The Shaman's Cave

Shamanism is the ancient way of connecting with body, earth and spirit.
My teachers told me that i couldn't just be here, play and have fun. that i had to make a place available if people wanted help or learning or had questions in many areas.
so if you have comments, questions or whatever about shamans, medicine, dreaming, stalking, mind, power tools, power animals...whatever
come on by and frop a line
if no one drops by, that's ok too.
i was just told to make this thread available. perhaps i will know why later
HEY!

I carry a little piece of Ojibway (only 1/32) But the water has always had a soothing, HOME feeling for me. Hearing the waves and splashes is like music. I often wonder if that sense comes from my ancestors.

Hello

I have walked the path of the Shaman since I was 8 years of age. I'm a healer of our animal friends and a healer of souls but only to those who are open to the healing.

I walk and work on a much more advanced level than most who walk this path. I'm well aware of stones, animal spirit guides and totems, etc... I walk with 4 guides and one totem.

I don't have any teachers because of this higher knowing. The teachers who have crossed paths know of this higher level.

Spirit gives us the opportunity to open the space. What will come of it will.

Did your teacher teach you that the correct way is to be a Shaman for all instead of a Shaman for one? And Shamanism is a life-long path, one never stops learning.

INeedLove said:

I carry a little piece of Ojibway (only 1/32) But the water has always had a soothing, HOME feeling for me. Hearing the waves and splashes is like music. I often wonder if that sense comes from my ancestors.

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hello i need
sounds more like water is your element, the direction you most identify. it may or may not have something to do with your background. these gifts are with everyone, it just depends if they choose to open themselves or not

LadyWhiteWolf said:

Hello

I have walked the path of the Shaman since I was 8 years of age. I'm a healer of our animal friends and a healer of souls but only to those who are open to the healing.

I walk and work on a much more advanced level than most who walk this path. I'm well aware of stones, animal spirit guides and totems, etc... I walk with 4 guides and one totem.

I don't have any teachers because of this higher knowing. The teachers who have crossed paths know of this higher level.

Spirit gives us the opportunity to open the space. What will come of it will.

Did your teacher teach you that the correct way is to be a Shaman for all instead of a Shaman for one? And Shamanism is a life-long path, one never stops learning.

Click to expand...

hello wolf
wolf- powerful dreamer!
and yes you are right, this usually starts at a very young age.
there is a difference between those who tap into these powers, available to all, as a tool or addition to their life, and those who choose (well can't say choose, because their is no choice in this regard) or those who are directed to take this teaching as thier life's calling.
it's not an easy life for those who have this choice, so i am well aware of the challenges that you must have faced for a long time.

thankfully there have been many teachers, in many forms, in many traditions...and they were clear to remind often that there is no correct way, there is only the way of each manifested form...but at a certain, umm, place, they kind of have a similarity to them based on what they have seen. i guess what one sees is the same, what the do with it and how they express it will vary.

nice of you to stop by, do so anytime

clearlight30 said:

Shamanism is the ancient way of connecting with body, earth and spirit.
My teachers told me that i couldn't just be here, play and have fun. that i had to make a place available if people wanted help or learning or had questions in many areas.
so if you have comments, questions or whatever about shamans, medicine, dreaming, stalking, mind, power tools, power animals...whatever
come on by and frop a line
if no one drops by, that's ok too.
i was just told to make this thread available. perhaps i will know why later
HEY!

Click to expand...

Hi Clear
I have a feeling that this is going to be a very powerful thread for those who it calls to read it. I'm happy that you were lead to start it and that it's you who will be here as guide.

Of course, the scamp in me read the words 'power tools' and had interesting thoughts but I'm sure those sorts of 'tools' are not the ones to which you were referring. I sincerely would like to become more in touch with my power tools to help me with my writing and generally getting myself organized physically and mentally. I am working on my path.

In any case, thank you for your availability, insight and friendship.

SecretLove69 said:

Hi Clear
I have a feeling that this is going to be a very powerful thread for those who it calls to read it. I'm happy that you were lead to start it and that it's you who will be here as guide.

Of course, the scamp in me read the words 'power tools' and had interesting thoughts but I'm sure those sorts of 'tools' are not the ones to which you were referring. I sincerely would like to become more in touch with my power tools to help me with my writing and generally getting myself organized physically and mentally. I am working on my path.

