Have you been inspired by a Shaman?
I certainly have and chances are that no matter how modern and forward thinking you may be, you have been inspired by more than one yourself. Let me explain...
Everyone knows the traditional Native American stereotypical shaman figure, but it was by no means exclusive to the Americas. The Celts had their Druids, Africa it's Songoma, and the term shaman stems from the turkish word Saman and Samans were widespread all the way to Siberia.
Some people may even understand the role shamans played in their society. This critical member of the tribe was a multifaceted male or female who's tasks included, healing, mediation, storytelling and theatre, spirit world guide, priest, counselor, wise elder. A critical element of a shaman's power stemmed from his personal experience. He could guide people through the spirit world (a psychopomp) because he had been there himself - usually after a manipulated near death experience. He could counsel addicts because he had often taken on an addiction in order to vanquish it etc etc.
From the above list it should be evident that anyone interested in self-improvement has probably come into contact with mentors who display shamanic qualities. In fact anyone who can transport you to a new level of consciousness, aiding in your crossing between the unconscious/conscious, from one level of understanding to a higher, more complex state of being has taken on the role of a modern psychopomp/shaman.
Shamans often have a magnetic aura and possess tremendous influence over crowd psychology. Jim Morrison of The Doors represented a perfect example of the modern shaman. In his particular case he mirrored the role particularly closely due to the subject matter of several of his songs and the aura of theatre and spectacle that accompanied his dionysian performances. And he wasn't the only artist of the time to draw heavily from the Greek and Egyptian mystery schools as well as American shamanism.
But I believe you can find shamen in even more unlikely occupations today. Certain specific self-help and entrepreneurial gurus must surely fit the model - they often address large crowds whom they inspire with life-changing wisdoms in settings which have all the trappings of zealous religious-type worship. Politicians draw heavily on spectacle, oratory and psychology to manipulate masses as well but I won't digress. chuckles
What are your thoughts? Have you been inspired by a modern shaman?
Everyone knows the traditional Native American stereotypical shaman figure, but it was by no means exclusive to the Americas. The Celts had their Druids, Africa it's Songoma, and the term shaman stems from the turkish word Saman and Samans were widespread all the way to Siberia.
Some people may even understand the role shamans played in their society. This critical member of the tribe was a multifaceted male or female who's tasks included, healing, mediation, storytelling and theatre, spirit world guide, priest, counselor, wise elder. A critical element of a shaman's power stemmed from his personal experience. He could guide people through the spirit world (a psychopomp) because he had been there himself - usually after a manipulated near death experience. He could counsel addicts because he had often taken on an addiction in order to vanquish it etc etc.
From the above list it should be evident that anyone interested in self-improvement has probably come into contact with mentors who display shamanic qualities. In fact anyone who can transport you to a new level of consciousness, aiding in your crossing between the unconscious/conscious, from one level of understanding to a higher, more complex state of being has taken on the role of a modern psychopomp/shaman.
Shamans often have a magnetic aura and possess tremendous influence over crowd psychology. Jim Morrison of The Doors represented a perfect example of the modern shaman. In his particular case he mirrored the role particularly closely due to the subject matter of several of his songs and the aura of theatre and spectacle that accompanied his dionysian performances. And he wasn't the only artist of the time to draw heavily from the Greek and Egyptian mystery schools as well as American shamanism.
But I believe you can find shamen in even more unlikely occupations today. Certain specific self-help and entrepreneurial gurus must surely fit the model - they often address large crowds whom they inspire with life-changing wisdoms in settings which have all the trappings of zealous religious-type worship. Politicians draw heavily on spectacle, oratory and psychology to manipulate masses as well but I won't digress. chuckles
What are your thoughts? Have you been inspired by a modern shaman?