Some ideas/advice needed

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Original post: Jendayi

There is a part of me I have been denying. I have been told for years that I would become a shaman of some sort. That I should start exploring into this. The first time I heard it was about eight years ago. Back then I laughed in my mind and thought there no chance I would be. Over the years I get pushed here and there with little 'pointings' to shamanism. Now this year things have gotten quite stronger...it's almost like every other tarot reading I do on myself shape-shifter comes up (there are other ways messages come as well but tarot is easiest to explain). I'm not sure if being a shape-shifter and shamanism is the same thing. Right now in my life I've been working on my gifts...starting to break down the walls I put up so many years ago. I am a healer/empathic/intuitive/etc. I haven't fully explored into this...I have done bits and pieces...I think part of me doesn't want to know if it is true. I know full well though that an unexplored soul is a sad one and if this is part of me I have to know. I have strong connections to the forest...you can laugh if you want but I feel as though it talks to me. It's the only place I truely feel at home. I have strong connections to animals as well. I believe I get my gifts (well these ones) from my dad's side.
I guess I should explain my purpose here. I know no one can possibly tell me what or who I am but I am hoping that you can point me in some directions to help me figure out what my path is exactly. I'm not sure if I have a gift for shamanic journeying....but I do get visions quite clearly that take me places. I don't feel as though they are telling me messages but taking me somewhere and sometimes just showing me things. I don't understand them. My dreams are quite strange as well. In the past they were quite symbolic and now move to more realistic places. I though perhaps I was losing it but now I get quite strong feelings that they mean more...that I am being told things. Please if anyone has any ideas, let me know. If you have any books, things to try, please let me know. If you have any advice in general I would love to hear it. Thanks

Jendayi

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Original post: doh

Go camping for a week or so. I'm serious. Not one of those campground camping trips, but with a backpack (sleeping bag, tarp or small tent), some matches, some dehydrated food (unless you know how to hunt and gather), some water and a good pot to boil more and a pair of good shoes.

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Original post: Chaos Shaman

Go camping for a week or so. I'm serious. Not one of those campground camping trips, but with a backpack (sleeping bag, tarp or small tent), some matches, some dehydrated food (unless you know how to hunt and gather), some water and a good pot to boil more and a pair of good shoes.

I agree, I do it lots and it's great advice. A trip like that would give your talents an opportunity to manifest, and you a chance to learn more about them, without the world interrupting. You could also look into some shamanic diets beforehand and instead of ordinary dried food, try those as enhancement.

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Original post: Sud Ram

I had already picked up on that energy of yours Jendayi through your insight in dreams. This is why I had previously asked the source of your interest in them.

As to finding your path, my personal advice is to stop searching for it because you already are on it. Once one starts to accept the idea of being a "healer/empathic/intuitive/etc." the insecurity of what to do arises and it is quite normal. There is not much to do really, just keep doing things selflessly - or not if you want to delve into the darker aspects of shamanism, which doesn't seem to be your case.

A Nature quest is always fantastic, fasting and dancing and celebrating life around a fire in the forest... However I feel this is not really what you need at this point.

What is your healing practise? Maybe this is what you could explore next. Do you play any instrument? How is your reiki/energy balance? Do you feel an affinity to oriental medicine? Massage?

Maybe it's time to see how you can connect to people in a direct and healing way. This will surely open many doors.

And regarding shape-shifting, I believe it is indeed a sign but also a symbol of your upcoming metamorphosis.

Peace

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Original post: Jendayi

Thank-you everyone for your advice.

I used to go hiking (off trail) a few times a week. I also used to go night hiking with a few close friends. You do get a lot more at night. Sounds like a very good idea to go camping for a week. I just have to find a forest around here and a friend to go with (I moved so am just getting used to the area). I'm not sure I would be able to go alone yet. I've gotten some scary stuff from forests before (mind you, I believe I used to live on a nexus and there are some parts of the forest you just don't go to, day or night).