In any case, thank you for your availability, insight and friendship.

Click to expand...

hye secret. oh i don't want to necesarily be a guide to anyone, just make a place where those could come, talk, ask, share and get some new concepts or ideas to try out
yes no, not those power tools
a power tool is an object that is charged to help the mind move to deeper realms of healing, insight, knowledge ect. the tool can become a trap, as some believe it is the tool itself, and not a doorway to their own inner power, so in time one learns to let go of the tool and do the same thing without it

i guess as time goes on, every once in a while i will add a technique to try or little experiment to do...
kinda like homework, but this stuff is a lot more fun

clearlight30 said:

hye secret. oh i don't want to necesarily be a guide to anyone, just make a place where those could come, talk, ask, share and get some new concepts or ideas to try out
yes no, not those power tools
a power tool is an object that is charged to help the mind move to deeper realms of healing, insight, knowledge ect. the tool can become a trap, as some believe it is the tool itself, and not a doorway to their own inner power, so in time one learns to let go of the tool and do the same thing without it

i guess as time goes on, every once in a while i will add a technique to try or little experiment to do...
kinda like homework, but this stuff is a lot more fun

Click to expand...

***Ahh yes, once again, the ever quiet and mysterious traveler finds himself standing outside the circle of knowledge.***

Always on a quest of learning, absorbing knowledge like food. The need, the want, the desire....."travel on" he hears from he back of his mind. "You will know in time".

Hello again Clear, This one will definitely be interesting to follow.......

countrygent36 said:

***Ahh yes, once again, the ever quiet and mysterious traveler finds himself standing outside the circle of knowledge.***

Always on a quest of learning, absorbing knowledge like food. The need, the want, the desire....."travel on" he hears from he back of his mind. "You will know in time".

Hello again Clear, This one will definitely be interesting to follow.......

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thanks for saying hi country
yes it may well be interesting to follow
as they say in the sports buz...we're just at the pre-game show!

clearlight30 said:

thanks for saying hi country
yes it may well be interesting to follow
as they say in the sports buz...we're just at the pre-game show!

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Well said my friend.....

Power Tools

Most people know how to "operate" a car/truck. But do they really know how to "drive" that vehicle? Do they know how to "drive" without it?

clearlight30 said:

hello wolf
wolf- powerful dreamer!
and yes you are right, this usually starts at a very young age.
there is a difference between those who tap into these powers, available to all, as a tool or addition to their life, and those who choose (well can't say choose, because their is no choice in this regard) or those who are directed to take this teaching as thier life's calling.
it's not an easy life for those who have this choice, so i am well aware of the challenges that you must have faced for a long time.

thankfully there have been many teachers, in many forms, in many traditions...and they were clear to remind often that there is no correct way, there is only the way of each manifested form...but at a certain, umm, place, they kind of have a similarity to them based on what they have seen. i guess what one sees is the same, what the do with it and how they express it will vary.

nice of you to stop by, do so anytime

Click to expand...

Hello clearlight,

Yes, wolf is a powerful dreamer. I was chosen to follow this life's path. The white wolf which is my spirit animal is held VERY sacred in Native American lore. This life's path has most certainly not been easy from childhood but the rewards it gives forth has made it all worth it.

As a walker of the much higher level, the truth is my word. I've been involved with those who did not want to hear the truth and when I called them on their lies and deceit I was silenced by them permanently. I just shake my head at their refusal to spread the word of truth and integrity.They speak and behave in hypocrisy. I have a feeling that the truth will be revealed eventually and the end result will not be pleasant for them. I just watch them from afar, shake my head at their inanities, and walk on.


Teachers come in many forms and when their capability of teaching the proper lesson has ended a new teacher comes in. Teachers each have their own level thus helping the student to grow.

clearlight30 said:

Shamanism is the ancient way of connecting with body, earth and spirit.
My teachers told me that i couldn't just be here, play and have fun. that i had to make a place available if people wanted help or learning or had questions in many areas.
so if you have comments, questions or whatever about shamans, medicine, dreaming, stalking, mind, power tools, power animals...whatever
come on by and frop a line
if no one drops by, that's ok too.
i was just told to make this thread available. perhaps i will know why later
HEY!

Click to expand...

