Shamanism Week 5

[Neamhain Riona]

Ceremonal use of Tobacco
http://www.mpm.edu/wirp/ICW-166.html

Spirtual Teachers of Tobacco

http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/Andes/1029/tobacco.html

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Plant & Tree Allies



Nature Spirits will adopt a person just like an Animal Spirit Helper will do. Why do they do this? The reason is relatively simple – because like all forms of life, they desire to be helpful and useful. Some Nature Spirits come to us in the form of plants and trees. To the Shaman this would make a great deal of sense, if you consider the healing properties that they both carry.

Plant Spirits

When you begin to work with Plant Spirits, you will learn to honor the variety of plant life and unique properties each one has. Medicinal herbs often become a “Totem” plant for the Shaman who uses them frequently. Each type of plant gives a different and special contribution to the Web of Life.

If you think about Spirit Helpers in that way, you will realize that you probably already have a few. What do I mean? I am saying that the old Tree you have always liked, or the Aloe Vera plant you keep around to treat burns, and even that house plant that you always forget to water – can become powerful Spirit Helpers to you! If you actively take care of, or give a plant a home, you will soon be able to hear them speak to you in a personalized way. You will hear them when they need watering, pruning, and transplanting. And you will begin to know how to work with your plants to get the benefits they have to give. Your Plant Spirit Helpers will give you remedies and other useful information. Take care of your plants and they will take care of you!

All plants and herbs have significant importance to the Shaman. For instance, take my Plant Spirit Helper – Rosemary:

Some time back, I was out clipping a few sprigs off of my Rosemary bush – some to burn as incense and some to brew a decoction to use as an insect repellent. My Rosemary bush gives off a heady aroma and it is my practice to close my eyes and breathe deeply when I greet it. While doing this, I was struck with a new way to use Rosemary to heal my bulldog. You see, my dog had been chewing her feet and I suspected that she was picking up some sort of mite. Rosemary is not only a wonderful insect repellent – but also an astringent. I steeped the equivalent of ½ cup fresh Rosemary to 10 oz water for 30 minutes in a glass pot. Once the brew cooled, I strained out the plant parts and poured it into a small spray bottle. This has to be refrigerated or it will turn putrid. Within 2 weeks my dog had stopped chewing her feet ... See what I mean when I say that you will “hear” your plants?

Two commonly known Plant Spirit Helpers are:

● Dandelions – make a wish and blow the floss to the wind.

● Daisies – pluck the petals, “he loves me – he loves me not”.


Tree Spirit Helpers



Shamans are known for working with Trees, especially when it comes to Journeying. Why? Because they are avenues used to access the OtherWorlds – the roots can lead you to the LowerWorld and the branches can help you travel to the UpperWorld. Most every Spiritual path has a “Tree of Life” and you are about to realize why.

It is quite easy to gain a Tree Ally ... simply spend some time with one. That's right – make friends with a Tree! They have been around for a very long time and have seen many things come and go, so it is a good idea to have one as a Spirit Helper. Trees have a lot more going on then just giving shade to us on a sunny day, they have many jobs here on Earth.

What is the chief product that Trees supply? - Oxygen! Trees play a major role in cleansing our atmosphere. With the current levels of pollution in our air ... we need all of the help we can get! Trees also provide us with wood for fuel, housing, furniture, and pulp for paper products. Some of them are sources of food with their fruit, nuts, and sap – not to mention the animals that live in them, some of which are hunted and eaten. That takes us to another thought ... Trees provide a home for squirrels, chipmunks, monkeys, and birds, also other plant life like moss, vines, and lichen. So, Trees are “big deal” in the Web of Life and it is no surprise that Shamans see their medicinal and divinatory uses and strive to have a few as Helpers!

Remember that we are able to take on the traits and properties of our Spirit Helpers? Imagine being able to bend and sway in the North Wind and still be able to hold your ground – like the Pine Tree. What about standing firm, tall and solid like the mighty Redwood? Just what would you see if you were an Oak Tree on top of a mountain? Those are very admirable attributes to be able to access and utilize when needed. See what I am getting at?

The following method will help you meet some Plant Spirit Helpers. Work with this when you will not be distracted and as always – remember to honor the plants you work with. (*Hint – all plants love silver coins, try leaving one as an offering.)

The Method

1. Choose a Plant.
2. Study it. Really look at it.
3. Close your eyes.
4. Ask for a message.
5. Use your senses to “hear” the Plant.
6. Thank the Plant.

This might not come easily at first. We are used to listening with our ears, but instead try to use all 5 senses. Don't be discouraged and try this with different types of Plants and Trees. This will be a part of your Board Assignment.