As for my healing path... I took Reiki earlier this year. I get feelings that it's either not for me or that there is something I would be more connected with. So honestly I'm not exactly sure what my healing path is...I'm looking for something I connect with. I have no names for what I do...I just heal them by sending them what they need (so if I sense troubled thoughts I send them the strength to get through it. If it's pain I send them healing energy to help it heal faster. Sometimes I just send to them...I'm not sure what I'm sending but it helps them) It calms and eases them greatly. You are right though I would do better with an actual healing path but I'm waiting for something that I can really connect with.

Do you have any links for any shaman diets...I've never heard of this before. I actually have very little knowledge of shamans... I just keep getting pointed this way and have skills that are related. Should I just keep working on the gifts I have? Do any of you know whether the visions I receive would be considered shamanic? Or any ways I could figure out what they are for...I honestly don't know why I get them. I hope I'm not asking too many questions.

Jendayi

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Original post: doh

Can't help you on shamanistic diets, but as far as the visions, are you writing them down? Is there any "cohesiviness" with them, a binding tie so to speak? Do they have a main theme perhaps? I would say just analyze them and meditate on them (hence my camping suggestion). If you are stuck in all of the hustle of life in the city and outside of nature, sometimes things get clogged up. I can tell you if I don't get outside OFTEN, I go nuts. If you can't find a link or figure out what they are, you may want to post them in Astro/Div and see what folks there say. There are a few people in there that are VERY knowledgable about interpretations. Some that work with Native traditions, a druid or two. They may be able to help you make some sense of it. It may take a while to get an answer, but it may be worth a shot. I, personally, rather suck at interpretation. LOL

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Sud Ram

Shamanic diets: Well if there is such a thing, it would be a cleansing diet for sure.

I could help you with that but it would be good to know what kind of diet you are on normally. I have to say before hand that I'm not a nutritionist or have any "official academic" knowledge on this, I just happen to work pretty well with these things.

Fasting is always an excellent option to give the opportunity to your body to rest and heal itself (even when you think everything is ok). There are long fasts, short fasts, water fasts, juice fasts, kefir fasts, fruit fasts... The list is very long and it all depends on what you are willing to go for.

You can always try out a one day fast with only a yoghurt in the morning and a lot of water for the rest of the day.

A few cleansing mixes like cidre vinegar+cayenne pepper+honey ; argile+olive oil ; soaked linseeds ; in the appropriate doses can be very helpful

Also fresh ginger tea (with cardamum) is excellent.

If you're not vegetarian it might be a good time to consider it, but I don't really want to go into the controversy of this issue. Ingesting animal flesh produces a coli bacteria that destroys the intestinal flora and prevents the absorbtion of B12 and iron (iron-ically...).

Anyway, if you're in for the fasting thing, pm and I'll point you to the books if you feel you need to read or help you with designing an easy one to start with.

Peace

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Original post: Jendayi

Thanks doh, I'll start recording my visions and see if there are any connections. I never really thought of doing that. I'll start a journal and meditate on them. Great idea, thanks!

Thanks for your advice Sud Ram. I don't think I'll go for the fasting (I have a slow metabolism as it is and I always worry that starving myself will cause me to gain 20 pounds as soon as I start to eat again.) Being a veggie is something I have been considering for a while. My blood type is A so I believe (if the whole theory is correct) that I'm supposed to avoid meat anyways. I was veggie at one point but stopped because I though it was causing me some health problems (I just realised not too long ago that it was something else).

Jendayi

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Original post: Sud Ram

Well I have to point out that there is a huge difference between starving and fasting. If you fast properly, you don't even get (physically) hungry, as I said in the post before, there are many ways of putting this into practice.

But I understand the apprehension.

Peace

[Occult Forum Archive]

Original post: Jendayi

Sud If you have some links I'll take a look then. Sorry I judged so quickly. I'll look into it and then decide with that info. whether I'll fast.

