history of shamanism
The practice of Shamanism is nearly as old as human consciousness itself. Arising from a primary impulse towards ecstacy, the shaman seeks communion with all that is, and in the process adopts the role of mediator, counsel and healer to his or her community. Because he seeks union with Nature in all its manifestations, he becomes conversant with the Natural Powers, and by following their guidance he is able to achieve feats denied to ordinary mortals. He is, however, bound to the rules of the Cosmos, and as such, he or she is also entrusted with their safekeeping.
As steward of his environment, he must excel in discipline, and be at all times conscious of his position in the Universe. This privileged status does not come without hardship, and it is axiomatic that the initiate undergo ordeals of purification. These can take the form of vision quests, pilgrimages, or ritualized ordeals. Often, however, the initiate is thrust into his profession by the workings of the spirit world, and can inherit his mantle through spontaneous vision, near-death experiences or a descent into sickness or insanity. Regardless of the manner in which this discovery of the self is effected, the initiate is now on the path towards mastery. Shamanic knowledge the world over recognizes that all of Life is Power, and it is the task of the Shaman to become conversant with the purveyors of such Power. Mastery over these forces is his life-long achievement.
things shamans do..
Other methods of working as a shaman often included healing, or ivination, working certain rituals or ceremonies, that required the use of powerful, or magic herbs, or plants. These listed below are some of the most prominently used plants and fungus used by those who choose shamanism as a career. o Psychedelic mushrooms
o Cannabis
o San Pedro cactus
o Peyote
o Ayahuasca/Yage/Vine of the Dead
o Cedar
o Datura
o Deadly nightshade
o Fly agaric
o Iboga
o Morning glory
o Sweetgrass
o Sage
o Salvia divinorum
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