Awakening To The Spirit World The Shamanic Path Of Direct Revelation

Book: Awakening To The Spirit World The Shamanic Path Of Direct Revelation by Sandra Ingerman

This book's two authors are popular lecturers, writers, and practitioners of contemporary shamanism. Sandra Ingerman's previous books include Soul Retrieval, Welcome Home, A Fall to Grace, and Shamanic Journeying. Those by Hank Wesselman include The Journey to the Sacred Garden and the trilogy Spiritwalker, Medicinemaker, and Visionseeker. Both authors see shamanism not as a religion but as a method free of any religious overlay or dogma, as "the path of immediate and direct personal contact with Spirit, deeply meditative, and not subject to definition, censorship, or judgment by others." They stress that the shamanic approach to life is natural and basic to everyone and that human beings everywhere share the same basic traits, abilities, and skills with shamans, who are "visionaries who simply develop these skills to a masterful degree through their initiations and subsequent training."

The book begins by explaining shamanism, the shamanic journey, and the importance of reconnecting with nature. It then covers all aspects of shamanism, including visionary work with weather and environmental changes, the power of ritual and ceremony, dreams, creative art, sound and light, death and dying (both actual and metaphorical), and working with transformational communities. In addition to material from Ingerman and Wasselman, each chapter includes extended commentary by Tom Cowan, Carol Proudfoot-Edgar, Jose Luis Stevens, and Alberto Villoldo.

One objective of the shamanic approach stressed by these authors is for the individual to become liberated and self-realized, able to gain mastery over life. Three necessary tools are gratitude, or the ability to see through the false ego to the heart; seeing, or cutting through falsity to the true nature of Spirit; and blessing, or recognizing the Spirit flowing through one. Shamans are viewed as hollow bones or empty reeds, people who learn "to move ... ego out of the way so that the power of the universe may work through and within them." Each chapter contains step-by-step exercises, many to be undertaken while using the drumming CD included with the book.

One of the optimistic understandings of the shaman is that "since everyone is collectively dreaming, each person can, with awareness and an act of will, change the dream." To this end the authors say that there are spiritual forces surrounding us in many forms, and they hear our call for help. The two authors and the other contributors share the view that "a new dream is possible but requires enough dreamers to wake up from their collective nightmare and choose to transform the dream." The book is highly recommended, especially to newcomers, for its breadth of coverage of Modern Shamanism and the clarity of its practical usefulness.

Very well written, easy to read book with a lot of thought and insight and research put into it. I was delighted when I saw it - it is a gorgeous book with a really gorgeous cover - I LOVE that art - but I was pleasantly suprised that it came with Shamanic tracts on a CD. I had not realized the book came with a cd! I had no problem finishing this book. I read it in sections, and looked forward to my time alone with it. What I liked might be hard to put into words....as one that's been on a Shamanic pagan path for many years, this book coincided very well with my beliefs and the ritual elements that it discussed, they are already my own, and I will vouch for their effectiveness. But it wasn't THAT... There's tidbits in this book, especially some of the words from the shamans interviewed for this book, that sort of flipped some switches I didn't know I had. I gathered some very AHA! insights from this book, which are well worth the cost in time and effort put into reading it. I felt PUSHED along on my current path, perhaps saving me unknown amounts of time and meditation on certain things. It's a bit surreal, it is by it's nature hard to express.

The CD tracks are also very effective - the author(s) have studied beats from many cultures, many Shamans, and have found that they have a lot in common, and that is what the trance drumming is based on.

I do think that Wiccans and Neopagans would enjoy this book as well. Some of the ritual elements certainly overlap. This book was recently featured on a Coast to Coast radio show. If you read it, and like it, you might catch that on the web or something. One of the authors talked more about his personal journey and the effort of research that went into this. This book was well researched by a well educated scientist.

