Shaman – Give me a break!!
My god. If I bump into another new age ‘shaman’ I’m going to puke. It’s like this name – shaman; this magical amazing name has been taken by any ‘slightly psychic human’ and bastardized completely.
Frankly, it’s a fucking joke.
Someone does a few mystical, magical courses and all of a sudden they are running around telling everyone they are a ‘shaman’.
Of course this is another ‘modern disease’ of the New Age spiritual narcissist.
I want to demystify ‘shamans’ and ‘mystics’. We attach so much mystique around it like we are talking to some elevated being that has all of the answers.
Being intuitive and having higher levels of intuition than the average Joe Blogs does not give you any extra privileges.
In fact I know plenty of ‘wannabe shamans’ using their skills to seduce women or scare the shit out of their clients. They give negative predictions and guess what? Those are the clients that come to me. I hear it all.
For a start let’s get real about the word ‘shaman’.
‘A person regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of good and evil spirits. Especially among some peoples of northern Asia and North America. Typically such people enter a trance state during a ritual, and practice divination and healing.’
For me, a shaman is someone that has walked the path of ancient wisdom.
They have not read a few books and taken a few courses. Maybe I’m romantic in my notion that a shaman is indigenous, tribal and has strong roots within their learning’s.
These teachings give them a clear connection with nature and usually they are still found in nature.
A real shaman isn’t likely to run around telling everyone.
Magic is sacred.
it’s not something to boast about and impress others with. It’s a gift and if you have been truly gifted then you don’t need to ‘prove yourself’, ‘boast about it’ or in some cases ‘use it to get laid.’
The latter category for me is western people taking something sacred and bastardizing it.
People ask me if I’m a shaman and I shudder. For me; Shaman’s are jungle medicine people, native Americans, Aborigines, African Medicine people and high priestesses…
Oh yes but most of them got wiped out didn’t they? Because their knowledge was real.
And here’s another illusion… that mystics are spiritually evolved.
Think again. Mystic people can be complete assholes. You think because they ‘know stuff’ about you, you have a special connection. That can be highly possible but also psychic abilities are just heightened intuition.
It doesn’t make you anymore special than another human being or any less fucked up.
People come to me wearing their hearts on their sleeves.
I see the vulnerability; the soul beneath the troubles and it’s a ‘responsibility’.
It’s a path that needs to be walked with the utmost authenticity and integrity. It’s my ‘job’ to bring my clients back into alignment and connection to their heart, soul and true self.
Anyone that you visit that is ‘mystic’ if they leave you feeling worse than before is usually a psychic parasite.
Or they try and seduce you, or use their abilities somehow to play some kind of power game. These are sad little human beings with no morals and they are abusing their power. The world is full of them!!
So this is my message to you.
Everyone has a gift. Some people are gifted with numbers; they save money for people and become accountants. That is a gift.
Heightened intuition is also a gift.
Everyone has intuition and can develop it.
Next time you are in a vulnerable place…
Stay away from anyone who readily tells you they are a shaman, especially if they say they have all the answers.
The real ones, the real deal will not be using it to take your money or your body with promises of waving a magic wand.
Real change, deep change takes time and practice.
Yes you can have shifts, revelations and transformations. A real mystic provides the gateways to step through into those spaces, they empower you and raise your vibration.
I hear of so many that are all full of shit, blah blah blah, & love and light.
They are usually living in a fabricated Disneyland ‘channeling’ fuck knows what.
Please ask around and see if this person has a reputation.
Pick your spiritual mystical people well.
Word of mouth is the best advertising and will always be the best form of ‘an authentic person’.
I live in a world where I encounter so many lost souls who have been hurt by the ‘shyster shamans’ and I’m over it.
Mystics get a bad rap because of all the fake ones so I’m calling them out on their BS.
Words of wisdom and a massive rant!!
Abi xxx
What a great article thank you;)
This was very insightful. I see allot of fakes here in mississippi. We actually could use a real one for a change.. too many people watch a youtube video and think they are all knowing.
I hear ya, I love to find a real one here in mississippi too..
I live in British Columbia (Canada). Fortunately, I found a legitimate one. She would never take the title of “shaman” though. She has her own category, really, and doesn’t look to spirits in the way other shamans do.
She also has particular gifts that I think most who follow that path do not have. Her legitimacy is further secured because many, MANY people go to her for healing.
Take care.
Great article ????❤️
Great article. It does irk me that you’ve left out large swaths of cultures that have shamanistic traditions such a the Nordic folk and Celts.
Besides, everyone is from somewhere. Every living thing here has deep ties to the Earth.
