Much has
been written regarding the shamanic states of
consciousness. In essence, it is analogous to a
semi-trance or trance like state in which the shaman is
able to leave the ties of the purely physical world and
enter the boundary conditions of our world, the Middle
Kingdom and the previously described Three Worlds.
The
attaining of these levels of consciousness is
achieved in a number of ways. The safest, and
most accessible, is journeying to the sound of
rhythmic, monotonous music with no highlights or
variations. The mind is lulled into a relaxed
state with the target of arriving in and maintaining
a state to Theta consciousness.
The
use of Plant Masters like acacia in Australia,
Ayahuasca, Pyeote and SanPedro in the Americas,
certain fungi in Northern Europe and many more are less desired.
Their experience is stronger for most, almost always
unpleasant at some level and is often highly
confronting.
Shamanic lore tells us that certain plants are the
teachers of men and animals, and that the spirit of
those plants may, when invited and properly
respected, grant insights far outside of what is
considered possible. Ayahuasceros find that
they simply have to ask the plant what to do for a
patient, and the plant will tell them.
Anecdotal evidence demonstrated repeatedly the
accuracy and efficacy of the treatments prescribed,
some of which are completely novel to the shaman
himself. Remember that it comes from the plant
spirit, not the shaman.
Ayahuasca - the Spirit Vine of the Amazon and
Central Americas, is said to give you what you need,
but not necessarily what you want. Often,
those using ayahuasca experience their actions via
the OM-1 of those they have effected, but positively
and negatively, with no moderation. It is one
thing to live with a crime, it is another thing to
experience the totality of that crime from the
perspective of those effected.
Hallucinogens, even LSD, have been used to induce
shamanic levels of consciousness, but recreational
and intent-less journeys are to be avoided. A
guide (supervising shaman) is often needed to aid
the participant navigate their journey, with a focus
of intent, a calming of the mind and a counselling
of the person a great part of the process before,
during and after the experience.
The
vision within the shamanic state can be literal,
like walking in the real world, one of feelings and
perceptions, of vague knowing and ideas, of sights,
sounds and smells with no physical analogue
available to describe them. Sometimes one
might undergo a full session without feeling that
anything happened at all, but in almost every case,
there is still a profound change in the individual
who felt nothing.
One
may experience a world of colour, sights, sounds,
sensations and spirits. Of blackness so
complete that it has texture, terror so real that
you feel you will die, of death and life and the
entire spectra of existence from start to end.
The first time you see the world through a snake's
eyes can be enlightening or terrifying, seeing loved
ones doing their thing in another country, and then
confirming such events later, can stretch minds a
little further than comfortable.
For
those who wish to explore, especially on their own,
please use the rhythmic music method as it is the
one form which recovery is fastest and the dangers
are minimised. This is a great time to talk
about the Call, the only reason a person should
explore shamanic practices at more than a 'client'
level.
