IMAGINE…by Jeanne Troge

September 10, 2009 by  
Filed under General Info

lake-superior-heartImagine shamans from different cultures all over the world, coming together to share and learn from one another. Imagine the coming together of the Eagle of the north, and the Condor of the South, fulfilling ancient prophecy. Imagine a gathering where you are recognized by each person there as a beautiful child of the universe with gifts to share. Imagine drumming into the night, dancing around the fire, under a full moon sky, a multitude of drum beats coming together in unison, creating a heartbeat. Imagine participating in ceremony and ritual that honors the earth and one another. Imagine living in community where hugs and smiles and light shining in each other’s eyes greet you along with helping hands. Imagine being in community where no words are needed, connecting heart to heart, communicating heart to heart. Imagine discussions deep into the night on healing, caring for the earth, living joyfully, and teaching the children.

This was my experience at the Midwest Shamanic Gathering and so much more. There are no words to describe the experience fully. All I can say is that everyone should attend. It is held yearly over labor day weekend. Mark your calendars now!

May your day be filled with heartfelt joy in communion with nature,
Jeanne

Working With A Shaman

June 19, 2009 by  
Filed under Reflections From The Stars

drumsA Soulful Cure…Working with a Shaman
Since time immemorial, certain men and women have felt called to heal the sick, to safeguard knowledge, to guide the lost, and to commune with the spirit world. These unique individuals, known as shamans, were mystics and seers, repositories of wisdom, and keepers of herbal lore. During those periods when ignorance loomed large in the world, shamans across the globe bided their time, peacefully practicing their practical yet refined arts in the jungle, mountains, deserts, and tundra that protected them from those who misunderstood shamanism. Today, however, shamanism has reemerged, as modern men and women feel the same call to service that their ancestors felt long ago. Also, as more individuals explore the notion that healing necessarily involves the soul as well as the physical self, people are consulting shamans in their search for wellness, wisdom, and guidance.

The word shaman literally means “he or she who knows.” Shamanism is an art that has not changed in any quantifiable way for millennia and is not bound to any particular form of spirituality. It is grounded on the principle that the visible world is saturated with unseen forces that influence the lives of human beings. Shamans, in addition to acting as fonts of wisdom, are dedicated to diagnosing and curing human suffering?whether emotional, physical, or spiritual. To treat an illness, a shaman may communicate with the spirit world in order to connect more directly with the soul of their patient or with the force causing ill health. They often work closely with animal guides, plant and earth spirits, or your spirit guides, and may make use of use of herbal remedies to supplement other forms of treatment. Shamans, as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual realms, recognize that all objects are in manner alive and retain information that can be utilized to heal.

Shamanism is powerful in part because its practitioners tailor healing to the individual needs of those who seek them out. A shaman manipulates energy, giving you power where you have lost it and removing misplaced energy lurking within you. When you seek out a shaman, they will endeavor to know and understand you before treating you. In this way, they can provide you with therapies that act on your whole being, positively influencing your body as well as your soul.

Reprinted from the Daily Om. Click here to subscribe to Daily Om.