Buy Sandra Ingerman's book: Awakening To The Spirit World The Shamanic Path Of Direct Revelation

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The Deer

The Deer's keynote is that of Gentleness and innocence a gentle luring to new adventure. While its cycle of power is that of autumn and spring. The deer has always captured the imagination of humanity. It is one of the most successful families of mammals, native to every continent except Australia. They have been able to adapt to every sort of habitat. The white-tailed deer, the mule deer and the caribou are three that are prominent on the North American continent. The moose and the wapiti (Elk) are also part of the deer family, but they are described separately.

Each type of deer has its own special qualities and characteristics, while sharing some of the qualities of all deer in general. Caribou, for example, make long migrations twice a year, reflecting the need for those who have it as a totem to use that same pattern in their life. They begin running in fall and early winter, and these then are the power times. The mule deer is also a wanderer. It never follows the same path twice. This is part of its natural defense, making it less predictable to predators. Most of the Information in this section will focus on deer in general, and the white-tailed specifically.

The name "deer" has several variations on its origin. These may provide clues to past lives for those with this totem. The Anglo-Saxon word "deor" was a general word for animals and was often used just in the general sense. In the German language, it has its root in "tier", simply meaning wild animal also. It can also be traced to the Sanskrit "mriga", also meaning wild animal.

To many the deer is considered the most important animal ever hunted. The hunt of the deer is what transfers our civilization to the wilderness. There are many stories and myths of deer luring hunters or even kings deep into the woods until they are lost and begin to encounter new adventures. One such example is found in the tales of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. Sir Gawain follows a white hart to many adventurous encounters. A reading of Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur will also provide more examples.

The deer is also a central religious image for Buddhism. Buddha is often pictured with a deer, and legend tells how he first preached in a deer park. This image itself reasserts the meaning of the deer as representing innocence and a return to the wilderness.

The white-tailed deer is the most common in the United States. One of its most outstanding features is the set of antlers that the male develops. In other members of the deer family, i.e. reindeer and caribou, both the male and the females grow them. The antlers are solid bone, and they are shed every year. Antlers grow behind the eyes and are very protective.

Each year until the age of five, the antlers grow bigger and with more points. If you encounter a deer in the wild, try to make count of the number of points. This will tell you some of the significance the deer will have for you. Remember that numerology can help define the essence.

Antlers are symbols of antennae, connections to higher forms of attainment. Deer with antlers thus can be a signal to pay attention to your inner thoughts and perceptions, as they are probably more accurate than you think.

The antlers are shed every year, and each year they grow back larger and with more points, for five years. If a deer has entered your life, look for new perceptions and degrees of perceptions to grow and expand for as much as the next five years. It can indicate that there will be opportunities to stimulate gentle new growth increasingly over the next few years.

One to two young are born. Fawns are born a color that protects and hides them. In the first few days, they hardly move, and the mother nurses them often. This is very significant for those with this totem. Many societies taught the importance of staying with the new-born for a prescribed period of time. No visitors, no family members other than the father were allowed to contact with the new-born. Even today in the Muslim religion, a mother who breast feeds for a prescribed time makes that child her own, whether or not it is her biological child. This kind of attention and separateness enables the child to link with the family more strongly and protects the new-born from subtle outside influences.

Our auras or energy fields are electromagnetic and exchanges of energy do occur With Other people and places. The kind of energy a child is exposed to can have strong effects. Until the child's energy is strong and firmly grounded, it should be protected from extraneous influences.

The deer leads us back to the primal wisdom of those old teachings. It reminds us to establish a strong healthy connection with the child before we expose it to many people and other strange energies. It is a reminder that there is a tradition that is natural and suitable for family units and for the health of the young. It is for the child's best interest.

After the first few days, the fawn can usually stand and follow its mother about. Doe fawns may stay with the mother for as much as a year. The buck or male will usually leave after a few months. The father takes no part in the rearing of the young; it is all the rule of the mother. Again this can be a reminder for us to move gently back to the traditional family unit and roles. It may indicate, if the deer has shown up in your life, that you have gotten too far away from the role that would be most beneficial to you at this time.