I cannot speak for the author, but as for myself I can. My own personal knowledge of the Celtic’s and the Nordics is limited, mostly from the real magic and healing was handed down verbally and not written. I can tell you that many of us to seeking the ancient ways, have painstakingly try to put things back together in a sensible, coherent way so that we can all use these tool as we should be able to. I shy away from calling myself a shaman, many of my clients don’t, and yet I still really don’t acknowledge that.
In my own personal journeys, I have discovered, that If I’m capable of connecting to the consciousness and Gaia simultaneously, astonishing things happen. Is it me that personally doses this, or am I merely an instrument doing the bidding of the consciousness, the universe, or whatever you wish to call it. In my humble opinion what matters as we go through life, is are called to do things mostimes we don’t understand? oOf course we are, some of us do what’s asked without question, some of us ask the questions. And still find the path to follow in order to do what is necessary for the betterment of all.
I was just thinking out loud forgive me.
Your friend
Ozzy.
I agree with you Ozzy. It is quite something to be reviving and honoring this ancient way, without too many direct teachings or teachers from those Celtic/Norse traditions. Although, I am finding that maybe, because we have to delve into the spirit world for answers, we can be a little more flexible in our understandings of the root of these traditions and not get caught up in form so much. (Just and idea that popped into my mind there). This walking between is why I do call myself a shaman, it is a word that comes closest to what it is that I facilitate. The word shaman too often gets put up on a pedestal, like it is some sort of attainment, or it implies some sort of wisdom, or as the author is saying some kind of personal perfection. In fact, it just implies that we walk between the worlds on behalf of our clients. Our skill at doing this varies, according to client and to our cadre of spirit helpers that walk with us, as well as our ethics, morals and grounding in a tradition or community that ensures our faith and deep connection. And continuous self inquiry and growth.
What we all know doing this kind of work between the earth and the non-local, is that we know that we do not know. We accept that we just step into the space, do what we are directed to do on our clients behalf, and become the facilitator of a healing that is primarily of the ancestors and the helping spirits, not us. We hold the space and allow. Which is not an easy thing to do in this culture. I rarely actually know what is going to happen in a session and yet I trust, because I am infinitely taught what to do. This is not spoken, because people will misinterpret this as not being experienced or trained. We use all the training and wisdom and experience to hold the “not knowing”. Embrace the infinite and allow the healing to be given and revealed to us. Counter to our logical right brained way of being, we are comfortable in the humility and magic of seeing what a walk in the spirit world can accomplish. This is sacred and holy work, that is given to us to do. As some of my teachers have said, shamans are chosen, not attained. It is not what I would have seen myself doing 20 years ago, yet I would not change it for anything! But it is not for everyone, because it requires a total shift in world view, and self view. It requires self acceptance, and constant revealing of our flaws and short comings. Because our clients bring us ourselves in every session!! Mirrors they! So it takes a modicum of psychological strength, grounded constitution and emotional breadth to handle the work. Thanks for instigating my own musings brought up by this article.
Yeah shaman is the Siberian word. Later adopted onto all the Native Americans and South American Curanderos. Weird world we live in. My ancestors are having a paddy about it .
Yes ????????Thank you. ????????
Well written because of the truth inherent in your words. I work as a psychotherapist with people who have gone to Mexico and used Ibogaine to detox from opiates. I’ve heard many stories of people misrepresented themselves or fraudulently claiming mystical powers. One week a guy is driving a cab in Tijuana and the next week he’s a Shaman dispensing Ibogaine. I’ve also heard other stories of truly mystical, life altering experiences facilitated by true healer… who often aren’t particularly interested in self-promotion. Thank you for the light and love.
Such Truth! My Face Book page is filled with So called healers, telling everyone they are ascending and trying to sell products tgatcwill help you, but it is really to further their own business, spiritual jewlery, oils, classes that they get a cut of. Ugh! If you are doing the work there is no reason to brag, post it, it all comes grom your heart. Authenticity! My healer/teacher is anazing and the real deal. He is so authentic , he serves God. The rest is ego and the shadow self. Your honesty and authencity is so appreciated. I am grateful for you.
Andrea you said you healer is the real deal. Would it be.possible to email me your healers email address. I am.just so warn out from scammers and not to mention all the money I have lost.
my email.address
Hyedata247@gmail.com thank you. MARY
Brilliant article. Seen a lot of fakes over the years. My own personal journey began MANY years ago before I knew it had even begun!And it continues….
I practice spirit guide work, but for myself only and am no sort of shaman or even a shamanic practitioner. However I do believe such people exist, there are not many actual shamans in the world, very few in fact and only in indigenous or tribal arenas. There are quite a few shamanic practitioners though, you gotta pick and choose on the good or bad ones. Nothing is perfect.
