About Shamanism

“Follow your bliss, and doors will open where you didn’t even know they were going to be …”

~Joseph Campbell

Shamanism is a universal spiritual path, a way of life, not a religion. It originated with indigenous (native) cultures throughout the world. It is a form of direct revelation that relies on personal experience. The essence of shamanism is the interconnectedness of all aspects of creation. The term itself translates to “one who knows”.

Though the origin of shamanism predates all known religions, it is possible in our current culture for an individual to be both a shamanistic practitioner and a participant in those aspects of a specific religion that are in harmony with the beliefs and practices of shamanism.

The specific beliefs and teachings of individual indigenous tribes varies somewhat, though all tribes utilize ceremonies and rituals, and include chanting and drumming. The Sweet Medicine SunDance Path that I follow is a “path of the spiritual warrior who chooses to engage the battle with her or his inner darkness, overcome limitations, and offer a greater light to humanity. It is a path of healing, where we learn to heal ourselves and thus learn to help others heal.

“There are seven principles that lie at the heart of who we are. Our culture and practices are inspired and guided by these core principles. They are honesty, integrity, respect, balance, empowerment, knowledge, and individuality.”

Art by Willow Arleana