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Power Animals
Depending upon the Culture and Tradition that a person subscribes to, the amount and roles of our Spirit Guides vary. What we are going to discover in LoneWalk are those Spirit Helpers that are directly and intimately connect to us as individuals.

Personal Animal Spirit Helpers

When we were children, some of us were lucky enough to be allowed to have a pet(s). I had several Hamsters, a couple of Finches, and a Hermit Crab. For as long as I can remember, we had a “family” dog. Have you ever stopped to watch a child play with a pet and remembered the closeness you had with yours? Or, if you did not have a pet when you were young – Have you ever seen a child playing with their pet and remembered that lonely feeling you had because you wanted one? ( My teacher wrote this * But I have one,two,three,four,five,six,seven,eight,nine cats and one dog, two birds,one fish, and two frogs as family pets.)


How many times have you heard someone say, “Get the kid a dog – it will keep him / her busy”? Or when an elderly person loses their spouse or lives alone, someone will give them a dog or cat to “keep them company”? There is a reason for this. Without even realizing it, people “remember” the connection that we have with other living things! These pets become “Spirit Helpers”. It doesn’t matter if the pet is given as a gift or if you choose it yourself … the Spirit of that animal becomes aligned with your own.

People often say things like, “I am a dog person” and “I am a cat person”. Do you feel a special connection with a particular species of animal? Think for a minute and ask yourself if a certain animal(s) seem to be around you a lot … bat, squirrel, hawk etc. Look around your personal environment – do you collect things that point to a specific species … statues, paintings, images on items like checks, calendars, posters, clothing etc? Guess what? … The reason that you are so fond of that species is because they are Spirit Helpers of yours!

Okay, I bet you are saying to yourself – “I knew that _______ was my Power Animal / Spirit Guide!” Well, probably not. You see, the Animal Spirits that come to us in MiddleWorld are “Helpers” which come to us because for whatever reason, they feel a connection to us. Rarely will one of these actually end up being our Power Animal. Don’t be disappointed about this because your Animal Spirit Helpers are very important to you. They come to you in dreams; you encounter them in zoo’s, pet shops and on farms. Some of them even reveal themselves in everyday life. An Animal Spirit Helper can show up in Nature or in your personal environment like your yard or house. Their purpose is to protect and to give guidance. The thing is, we have forgotten how to “recognize” them.

Spirit Helpers may be with you through out your life, they can stay for many years, or they might only be around you for a brief time – maybe just a fleeting moment. The duration of a Spirit Helpers involvement with you depends on several things:

A Short Time – if the Helpers purpose is to deliver a message or to guide you through a particular event or situation.
A Lengthy Time – if the Helpers purpose is to guide you through a certain “block” of time in your life like, childhood, puberty, adulthood, or old age.
Your Whole Life – the influence of your Power Animal (this is your MAIN guide) is with you from the moment of your birth. Its Spirit was attached to yours from day one. You Journey to the LowerWorld to retrieve your Power Animal.

Animal Spirits come to us in the LowerWorld and UpperWorld too. Sometimes they are there when you emerge and sometimes you encounter them while you are deep into a Journey. I have had Eagle carry me to the mouth of a cave – walked along with Deer through a rainy forest – and danced with Raccoon at a bonfire. These Spirit Helpers all had some sort of purpose, some kind of message.

Okay … all good and well, but how do I know what these Spirit Helpers are saying to me?!? Well, I am going to tell you right now …



Sometimes you will encounter a Spirit Helper (human or non-human) and the message or significance will be clear to you immediately. In fact, a lot of times they will come right out and tell you or give you “clues”. But sometimes it will be a mystery and when that happens, you have to investigate – do research. What do I mean by this?

Go to Wikipedia and type in the species of your Helper. If it is a “mythical” or “magic(k)al” creature, go on a “Search” of their meanings.
Discover everything you can – appearance, habitat, traits and characteristics (magic(k)al and physical), and food source.
Ask your self how those things relate to the Purpose of your Journey. If it is a species that comes to you in ordinary reality – for instance, a bird that catches your attention, a butterfly that lights on your body, a squirrel that seems to be looking at you etc. look at the situations in your life and how these Helpers might be connected or relate to that.

Learn to think with an awareness of the Spirit Helpers that come to you and you will be amazed at the insight you gain and the aid that you have!
Got Animal Power?


There are many Spiritual Helpers available to a Shaman in ALL of the Worlds. These Helpers come from all aspects of Nature - Ancestors, Elemental Spirits, Animal Spirits, and even other Shamans acting as Spirit Helpers. It is great to realize that we have this kind of help - but the one which is the most significant Helper you will ever have is your Power Animal!

