Shamanic journeying is a technique that involves entering a trance state to travel within oneself for the purpose of consultation, therapy, and spiritual exploration. Here’s a breakdown of how shamanic journeying works based on the insights from various sources:
Symbolic Journeying and Perception:
- Shamanic journeying is a learned and mastered technique that allows individuals to symbolically journey, during which they may hear and feel various things. A therapist may guide a client through their first journey, after which the client is free to take the reins of each subsequent flight. Perception, clarity, and understanding deepen with each journey, leading to a keener sense of awareness to emotions and feelings.
Connection with Spiritual Realms:
- Shamans are able to move between ordinary reality and non-ordinary (NOR) reality through portals, travelling from the physical to the spirit world. During the journey, they communicate with spirits such as ancestors, elders, gods, goddesses, deceased shamans, spirit guides, power animals, and angels. These beings are seen as possessing great wisdom and power and are willing to help guide the living.
Intentional Soul Flight:
- Also known as a ‘soul flight’, the shamanic journey involves intentionally leaving the body and entering the spirit realms to gain insight, retrieve lost souls, and interact with shamanic spirits. This intentional departure from the body allows individuals to explore other worlds and communicate with spiritual entities.
Trance State and Support:
- To enter a trance state and support the journey, a drum or shamanic drumming recording is often used. Shamanic journeys are “journeys to a non-ordinary reality” achieved in a state of shamanic trance. Rapid drumming (220 beats per minute, or 4 Hz) can induce shamanic trance states, which are an altered state of consciousness. The journey begins by entering the “Lower World.” After finding this portal, the participant may meet their “power animal” or other “spirits” in a lucid dream. After returning to the “entry point” and opening their eyes, participants return to daily reality (Gingras et al., 2014). There is no right or wrong way to journey, and individuals may need to move, dance, or sing during their journeys. The journey is a way of communicating with one’s inner or spirit self and retrieving information.
Connection to Hidden Universes:
- Shamanic journeying is described as a way to access hidden universes, the upper and lower world, or a spiritual part of nature by journeying through a doorway that connects to all of creation. This process is likened to meditation and is known to help people focus their minds and gain clarity.
In essence, shamanic journeying entails entering an expanded state of consciousness, frequently brought on by rhythmic drumming or chanting, to go on inner journeys for the purposes of spiritual consultation, healing, and exploration of extraterrestrial realities.
Exploring the Transformative Benefits of Shamanic Journeying
Shamanic journeying is a practice deeply rooted in ancient traditions and spiritual wisdom. It offers a profound way to connect with the spiritual realm and gain insights, healing, and guidance. While it may seem mysterious to some, the benefits of shamanic journeying are being increasingly recognised and embraced in modern society. In a study by Walsh (1991), a participant in a shamanic workshop reported that he went on a journey to the lower world and encountered a lion, who shared his wisdom and strength with him. He came back feeling healed and empowered. Psychologically, according to Walsh (1991), merging with a powerful animal makes good sense. It can be used for permission giving, acting as if, role playing, belief, and identification.
Schmitz (2013) references Walsh (1989) to emphasize that shamanic journeys uniquely differentiate shamans from other spiritual healers by describing these journeys as “cosmic travel.” The study investigates the relevance of shamanic counseling in today’s context, specifically focusing on Harner’s (1988) perspective. Harner defines shamanic counseling as a method for individuals to independently seek spiritual wisdom. The study looked at what effect shamanic counselling had on 27 people who had no background in shamanism. It used a two-group, pre-test/post-test, randomised design with qualitative interviews. This counselling involved preparatory teachings about shamanism, guidance on journeying techniques, and support in interpreting the journey’s messages. Schmitz found significant improvements in participants’ health, control perceptions, anxiety, forgiveness, and spiritual orientation, with reports highlighting increased empowerment, calmness, and spiritual depth.
Let’s delve into the transformative advantages of this ancient practice.
Healing and Rejuvenation: Shamanic journeying provides a unique opportunity for individuals to embark on inner journeys, exploring the depths of their consciousness. During these journeys, individuals can encounter spiritual guides, receive healing energy, and experience profound emotional and physical rejuvenation. Research by Dr. Michael Winkelman, a leading anthropologist, supports the idea that shamanic journeying can positively impact mental and physical well-being (Winkelman, 2010).