Thanks for speaking up, i am a practitioner of various paths and feel a blending of traditional and non traditional are need for true clairity. PEACE Doug
Arizona is full of fakes. Fake healers whose ego’s are so big you wonder if you can fit in the same room with it. Fake Readers who think EVERY girl is in or wants to be in a relationship and visibly look puzzled when you say that isn’t any concern of yours and tell them what YOU are actually interested in. How many different ways can one wave their hands and call it a new technique they just made up? Anytime you DO stumble on the real deal here, they dont stay long at the ego-oriented new age shop you found them in. Cant imagine why! Its The Shamans who come to teach tell you you have to do their courses 4-5 times ( yes same courses) before the Shaman institute will dub you one. Wow, all that $$$. hilarious. Its sad.
Great article put right in your face!
So i just met a guy through fb. He was selling crystals n stuff but his page claims hes a witch and a shaman. Im an empath and even tho i wanted to purchace some things i wanted to feel his energy as well. His energy was crazy ! All over the place. He kept bragging about being a shaman n how he could just walk up to animals n touch them n bla bla. But also kept talking about sex but using me as an example. Like trying to sway me. The whole time i was there i was like this dude has no power at all lol. But his stuff is cool. Ive always known im a witch but i never practiced bc im constantly mocked so i admit i dont know a lot. But i started googling some of the stuff he was talking about n omg. He kept dsaying he was like a level 5 witch n all i got was video game references. ???? now i keep seeing things pop up about not trusting ppl who brag n dont believe in ppl who bla bla. He talked so much the literally 3 hrs passed in 10 min but all he talked about was sex n spells he put on ppl n how he belonged to a covent n how they drip pigs blood all over a field for some type of thing. So i thank you for this artice and also thank the gods n goddesses for guiding me to it.
Well pointed , nevertheless comparing yourself to fake shamans and implying that you are better or know better falls in same category. So probably the author is two steps ahead of this shamans.. So looking at them you are looking at your past.. Until you not fullt accept your flaws and others flaws the rage and anger against “them” will not dissapear.. Everyone does it’s best with the ressources they have and ego is a big part of it wich must br accepted in order to be transcended. Choosing Bad Shamans falls inth the synchronicity of Soul Contracts and lessons that unfold! We all have our flaws and talents.. Accepting both is the key to evolution! Bless
What I’m pointing out is a lack of integrity and a warning to people to be very careful who works with their energy. I’m well known for pointing out the sham of the new age scene and yes I do consider myself to be in alignment with my truth and a non-abuser of what I do. That does mean that on this subject I consider myself to have valuable experience. If you think that puts me two steps ahead of liers and fraudsters I should fucking think so.
Also I have every right to have an emotional connection to what I do, who I am and how I got there.
That actually makes me human instead of a fake that claims to have all of the answers and actually does more damage than good. Having done the deepest level of emotional healing I don’t need advice on how to proceed from here!! If people stay quiet and don’t point out BS then the world stays the same.
As this world is full of corruption and lies it takes the fearless and the ones that have healed their past and were brave enough to share their story to come forwards with what they have learned. Thats exactly what I am doing.If it inspires others to do the same and protects them from the spiritual narcissists then that is helping.
I value authenticity and honesty over you opinion of my past. My past made me who I am today and I am shameless about it. Everyone has anger as it is a natural part of our emotional system. It implies something is wrong. Most are taught from spiritual dogma to surrender or let it go. That doesn’t work. We have to face our deepest shadow in order to heal it which I have done.
Raw, honest, refreshing and true. We can only speak such words through experiencing and healing ourselves from such people…then assisting others along the way. As a healer myself, my message is the same as yours… we simply teach people to be responsible for their own energy. There is love and light and loads of shite out there. Being spiritual is about keeping it real! Much love to you Abigail❤️
I think many people, such as the person who made that comment, tend to have this view that if anyone is being emotional, that they’re somehow not enlightened enough. That all that matters is “love” and “love and light”. Someone who is in touch with anger is just giving in to their ego. It’s a shame that beliefs such as these have perpetuated so much in the new age community. I find the hilarious youtube video “How to be ultra-spiritual” by JP Spears is a great example of this sort of bullshit.
In the form of shamanism that I follow (and I never call myself a shaman, just someone *attempting* to follow a particular shamanic tradition), the four emotions (joy, anger, fear and sorrow) are all core elements of the Universe and each has its use. To me, being on your soul path isn’t about being unemotional. Rather, your emotions *increase*, but then paradoxically they’re easier to let go of once they’ve had their impact. I know it might sound a little corny, but I tend to view The Doctor (Doctor Who) as being a much better example of a shamanic person than the stereotypical “Everything is fine” new age ideal.