A deer's senses are very acute. Its vision is designed for clarity at a distance. It is especially effective at detecting contrasts and edges in dim light. Its hearing is equally acute. Anyone who has deer as a totem will find increasing ability to detect subtle movements and appearances. They will begin to hear what may not be said directly.

When deer shows up in your life it is time to be gentle with yourself and others. A new innocence and freshness is about to be awakened or born. There is going to be a gentle, enticing lure of new adventures. Ask yourself important questions. Are you trying to force things? Are others? Are you being too critical and uncaring of yourself? When deer shows up there is an opportunity to express gentle love that will open new doors to adventure for you.

CHANT

Woodland dreams of intuition come with the graceful deer.I greet you, graceful brothers of the forest. Your gift of magic will brighten my life. Transformation will come to me. Like you, I stand listening to the drum beat of life, Poised to follow my guiding spirits.

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Seeing In The Dark Claim Your Own Shamanic Power Now And In The Coming Age

Book: Seeing In The Dark Claim Your Own Shamanic Power Now And In The Coming Age by Colleen Deatsman

If you are feeling unfulfilled or incomplete in some way, if you cannot quite figure out why your life isn't working the way you expect, or if you are just searching for something more, then you have found the right book. I've recently read Eckhart Tolle's New Earth and began to put it into practice, that is, to some extent. There was still something not quite right. I was having difficulty staying clear. After reading Seeing in the Dark, I discovered that it was my "programs" or things I learned as a child that became self limiting behavioral patterns that blocked my progress. This book shines a light on that and follows through with a direction. Where Eckhart lays the groundwork for new thought patterns, Seeing in the Dark drives it home with insight, knowledge, and airy meditations. Seeing in the Dark is clearly THE FORERUNNER to ALL shaman books. If you are ready to clear the fog of your self deluding behaviors, this IS THE PRIMER!!!

"Seeing in the Dark" takes on and succeeds at the herculean task of reintroducing shamanism with language we are familiar with in the 21st Century. This book is a bridge between the flights of fancy of what was, and the concrete pragmatism of what will be, indeed must be, in the years to come as we pull away from the wish-fulfillment thinking which has plagued the New Age. What worked for the ancients will not work for us in the same way. Post-modern man is unfamiliar with the spirit of the buffalo. It is meaningless to him and therefore empty. But, the structure of the human thinking machinery, the understanding that soul is the prime mover in the genesis of human thought, is something we can employ to our benefit and make work as citizens of the new millennium. Deatsman and Bowersox weave the old throughout the new, never stripping shamanism of its mysticism, but unrelentingly championing the retooling of the shamanic worldview towards practical application. If you want to see where shamanism has been, and still catch a ride on where it is going, buy this book. You will be glad you did.

"Shamanism is many things to many people--at its core it is an ancient Spiritual Tradition dedicated to becoming fully human.A Through partnership with the compassionate spirits, shamanic practitioners bring blessings of balance and healing to our world.A In Seeing in the Dark, Colleen and Paul offer us their inspired, multi-faceted perspective, helping to make this powerful tradition more readily available at a time when our need for it has never been greater." --Nan Moss and David Corbin, authors ofA Weather Shamanism: Harmonizing Our Connection with the Elements

"A shaman is never truly alone. Instead, there is an unwavering belief that loving companions are always traveling with us. Feeling this fills us with boundless joy and deep gratitude for our life and our beautiful planet. Seeing in the Dark is both a step-by-step guide to developing powerful kinships with the spirits who surround us and to nurturing a clearer understanding of ourA placeA in the Universe." --Evelyn C. Rysdyk, Shamanic teacher and healer, author of Modern Shamanic Living, and on the editorial board of The Journal of Shamanic Practice

