The Basics of Shamanism
Introduction to Shamanism
Wiccan Shamanism
Shamanism and Wicca
Shamanic Wicca
Shamanism and Wicca
How to Enter a Trance Meditation
Trance Imagery for Dreaming in Trance
Three Lessons in Trance
Wiccan Shamanic Ritual (basic)
Plant Spirits Shamanism
Using Sage to Remove Negative Vibrations
Animals Totems of the 4 Directions
Prayers & Invocations
The Elemental Shaman
Links
Recommended Books
Shamanic
Witchcraft
This term refers to practices associated with those of tribal shamans in
traditional Pagan cultures throughout the world. A shaman combines the
roles of healer, priest (ess), diviner, magician, teacher and spirit
guide, utilizing altered states of consciousness to produce and control
psychic phenomena and travel to and from the spirit realm. Followers of
this path believe that historical Witchcraft was the shamanic practice
of European Pagans; and Medieval Witches actually functioned more as
village shamans than as priests and priestesses of :the Old Religion."
Shamanic Witchcraft emphasizes serving the wider community through
rituals, herbalism, spellcraft, healings, counseling, rites of passage,
handfastings, Mystery initiations, etc. The distinguishing element of
Shamanic Witchcraft is the knowledge and sacramental use of psychotropic
plants (or drumming) to effect transitions between worlds. The theory
and practice of Shamanic Witchcraft has permeated widely though out many
other established Traditions.
The earliest Shamans gained their knowledge, their power, through altered states of consciousness, brought on through many different tools. These included fasts, trances, meditation, pain, and even hallucinogenic substances. The specific method used was generally controlled by what the end goal of the shaman was, and the geographical location of the shaman. Through these 'altered states,’ all magickal and spiritual knowledge was obtained. This knowledge was gained through communication with spirits, animals, and even deities. Only some of this knowledge was shared with the general populace, while the rest was reserved for the Shamans themselves.
As time went on, Shamans developed new tools to obtain 'altered states' of consciousness. The introduction of such things as music, dance, and chanting was the very beginning of ritual magick, the practice of which continues today.