A lot of people lately are looking for new ways of healing outside of the “system.” What we call traditional medicines here in the west, are fairly new to the Earth and her inhabitants. People have come to learn the great value in “shamanism” recently. Shamanism encompasses a rich variety of earthly healing modalities, that have been passed on for thousands of years orally. Shamanism isn’t just learned through a teacher student relationship, it is something that someone had to be specifically incarnated here for, they were chosen. I see the hype lately of many people wanting to become a shaman or a curandero, or curandera, but they don’t seem to understand the great responsibilities that come along with such great titles, and recognition.
Well, what exactly is a shaman you may ask? There are many types of shamans, not all healers are shamans, but all shamans are healers. They work with the earth, the elements, spirit guides, and plant medicines, in a very detailed way, that was either passed down by a teacher, guardian of the sacred rite of passage in which they carry, or a spirit guide that they have. And let me clarify, just because someone has a spirit guide that may be a Shaman, does not mean that this person incarnated here at this time to fulfill this mission, but they can in fact learn “shamanism” from this spirit guide, but will not be successful in their endeavors to become a shaman if its not in their life path.
How can I recognize a true shaman? Well, let me put it this way. I true “Shaman” will never go after that title. They are humble, aware, and they carry a strong presence. They prefer not to be seen all that often, and they camouflage well. If you ever see someone out there, telling you that they are THE shaman... Well, a bell should ring in your head, and you will remember this. Anyone who has the audacity to call themselves that, is full of shit. The shaman has a true mission, it is greater than any human being, and it is about uniting worlds. The spiritual world, the ancestral world, and the physical world. They work with energy, and energy comes in many different forms, so just because you saw one shaman do something, doesn’t mean it will work for another shaman. Shamans are conscious of something that has been forgotten in these modern times, and it is their mission to help it awaken within humanity.
Why can fake Shamans be dangerous? Well, this is a topic that is very important in this uprising of sacred medicines around the planet. First of all, If someone claims to be a shaman, they must be willing to take full responsibility for their “patients,” meaning that in any sacred ceremony if someone has a bad experience, the shaman must step up and help them through it and take full responsibility for what is happening. Personally, i have seen many “shamans” out there come in and out of a ceremony not caring for the well being of the participants afterwards. Second of all, what is this “shamans” intentions? Money? Getting woman? Power? Or do they really have a mission to help people transcend and become better. I have seen many men using their title just to gain sexual lust from woman. No woman should ever be put into the position where they feel belittled, or where they feel they need to give something to a man IN GENERAL, especially in a sacred setting! There are people out there who use these sacred ways to steal other peoples energy, pretty much like vampires. There are a lot of dark things going on in the spiritual setting, and it’s time for people to wake up to that fact. We have to be careful, and listen to the calling of what is right for ourselves before putting someone on a pedestal.
A true shaman knows that every one has their own path to the truth, they will not tell you what is right or wrong for you, they will only give you their advise. They will share openly what they have learned, and guide you through whatever process that they claim to hold the rites too. Partaking in a sacred ceremony should be an act of renewal, and cleansing!