"Colleen Deatsman and Paul Bowersox draw on their diverse spiritual training and personal experience to craft a book that gives readers tools with which to traverse the turmoils of everyday life, economic downturns, and personal struggles. This is the sort of "engaged shamanism" that can light up the dark." --Larry G. Peters Ph.D., anthropologist, licensed psychotherapist, and author (leads groups to Nepal to study Tibetan shamanism)

"Seeing in the Dark is the kind of book that offers newcomers to shamanism a safe and sensible program and also reminds experienced practitioners why they fell in love with shamanism in the first place. The authors carefully guide readers through the many aspects of the shamanic life and offer practical suggestions for journeys, ceremonies, and personal healing. This book will become a comforting and reliable companion for those on the shaman's path." --Tom Cowan, author of Shamanism: A Spiritual Practice for Daily Life and Fire in the Head

"Seeing in the Dark is a wonderful gateway to shamanic practice. Packed with wonderful exercises and journey suggestions, Deatsman and Bowersox gently guide readers to find insight and healing through spirit connections and energy work." --Kristin Madden, author of Magick, Mystery, and Medicine, The Book of Shamanic Healing, and Shamanic Guide to Death and Dying

Seeing in the DarkA reveals shamanic ritual in terms of its practical application to the process of unfolding individual and collective consciousness, making it a ground-breaking work of startling authenticity. This book is a necessity for those who wish to understand how personal reality can be shaped by one's beliefs and how the fate of individuals and nations can be shifted by the focused intent of inwardly directed individuals.A Seeing in the Dark is idealA for those seeking a practical application of material garnered from readings in comparative religious studies, folklore, and mythology but were left looking for the next step--here it is.A Take it if you dare. --Mark Stavish, Director of Studies, Institute for Hermetic Studies and author of Between the Gates: Lucid Dreaming, Astral Projection and the Body of Light in Western Esotericism

"Seeing in the Dark unveils the mysteries of shamanism in a clear, well-written book.A It teaches and demystifies the journeys of the shaman and gives many suggestions for continued success.A Deatsman and Bowersox tell you that you can do this and then show you how!A An essential guide for learning to practice shamanism and the experienced practitioner will find more wonders to explore. Shamanism explores the world of the soul in trance, guided by the drum, the rattle, and our own power. The world of the soul often seems too mystical for us to travel, and yet we know the mysteries are there, hidden just beyond our view. Colleen Deatsman and Paul Bowersox dispel those myths inA Seeing in the Dark, a book thatA shines a light to guide us into the pathways of wonder, the world of the soul.A This well-written book teaches the student how to begin and thenA guides the experienced practitioner on ways to continue. Every reader will deepen their understanding of their own soul and the spiritual worlds of mystery."

Buy Colleen Deatsman's book: Seeing In The Dark Claim Your Own Shamanic Power Now And In The Coming Age

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Plant Spirit Healing A Guide To Working With Plant Consciousness

Book: Plant Spirit Healing A Guide To Working With Plant Consciousness by Pam Montgomery

This is a profound work. Written with a clarity and depth of Understanding that only someone deeply attuned to their subject could master. Pam Montgomery weaves indigenous wisdom, modern research, science, and quantum physics into a vibrant testament of the sacred and powerful nature inherent in plant medicine. The message transmitted through every page in this amazing book is bound to change our perception of herbal healing--and of medicine in general.

This accessible yet comprehensive book is a tremendous gift of both wisdom and practical application on how the universe actually works and how to tap in and play a part yourself. Plant Spirit Healing is about the difference between knowing about a plant (available through book learning and use) and experiencing its spirit - where you merge with it, communicate through an exchange of insights, and achieve a full and lasting relationship. This book benefits from Pam Montgomery having taught and honed this material many times. If you cannot take Montgomery's apprenticeship program and experience her own ebullient spirit, this book is the next best thing.

