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Shamanism is the oldest spiritual practice known to mankind, with evidence of it dating back 40,000 years. It is considered to be the foundation from which most world religions have emerged, and has been practiced in virtually every culture.

“Shaman” is the Siberian word for spiritual healer. A shaman is a go-between from the Spirit world to what Carlos Castaneda called “ordinary reality” or our everyday waking life. As José Luis Stevens (co-founder with Lena Stevens) of The Power Path Seminars and School of Shamanism in Santa Fe, NM) explains, “In shamanism there is the idea that reality is not a fixed thing. It is not set in stone. It is fluid and flexible and can be manipulated and shifted. One can maneuver and actually change the direction or course of events through the force of intent, and focusing of the mind. From a shamanic perspective, life is a dream. We are dreaming that we are human beings on this planet having these lives. It is possible to become aware of the dream and to influence the dream as we are dreaming it, and therefore not be victims of circumstances and events.”

Shamanism is for Everyone
The big message is that shamanism is for everyone and there is no one who cannot practice shamanism in a simple, helpful way. It is not exclusive. There are cultures and tribes that have their own strong set of practices, but there is a generic universal practice of shamanism for everyone to incorporate that will not interfere with religion. Shamanism opens up the territory to an inner life and the whole landscape of Spirit. These practices convey a sense of power and purpose to make a difference without relying only on what you are physically capable of doing. They help ground and balance one’s life. If you have a desire to improve your life, you can easily enter into shamanic practices to create a more dynamic and enriched one.

Call upon Great Spirit and
Allies for Everyday Support
These ancient ideas predate all religions. The Cherokee have the concept of Great Spirit as the Great Provider, synonymous to God, the Creator or Allah. Allies are helpers, such as power animals, nature spirits and the ancestors… like guardian angels. All are imbued with Spirit and have their own qualities and power. When you need support in creating your life, call upon an ally or appropriate spirit to assist you. Lena explains, “Using allies gives a person a sense that you can call upon a greater power in creating miracles or producing magic. Spirit is beyond what you can see. These connections with unseen forces can produce greater results than one can alone.”

Shamanic Maps as Useful Tools for Managing Daily Life
A map is a guide to get from one location to another or a way to pinpoint where something is. Using maps is also a basic tool in the shamanic perspective. They help us get from one point in life to another more easily. According to Jose and Lena, “Maps help create an inner schedule and daily rhythm for connecting to Spirit and for using cycles as a way of navigating life. When you need guidance you can turn to the use of shamanic maps such as the seasons or four directions for focus and clarity to the flow of life and how to create it.”

The Map of the Four Directions and Use of an Altar
To assist you in using maps on the road of life, set up an altar in a private place in your home. Place a stone or sacred object in the direction of the East, South, West and North upon your altar. These objects should be meaningful items such as small statues of totem animals, saints or helpers, a candle or a feather. Your attention imbues them with the Spirit of your allies and helpers. Focus your prayer or desire upon the altar and know that the power and energy of Spirit is assisting you in creating your desires.
For example, to start a new project, raise creative ideas or get inspired, call upon the direction of the East. The East is where the sun rises. It represents springtime, the beginning of the day, inspiration, clarity and illumination. Ask the Spirit of the East to assist you in accessing this energy and using its wisdom. If you are trying to get rid of a problem you cannot solve, work with the West. The West is where the sun sets. It is the end of the day or of a cycle. It is release and death. It is about letting go or releasing something that no longer serves. Call in the West for ending bad habits and things that no longer work in your life. Place the problem you want to let go of on your altar in the West and visualize the sun setting. Imagine with the altar moving into the sunset, that Spirit has now taken the problem from you. Let go and trust that Spirit will handle the rest.

Shamanic Healing
José explains that “The whole concept of healing is a major part of shamanism — healing self and others. In Amazonian shamanism there is a concept that everything has a healthy pattern. That healthy pattern can be seen as geometry or heard as a song. In illness, a pattern shows up as distorted or tied up in knots. By working with that pattern through song, vibration and energy (through the hands or plant medicine) it works on dissolving the knot or untangling the pattern so it can become healthy again.” Anyone can work directly with a shamanic practitioner to heal. Shamanic practices can be also incorporated on your own to return to health. Ideally, it is best to work with a combination of the two.

Final Note
José is author of The Power Path, Secrets of Shamanism, Transforming Your Dragons, Praying with Power, in addition to other books and articles on shamanism. Learn more about José and Lena Stevens and their vast experience and background in shamanism, as well as The Power Path and its offerings, at www.thepowerpath.com. The Power Path offers basic principles in shamanism in the Colorado area.

Katherine Skaggs is an intuitive channel, visionary artist, author and metaphysical teacher residing in Fort Collins. Katherine is well known for her soul portraits and the Mythical Goddess Paintings created for the
Mythical Goddess Tarot Deck. www.soulpaintings.com