Keep exposing those lies, Abi! Great work! 🙂
Love it! Well said
Boom! Golden reply on that one! And excellent article! The worst is when they project their shit onto you and then say it’s yours. Scary and dangerous. Have had it happen!
I agree with you and find your honesty quite refreshing.
You go! I totally agree and think this article rocks.
Thank You for indirectly spelling out the experience I recently encountered with a woman I still truly love and care about.Maybe in time she will realize the only one she is fooling is herself and that’s the sad reality of the situation.Many of her qualities are quite beautiful, loving and caring and somehow I still believe in her if she could just admit her delusional nonsense and deceitful made up stories (lies),excuses and alibi’s.I am not a religious type but do believe in spiritual higher powers and would like to always be there for her in life, love and spirit although I believe she suffers from BPD and has shut me out without any explanation for my own good.I am slowly healing after 10 months of searching,seeking the truth and unanswered questions (why’s) and taking good care of myself despite the heartache and love lost.I have quit drinking 13 years now,smoking for almost 10 and the occasional weed for 8 so I know change and reform are sustainable.Any and all words of advice that I gather along the way are also welcome here.THX
Amen
Beautifully put!
????yes
Agreed. It’s hard to tame the ego I feel I have gifts myself but I can’t seem to conquer my ego and so I get discouraged and fall back into what I know and I beat myself up about it cuz I know I’m reacting and acting out in the wrong manor but it seems so far fetched and impossible to do. I feel cursed by all these feelings I get they get so intense and overwhelming that my irrational mind becomes over powering and takes over and it’s like not only are whoever awoke this in me has to endure now I feel like a part of me is a victim too because I can’t control that part of me and I know that it’s the wrong way to handle the situation but it’s like I’m helpless my ego is too strong and I live inside my mind with good intentions but miserable because I can’t strong arm all my emotions sad and anger And dispair are the worst but love seems to be my arch nemesis cuz I love strong and true and these days its almost instinct so im hurt immensly by it and it’s always come back to bite me in the ass. I’m at this point where I’m ready to start to give up and give in to my ego completely maybe then this battle could be over and done with inside of me and I won’t know any different if I completely lose myself I’ll think there’s nothing wrong me and I’m always right so I’m tempted to make that deal and sign that contract and I got this page sent to me by the most random of people who I have never shared this or anything like this with her. she is just my landlord and I got this random page shared. So I’m reaching out one last time to see if I can get a lil advice or suggestion or anything that could help me before i become another regular ol robot like the rest.
I agree Paulo. It is very unhealthy to create us and them conflict, I’m better, they’re less etc. A person can point out the need to be mindful of the potential for harm without chastising other human beings for their failures. Life is an imperfect journey, people on the spiritual and healing path are all having different experiences. Even in the new age community, which the writer is especially puts down (based on a video) I can tell you there are many beautiful souls in that community who are in service to humanity and the planet. Are they all, all that? No. But no where is it like that? Anyway, probably spirit calls to them with a different voice. Some additional softness for the imperfections humanity would be really beautiful. I think this website has some great stuff to offer, thank you Abigail, hope you find my comments useful. I let love guide me, I am not perfect at it but it creates great flow and amazingness most of the time. 🙂
Very well said. Sick to the back teeth of plastic disneyland shaman wannabees, for whom a journey to the otherworld would probably be a weekend in Paris.
Thank you thank you thank you! I am truly tired of all the EGO filled “I channel the divine” b-essers giving real genuine people who want to help a bad name. I sharing this with all of my reiki students and anyone who is searching and starting their path.
Oh my.. I know exactly what you mean…20 years ago we were all studying Shamanisn so we could clear up our own disfunction and I remember how “responsible” I felt working in Sacred Space. Now it’s all about Ego and power????????.
hey, awesome. someone had to say it.
Thank you.
Such a great article.
Well said, my thoughts in different words.
What is your work Abigail? I agree about the New Age fakery going on, but wondering what it us that you do!
On my website lovely – my story and work I do is covered!! I spent a lot of time on the new age scene wondering why it wasn’t working for me which is why I’m so passionate about exposing it for what it is… xx
Thank you for sharing a very interesting arcticle. It is good to remember to use our psychic and intuative skills to enable and empower people to gain Self Knoweldge and Self Confidence in themseleves as they make some sense of their journey through life.
Yes to much of that. Spiritualism seems to be picked up by people who have mental health issues or even simply watch something on their TV and see themselves now as a character but in their own real life. It is fantasy of course, but those that want to believe – will, no matter how fictitious.