Emphasizing that each person's knowing and experience of different plants may be different in what is really a Both/And, rather than an Either/Or, universe, Montgomery guides you to find your own plant spirit guides appropriate for this time in your life journey. Chances are who they are will surprise you.

This remarkable book takes the reader on a journey from (possibly) skeptical interest in plant spirits, to plausible, to possible, to practical. At no point does the journey include religious overtones or spacey far-out suggestions.

Montgomery builds a foundation based on physical and energetic qualities of both people and plants. Each new parcel of knowledge is presented in a flowing sequence based upon previously explained information. The trip is full of "of course" moments where you recognize that you already knew what she is presenting, but perhaps did not know where to place it in your established body of knowledge. As much as anything this book greatly expands and updates your established body of knowledge.

Fine-tuning gathered from years of teaching workshops and apprentice programs has honed Montgomery's understanding of the pace and paths by which people can not only learn, but can experience and assimilate deeper knowledge. Her expertise allows her to lead the reader through these layers of knowing in the transparent, uncluttered, way that characterizes the best of guides.

The Theme is Relationships.

Despite years of loving plants, I would not have thought that there were so many ways to understand plants, or so many tools for deepening my relationships with them. Indeed, relationship is what this book is all about, including establishing, fostering, and nurturing actual relationships with plants. This includes being open, observant, respectful, and enjoying. It involves appreciating plants and learning from them and moving those relationships on to partnerships. This carries on the theme of Montgomery's previous book, Partner Earth (1997) in which she encourages humans to take responsibility and action to be co-creators and partners with Earth, rather than passive children of Mother Earth.

At one point in Plant Spirit Healing Pam likens establishing a new relationship with a plant to a relationship with a potential lover. Just think about that. It includes breath exchange, attention, respect. One is open, observant, eager to learn all one can about this person who suddenly seems to glow with light. One is gentle and respectful and wants to spend every available moment with the new love, gently growing knowledge and love and a shared history, exploring all facets and aspects of the beloved.

Organization and arrangement

The book's organization is clear and accessible. Different learning modes are accommodated as each chapter presents the material in three modes. Chapters begin with a journal entry from Montgomery's daily interactions with nature and how it feeds her developing wisdom. We catch a glimpse of her slipping into communication with plants and the landscape. Next, the bulk of the chapter is a descriptive exposition of the topic. This is followed by examples which illustrate the ideas and techniques just presented with experiences Montgomery has had with her clients, or that her students have experienced.

The book is divided into three parts, The Theoretical Basis for Plant Spirit Healing, The Practical Application of Plant Spirit Healing and Plant Allies, a section on specific plants. Christian Hummel recently wrote "We are living in a time when ancient principles that have been espoused for ages from Vedic texts to Native American philosophies are being validated by science - a meeting point between science and spirituality where these principles are being tested and proven to be true." [July 2007 Wisdom magazine p. 28 "Accessing the Creative Matrix: The Secret to Healing the Earth" ] Montgomery presents much of this material in Part One by distilling and presenting the essence of a large and varied body of new scientific information in an accessible format that relates to plant spirit and communication. She has gleaned Knowledge From others - both ancient traditions and recent science - and incorporates it straightforwardly for easy absorption without being academic. Part Two is a practical journey where actually meeting and getting to know plants is facilitated with a range of different techniques. Part Three introduces the plants as their fully embodied selves giving a sense of the expansive beings they are.

Plant Spirit Healing teaches about how sprit moves in the world, thus bringing spirit into reality, instead of keeping it in the abstract realm of religion. We are given a handbook to understand the wonder of plants, and a guidebook of practical techniques and exercises to form personal, intimate, real relationships with plant beings whose importance, variety, beauty, gifts and outright wisdom are usually ignored. The result reminds me of my joy at the animal tracks revealed by the first snowfall in what has been a gray and lonely November landscape. The joyful feeling of not being alone. The deep knowledge that I share this landscape with other beings who are aware of themselves, who live full and interesting lives, and who are open to knowing me and interacting with me.

