Shamanism

"Deer calls to us from the Otherworld, from the realm of Faery, and invites us to look beyond the material, beyond the superficialities of life, toward the heart of things, toward the realm of causes rather than effects. Poised in moon- or sunlight, Deer invites us to begin an exploration of the Otherworld, the spiritual dimension of life."

- Philip & Stephanie Carr-Gomm, The Druid Animal Oracle

Shamanic world view

All things are intimately connected in a vast network of relationships that forms the cosmic web of life. Just as the flower is connected to the soil it stands in, the water that refreshes it, and the sun that encourages its bud to open, so we are connected to the earth that grows our food, the water that sustains our life, and the tree that produces the air we breathe. These connections are obvious, even if we often fail to honour them.

But there is another set of connections, less obvious but just as powerful: connections with the unseen, spiritual dimension of the cosmic web. Our society often denies this unseen reality, yet it is the source of the strength and inspiration each of us needs to lead an effective and creative life. Ignoring these connections with spirit can lead to illness and dis-ease.

Shamans travel into the Otherworld of the unseen in the company of their spirit allies and teachers, to repair broken filaments in the web of existence, and to bring back healing power and living inspiration for their people. They are bridges through whom the treasures of the Otherworld can come into our lives.

Shamanism has been practised all over the world since the dawn of time. Shamanism isn't a religion, it serves the spiritual tradition and the culture of the land where it is practised. Because of this, its techniques and skills are still relevant and effective in our everyday world. It operates in the ever present sacred now, and re-connects us to the life-essence of the universe.

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