Shamanism Defined
Michael Harner, a world-renowned expert
on shamanism, says that for over tens of thousands of years, our ancient
ancestors all over the world discovered how to maximize human abilities
of mind and spirit for healing and problem solving. The word "shaman"
originates in Siberia with the Tungus People. In the original Tungus language
the word shaman refers to a person who makes journeys to non-ordinary
reality in an altered state of consciousness. Although the term is from
Siberia, the practice of shamanism has existed in all parts of the world
throughout history.
After years of extensive research, Mircea
Eliade, in his book, Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy, concluded
that shamanism underlies all the other spiritual traditions on the planet.
For Eliade, the most distinctive feature of shamanism - but by no means
the only one - was “the journey to other worlds in an altered state
of consciousness.”
Shamans are often called "see-ers",
or "people who know" in their tribal languages, because they
are involved in a system of knowledge based on firsthand experience. Shamanism
is not a belief system. It is based on practical personal experiments
conducted to heal, to get information, or do other things. In fact, if
shamans do not get results, people in their tribe will no longer use them.
As a practice, Shamanism has survived because of its effectiveness.
Michelle Christensen is a Shamanic Practitioner
in Portland Oregon. She is often referred to as a "technician of
the soul". Her work is result oriented and based in compassionate
action. Her organization Ancient Wellspring is dedicated healing with
ancient Shamanic practices blended with modern psychology. For more information
about private healing sessions, classes, workshops, contact Michelle Christensen
click here.