Your Power Animal IS your Guardian Spirit. You only have one of these and this is why your Power Animal is so important. It comes to you to play a very unique role and bonds with you in a way no other Spirit Helper will do. If you honor and respect your Power Animal, you will have a loyal comrade - more trustworthy and faithful than any human you have ever or will ever know.

Another important aspect concerning your Power Animal is that it means you have a direct link to your own "animal side". What am I saying? I am telling you that your Power Animal gives you the ability to Shapeshift! That's right, you will be able to take on the persona of your Power Animal when you Journey. Isn't it nice to know that you will be able to fly - if your Power Animal is a bird, insect, or dragon ... or be able to run like the wind if it is a deer or horse ... even be able to climb in rough terrain or up a tree if it is a cat or bear? Keep in mind that our Power Animal can be of ANY species.

There are some other benefits that our Power Animal brings to us that hold great influence in the natural reality that we normally live in.
Improves Health - having your Power Animal around you boosts your immunity to illness and disease. Your metabolism and stamina are also affected. Find out the physiology of your Power Animal and you will learn about your own body. It can help you to understand the things that you lack in your diet and also things that should be changed in your habits.
Affects your Personality - Because you will strongly identify with the Animal and its traits, you will gain a different sense of Self. Your Power Animal helps to boost your self-esteem and self acceptance.
Improves Instincts - Your perception will sharpen and you also gain a heightened sensitivity of the 5 Senses (see, hear, taste, smell, & touch). And a clear, sharp awareness to the environment and climate will be developed.
Support & Protection - Your Power Animal becomes a powerful and loyal ally in times of grief, depression and melancholy. Also provides Spiritual nourishment.
Power through Wisdom - Allows you access to the traits of your Power Animals living specimen. Also gives the wisdom of the Spirit Realm it belongs to. And will act as a willing guide to aid you in the OtherWorlds.
When you Journey to the LowerWorld, you are in the realm in which your Power Animal resides - it is his/her turf. Your Power Animal will guide you through the terrain of the LowerWorld. It will help you find solutions and answers by taking you to other Spirits. But not only that - your Power Animal will accompany you to all of the OtherWorlds ... all you have to do is ask!

So, Power Animals build you up - physically, mentally and spiritually. He or She will help to keep you on the Path of Heart. Once you retrieve your true Power Animal, find out everything you can about it to fully benefit the power of that species. This will enhance your everyday life, magic(k)al practices and Shamanic work.

In the next Unit we Journey to retrieve our Power Animals!

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Rock Spirits


“You are always picking up odd-shaped stones, pebbles and fossils, saying that you do this
because it pleases you, but I know better. Deep inside you there must be an awareness of the
rock power, of the spirits in them, otherwise you would not pick them up and fondle them as you do.”(Lame Deer: Seeker of Visions)


“Rocks know everything there is about Mother Earth and it's inhabitants”.
Some of you are probably thinking - “What a strange thing to say”. Well, not really when you consider that the materials that stones and rocks are composed of come directly from the Earth itself.
70% of the Earth is made up of Silicon, Oxygen, Aluminum, Sodium Potassium, and Iron. The other 30% of the mass is the Earth's core which is Iron and Nickel. These minerals have frequencies that cause vibrations. As the minerals vibrate, they move and the friction creates heat. Some of the minerals liquefy which causes them to transform or attach to something else. During this process, the formations start to rise to the surface. Mountains and other land masses were created in this manner.
There are 3 basic types of Rock:
Igneous
Defined as “made from heat or fire”.
Volcanic rock – in its liquid state inside of the Earth is called “Magma”.
When Magma hardens inside of the Earth, it turns to Granite.
When Magma breaks the surface of the Earth, it is called “Lava” in its liquid state.
When it cools and hardens it transforms into Obsidian, Pumice, and Lava rock.