Spiritual Connection and Insight: Through shamanic journeying, individuals can tap into their spiritual intuition and connect with higher realms of consciousness. This process can lead to profound insights, spiritual growth, and a deeper understanding of one’s purpose and path in life. By journeying with intention, individuals can gain clarity on personal challenges, relationships, and life transitions, thus fostering a sense of empowerment and inner peace.
Stress Reduction and Emotional Balance: The rhythmic drumming or chanting often used in shamanic journeying induces a state of deep relaxation, allowing individuals to release stress and achieve emotional equilibrium. This meditative state can also promote mindfulness and self-awareness, helping individuals navigate daily challenges with greater resilience and clarity. Studies have shown that such meditative practices can significantly reduce stress and anxiety (Jafari et al., 2013).
Integration of Mind, Body, and Spirit: Shamanic journeying offers a holistic approach to wellness by integrating the mind, body, and spirit. This harmonious alignment can lead to a sense of wholeness, balance, and vitality. By engaging in shamanic journeying, individuals may experience a profound sense of interconnectedness with the natural world and a renewed appreciation for the sacredness of life.
My experience with shamanic journeying: Spirituality for me is rooted in the belief that there exists something beyond myself, a dimension that transcends our sensory experiences, suggesting that our existence is part of a cosmic or divine whole. Shamanic journeying serves as a gateway to this mystical domain, where I engage with power animals, guides, and spirits to receive wisdom and support. Echoing Schmitz (2013), who cites Harner (1988), shamanic counselling is presented as a pathway to empowerment. Such sessions typically leave me feeling refreshed and at peace, frequently with profound visions and insights. Revelations such as realising how my thought patterns can lead to negativity, or the call to open my heart are common experiences in this spiritual practice.
The concept of transformative experiences involves a paradigm shift, the quest for new narratives, and the acknowledgement of personal transformation. Vieten et al. (2016) highlight the need for a change in perspective when an experience significantly deviates from existing beliefs, indicating the importance of integrating both the spiritual and physical realms for a balanced life. As Welwood (2002) articulates in his work, embodying the human principle involves bridging the celestial and the terrestrial, akin to a tree extending its roots deep into the earth while reaching its branches towards the sky.
In conclusion, the benefits of shamanic journeying extend far beyond the mystical and esoteric realms. Through its transformative potential, this ancient practice holds the promise of healing, spiritual growth, and holistic well-being. Shamanism, in my opinion, has the potential to aid in the healing process simply by altering one’s point of view. With the help of shamanic activities, we can begin to see the spirits and other worlds as ontologically real, as well as the possibility that we have a soul that lives on after we die. Schmitz (2013) concluded that shamanism provides a window into a more expansive conception of reality for its practitioners. As we continue to explore and embrace diverse paths to self-discovery and healing, shamanic journeying stands as a timeless tradition offering profound benefits to those who seek its wisdom.
References:
- Gingras, B., Pohler, G., & Fitch, W. T. (2014). Exploring Shamanic Journeying: Repetitive Drumming with Shamanic Instructions Induces Specific Subjective Experiences but No Larger Cortisol Decrease than Instrumental Meditation Music. PLoS ONE, 9(7), e102103. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0102103
- Jafari, S., et al. (2013). Mindfulness and the Effects of Drumming and Shamanic Journeying on the Autonomic Nervous System: A Pilot Study. Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology, 11(1), 8-13.
- Winkelman, M. (2010). Shamanism: A Biopsychosocial Paradigm of Consciousness and Healing. Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO.
- Schmitz, S. (2013). Shamanic counselling: The therapeutic benefits of initiation into the spiritual practice of the shamanic journey. Unpublished manuscript, Sofia University.
- Vieten, C., Wahbeh, H., & Dakin, C. (2016). Models of Transformation [Produced for the Fetzer Institute]. Institute of Noetic Sciences.
- Walsh, R. (1991). Shamanic cosmology: A psychological examination of the shaman’s worldview, ReVision, 13(2), 86-100.
- Welwood, J. (2002). Toward a psychology of awakening: Buddhism, psychotherapy, and the path of personal and spiritual transformation. Shambhala.
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