they are transferring healing energy in the form of qi through the palms.
There are two main branches of Reiki, commonly referred to as Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki. Within both Traditional and Westernised forms of Reiki, there are three forms of degrees, commonly referred to as the First, Second, and Master/Teacher degree. According to Reiki practitioners and Masters, at First Degree, a Reiki practitioner is able to heal himself and others, at Second Degree is able to heal others distantly (commonly called distant healing) with the use of specialised symbols, and at Master level (specifically Master/Teacher level) is able to teach and attune others to Reiki.
Eye Gazing is a very powerful healing method because it very quickly takes us to an experience of recognising the other as ourself. It directly challenges the illusion of separation and offers us the chance to repeatedly taste our fundamental unity. If followed the practice offers the possibility of a complete dissolving of self and other into what Rumi calls the 'Consciousness of Union'. When we engage in eye gazing and we surrender to the emotions and sensations that arise . . . the limiting and fear based beliefs we held are challenged by the deep loving contact.
REIKI- Reiki is a spiritual practice developed in 1922 by Japanese Buddhist Mikao Usui. It uses a technique commonly called palm healing as a form of complementary and alternative medicine and is sometimes classified as oriental medicine by some professional bodies. Through the use of this technique, practitioners believe that they are transferring healing energy in the form of qi through the palms.
There are two main branches of Reiki, commonly referred to as Traditional Japanese Reiki and Western Reiki. Within both Traditional and Westernised forms of Reiki, there are three forms of degrees, commonly referred to as the First, Second, and Master/Teacher degree. According to Reiki practitioners and Masters, at First Degree, a Reiki practitioner is able to heal himself and others, at Second Degree is able to heal others distantly (commonly called distant healing) with the use of specialised symbols, and at Master level (specifically Master/Teacher level) is able to teach and attune others to Reiki.
CHAKRAS- Our 7 primary power centers through which energy (life force) constantly flows.
7th Chakra – Crown - Thought, Universal identity, Knowingess (violet)
The ‘crown chakra’ relates to consciousness as pure awareness. It is located at the top of the head. It is our connection to the collective consciousness and the greater world beyond. It is believed that this is where the soul enters the physical body at birth and departs at the time of death. When balanced and developed this chakra brings us knowledge, wisdom, understanding, spiritual connection, & harmony.
6th Chakra - Third Eye - Light, Archetypal identity, Intuition (indigo)
This chakra is known as the brow chakra or ‘third eye’ center. It is located slightly above and between the eye brows. Its main function is the centre of inner vision. This chakra is the place of intuition and soul knowledge. As such it opens our psychic and spiritual awareness faculties as well as our understanding of archetypal levels. When in balance it allows us to have insight and knowledge.
5th Chakra – Throat -Voice, Sound, Creative identity, self-expression (blue)
This is the chakra located at the throat and is related to communication, self expression and creativity. It allows for free communication helping us feel centered and happy. It also helps us while we are meditating to connect with our higher guidance. The chakra is connected to your inner self and is deeply connected to the soul and allows you to listen as your soul speaks.
4th Chakra – Heart - Love, Compassion, Social identity, self-acceptance (Green)
The ‘heart chakra’ is located at the center of your chest. It is related to love and compassion. The chakra connects the lower ego/physical self to the higher soul/spiritual self. In balance our fourth chakra allows us to love deeply, feel compassion, and feel a deep sense of peace and centeredness. We allow ourselves to love unconditionally.
3rd Chakra - Solar Plexus- Desire, Personal Power (Yellow)
The ‘solar plexus’ chakra is known as the ‘power chakra’, located at the solar plexus. Its main function is to supply energy in the form of heat, power and enthusiasm. It rules our consciousness of decision, creative expression, personal power, will and autonomy, as well as our metabolism. When in balance this chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity and we become aware of divine guidance flowing into our lives.
2nd Chakra - Sacral - Creativity, Manifestation, Emotional identity (Orange)
The ‘sacral chakra’ is located in the abdomen, lower back, and sexual organs. It relates to the water element and our emotions and sexuality. Its main function is to provide a sense of self – our inner self/inner child. It is the source of creativity and inspiration. This chakra controls our appetite for sensation, be it through sound, smell, taste, touch or sight. Ideally this chakra brings us depth of feeling, sexual fulfillment and the ability to accept change.
1st Chakra - Root- Support, Survival, Grounding (Red)
The ‘root chakra’ is located at the base of the spine and forms our foundation. It represents the element earth and is related to our survival instincts (food, shelter and protection). It stimulates the urge for us to take care of and stand up for ourselves, in order to stay alive. It appeals to our sense of grounding and connection to our physical bodies and physical world. Ideally this chakra brings us security and presence in the here and now.
7th Chakra – Crown - Thought, Universal identity, Knowingess (violet)
The ‘crown chakra’ relates to consciousness as pure awareness. It is located at the top of the head. It is our connection to the collective consciousness and the greater world beyond. It is believed that this is where the soul enters the physical body at birth and departs at the time of death. When balanced and developed this chakra brings us knowledge, wisdom, understanding, spiritual connection, & harmony.