Jendayi

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Original post: Sud Ram

You can have a look at http://www.fasting.ws

Although for more complete information on how the process works, you should read Arnold Ehret's books and Paul Bragg's Miracle of Fasting. I don't agree with everything but it's very good research and study of the issue.

Peace

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Original post: BlackDragon

Let me tell you what I've done (and still do) to start learning how to develop my soul (learn the shamanic ways).

Start studying shamanism from EVERYWHERE: books, people, actual shamans (if possible), and even internet. Just attain knowledge about it and about other things as well. You need to know what REALLY works for you. You need to get in touch what really inspires you.

Break down those walls that you've set up before in the realm of your mind (which you spoke of doing). Remember, that everything is a message or has knowledge: your dreams, your visions, your imagination, etc...

Realize your ancestory. Who you are rooted is where your power will spawn from. This is not said lightly, especially, if not most importantly, in the path of the shaman. For example, I can't really follow the path of Celtic Magic because I have African ancestors that were shamans, and that's where my natural inclination for it comes from. I originally thought it came from my Native American blood, (1/16 Cherokee) but apparently not. All the journey's I've had where I interacted with my ancestors have had African shamans. Interestingly enough, African shamans had, and have, unlike most other practices around the world, highly individualized forms of shamanism. This has given me the comfort that doing this of my own way will still lead me in the right direction.

Separate yourself from people. The opinion of others can "stunt" your spiritual growth. I used to spend a hell of a lot of time here on OF asking the opinions of others. It slowed me down a LOT. If I had spent the first few years of my experience doing what I do now, I would be twice as evolved. It's okay to occassionally ask advice but in truth the nature of the shaman is to evolve continuously forever. During your trial and error, if your ideas fail you will simply use that knowledge and the rest that you attain, go into a metamorphic state, and emerge stronger and anew.

Learn the nature of all animals AND plant life. When I say this I mean the scientific study of these plants and animals. You will see patterns that are very spiritual. The Native Americans had no seperation between science and spirituality, and what we see as science was their form of understanding plants and animals better (especially plants) for a greater appreciation and relation to these spirits. Also, you'll get to see how the ecosystem works and understand better the amazing interconnection of all life.

Be natural. Your spirit knows exactly what it needs to do. If you try to do something else (controlled by your Ego) you won't be as successful (especially in journeys). It's rather amazing when you let the nature of your spirit take over.

That's all I can really think of from my perspective that you need. Remember, learn, learn, LEARN!! Attaining knowledge, changing, and evolving are the destiny for of all shamans!

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Original post: Jenfucius

[QUOTE=BlackDragon]

Realize your ancestory. Who you are rooted is where your power will spawn from. This is not said lightly, especially, if not most importantly, in the path of the shaman. For example, I can't really follow the path of Celtic Magic because I have African ancestors that were shamans, and that's where my natural inclination for it comes from. I originally thought it came from my Native American blood, (1/16 Cherokee) but apparently not. [/QUOTE](For the lack of better words.) I hope you dont take this wrongly.
I believe one's ancestry has very little to do with it. There are some very common beliefs with all forms of shamanism worldwide. Shamanism is wherever your spirit/soul resides. The more important aspect is if the spiritual entities of the other side accepts you or not.

[For those who believe in reincarnation. The spirit/soul really doesnt have any ethnicity.]

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Original post: Jendayi

Thanks for your advice Black Dragon. I'm realising that there isn't a set path to shamanism. Just exploring through nature. One thing I am confused about is what a Shaman actually is...are they just healers in general that focus through the earths creatures and nature? I'm not really worried about the answer...I guess I just want to know if I fit somewhere.
About ancestry I don't know my background and it's impossible for me to research it. To put it simply my grandmother was a prostitute. I have come to believe that I'm part either Native American or Mexican. I lean more to the direction of Native American because everything seems to point that way.
And don't worry about me giving up breaking down my walls or losing my lust for learning...the time I stop is the time I die. This is one of the biggest reasons I'm living.
Oh... on a sidenote... sorry I took so long in replying.

