by Heather Ash

The roots of all cultures can be traced back to earth-centered spirituality. Before the formalized religions of the world, people lived by the seasons and cycles of the sun, moon and earth, knowing the balance of the earth and the sun, the physical and the spiritual. The physical, earthly plane and the spiritual, etheric plane were both seen as equal expressions of life. Shamans knew how to travel between these two worlds to gather information and bring healing to their communities.

Today, we can begin to reclaim the power of shamanism and incorporate its wisdom into our modern world. By exploring and integrating our shamanic powers, we bring wisdom and magic back into our lives. Shamans honor the four elements of air, fire, water, and earth, and know how to use the essence of each to create a stable foundation for the healing of self and others. Shamans listen to the flow of energy rather than working against it. Shamans are warriors, dedicated to serving the life force.

By stepping back to our roots, we enter a future guided by the principles of nature. We can learn to dance in the crack between the worlds, finding freedom and harmony no matter where we are. Shamanism brings us back to our center, back to our own heartbeat, to the magic of our individual song. Wiccan shamanism offers the tools of ritual and balance, Toltec shamanism brings the wisdom of energy awareness and powerful tools for transformation, and Peruvian shamanism brings us a deep appreciation of Pacha Mama (Earth Mother) and all of her elements.

Creative, passionate, living life fully engaged without attachment, honoring stillness, and connected to everything: this is world you can enter as a shaman.