6th Chakra - Third Eye - Light, Archetypal identity, Intuition (indigo)
This chakra is known as the brow chakra or ‘third eye’ center. It is located slightly above and between the eye brows. Its main function is the centre of inner vision. This chakra is the place of intuition and soul knowledge. As such it opens our psychic and spiritual awareness faculties as well as our understanding of archetypal levels. When in balance it allows us to have insight and knowledge.
5th Chakra – Throat -Voice, Sound, Creative identity, self-expression (blue)
This is the chakra located at the throat and is related to communication, self expression and creativity. It allows for free communication helping us feel centered and happy. It also helps us while we are meditating to connect with our higher guidance. The chakra is connected to your inner self and is deeply connected to the soul and allows you to listen as your soul speaks.
4th Chakra – Heart - Love, Compassion, Social identity, self-acceptance (Green)
The ‘heart chakra’ is located at the center of your chest. It is related to love and compassion. The chakra connects the lower ego/physical self to the higher soul/spiritual self. In balance our fourth chakra allows us to love deeply, feel compassion, and feel a deep sense of peace and centeredness. We allow ourselves to love unconditionally.
3rd Chakra - Solar Plexus- Desire, Personal Power (Yellow)
The ‘solar plexus’ chakra is known as the ‘power chakra’, located at the solar plexus. Its main function is to supply energy in the form of heat, power and enthusiasm. It rules our consciousness of decision, creative expression, personal power, will and autonomy, as well as our metabolism. When in balance this chakra brings us energy, effectiveness, spontaneity and we become aware of divine guidance flowing into our lives.
2nd Chakra - Sacral - Creativity, Manifestation, Emotional identity (Orange)
The ‘sacral chakra’ is located in the abdomen, lower back, and sexual organs. It relates to the water element and our emotions and sexuality. Its main function is to provide a sense of self – our inner self/inner child. It is the source of creativity and inspiration. This chakra controls our appetite for sensation, be it through sound, smell, taste, touch or sight. Ideally this chakra brings us depth of feeling, sexual fulfillment and the ability to accept change.
1st Chakra - Root- Support, Survival, Grounding (Red)
The ‘root chakra’ is located at the base of the spine and forms our foundation. It represents the element earth and is related to our survival instincts (food, shelter and protection). It stimulates the urge for us to take care of and stand up for ourselves, in order to stay alive. It appeals to our sense of grounding and connection to our physical bodies and physical world. Ideally this chakra brings us security and presence in the here and now.
SPIRIT CANOE -
CHANNELING -
SONIC DRIVING -
ENERGY MOVEMENT -
SACRED INTEGRATION -
SOUND HEALING -
PSYCHOPOMP -
[more soon].
CHANNELING -
SONIC DRIVING -
ENERGY MOVEMENT -
SACRED INTEGRATION -
SOUND HEALING -
PSYCHOPOMP -
[more soon].
TAROT - Map of the cosmos. (Of course, in card form because it is a game & infi-dimensional). [more soon].
ALCHEMY - The art of transformation of darkness and material. [more soon].
RUNES - Rune readings are arrangements of the 24 runes (letters) of the old Futhark alphabet. Runes were first used over 1500 years ago by the East Goths, and later appeared throughout England and Scandinavia. As Christianity took hold, the use of runic alphabets in divination became reviled as a pagan practice. The word "rune" itself comes from an early Anglo-Saxon word meaning "secret" or "mystery", and they remain an enigma to the world at large. Runes were initially most popular among Wiccans and modern pagans, but have enjoyed unprecedented mainstream adoption in the past 30 years. The layout of the runes is known as a spread, and determines what each rune refers to. For example, in the Three Norns spread, the first rune represents the past, the second the present, and the third the future.Sets: In addition to each rune having a meaning, the material in which the runes are carved can color the reading. Most people consistently use runes made of ceramic, stone, or wood. Readings may be offered with Gold Runes (for questions about business, career, and property), Jade Runes (for questions about love, friendship, and relationships), Ice Runes (for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement), Spirit Runes (for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion), and Stone Runes (for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control).
ALCHEMY - The art of transformation of darkness and material. [more soon].
RUNES - Rune readings are arrangements of the 24 runes (letters) of the old Futhark alphabet. Runes were first used over 1500 years ago by the East Goths, and later appeared throughout England and Scandinavia. As Christianity took hold, the use of runic alphabets in divination became reviled as a pagan practice. The word "rune" itself comes from an early Anglo-Saxon word meaning "secret" or "mystery", and they remain an enigma to the world at large. Runes were initially most popular among Wiccans and modern pagans, but have enjoyed unprecedented mainstream adoption in the past 30 years. The layout of the runes is known as a spread, and determines what each rune refers to. For example, in the Three Norns spread, the first rune represents the past, the second the present, and the third the future.Sets: In addition to each rune having a meaning, the material in which the runes are carved can color the reading. Most people consistently use runes made of ceramic, stone, or wood. Readings may be offered with Gold Runes (for questions about business, career, and property), Jade Runes (for questions about love, friendship, and relationships), Ice Runes (for questions about struggle, conflict, and achievement), Spirit Runes (for questions about mysticism, spirituality, and religion), and Stone Runes (for questions about the natural world and things beyond human control).
