The straightforward process of shamanic journeying is a concise yet potent and highly effective tool for revealing our inner divinity – shamanism is not driven by nor mired in a companion set of beliefs or assumptions. On a shamanic journey, one moves attention from ordinary states of consciousness (Ordinary Reality) to a shamanic state of consciousness (Non- Ordinary Reality), typically through the aid of monotonous shamanic drumming or music that uses sound frequency tones designed to facilitate relaxation.
Briefly, let me describe the most basic shamanic journey process. The easiest to learn and to explain is the journey to the Lower World(s). To prepare for the shamanic journey, a person must assume a comfortable position in order to relax. this can be done either by sitting up or laying down. The shamanic journeyer covers their eyes with a cloth or another covering to block out any light. We have found that in darkness the distractions of ordinary reality are minimized, making it easier to focus on the details of Non-Ordinary Reality.
With the aid of a live drummer, or a recording of shamanic drumming either done at four beats per second, the participant visualizes an opening in the Earth that represents a personal place of power and upon entering that opening begins the journey. Examples of such an openings would be the entrance of a cave, a hole in the ground, a hole in a tree trunk or a much larger opening such as the Grand Canyon. Some enter through a body of water such as a lake, pond, stream, or ocean. Once they enter the opening in the Earth, they visualize a tunnel that leads them from Ordinary Reality to Creative and Dynamic Non-Ordinary Reality. This tunnel is usually very dark at first and descends towards the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel where the shamanic journeyer emerges outdoors and into Non-Ordinary Reality.
In Non-Ordinary Reality, people perceive communications or sensations beyond the usual senses through hearing, feeling, and smelling. To gather information in Non-Ordinary Reality, the shamanic practitioner relies on a guardian spirit, commonly referred to as a Power Animal or Spirit Guide. This spiritual being protects and serves the journeyer and, in literal or metaphorical ways, represents the connection to a deeper (higher) aspect of themselves. One that is innately full of “Community” wisdom and knowledge.
The first and primary mission of the shamanic journeyer is to establish or foster a relationship with their power animal and discover what this spirit guide has to teach them. Specifically, to seek knowledge to enhance their daily lives. after gathering information for oneself, or on behalf of another, the journeyer returns up through the tunnel via a change in the drumbeat and reenters Ordinary Reality to use and/or share their insights. Subsequent journeys can be made to the Upper World(s) where people can connect with Non-Ordinary Reality teachers that manifest in human form.
There has been a remarkable rise in the popularity of shamanism over the past several years, as evidenced by a significant increase in the number of people attending my series of shamanic workshops. People from nearly every conceivable background and age range have taken part in those workshops. Some people attend them regularly to explore shamanic journeying at more profound levels. Most people report that through the use of shamanic journeying, they have learned that they can access their personal spiritual power to get answers to highly personal questions. Shamanic journeyers do so by expanding their vision of reality to combine both ordinary and non-ordinary resources, gathering and using deeply perceptive insights.
Fundamentally, shamanic journeying is also a straightforward technique that yields quick and long- lasting results. In the regard, it seems ideally suited to those who lead hectic lives. In fact, many people supplement their daily meditation practices with shamanic journeying. Others use the technique as their primary source of peace and relaxation. The information gathered during a shamanic journey provides a means for people to develop a much greater sense of self. These shamanic explorations are also a highly effective means of deepening one’s emotional and spiritual connection to life and others.
If you need additional information on a shamanic journeying session, please email me by clicking on the Contact Me link on the main menu. Or, connect with me @keshav@keshavhowe.com; or at 860-338-0611.
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