Bump for a buddy

clearlight30 said:

hye secret. oh i don't want to necesarily be a guide to anyone, just make a place where those could come, talk, ask, share and get some new concepts or ideas to try out
yes no, not those power tools
a power tool is an object that is charged to help the mind move to deeper realms of healing, insight, knowledge ect. the tool can become a trap, as some believe it is the tool itself, and not a doorway to their own inner power, so in time one learns to let go of the tool and do the same thing without it

i guess as time goes on, every once in a while i will add a technique to try or little experiment to do...
kinda like homework, but this stuff is a lot more fun

Click to expand...

Okay, so since I'm new at this - how do I find my "power tool"? Is it an object, a person? Will I know it when it makes itself known to me or what? I mean it's not like I've been walking around the kitchen waiting for the spatula to give me insight - so can you give me a clue, some idea on how to determine or be lead in the direction of my power tool? Thanks Clear

SecretLove69 said:

Okay, so since I'm new at this - how do I find my "power tool"? Is it an object, a person? Will I know it when it makes itself known to me or what? I mean it's not like I've been walking around the kitchen waiting for the spatula to give me insight - so can you give me a clue, some idea on how to determine or be lead in the direction of my power tool? Thanks Clear

Click to expand...

SecretLove,

Perhaps I may be able to help? A "power tool" is often an object, say a wand, or a staff (like a walking stick).Sometimes it is a stone. You will indeed know it when it makes itself known to you. I have a staff that I've decorated with stones on my life's path, feathers that have been "gifted" to me by our avian friends, etc....I've had this staff for over 3 years. It "fits" me perfectly. I also have one other tool, but that is used for other purposes such as with healing.

How close are you with nature? If you are out in nature keep a sharp eye for an object that calls to you.

LadyWhiteWolf said:

SecretLove,

Perhaps I may be able to help? A "power tool" is often an object, say a wand, or a staff (like a walking stick).Sometimes it is a stone. You will indeed know it when it makes itself known to you. I have a staff that I've decorated with stones on my life's path, feathers that have been "gifted" to me by our avian friends, etc....I've had this staff for over 3 years. It "fits" me perfectly. I also have one other tool, but that is used for other purposes such as with healing.

How close are you with nature? If you are out in nature keep a sharp eye for an object that calls to you.

Click to expand...

yes secret, wolf gave a very good answer

my recomendation though is to not go looking for a "power tool" but instead be asking how to work on the power of your being. the tool does not have power per sey, your own power mixes with the tool so to speak, so if yuor own power is weak, even if you find a very charged tool, it won't do much

the suggestion of nature is good to just sit with it

but of course your real first question secret should have been "what is power exactly?"

LadyWhiteWolf said:

SecretLove,

Perhaps I may be able to help? A "power tool" is often an object, say a wand, or a staff (like a walking stick).Sometimes it is a stone. You will indeed know it when it makes itself known to you. I have a staff that I've decorated with stones on my life's path, feathers that have been "gifted" to me by our avian friends, etc....I've had this staff for over 3 years. It "fits" me perfectly. I also have one other tool, but that is used for other purposes such as with healing.

How close are you with nature? If you are out in nature keep a sharp eye for an object that calls to you.

Click to expand...

Thank you wolf for your assistance. I have always felt close to nature - the animals mostly but I also very much enjoy just sitting with a tree - letting it hold me. I also seem to be talking to a great deal of sunsets lately, watching the geese and cranes fly and wishing I could take wing and go with them. I'm not sure if I just want to escape or my travel urges are kicking up dust wanting to get out of their pen.

clearlight30 said:

yes secret, wolf gave a very good answer

my recomendation though is to not go looking for a "power tool" but instead be asking how to work on the power of your being. the tool does not have power per sey, your own power mixes with the tool so to speak, so if yuor own power is weak, even if you find a very charged tool, it won't do much

the suggestion of nature is good to just sit with it

but of course your real first question secret should have been "what is power exactly?"

Click to expand...

See - there's the main problem isn't it? I don't know enough to even ask the correct questions.

SecretLove69 said:

Thank you wolf for your assistance. I have always felt close to nature - the animals mostly but I also very much enjoy just sitting with a tree - letting it hold me. I also seem to be talking to a great deal of sunsets lately, watching the geese and cranes fly and wishing I could take wing and go with them. I'm not sure if I just want to escape or my travel urges are kicking up dust wanting to get out of their pen.