I do not advertise myself as psychic despite being so. I do not advertise much of what I do despite having more than 20 years of study in everything from Crowly to Wicca to Golden Dawn to Evocation and now, Rosecrutionism. I am honestly unreliable as a psychic and a medium. Spirits do not come when you call. The dead do not talk to me on demand. My tarot cards are not revealing the secrets of past present or future (they might, or a version of it perhaps), but people miss the picture. Spiritualism is about self development not getting rich, discovering if your wife is cheating on you, or even feeling good about yourself. In fact, self development is very painful esp. when you must knock down to rebuild as it were. Yes I can heal but do I ? No. firstly I need permission and sometimes I get that indirectly. Other times people say they want help but have secondary gains from being sick so nothing I do can fix that. I can open chakra’s but people often decline when I describe what they might experience in the days to follow.
I would not assume to give myself any title or name, and I am uncomfortable seeking monetary profit for my help even when I am acting as a qualified therapist. I prefer to keep most of what I do invisible to those that are not gifted to see or feel what I am doing. Narcissism is an interesting topic and one might be tempted to believe someone without empathy could not have access to the powers of the divine – but one need only study with the hedonists (often call themselves Satanists) to discover headonism is no barrier to magic. In fact several facets of the Kabalah focus on lucifarian energy.. but I digress.
greetings brett,
i just came across abigail’s site and while i got into reading it there are your comments. would you please be so kind and describe to me what is a meaning of your statement “i can open chakra’s but people often decline when i describe what they might experience in days to follow”….i feel i should understand this sentence deeper…for i work with chakras energies during the healing,yet would not know how to describe the process while at the same time OFFERING A REAL WARNING / as it seems, that you know how/………i only point out that healing is an individual responsibility, which requires self-commitment, discipline, works, time etc……hope you can respond……and thank you.
Agreed. It’s hard to tame the ego I feel I have gifts myself but I can’t seem to conquer my ego and so I get discouraged and fall back into what I know and I beat myself up about it cuz I know I’m reacting and acting out in the wrong manor but it seems so far fetched and impossible to do. I feel cursed by all these feelings I get they get so intense and overwhelming that my irrational mind becomes over powering and takes over and it’s like not only are whoever awoke this in me has to endure now I feel like a part of me is a victim too because I can’t control that part of me and I know that it’s the wrong way to handle the situation but it’s like I’m helpless my ego is too strong and I live inside my mind with good intentions but miserable because I can’t strong arm all my emotions sad and anger And dispair are the worst but love seems to be my arch nemesis cuz I love strong and true and these days its almost instinct so im hurt immensly by it and it’s always come back to bite me in the ass. I’m at this point where I’m ready to start to give up and give in to my ego completely maybe then this battle could be over and done with inside of me and I won’t know any different if I completely lose myself I’ll think there’s nothing wrong me and I’m always right so I’m tempted to make that deal and sign that contract and I got this page sent to me by the most random of people who I have never shared this or anything like this with her. she is just my landlord and I got this random page shared. So I’m reaching out one last time to see if I can get a lil advice or suggestion or anything that could help me before i become another regular ol robot like the rest.
Thank You ~)O(~ BB…Xo
Oh what a perfect article! Thank you so much for blogging this. I hope many will read this and fully understand and sort the s**t from the clay <3 Blessings and Big Huggles xxx
Couldn’t agree more!
But I would broaden it, to include healers of all kinds, psychics, mediums, channels etc.. one weekend work shop does not a medium, healer etc make. Neither does one 6 week course! There is SO much more to it that starts with personal healing and responsibility and the duty of care required to work with clients..
Great read thank you for that & I totally agree with you on all levels
Love it. Just what I think about humans vanity over spirituality. Thanks for showing it up.
Abigail, I applaud you for your openness and honesty about Shamanism. I truly believe that Shamanism is a Spiritual gift from our Creator. I don’t believe you can attend classes to be one. I think a true shaman is already chosen by our Creator and a person will know them by their walk and by their talk. To me they are the essence of humility, no ego, no pomp or vanity, just pure humility. God bless you Abigail. I so endorse all you have written.
This is how I feel about fake shaman.
I read the full article and love it.
This is what I wrote on the FB post before I read the piece 🙂
I Havent read this yet, but I frickin love it!!!
I am a non traditional shaman. I started out learning about what a shaman looks like and some different traditional cultural practices.
I have too much respect for the various cultures with shamanic ritual practice. I feel like its stealing and bad form.
Since I don’t have a shamanic culture to look up to. I dropped out of that fake ego filled shaman game.
