Article Topic: Shamanism

Throughout history, certain extraordinary individuals have lived, loved, or excelled so well that ordinary mortals have regarded them with awe and bewilderment. Ordinary mortals have wondered and puzzled about the shamans, healers, saints, and sages, even venerated or worshipped them, feeling that they must be more than merely human, even when the heroes themselves made no such claims. Who or what are these heroes? What does it take for ordinary mortals to become one?

From the steppes of the Himalaya to the jungles of Guatemala, shamanism is a ritual belief system that has been practiced for over 27,000 years. By understanding Shamanism's inherent and integral connection to the four elements--fire, earth, water, and air--we can gain a unique understanding of this enigmatic spiritual tradition. Omar Rosales, author of Elemental Shaman, describes how the shamanic journey truly begins with the four elements.

Despite living many thousands of years ago, our ancestors shared with us the same emotions with which we are familiar (love and grief, for example), but they also shared with us a trait with which we may be less familiar: the ability to enter trance to access healing, both physical and mental, of ourselves and others both living and dead. Mike Williams, author of Follow the Shaman's Call, explains how to—and why we should—tap into the shamanistic skills passed down by our ancestors.

For untold centuries, the stereotypical vision most have of a witch includes a broomstick and flight. But, can witches really fly? James Endredy, author of The Flying Witches of Veracruz, has experienced the flight of the witch, though no broomsticks were used. How is this possible? What secrets do the witches of Veracruz hold?

Even as it steps boldly into the twenty-first century with its technological and scientific advances, Japan holds onto its ancient roots. The shamanistic religion of Shinto, while being authentically Japanese, also contains lessons for those of us wishing to connect with and revere our earth.

Precis: The writer of this article reveals how he learned an ancient, mystical technique to survive in the cold. Using TumoBy Dr. L. Daka I grew up in Minnesota. For those of you unfamiliar with the state (other than knowing that ...