Click to expand...

Hello again, Secret and you're very welcome. I tend to go by "Wolfie". Trees can speak of a Celtic past but also the Tree Of Life. Sunset watching is a very peaceful pleasure. Their beauty always makes me want to stand up and applaud the artist. And talking to the geese and cranes is not unusual. I have a flock of geese and ducks and some herons resting in the ponds near my home. One heron likes to come up close to the house. Heron represents watching and patience, taking time to think, etc.... Many changes are kicking into gear. Saturn is going into retrograde and will be until April 19, 2007 bringing great changes in earth patterns, etc...

I understand the wanting to escape and the same travel urge wants to kick up some dust so you are not alone in that thought.

SecretLove69 said:

See - there's the main problem isn't it? I don't know enough to even ask the correct questions.

Click to expand...

Secret,

One learns by asking questions. There is no shame in not knowing. The shame is in not asking.

Hello clearlight! Interesting thread. I tend to just kind walk the ways of the spirit conversing with the "inner voice/s"...not knowing in what (if any) specific tradition these orginate...I have kind of vague pictures of them in my head but these are very odd to me...and not that important. So learning about such experiences of others is very fascinating to me. I have my own ways of seeing the "connectedness" of things and do believe that completely...all things are alive and connected and perhaps there is not so much an external "god" but that the collective energy of all is what we call "god" by whatever name/s we are most comfortable with.

LadyWhiteWolf...I was quite taken aback by your description of yourself here! I have read much of your discussions as a Highest Level Druidess in The Drunken Druid Ponders the Spirals of Life thread by Dhalgren150...and so seeing this made me very curious. Are the druidess and the indian shaman somehow connected...intertwined? How do you combine the teachings of both traditions? Quite amazing! I look forward to your discussion here as well.

Hello to all who have found this thread and who are seekers in your own rights. I, too, am a seeker...

poppy1963 said:

Hello clearlight! Interesting thread. I tend to just kind walk the ways of the spirit conversing with the "inner voice/s"...not knowing in what (if any) specific tradition these orginate...I have kind of vague pictures of them in my head but these are very odd to me...and not that important. So learning about such experiences of others is very fascinating to me. I have my own ways of seeing the "connectedness" of things and do believe that completely...all things are alive and connected and perhaps there is not so much an external "god" but that the collective energy of all is what we call "god" by whatever name/s we are most comfortable with.

LadyWhiteWolf...I was quite taken aback by your description of yourself here! I have read much of your discussions as a Highest Level Druidess in The Drunken Druid Ponders the Spirals of Life thread by Dhalgren150...and so seeing this made me very curious. Are the druidess and the indian shaman somehow connected...intertwined? How do you combine the teachings of both traditions? Quite amazing! I look forward to your discussion here as well.

Hello to all who have found this thread and who are seekers in your own rights. I, too, am a seeker...

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Hello Poppy! What a pleasant surprise to see you here.

I combine the path of Druidess and Native American teachings due to my being half Irish and half Cherokee. Both teachings can combine beautifully if one lets them. Althugh my NA heritage has come to the forefront of a rather unpleasant battle with folks at another messageboard that I frequent. I learned who my friends are there (None) and I learned that if you aren't of "pure" NA blood then you are not good enough to associate with them. If one protests and asks questions thewn one is silenced forever.Nice folks, eh? Nope. I learned about racism the hard way from them. They called me a "half breed". It has definitely taken the sting and I bit back. HARD. I learned that people aren't genuine there and I've questioned my path. Due to the intolerance inflicted by them, I may just have to be a Druidess all of the time.

When it comes right down to it, I just walk that path of highest level and always have. Some understand but many do not. I find myself alone because of it.

I just was doing some very light reading on Shamanism and can see what you mean about the combination being well-suited.

Very interesting reading as well in that my spirituality seems to have developed on some of the basic tenets of Shamanism! Perhaps I am evolving after all...LOL. I have no connection to this way of being...and know no one personally who does in my daily life. So it made some very fascinating reading for me. I often call the things that "move" me in ways "Cosmic Nudges" or "Cosmic Kicks in the Ass"...I know that probably sounds awful (the latter) but that's how I've come to identify the force/s around me that guide me. Sometimes I don't trust them...some of the nudgers/kickers seem maelevolent...or tricksters....lol. Mostly not...but sometimes.