Jendayi

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Original post: WindigoXXVIII

You seem so sad Jendayi. Of course you fit somewhere. What troubles me though is that you are fearful of the forest and cant go at it alone. Being a shaman, in the way I think you mean, is a very lonely path you must do alone. Its such a hard path that one gains enemies from jealousy not only in this world but others. There is a very strong dark side to that path and if it has been offered to you in vision or from another, remember that you dont have to accept, sometimes it is more noble to walk away when you dont know or trust yourself yet. Of course i dont mean to sound discouraging, you can, and will gain wisdom in time.

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Original post: Jendayi

Windigo,
This is a very confusing time for me. I am starting to explore things in myself that I have never touched. I guess I'm sad because I've always been alone in my path (spiritually) and that just seems to be the way it's meant to be in my life.

As for fearing the forest...yes I do and no I don't. I fear some forests because I've been in ones where as soon as you cross a certain point there are no sounds, no winds, no animals ... its void. The leaves are green and there is green veggitation but the energy is heavy. Walking into it I feel a clutching at my chest and you are watched constantly...you don't stand still. Sounds like a crazy story out of a cheesy horror flick but it's true. All would be wise to be cautious there. As for not fearing...there is a part of me that fears nothing. Why I don't know.

Trust me when I say I didn't choose this path...that it was chosen for me. I am led here ... this is what I am destined to do. All I did to get here where I am now is self-searching. I have been told that I would be a shaman of sorts and my own readings say the same. If I had a choice I wouldn't be on this path because I know it's difficult and lonely (because I'm already on it). I guess part of me wants some sign that this isn't for me...that I should be somewhere else.

Don't worry about me going for the dark side of shamanism...it's the healing others that I want from this. That is all I ever wanted in my life (and to simply be happy).
Jendayi

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Original post: Sud Ram

I don't believe that you are ever alone in any path. The feeling of aloneness is created by the illusion of separation from the Universe. Once you connect to Nature be it through human beings or any other form you understand your interconnection with All and everything.

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Original post: Jendayi

Sud

You are right. I am starting to feel connected as you describe it. I think my problem is that I can't make it to my forest often enough and that some of the influences in my life, outside of nature, have gotten to me (not enough working through it, I think, to balance it).

Jendayi

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Original post: Sud Ram

You don't really need to be in the forest to connect, sometimes visualization is a good instrument (although I personally don't use it a lot as I live in a hut between 5 trees).

The connection comes from inside, not outside. The external reference can be a guide but the true reference is your heart.

Forget the third eye, psychic abilities, visions and other hocus pocus. Open your heart and all the Universe opens with it. I believe this to be the true core of magic, shamanism and spirituality.

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Original post: Jendayi

Thanks Sud that makes a lot of sense. I'll try using what you suggest in helping me in the tough times. And explains why after healing myself my gifts came out.

Thanks...
Jendayi

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Original post: endor957

This is going to be my last official post here (for a while) and I figure I'd make it count to post here:
Jendayi-From what I know Shamans are the tribal healers; medicine men. This path is chosen for males (certain males) for the most part (not necessarily the women although they are their warrior husbands medicine women ) but it's a right of passage that's handed down to certain males within the tribe before their predeccesor passes on to the summerlands.
You're a woman and by you saying that this path is chosen for you then what the "universe " is saying that your destiny (if you believe in that sort of thing) is to heal those whose paths you'll cross.
And if you know anything about astrology, numbers,hidden powers of given names, I wouldn't be surprised is healing corresponds to your nature and you might find that you like to help people.
This is what I say to you, don't be so sad, you do what comes natural to you and if you don't know what that is, you will feel it.
Don't rush off to find anything because when you stop looking, "it' will be found.
You have to remember that things in life is a gradual process. It's like starting a small fire into a big barnyard one.
It starts slow by fanning air to the flames, and adding more dry weed and wood to the cauldron. Peep the analogy and you'll find more.
Don't worry about what feels wrong, go with what feels right to you ALWAYS, and that is called intuition and I'm told that it's stronger in women.
But most importantly, before you help or heal anyone, you must heal yourself-and you might heal yourself by healing others-i know that sounds catch22ish but it's true.
Good Luck with what you do and I wish you success in what you find, harness and use.