Sedimentary
They are formed in layers called “Strats” and are transformed by erosion.
Most of the rocks found on Earth fall into this category.
Examples: Fossils, Sandstone, and Shale.
Metamorphic
Originally started out as Igneous or Sedimentary.
Layers and banding is caused by compression.
Examples: Tourmaline, Mica, Marble
In most cases it takes many years for a rock or stone to form. Because of this, Rocks are considered to be the “Record Keepers” of the Earth's history. They connect us to past events, people, and lives. Rocks are the foundation in which we build up the present while also acting as a bridge between where we have been and where we are going.
Stones and rocks are known for their healing properties which makes them perfect Spirit Helpers for anyone who does Alternative Healing techniques like Massage or Shamanic work. The idea is to use the energy of the stone to change the persons energy. How does this work?
Consider how a person, object, or place can make you feel. I am talking about those times when you immediately have a good or bad feeling about something. Often, someone will say things like, “This place has bad energy”, or “That person is accident prone”, even feeling like something or someone “just isn't right”. Some people are more sensitive to this kind of sublime energy than others – but everyone experiences it on one level or another.
A Healer can send energy through a stone to help another person. The stone will convert the energy to a frequency that will vibrate the body into a healthier state. Most Alternative Healers use gemstones when they do “energy” or Chakra work.
The Shaman may also use gemstones in their work, but many times will opt for an “ordinary” stone instead. This should not be surprising since the Shaman would be working with a Stone Spirit Helper on a much more personal level. Asking a Rock Spirit for help and gaining it is more powerful than just charging a gemstone to do the job!
Fact is, a Shaman understands that even a seemingly “ordinary” rock is a gemstone in its own right. See where I am going with this? A stone that calls out to you from Nature is offering it's energies to be used by you. These Spirit Helpers carry the wisdom of Mother Earth in them and their healing properties are strong.
They can be effectively used for the following:
Diagnosis
Magnification
Protection
Stabilizing / Grounding

Now, having a Rock Spirit Helper can be used for more than healing. They can tell you many things about the environment and terrain. They can talk about the weather and indicate if an area is a wetland or a dry climate. They can also give us clues to the wildlife of a particular place. Just like the Animal Spirit Helpers that we encounter – we just have to learn their language, learn how to read their signs.
Here is a method to help you meet your Rock Spirit Helpers:
Go out into Nature and find a rock about the size of your hand. Try to find one that is not totally smooth, but if there are only smooth stones in your area – choose one that has “character”.
Sit down and hold your rock when you know that you will not be distracted.
Close your eyes and ask it what specific properties it has. What type of healing it does. Let the vibrations “speak” to you.
Ask if it has anything it wants to tell you. Again feel the vibrations and listen.
Ask if the rock if you may work with it.
Ask if it will help you.
Since I do not want you to return this rock back to Nature just yet (you will need it for your Homework Journal) – choose a place to keep it. This can be on your Altar, coffee table, bookshelf ... etc. It is still important to thank your newly found Stone Spirit Helper and to honor it with an offering. Rocks respond well to having a nickel placed under it.
Rock Spirit Helpers are like other Spirit Helpers, by investigating the type of Rock it is, you will discover ways to work with it. Remember to consider where the rock was found and what things it has seen or heard. Do not be discouraged if it takes a few tries to get some kind of result. Use the same rock – no rock is a “wrong” one. Once you are able to feel and understand the vibrations, you will discover many Stone Spirits!

 

[Neamhain Riona]

Animal Spirit Helpers


If you talk to the animals
They will talk with you
And you will know each other.
If you do not talk to them,
You will not know them,
And what you do not know
You will fear.
What one fears
One destroys.

By Chief Dan George




In a time that was more simple and seemingly less complex, people understood that humans were merely another part of the Earth. But in this day and age many people believe that humans are the most intelligent and important species. However, in the Grand Scheme of things – we are just another part of Nature, just another part of Spirit. People have lost sight of this and in their empowerment; they are disrespecting the environment and other inhabitants that share the Earth.

We used to know how to respect Nature. If we killed it, it was for survival and not for sport. We killed only what we ate and used every part of the animal – skins for clothing and shelter – bones, hooves, and horns for tools and instruments, and we found ways to use other parts for utensils and ornaments. People did not waste life; instead we honored the Spirits and thanked them for providing us with nourishment and sustenance. We gave recognition to both the life of the animal and to its Spirit by performing Rituals that mimicked and praised those specific beings. Their existence became immortal to us through our artwork, ceremonies, and by using the by-products in our everyday lives. Because we honored the lives and Spirits of our prey, we remained linked to these animals and were allowed to utilize the power and lessons that encompassed the very Nature of each one. It reminded us that we are ALL beings with a Spirit and linked as an extension of each other.

The natural powers of Animal Spirits are not lost to us. And luckily, there is a rising consciousness and a reclaiming attitude of “Going Green”. Our population is remembering that each thing has a profound effect on something else. The Spirits are here to help us in our lives; we just need to learn “who” our helpers are and “how” to communicate with them.


The following link will take you to a site that has a “sound” presentation. Turn on your speakers and also “click on the cards” as instructed! Each card also has a “Animated” presentation which can be viewed and heard by clicking on the button that says “Watch Animation” next to it.
http://www.childrenoftheearth.org/PowerAnimals/shuffle16.html