Sometimes I feel challenged beyond my ability by a trusted one...which is very difficult...and frightening. Without going into details here at all, I'm in such a period these days and flailing. The basic lesson seems to be around "allowing" things to take their natural course without interfering in that out of fear. Allowing instead of making or interrupting. I grow weary of the process sometimes...and although I see some of how I am still trying to maintain some "control", I just haven't found the trust/courage to let go of it yet.

Sighs...

hey gang
glad so many are dropping by to say hi and share.

i try to respond to everyone here
first to secret...questions are the key. not answers. everyone thinks the problem is that they don't have the right answer. actually the problem is that they don't have the right question. once they get teh question, the answer is instantly found, or with one question a bunch of other questions are seen as uselss- thus dropped from the mind making "space." a true teacher will not help you find an answer, you already have the answer, they will just help you to find the right qeustion- the one question your ego/mind does not want you to ask right now. find that question, and the rest gets smoother

wolf. yes some native societies can be very prejudiced to non 100% native blood, and given their treatment over the last 500 years i can certainly see how that can happen. doesn't make it right, but i know where they come from. i was very lucky to find medicine men of various tribes who (after tests of course) were willing to share to a white boy like me- thus i hold them in even greater esteem and thanks than they imagine
and while wolf by nature is a solitary animal...they are certainly understood by fellow wolves, thus one sense never totally alone

poppy
at its route all traditions are in some way "shamanic" its just a word that really means latent abilities or powers that every human has access to, but have lost, especially in white western world where such things are forceably pushed out of children very early. wehn you were 2 or 3 you likely knew how to talk to spirit guides, see energy, converse with plants ect ect, until a bunch of adults told you not to, or that you were making that up or whatever and kept it up until you became like them. but the abilties are still there, they just need to found again. what "tradition" per sey is not taht important, more just to be sure you find ones that want to use the powers for something postive (inclusiveness) not something negative (control and manipulation). there are lots of both out there, so in a sense it is buyer beware, ask lots of questions before you say yes.
its funny i see people giving away $500 for some meditation workshop and i ask them, who is the teacher, how many years have they meditated, what was their struggle, how did it change them ect. they have asked none of these questions, have no idea. they'll ask a salesman all about a new dvd player they will buy for $40, but nothing of the spiritual practice that is supposed to shape their life. go figure?

ok i'll stop talking now

poppy1963 said:

I just was doing some very light reading on Shamanism and can see what you mean about the combination being well-suited.

Very interesting reading as well in that my spirituality seems to have developed on some of the basic tenets of Shamanism! Perhaps I am evolving after all...LOL. I have no connection to this way of being...and know no one personally who does in my daily life. So it made some very fascinating reading for me. I often call the things that "move" me in ways "Cosmic Nudges" or "Cosmic Kicks in the Ass"...I know that probably sounds awful (the latter) but that's how I've come to identify the force/s around me that guide me. Sometimes I don't trust them...some of the nudgers/kickers seem maelevolent...or tricksters....lol. Mostly not...but sometimes.

Sometimes I feel challenged beyond my ability by a trusted one...which is very difficult...and frightening. Without going into details here at all, I'm in such a period these days and flailing. The basic lesson seems to be around "allowing" things to take their natural course without interfering in that out of fear. Allowing instead of making or interrupting. I grow weary of the process sometimes...and although I see some of how I am still trying to maintain some "control", I just haven't found the trust/courage to let go of it yet.

Sighs...

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AWWw.. Poppy. *Gentle Hugs*

I'm glad to hear that you can see how the combination is well suited.

As we go through life on our path we all go through changes also known as transformations. Some of the influences are good, some not so very pleasant. Since you find yourself in a bit of a control situation. It's better to let go and let it happen.If you try to "control" too much it will end up kicking yu in the backside. When one lets go and lets things happen this means means taking a step back and sometimes going into the silence. Lots of reflecting is done during this time.

With those unkind folks, they made me furious as a person but I learned to let go and I went into the silence for over two years. In that time life went on, things happened and in the end they happened as they should. Trust and courage of oneself can be difficult, but it can be done. If you fear things, things won't happen as they should. Remember, you are not alone in this path.