Shamanism - A Shamanic Journey

Shamanism

Recently, I attended a workshop called Experiencing And Understanding Shamanic Journeywork. The presentation was conducted by a Shaman who is fully trained and initiated into the, “tradition of the Q’ero medicine people of Peru." The experience was mind-blowing.

The most intriguing part of the workshop was the latter segment. It was the part where we actually experienced a shamanic journey in which we were guided into a heightened state of awareness, and descended into the underworld (earth).

Before descending into the underworld, we began preparing the body and mind by means of a series of breathing exercises. These exercises enabled us to relax, and let go of mundane thoughts.

By the time the breathing exercises were concluded, I was feeling very relaxed, and detached from all thoughts and surroundings. The room, presenter and people around me no longer existed.

As I continued to journey into the underworld, I felt a sensation as if my body was submerging into the earth. I was becoming one with the earth. As the process continued, I found myself going deeper and deeper inside the earth’s soil.

When I reached the other side, I looked around and noticed that I was in a cave. Although most of the cave was dark, some light was coming through an opening. As I approached the opening of the cave and stepped out, I was bathed with warm and glowing sunlight.

A few steps in front of me was a stream with the most incredible translucent water. I decided to step into the water, lay down and close my eyes. The warmth of the sun and water embraced my body. Slowly, I began to drift gently down stream. Fears and concerns did not matter. I wanted to continue to enjoy the moment. Suddenly, my body stopped moving. I opened my eyes and saw the most dazzling white sand.

Walking on the sand seemed as if I was walking on air- a very strange sensation. I continued walking until I came to a pathway. Both sides of the pathway were covered with beautiful and colorful flowers. As I looked at my clothes, I noticed that they were completely dry. I continued walking until an older man appeared.

The man was dressed in a long white ancient looking robe. His hair was long, and the whitest I have ever seen. He seemed as if he was waiting for me. When I asked for permission to enter his domain, he politely acceded. I kept on walking until I came across a massive ball of light.

From within a hand emerged. I grabbed it and walked inside. The inside consisted of an immense luminous white yellow light. Although I could not see the figure that had welcomed me, I knew it was by my side. I sat down and felt the energy of the light permeating my entire being. Besides receiving energy, something else was happening. The spiritual being, who was by my side, was merging with me. We were becoming one. When the process was over, I calmly got up and walked outside.

Outside, waiting for me, was a large beautiful wolf. His mission was to protect and guide me. As we commenced the journey back home, I felt immensely calm, relaxed and cared for. I don’t recall seeing the older man on my way out. We walked on the sand and drifted up stream to the location of the cave. All the time, my lovely animal guide was by my side. By now, I heard a far away voice saying, “it's time to come back." I opened my eyes and realized I was back in the room where it all started.

Although I did not place spirit and animal guides into my third eye or heart charka-as directed by the Shaman in the beginning of the workshop- I felt they were deep inside me. They had become a vital part of me.

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TO BE CONTINUED

Shamanism
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