All of my shaman lessons come from real experience. It’s not easy I tell ya. The pain suffering torment torture and loss have been incredibly difficult. But it turns out that is the only real way to become a shaman. A true healer.
Those fake shaman might be able to talk the talk and charge people money. But when I have connected with any, they discover the truth. I freak them the f out. Turns out they really don’t know spirit. And they don’t even have passage in the spirit world.
Thanks for sharing this post!!!
Abi- great article, thank you. I have recently encountered one of these ego healers. The person did not call themselves a shaman, but did brag a lot about their “enlightenment”. I had learned of the “transformation” offered by word of mouth. Fortunately, I did not pay for these services, and, had done work in the past with a true healer. The difference was so opposite in nature. It did not take long to see the pattern leading to the intent to break me, damage me mentally and emotionally. This is not required to transform! Is it scary? Painful sometimes? Yes! But the guide is always supportive, not abusive.
People who are posting negative comments, accusing you as one of them, do not understand. I have not made similar posts as yours to prevent the onslaught of that BS.
Blessings.
Learn It, Live It, Love It.
Well done abi. Self-claimed shamans need to be very careful with the title. It’s not something to play with lightly ☺️
I feel concerned about the ones who are seeking some form of healing and are already in a state of receptivity, to whatever method is being applied.
I plea to any soul going through the same cycle of suffering, just continue to find what works for you ok. Ok?
Your article spoke to me on a deep level. I am in the process of trying to heal my past and attempt to help others along the way. All to often I feel the lies and bullshit most spread. It is refreshing to have someone speak their truth and not hold it inside or turn the other way. This is my goal. To find my passion and speak my truth. Thank you for speaking yours.
I am Canadian Native American. None of us call them shamans and they don’t go around telling everyone. Many have attained their “shamanism” through their lineage, plus training.
Shaman should actually be reserved only for the indigenous medicine workers of the Tungus region of Siberia. Indigenous medicine workers of other areas should be called by their native names, such as curadero, brujo, ayahuascero, tabaqueria, wicasa wacan, etc.
Thank you for saying what needs to be said. I seem to meat people who are just starting to awaken to a feel that their is more to life, universe, consciousness etc. Personally I just listen to them and tell them how I feel and what I have expirenced and plant a seed in the soul to start looking for answers, ask the universe for guidance and it will come. They may not like the answers but that’s up to them. Personally I feel being called a shaman is a insult to me. How could I ever be called something, like you said was nearly eradicated from history, so pure and beautiful as there are/were. We are all equal. Some gifted with, as you said accountants other have more psychic gifts but no one is better then anyone else. We are only here now because of who was before us. Also because of religion and other reasons you say, most think im a nutter but all good. Keep up the great work brother
.¥.
Thank you for saying what you did. I joined a Reiki site to ask questions on my gift, I got put down and was told if I had not taken classes on Reiki I was not gifted. So I didn’t pay out tons of money to learn the gift I have, but does that make me a fake (to them I am ), no it doesn’t, I was born with my gift and I am learning on my own how it works. I was not given this gift to make a living off of it, it is to help people and/or animals. I am more in tune more with animals. I am working with my bearded dragons with it right now to perfect it.
I very much agree with your article as far as the fake shamans go. The new age Ayahuasquero’s who are not shamans at all, just imposters taking tourists for a mystical mystery tourist ride. It also seems like the word Shaman has very much been misused synonymously as healer. For a shaman Is A Healer but a Healer is not a shaman! A Healer is not a bridge between the worlds. A shaman is someone that the local community calls a shaman because he supports the community with healing work, and it is working.
Short, Sweet, to the point. Thank you x
FUCK. YES!!!! You are amazing and this article is amazing! I respect and appreciate raw and real over fluffy bunny, unbalanced, “everything has to be about love and light” bullshit.
I have little use for “gurus” of any sort. My teachings came straight from Spirit, in my case, the Goddess. I love this and stick to it… The secret of enlightenment is when you are hungry, eat; and when you are tired, sleep. The Zen Master warns: “If you meet the Buddha on the road, kill him!” This admonition points up that no meaning that comes from outside of ourselves is real. The Buddhahood of each of us has already been obtained.
????
When i was young I used to think that people who are psychically gifted must be extremely spiritual but I learned the hard way that is far from the truth.
Thank you for this. In my 20+ years drifting back and forth between many a religion and spiritual paths studying whatever I could get my hands on a lot of the new age stuff did not sit well with me. There was too much infighting too much fakery I stopped trying to fit in especially when it felt like people were just using me as a dumping ground, punching bag, and a free counselor. I am now back with my birth religion and studying what I want when I want no more of that love an light crap. No more helping people who refuse to take advice an do actual work on themselves
Why does one need religion?
