Pathwalkers herb gardens - Gypsey Website

Shamanic Healing - Shamans - Shamanism - Drumming
conflict (on an "inner world" or "outside world" level), recurrent frustration, maybe even
"burnout", depression, physical health problems or mental illness.
Rigid, bigoted, fundamentalism can also be seen as a manifestation of disharmony between
the conscious and unconscious aspects of our psyche. Unresolved conflict in our inner world
seems to reflect (be "mirrored") in unresolvable conflict in our outer world. Narrow-minded
or bigoted fundamentalism may manifest in arrogant political, religious or scientific belief
systems which deny the intrinsic connectivity, expansivitiy, flow and harmony of the human
unconscious.
What do Shamans do?
As unique members of society, Shamans are part healers, part teachers and part spiritual
guides. Their life is not easy, typically including periods of intense suffering via which
qualities of compassion, wisdom and understanding evolve. Typically also, they have a
close connection with the natural world - animals, birds, plants, trees, the environment,
mountains, streams, the sea etc. Close connection with the natural world is a source of
well-being, resources and ancient universal wisdom for shamanic peoples.
How do Shamans heal? What do they teach? What path can they guide us on?
Shamans are experts in "alchemy" - the art and science of transformation. If you want to
change your current life experience (recurrent patterns) you will need to navigate the
process of change. Sometimes we decide in our mind that we will do things differently, or
create something new in our life, but find ourselves repeatedly falling back into old patterns
and old, unwanted experiences. "Stuck" lifestyle patterns include such things as, for
example, "Yo-yo" dieting or stubborn addictions to drugs, depression or dysfunctional
relationships.
Are Shamans super-human?
Shamanistic Alchemy: overview
It must be emphasized that Shamans are NOT superior human beings despite any the
remarkable qualities, gifts or insights which they often possess. They are ordinary human
beings with a specialised adaptation and role in society - a special purpose and destiny. In
some areas of life, shamans can be quite weak. At times in their life they may need the
support of more "grounded" (familiar with, and wise to, the ordinary, worldly-wise
practicalities of "everyday" people, money, society's rules and systems etc) and socially
skilled people. Shamans may need this support in order to integrate themselves and their
work more fully into the community at large. Without this their potential contribution may
not be realised and they become susceptible to societal "marginalisation", rejection or
persecution - occupational hazards for shamans!
What are the pitfalls for Shamans and Shamanic healers?
Like all human beings shamans are vulnerable to being taken over by ego, pride or
arrogance. They are also vulnerable to the "projections" of others - i.e. to being "demonised"
(at one extreme) or "idealised" as a perfect (wonderful) human being or perfect teacher
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