Shamanism is a collection of beliefs, rituals and techniques based on ancient wisdom of tribal cultures. 'Shaman' is another word for seer, psychic, mystic, healer or wizard. Every continent has a people who practice 'shamanic' sacred rituals, from aboriginal Australians, Tibetan tribes and native American Indians. There are many similarities between their practices, which involve drumming, dancing, trances (all rites intricately entwined with the Seasons), and with the Earth, animals and plants. Our own Celtic and Pagan traditions can be considered 'shamanic' although the term is generally used to refer to South American customs.

Carlos Castaneda was one of the first Westerners to be trained by South American shamans, you can read about his experiences in 'The Teachings of Don Juan'. A shaman provides help and support to a community through the use of herbs (plant medicine) divination (using rocks, runes or rituals) and 'journeying'.

A shaman will take a 'journey' on your behalf, a trip to the 'spirit world' using the use of a drum. The sound of the drum takes the shaman to a place, rather like a guided meditation, which the shaman believes to be the Lower World; a world that exists deep within the Earth, in a reality we cannot see.

The Lower World can reveal your true aliment. Every object in this world has a particular significance and the shaman must take a mental note of all that he/she sees in order to evaluate your condition. Even the landscape, whether it is warm and sunny or bleak and barren, reflects your personal situation.

In this world the shaman may meet your spirit guides or personal power animals and pass on guidance from them. The shaman will seek to remedy the situation in the Lower World Ð having an immediate effect on your problem in the real world.

Details of retreats, workshops and healing using shamanic practices www.shamanism.co.uk