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Shamanism refers to a range of traditional beliefs and practices that involve the ability to diagnose
and cure human suffering and, to the contrary, even cause it. This is accomplished by traversing the axis mundi and forming a special relationship with, or gaining control over, spirits. Shamans have been credited with the ability to control the weather, divination, the interpretation of dreams, astral projection, and traveling to upper and lower worlds. Shamanistic traditions have existed throughout the world since prehistoric times.
Thats the wikipedia definition of shamanism. What it means in my eyes is simple as i like to keeo things simple. Shamanism
to me means being a happy individual. It means you lead a healthy life, you are one with yourself, and you always keep learning
about anything. The shaman has a extensive knowledge about herbs and the ancient healin ways. The shaman can walk between
the spirit world and here (earth) and can help spirits move on to complete there journey.
Aztec "Shamanism"
The Aztecs did not practice "shamanism" as most people might think. There were several different "shaman"
who had different roles in society and in the spiritual world.
Nahualli-The Nahualli, the shapeshifter, was more like a sorceror who could bring anything from bad dreams
to sickness and confusion on people. There were "good" Nahualtin and "bad" ones. They were really two sides of the same coin.
Spiritual work could be used to help or harm, it was both a tool and weapon. Nahualtin were also shapeshifters, often personified
as whatever animal was considered to be their "nahualli"...the mirror of the person's self. Some have the Jaguar, others the
Puma, some have birds, some have insects. This is the nahualli that defines the "totem" of the person, and it is considered
guide and soul all at once. The animal connected the person with the spiritual world.
Ticitl-Ticitin were healers and divinators, skilled in herbology and interpreting omens or dreams. They knew
how to use plants in order to cure both physical and spiritual ailments. They could forsee events by casting maize kernels
on the ground, or a bundle of cords knotted at one end. Depending on the pattern, the ticitl could tell the person of fortune
or downfall.
Tzompanteuctli-The Skull Rack Lords, the Tzompanteuctin, were a combination of the Nahualli and the Ticitl.
They could interpret omens, operate in the spiritual realm, attack and defend using dreams or "astral travel", and had knowledge
of herbs used for rituals.
Shamanism is a word borrowed from the "Tungus" tribe of Siberia. One of the first shamanic cultures ever studied in real
life. The shaman is a unique individual. The shaman is the link between our world and the Realm Of Spirits. The shaman
can be many things among those are, Priest, Healer, Magician, Diviner and the one who can balance both worlds.
The use of hallucinogenic's is central to most shaman cultures around the world. In Siberia Marijuana was used
to invoke visions and to pass through the veil between worlds. In the Amazon they had "Ayahuasca", a complex brew that was
known to be very healing to one's self. In the America's they used tobacco as an offering to the spirits and to help traverse
between the veil of the two worlds.
Many will claim to be a shaman yet most who do practice "Shamanism" do not tell about it or offer workshops
It takes years to truly become a shaman and it is not for everyone.
There are two ways to become a Shaman. 1. hereditary, Those lucky enough will inherit the gift of Shamanism through the
blood lines. The 2. One can be taught by another shaman to become a shaman. To become a Shaman one needs the help of a shaman
to become a shaman. There are things one needs to do in training and a shaman has the power and ability to open the
doors that need to be open. You must be able to walk through the doors the shaman opens.
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