Ancient Secrets Revealed

A shaman is a person who carries great power within the religion of shamanism.  A shaman communicates with spirits and can react to things on a spiritual plane.  Shamans have been around since prehistoric times.

Shamans are believed to be able to travel between the physical world and the spiritual plane.  They are also considered to be great healers and have great wisdom. 

The word ‘shaman’ in English used to be referred to as ‘witch doctor’.  A shaman is therefore what American’s commonly see as a witch doctor or someone who practices voodoo or other occult religions.  However, the real meaning of a shaman is simply someone of the shamanism religion.

In a community a shaman plays an important role.  They are often the doctor, religious leader and community leader.  They perform rituals for births, deaths and special occasions.

Shamans are most often utilized for their ability to communicate with the spirit world.  They act as the liaison between those still on earth and those who have passed over.

Besides the ability to speak with spirits, shamans are also highly regarded for their wisdom.  A shaman is thought to be the one who knows all.  Shamans often express themselves through a variety of ways including singing and dancing.

A shaman understands the community well.  They have been around for a length of time that allows them to know the culture and the customs of the community.  Their knowledge in this area is also highly regarded.

Becoming a shaman is not neccassarily something that a person sets out to do.  Although they play the role of a leader, they are often not prepared in any way to do so.  Instead, a shaman is usually inducted based upon circumstances beyond their control.

Shamans are believed to become shamans through sickness, injury or through a calling from a higher source.  The reason for this is that people believe the shaman receives their powers through this induction process and that only the higher source can bestow these powers.  In some cases, a shaman is thought to have received the power at birth.

A shaman is really a giver.  He or she gives their all to their community.  They are always there to serve and assist community members.  Shamans put themselves at risk often to make sure life for the community is good.

When healing or searching for answers a shaman may be forced to go on a retreat into the wilderness to look for assistance from the spirit world.  They may be required to allow their spirit to enter into the body of a sick patient.  These risks are a daily happening for the shaman.

A shaman is more than some witch doctor.  They are someone whom a community looks up to and respects.  They lead and they teach; they heal and they help.  A shaman is really like the father or mother of a community; always watching over them and doing everything to ensure their well being.