The Way of Wyrd - Shamanism anyone?

[Alvin]

I just re-read The Way of Wyrd by Brian Bates, amazing book about shamanism, and was wondering if anyone else has read it?

Even more so, Shamanism seems very intriguing, has anyone had any real-world experience with it and tips for learning more?

[HumbleBeginnings]

I may not be the best person to talk to about shamanism experience-wise, but... I am also very interested in it. Is it a good book? I've read about 8 books on shamanism and each of them are very different - how's this one?

Maintain your intention, concentration and belief. That's all you need to do.

[maverickstruth]

Hm... well, the only experience I have with Shamanism is in World of Warcraft (har har har). But seriously, I have studied a bit about shamans in the past (in fact I'm planning on posting about ancient Chinese shamans on my blog tomorrow). I find it fascinating that shamans (or intermediaries, or witchdoctors -- or witches -- or whatever other terms you might come across -- I know I'm missing some of the major ones) are found in so many different cultures around the world, and from so many different time periods. I'm not as familiar with modern shamanism, though, so if anyone has anything to contribute about modern Shamanism, I'd love to hear it.

And a trivia note that I found on Wikipedia, which I found really cool:

The Tungusic word šamán is from Chinese sha men "Buddhist monk," borrowed from Pali ?amana, ultimately from Sanskrit ?ramana "ascetic," from ?ramati "he fatigues" (see shramana). The word passed through Russian and German before it was adopted into English.

[HumbleBeginnings]

Hey maverickstruth! That quote you posted reminded me of what the word shaman means. You're right, it originally was derived from the Tungas language, and when directly translated into English came out as "One who sees in the dark", which is understandable if you have some knowledge of the practice.

Modern shamanism, for the most part, is great! One accesses the "Shamanic state of Consciousness" by shifting from the brain's normal beta wavelength to a much slower "theta" state. This allows many things... I consider the most important the unleashing of the imagination. The shaman allows his soul to wander but keeps his mind clear, and holds the sole intention of accessing his spiritual worlds.

I could go on and on about it... I plan on becoming a full shamanic practitioner if I can.

I recommend reading the following books:

The Way of the Shaman by Michael Harner
The Journey to the Sacred Garden by Hank Wesselman
Welcome Home by Sandra Ingerman

If you have any more questions, message me!