Religions are corrupt, deceiving organisations in themselves.
Wado udohiyu utsati ( Thank you very much ) very very deep and meaningful article
Thanks, Abi
Excellent. Thank you. I would never do any spiritual things for money nor to take advantage and, as you say, I can’t abide those who do. I never advertise nor put myself forward, I have only ever acted on behalf of people through word of mouth from others who have interacted with me. I’m not a shaman, psychic or any of that stuff. I only describe myself as Spiritual. I don’t know what I have, if anything, wouldn’t even describe it as a gift. I just do what I do, that’s it. Don’t question, analyse or anything.
Your words here resonated with me and that’s why I am responding. It’s not often that it seems as if someone has just peeked into my mind and heart and pulled out my thoughts and feelings. You did. Thank you!
thank u
Great warning about “New Cage” thinking. 🙂 I studied shamanism for over five years before I called myself a shamanic practioner, and still don’t advertise at all. I had some cards made, but I’ve still got 99% of them. I was told early on that “shaman” is not something you call yourself.
There is nothing so hard as a TRUE “gift”.
THANK YOU! I hate what all this new age, Hollywood Pagan, fad crap has done to folks. I’m a priestess in a military open circle; the high priestess and I just had a discussion about this. We are frustrated with our newer, younger members who don’t seem to get it. They are expecting to be spoon fed their beliefs and practices; and they seem to think they can become shamans, mystics and wizards simply by consulting Dr. Google. We can’t get it through their heads that it takes YEARS of study and practice…and even when you DO become a priest or priestess, you STILL study and practice. I also get fed up with people who come to me for tarot readings…I’ve gotten to where I watch them as they enter my house and I prepare for the reading. If I notice them looking at me with and the reading area with a confused look, I know exactly what they are expecting…they think they aw going to get some sort of Hollywood style, spirit channeling bs. Nope…what they actually get is me, in tee shirt and jeans, a small table with an altar cloth on it, and some incense to cleanse the air. Then they freak out when their reading tells them crap they already know, and suggests to so things they already know they should be doing. The universe hands them a mirror and tells them to be adults and deal with what they see. I outright laugh at their shock of “how did you know? You must be psychic!” I always shake my head and explain that, no, I’m not psychic, I’m intuitive, and the Universe channels through me, using that particular energy. No big mystery.
I studied the “concepts of Shamanism” as an independant study in college. My professor was very bent on me coming to my own conclusion and had me study 100 different tribes from mostly the Americas, Africa and Asian areas. From my studies I could only conclude one real truth and that was that the term Shamanism is a generic term to define Indigenous Tribal spiritual practices which inacurrately sums up and try to force in some kind of model which in turns leaves out that which doesnt favor said model. I have gone on for the past decade continuing my research and have still came to the same conclusion. These spiritual leaders, advisors, elders etc are so individual in both their own culture as well as personal individuality that a mere generic term does not do them justice. The words were posed on me when I started my journey in the field of Anthropology and have stayed with me every day since. “Comparing two or more cultures is like comparing apples and oranges. Never compare two cultures until you have an intimate knowledge of both and when you do have an intimate knowledge of both you will know not to compare them”. So when someone takes on the mantle of being a shaman I often wonder if they even know what that is.
It’s simple. We are all practicing at something, whether it be Shamanism, Dentistry or Art. We practice to become better at what we do. We never stop practicing experimenting and learning in our chosen field. As an artist working for over 30 yrs I do not claim to be a Master, I am a practicing artist and always will be.
I’m glad someone finally said it! I recently stepped away from my spiritual community. Everyone’s ego was becoming so huge. People were backstabbing each other. This was my tribe! Those that taught me! Now corrupt as our government. In this lesson, it taught me to truly go within. Hone my skills and claim my power. And you know what? It has been so freeing. No more judgement from others. No more defending myself or my practices. No more trying to compete with those who play the “I am more enlightened than you” game. So freeing! I don’t know why I didn’t do this sooner!
very good point, I agree. I think there is more spirituality in walking along a country lane watching the jackdaws than some of the rubbish that is talked.
i went to see one ‘expert’ that charged me nearly 500 uk pounds and spent the whole 90 minutes talking about himself, bragging about his famous clients, and lecturing me on my life and told me that it was going to go wrong.
how i wish i could have that money and that time back.
you live and learn
Thank for your honesty. I agree with everything you said.
Lol
great and true, as we german say: to the point …
Best blog I have read on this matter. Thank you.
