The document on shamanism prevents a detailed, in-depth look at the major aspects of the modality and how it is applied. The interesting thing about the text is its approach: despite the spiritual nature of its subject matter, it manages to present a no-nonsense approach to the topic. Every chapter in the document contains a combination of descriptions, directions, vignettes, caveats that entertain as well instruct (Anon. 1-77).
It may be tempting to dismiss the text as New Age “mumbo-jumbo” due to its non-empirical nature. However, it has a very methodical, organized, matter-of-fact communication style that warrants at least a second look. The author presents shamanism as it is without attempting to convince or persuade readers of its validity. For example, the first chapter walks readers through the detailed process of a soul retrieval while explaining what it is about, how it can help and what to watch out for (Anon. 1-3).
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the text is the feeling of connectedness that readers may feel upon reading. It feels very human in its approach. This makes a lot of sense, considering the fact that shamanism involves contact with the spirit world and the beings that inhabit it.
One good example of the humanness of the approach is the text’s discussion of Chiron the Centaur. According to the author, Chiron is known as the “Wounded Healer” that managed to make the best of his injury and turn it into something constructive enough to help others. The idea is that the pain from the injury that Chiron dealt with provided many invaluable lessons for the centaur. He eventually transformed into a master healer and teacher because of them (Anon 24-25). I have heard my non-shaman counselor friends mention that “The best healers are the wounded ones.” Chiron’s story reminds me of that statement and the ability of my counselor friends to help others who are hurting because they had also dealt with and learned from their own pain.
Moreover, the text appears to be present a more realistic image of the shaman as someone who is not perfect yet who is more aware of certain things that others may not be aware of. Perhaps the main difference between the shamans and their clients is that the former have invested time, energy and other resources in working on themselves and their “shadow sides”—the darker, aspects of their selves that are normally hidden from view. These shadows may potentially be sources and it is up to the shaman to shine the light of love and understanding on them (Anon. 25).
This idea of “shadow work” also implies one other important thing: that the shamans are on their own healing journeys as much as everyone else is. This is also related to the aforementioned concept of the wounded healer—namely, that it is their willingness to do continuous shadow work that increases their effectiveness as healers. Perhaps there is at least some truth to the idea that people teach best what they need to learn the most. The shamans are the very embodiment of that principle. Perhaps they also stand as a tacit form of encouragement to other people to explore their own shadow selves and come to terms with them.
Work Cited
Anonymous. “Shamanism-Soul Retrieval.” Microsoft Word File. 01 Aug 2016.