Plants have been calling to many of us for the past several decades. Chances are they are somehow calling you as well. This is a guidebook to answer that call, probably in a deeper way than you ever imagined. By the time you have read it you will have established relationships with plant beings, taken a deep journey and found missing parts of yourself.

Buy Pam Montgomery's book: Plant Spirit Healing A Guide To Working With Plant Consciousness

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Questions And Answers About Power Animals

Question: So, what does it mean to work with 'power' animals? Are we working with an individual animal, say the 'possum down the street or the wolf at the zoo?

Answer: Well, sorry to say, no.

When you work with a 'power' animal (I've got to find a better way to say that ~ the term "power' animals' makes me think of a bunch of buffed up critters doing sit ups and weight lifting at the local gym), you are either connecting with the A.) symbolic essence or B.) the spiritual power of the entire species. Take your pick of whichever Description works best for you.

Question: What are you doing ~ playing Indian? Or are you one of those new age weirdos?

Answer: No. Working with 'power' animals is not 'new age' or limited to the North American Indians. Many people all over the planet use animal symbology in one way or another, including us. It's everywhere ~ even in our speech: 'Busy as a bee'; 'snake in the grass', 'he/she is a workhorse', 'hawk eyed', 'eagle eyed'.

Question: How do you know when animal energy trying to make itself known?

Answer: There are several ways. Sometimes, you just know. Other times, an animal can present itself to you four times (as in four deer, four tracks in the mud, etc.) If an animal appears during a dream, Meditation or shamanic journey, it can do an 'act of power' which is something that the animal could not ordinarily do.

Question: Can mythic animals be power animals?

Answer: There is some debate about this. Some think that to be a power animal, it has to have a physical representative in the living world. Others say that the very fact that nearly every culture in the world have stories about 'mythic' animals (dragons and unicorns are good examples), then they must have either 1.)existed in the physical at one point, or 2.) exist now in realms that we can only access while on a journey, dreaming or in deep meditation. I tend to say that whatever ever animal has shown itself to you to be one of your power animals, then who are we to question whether it's valid or not? It's very appearance proves its validity.

Question: Is this for real?

Answer: As a teacher of mine said once, "If you're getting something good out of it, does it matter?"

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Cat History

For thousands of years, cats have been regarded as mysterious creatures with Supernatural powers. These beliefs certainly did not disappear during the European witch-craze. The Witch Trials started in the 13th century. People began to believe that witches had the ability to turn into an animal, usually a hare or a cat, in order to transport themselves to a sabbat (a midnight meeting) presided over by the Devil. The idea of familiar spirits soon developed. These were imps or minor demons who took the form of any small animal, from a hedgehog to a toad. A familiar acted as an intermediary for the witch, carrying out her orders so that she wouldn't have to be at the scene of the crime when the evil deed was done. A witch's cat came to be called a "grimalkin". The Scottish goddess of witches was called "Mither o' the Mawkins", a mawkin or malkin being either a cat or a hare. Originally a gremalkin was a gray cat. Later the term came to refer to the "pussies" or "catkins" on a pussy willow, as well as to the witch's cat. * Some of the above info from John Richard Stephens, author of "The Enchanted Cat"

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The World Of Shamanism New Views Of An Ancient Tradition

Book: The World Of Shamanism New Views Of An Ancient Tradition by Roger Walsh

The World of Shamanism is the best book I've read on the topic. A totally updated work that builds on his earlier book ((The Spirit of Shamanism) this book explores shamanism as we find it in the world, in the psyche, and in neo-shamanic practices.

Dr. Walsh has mastered the art of writing in a popular manner rooted in rigorous research. There is no doubt about his sources as he carefully provides them in footnotes for the more curious reader. In his even-handed presentation of multiple perspectives Dr. Walsh models the tolerance for ambiguity he notes as necessary for a mature experience of the mystery of the universe.