Fucking perfect article. Thank you
This is a very good article. I would like to point out that the only person who can truly carry the title “shaman” is Siberian Evenki Tungusic lineage from which the word was co-opted by white colonialist anthropologists to refer to tribal holy people. The word originally referred to a wise woman healer and was taught by the grandmothers and grandfathers as well as cared for by the tribe because the Shaman invoked balance to their earth matrix for protection, health and prosperity. Our modern world has been programmed to forget the Caucasians, White Asians who were nomadic, lived in tipis, followed the herds, walked the water songlines and regenerated the Taiga, the true lungs of the earth. The Saami are one of the few remaining tribes. We cannot divide and label one another with colonialist thinking. If you are praying for the planet, helping our nature and all her living beings to be healthy and well, walking with kindness and love for your neighbors, transmuting pain and suffering with forgiveness, a wandering child of our Source and her infinite wonder, you might be a Shaman because it’s in your blood, and no outside skin will indicate what is within, only you do.
That is a great overview of a subject that has a popular myth about shaman associated with it. Norse legend Odin is the most well known Shaman in history on the global stage. The Runic alphabet delivered by Odin marked a turning in global shamanic wisdom, practice, teaching and lineage that many westerners appear to overlook in favour of the drum beating, mushy eating tribal shaman. My word… an intelligent shaman that is connected with source and can deliver a spiritual alphabet into the conscious world might be a little too confronting for the people. I am an initiated shaman that teaches Modern Urban Shamanism through a channelled shamanic spiritual artefact of miraculous proportions. Shamanism is an evolving global spiritual association connected to source without a use-bye date. It is not a trick or an act. The only way things happen in the modern world is by promotion of teaching and ideals … Don’t expect every real shaman to run and hide in the bush and be forever silent… I present physical evidence of my shamanic initiation and the delivery of the greatest shamanic spiritual artefact the world has ever seen in my online work as a modern urban shaman for the world to see… but my truth might be a little confronting for some.
Hello, as a person who is only slightly psychic (but I can never rely on what I feel or experience), do you know a sure fire way of telling whether or not a shaman is a fake or not? I refer to shamans who say they SEE faeries, dragons and spirits etc.
“Anyone that you visit that is ‘mystic’ if they leave you feeling worse than before is usually a psychic parasite.
Or they try and seduce you, or use their abilities somehow to play some kind of power game. These are sad little human beings with no morals and they are abusing their power. The world is full of them!!”
Thank you so, so much for putting this into writing! I have an uber spiritual friend (performs reiki, meditates, raw vegan diet, “love and light”, etc), that I see from time to time. When we hang out she always dominates the conversations, and while she talks about enlightenment and positive things, after she leaves I always feel down on myself and emotionally drained. I always felt like something was off, but I could never pinpoint what it was. I broke contact with her for over a year and we recently reconnected. I have changed since the last time we spoke, and I tried to discuss some things with her, mainly about my research into Hindu philosophies, and how a lot of new age beliefs are convoluted versions of Eastern thought. Her eyes glazed over and she kept cutting me off with “right, yep, uhuh”. No interest in the conversation what so ever. I have seen her two other times since then, but I haven’t given her the validation she is wanting so she has made no effort to hang out, and we only speak over Facebook messenger. She actually messaged me today, but only to vent about her ex and the current situation he has put her in. I will no longer go out of my way to interact with her.
l want break through in my journey
Yes, so true!
I know this is probably not the place for this but I liked that post and have had very unnerving experiences. Can someone contact me who can understand being broken for shamanism. I am not in distress. Lost or I don’t understand. I am posting my em for this purpose. dlh987@gmail.com. Very strange experiences, angry. Need to know if I am still on the path or if that is closed now. Thank you.
I just say that I’m a spirit living a human experience. I don’t like to use the word “shaman”. Its meaning is far too specific, yet welcome to the English habit of bastardizing shit, eh?
Yes, I was chosen before I was born. Yes, I know it’s a hard life with a lot of fucked up things that come with it. Yes, I do occasionally use the word “shaman”, but that’s mostly if I have to find a human term that comes somewhat close. I plan on finding the term MY ancestors used (ancestry and living family is important). I don’t go telling many people, however. I’m still really new to answering the call, though the signs have been there my whole life.
I am the first in my bloodline in hundreds of years. I accepted the task because I knew there was no other way. Let me tell you people, it’s not something you want hanging over your head. You don’t get to just turn this shit off at the end of the day. It will define your existence.
There *are* some great things about it. You won’t be a sceptic anymore. You can be spiritual in a truly meaningful and effective way. You’ll get clear answers to many things. Your family will benefit. I could go on. There are exceptions to the rule of being chosen, even. But this isn’t common.
I’m not trying to put anyone off. I’m just being straightforward about these things.