All true Shamans utilise aspects of sacred technology to expand their conscious awareness, allowing them to engage in visionary journeys of the inner dimensions. However the new energy Western Shaman looks no different than your everyday person. Shamanism is essentially a state of mind and is both a service and a personal journey.

Shamanism is an ancient, cross-cultural yet inherent personal strategy for accessing universal energy and gaining self-knowledge and is also a natural approach to life. It can provide you with valuable insights and perspective of life.

A Shaman gains insights and wisdom by turning inward and connecting with other parts of creation. A Shaman sets out to heal the divisions that exist between separate pieces. Such divisions can occur anywhere; within the self, within groups of people, between people and animals, between human beings and the environment etc.

The word "Shaman" comes from the Tungusic dialect of the Ural-Atlantic tribes of Siberia, where Shamans were the priests or doctors of the tribes. They were responsible for officiating at ceremonies and rituals, advising the elders, tending the sick and injured and also caring for the spiritual well being of the people. In more recent times the term Shaman has become a generic word used in reference to anyone who fulfils a visionary or ceremonial role which may be a bit confusing.

Great Shamans exist all over the world from North and South America, Africa to Europe, Asia and Russia. So if you want to go back and trace your ancestral imprints to way back when, you should not be surprised to find that you carry within your DNA, indigenous tribal ancestors - Westerners and non-Westerners alike. If we consider the tribal mystic in a bit more detail, we will learn something interesting about ourselves, as well as where we’re headed.

Shamanism itself is a time-honoured, cross-cultural quest for knowledge, personal growth and empowerment that predates all known religions, psychological theories and philosophies. It is a set of techniques developed over the ages, which allows individuals to learn how to consciously bridge the apparent division between the physical world and the realms of non-physical. Or more accurately termed, "quantum worlds" of the imagination; the world of visionaries. The great advantage of this form of guidance is that it requires no outside tools, no major expenditure only a little time, know-how and discipline.

Since first we found a consciousness that allowed us to perceive ourselves, to see connections in the world around us and to envisage what might lies beyond, we have sought ways to alleviate the focus of mortality and to explore the other dimensions.

Shamanism guides us not just to acknowledge fully all we know to exist; it challenges the limits of subjectivity and human perception, opening our minds to wider potentials. It shows us how to accept possibilities, diversity, perspectives and realities beyond our understanding, in order that we can walk the paths of our life in harmony instead of conflict and friction. Instead of faith, what the tradition teaches us, is trust.

Spiritual truth is so elusive that you cannot set out to prove it before applying it, as you would when conducting an experiment to test a scientific theory. The reason being that the truth you set out to "prove" is not separate from you, you cannot be an observer examining an experiment from the outside, for the truth is part of you and you are part of it. It is inside you and you confirm the validity of it by the simple act of doing it.

Requiring only discipline and practice from the initiate, Shamanism can be practised by anyone, anytime and anyplace. To most it becomes a way of life as natural as breathing. Shamanism offers one the unique ability to tap into the universal source of wisdom, all you need is an open mind and the willingness to journey deep within the self - seeking and finding answers to questions.

Shamanism includes a deep respect for Nature and all life forces. In Shamanism you connect with nature (not in a sense of worshipping, but honouring of Nature) and what is inherent in your life. So it is not only the most natural but also the most practical of all metaphysical systems. There is no hierarchy, and no dogma, no doctrines to be believed, no concepts to be argued, no spiritual leaders requiring allegiance, no hierarchy demanding obedience, no guru to follow.

As said before, Shamanism goes beyond the boundaries of belief as it is a process of attaining a "knowingness" through the experience of "doing". This does not mean that it holds any similarity to mind control systems - since mind control training requires adherence to a very strict disciplinary code in order to be effective. Whereas Shamanism is a natural process that enables you to take control of your own life through Spirit and to find meaning, purpose and fulfilment in your own life.

Modern Westernised Shamanism endeavours to re-frame and yet reconnect with the traditions and the ancient art of Shamanism, within the context of the twenty-first century, and so make Shamanism more available to the everyday person. Availing them with the opportunity to practice shamanic principles in their everyday life. Thus interfacing Western psychology with the ancient art of Shamanism, creating many threads to weave the rich pattern of life. Achieving profound understanding of the true self can be a very valuable tool in anyone’s life.

It is true that the ancient Shamanic ways, methods and practices have magical power and when these techniques are practised they often change the practitioner’s way of life. When the magic and power of the Shamanic perspective becomes a way of life one becomes more self-actualising and mentally healthier in outlook. For example, more self motivated, more "present" and in the moment, also more positive in attitude to life in general. Which leads to greater success and often one suffers fewer physical complaints.

When you know the "rules", life experiences become easier and more fun - a journey and even a game. You feel more in charge of your own destiny and your enthusiasm for living life to the full wells up from deep within your being. You are at peace and at one with yourself and life. I must hasten to add that this does not mean you become a wizard or a saint, but you will have within you the power to take control of your destiny even if you slip and fall along the way, which we all do, you will be ok.

Shamanism brings the mind into unity with the heart and the "spirit" or soul, it’s a way of life-enhancement in which Body, Mind, Soul and Spirit are all developed so they function together in a dynamic and harmonious way. Bringing about a deep realisation of our multidimensional nature. This process is confirmable through practical experience and verifiable by our very own perceptions.

Hence, the claim that Shamanism guides one not just to acknowledge all one knows to exist, but it challenges the limits of subjectivity and human perception. Opening the mind to wider potentials. It teaches to accept possibilities, diversity, the perspectives of others. It opens realities beyond usual understanding. It teaches that we can walk the individual paths of our life in harmony, instead of conflict and friction.

Embarking on the journey of the Shaman is the quest of a courageous Spiritual Warrior who seeks to understand the mysteries of the unknown, the unspoken language of the animals, the qualities of the healing plants and crystals. The aliveness and spiritual messages from the natural world, the intricate patterns of the stars, the touch of Divine intervention and healing. The inner peace of the spirit and the wholeness that comes from moving beyond the limiting human concepts of separation.