Shaminism

There are three ways of becoming a Shaman, through hereditary, Shamanic crisis and choice. Of these three choices, most respected is through hereditary, birth into a home environment that practices the traditions and customs of the Shamanic lifestyle.

Shaman crisis is the second manner in which someone is "called" or "summoned by divine command" into spiritual service. A Shaman, who has entered into spiritual service originating from recovery of a near death experience, terrible disease, or debilitating birth defect, has gravitated toward a supernatural pull to servitude.

Personal choice is the third option for becoming a Shaman. Choosing to become a student of Shamanism is a process that spans a year or more to complete. However choosing this option is the least respected and considered unorthodox, because it bypasses the Shaman crisis that cycles in with the spiritual meaning of becoming a Shaman.

Recognizing the spiritual "call" is the initial step of entering into Shaman training. According to the FoxFire Institute of Shamanic Studies..., this is the starting point for developing the Shaman call. Examination of the intent and motivation behind answering the "call" will determine the direction of the spiritual journey. Resource materials, teacher shopping, and training would be appropriate at this time. There are a vast number of teachers and variations of Shamanic training. Research the training options available prior to making a choice.

Commitment to yourself and the work are necessary to flourishing in the Shaman training. Keeping focused and active will keep the spiritual journey from being scattered with spiritual traps, causing a delaying in successfully completing the spiritual journey.

Shamanic Death as described by FoxFire Institute of Shamanic Studies... is the spiritual transformation that evolves. A struggle ensues as resistance builds against changing established patterns of the belief system. Reconnection with the Creator during the progression of spiritual evolvement shifts the self into a new realm of work and spirituality contributing to the challenges of the life work preceding the spiritual journey.

Once the principles and methods of a Shaman are integrated, the Shaman will share their knowledge and wisdom through direct community service. Shamans are described as having a foothold in both the physical and metaphysical worlds. The journey is all encompassing as the Shaman shares the knowledge and power acquired during the spiritual journey with others.

References

Balisunset. (Date Not Available). How to Become a Shaman. Retrieved August 19, 2010 from the World Wide Web: http://hubpages.com/hub/How-To-Become-a-Shaman

Anonymous Author. (September 1 2007). The Drum of the Shaman. Retrieved August 19, 2010 from the World Wide Web: http://www.shamanism.ws/calling.html

Alich, Alexander S. (August 6, 2010). Shaman Practioners in Service to Their Community. Retrieved August 19, 2010 from the World Wide Web: http://www.shamanism.info