Understanding Space and Time Shamans live their lives trying to become one with all of creation and to realize that all things, human and non-human alike, are connected. In order to understand this space and time in life, Shamans learn to connect with sacred places. They honor natural wonders such as rivers, lakes, mountains and caves to stimulate and rejuvenate the energy of the land. By doing this task, shamans can take time to appreciate the greatness in life and the magnificent aspects of creation.
Below is a video clip from The Lion King. This is the beginning scence of the movie, where the "circle of life" is mentioned. When considering how Shamans connect with natural wonders and creation this is a good clip to have in mind. |
Understanding Sacred Space and Time
Other than connecting with space and time, Shamans also connect with “sacred” space and time. To experience the “sacred” shamans connect with the spirits and the spirit world. The spirits are the spear heads in the relationship between Shamans and the spirit world. To help Shamans enter the spirit world, the spirits provide a link to shamans to allow them to participate in both worlds successfully without any hassle or hesitation. In addition to the spirits’ help, Shamans have to enter into a state of consciousness. If the Shamans do not enter into this state first then it is virtually impossible for them to enter into the spirit world. This shift in consciousness is caused by a variety of things, including but not limited to: rituals like drumming, rattling, ecstatic or ceremonial dancing, fasting, sleep or sensory deprivation, solitude, ingestion of psychedelic substances(entheogens), singing or chanting, going out of body, or specific kinds of dream states. Mastering these rituals and skills is the foundation and main reason Shamans are able to do what he or she does.
Relationships with Spirits
Every Shaman has a unique and different relationship with the spirits. These relationships with the spirits can take on different forms and styles. Majority of the time Shamans share these relationships with the spirits for their entire lives. The shamans have various effects from interacting and communicating with the spirits. One more noted effect is that the Shamans gain the ability and powers that allow them to act as a shaman.