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Original post: Jendayi

Thank-you Endor . I can see what you are saying... thanks.

Jendayi

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Original post: Lord Drago

This is Strange. I was just preparing to post a question similar to Jendayi's - trying to determine whether the Path of the Shaman was what I was possibly chosen to walk, when I came across her question on OF. After reading through all the responses, I have to say that it appears that events and experiences are moving in that direction. It certainly isn't something that I was looking for, it seems to just be happening. So my question is - how have others determined that this was their Path - or not?

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Original post: Sud Ram

If it is your path, you have probably chosen it before you were born. I believe it's just a matter of recognizing and remembering that this is the path that feels natural to you.

Time reveals all. For people like us (westernized), there is no system to determine, however, in native societies they do have such rituals but they are applied within a different context (especially in it's karmic dimension). People are born with teachers in their communities so it is a different issue.

When you find your teacher, you will know.

You will find out it is not your path when you stumble across something that will either frighten you too much to go further or find something else that appeals to a deeper part of yourself. It's easy to get frightened because the shamanic path is one of great sacrifice and it gets more intense as you go deeper.

There are no rewards as we imagine them, especially not from other people. There is no real glamour in this path, it's basically hard work and working your a*s off for others in the most discreet way that you can. The less you are noticed the better you can work. The best job you can do is to help heal someone without them knowing that you had anything to do with it.

If you are ready to let go of social/peer/family recognition for a job well done, there is a possibility for this path to be walked, and this is the easy part. See for yourself if you are sincerely and honestly able to do this, to let go of this idea that you need to get something out of what you do.

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Original post: Lord Drago

[QUOTE=Sud Ram]If it is your path, you have probably chosen it before you were born. I believe it's just a matter of recognizing and remembering that this is the path that feels natural to you.[/QUOTE] I actually like the idea that I probably chose my path before I was born. I can see how this might be true. Events and experiences seem to be unfolding before me, especially when I have asked for them.

[QUOTE=Sud Ram] Time reveals all. For people like us (westernized), there is no system to determine, however, in native societies they do have such rituals but they are applied within a different context (especially in it's karmic dimension). People are born with teachers in their communities so it is a different issue

When you find your teacher, you will know.[/QUOTE]

Agree with this. I have recently begun the search for a Teacher, someone to guide me and be a mentor, to help me navigate through the turbulent waters that lie ahead. Recognizing my current limitations, it seems wise to do so.

[QUOTE=Sud Ram] You will find out it is not your path when you stumble across something that will either frighten you too much to go further or find something else that appeals to a deeper part of yourself. It's easy to get frightened because the shamanic path is one of great sacrifice and it gets more intense as you go deeper.[/QUOTE] Again, agreement.

[QUOTE=Sud Ram] There are no rewards as we imagine them, especially not from other people. There is no real glamour in this path, it's basically hard work and working your a*s off for others in the most discreet way that you can. The less you are noticed the better you can work. The best job you can do is to help heal someone without them knowing that you had anything to do with it.

If you are ready to let go of social/peer/family recognition for a job well done, there is a possibility for this path to be walked, and this is the easy part. See for yourself if you are sincerely and honestly able to do this, to let go of this idea that you need to get something out of what you do.[/QUOTE] Hmmm, rewards. To be honest, that never really crossed my mind, at least as our society has come to define it. The more I look into the Path, the more I understand how difficult it is, and yet somehow, it makes me feel quite humble. It certainly is not a way to get rich (which is ok by me), or to be famous (I do prefer to work in the background, though I can be out in front of the crowd). The process has been underway for over one and one-half years, shedding my skin, so to speak, to overcome and to become, whatever is my destiny. Either way, I have taken that first step forward, and anticipate taking the second step, into the abyss.

Thanks Sud Ram.

LD