WHAT IS SHAMANISM? Contrary to what many believe, shamanism is not a religion, nor even a religious practice. It is instead a spiritual path that is compatible with the beliefs of many religions.The term shamanism actually comes from the Tungus people of Siberia, where it has been practiced for thousands of years. Many of those we have referred to as witch doctors, healers, magicians, sorcerers, mystics, and medicine men are shamans, although being a witch doctor, healer, etc. does not necessarily mean that one is also a shaman. The distinction is that shamans are agents of change. They journey into alternate realities to seek the counsel of spirits to help with work in this plane, and use their knowledge and abilities to assist their clan or group. Today, you can find shamans in many cultures and religions and many lifestyles, from the jungles of the Amazon basin to the boardrooms of some of our largest corporations. We all have a connection with shamanic tradition. If we trace our roots far enough into the past, we will discover our shamanic heritage. At the core of shamanism is a strong relationship with Nature and an understanding that our ultimate survival depends upon this relationship. Shamans work with trees, stones, the waters, wind, and with the spirits that reside therein. Their awareness of the sanctity of life and their ability to communicate with a multitude of life forms gives them knowledge that is otherwise unavailable. Traveling in the spirit realm they receive wisdom and great power allowing them to overcome seemingly unconquerable obstacles. Those who wish to follow the path of the shaman need only to make the commitment to listen to the guidance of their core self, that part within that is aware of its oneness with all things. Making a connection with the core self brings understanding, wisdom, and great peace, for to peel away the layers of deceit upon which our self-view is based is to recognize the Divine Self, to become one with the Creator. The awareness may take a minute or a lifetime, either of which is perfect. But one so changed will never again see the world as they have in the past. With a clear view of their place in the Universe they will discover freedom from the pain that never was.