Most important, with regard to the subjective aspects of shamanic experience, he models "the principle of causal indifference" which reflects an acceptance (rare in our society) that "subjectively identical Experiences can be produced by multiple causes" (p. 196).

This is a must read for mental health professionals whose map of the universe includes the potential of non-ordinary states for healing as well as for the layperson trying to dig their way through all the misinformation on shamanism that has piled up in the "new age" market over the years.

Dr. Walsh's meticulously researched study analyzes shamanism by both Investigating what it is, and what is not. He does so by considering it on a host of levels and in a broad range of areas including anthropology, neurology, psychology, religion, medicine, and altered states of consciousness, to name but a few. His extensive credentials enable him to speak with authority, while analyzing the topic in great depth and from many different angles as only an Intellectual classically trained in philosophy can do. The result is an un-ignorable, essential work.

In his attempt to thoroughly investigate shamanism, Walsh introduces and synthesizes a broad range of cutting edge studies and theories, making it a fascinating read all the way through. I also highly recommend this book to anyone who desires a comprehensive analysis of mystic arts in general.

I have no reservations in giving this definitive work 5 stars and hope other scientists and laymen alike will consider this study with the seriousness it deserves. Walsh has done his homework across many fields and postulates a workable definition of shamanism.

The only thing negative thing I can say about this work is the use of "She" instead of "He" or "Them". Though rare in the book, I found each instance an unnecessary, politically-correct distraction.

Buy Roger Walsh's book: The World Of Shamanism New Views Of An Ancient Tradition

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Bats Should Not Be Pests

Over the last few decades, much has been learned about bats and how they help to keep our environment healthy. Many species of bats, such as those known as flying foxes, are also surprisingly appealing and intelligent. Ironically, though, bats continue to be among the most misunderstood and feared of all our wildlife. This fear and ignorance have contributed to the almost total destruction of sever bat species and threatened the existence of many others. Such loses can seriously harm ecosystems and reduce the quality of life for more
living things. Including humans. But with our help, bats can continue to function as one of nature's most beneficial creatures.

Bats are mammals, and like all other mammals, the females possess mammary glands where milk is produced and fed to the young. Baby bats, called pups, are born alive and have to be taken care of for an extended period of time. The body of a bat is covered by hair, as is true of other mammals.

Bats fly, which does make them different from most mammals. Bats belong to the Chiropterea, which means "hand-wing". Species in this order are divided into two suborders. Megchiroptera, which includes the various species of flying foxes, and Microchiroptera. Flying foxes use echolocation, a kind of natural sonar for locating prey and other objects. Megachiropteran bats are found only in Europe, Asia, etc. Microchiropteran bats do echolocate and are a much more diverse and widely distributed group.

Bats are indeed beneficial to people. In many cultures, bats are a symbol of good luck and fortune. In our own western culture, this for the most part is not so. Many view bats as unclean, disease carrying, symbols of evil. In reality, bats are actually very gentle, and will only bite if attacked or threatened or improperly handled. They are no more likely to carry disease then a bird. Rabies, as with any other wild animal is a valid concern. Use caution if you must handle them, wearing gloves, and even better, have a rabies vaccination
prior to handling. Fortunately, there is no reason to handle them.

As predators of nocturnal insects, pollinators of flowers, and distributors of seeds of many plants, bats are a crucial to echosystems. Consuming volumes of insects, they are worth their weight in gold, in many areas where humans are finally Learning of the benefits. Fortunately for the bat, many humans are learning just how valuable they can be!

Sometimes there may be a problem with bats getting in where they are not wanted. A safe solution to keeping bats out of your attic or garage, is to see where bats leave the building at dusk to feed. Then identify the specific holes or cracks during the day by looking for brownish stains at the exit sites. These sites will Frequently be found where a wall meets a roof or a chimney, behind a loose board or in holes made by other animals. Wait until the young can fly or the bats migrate, then hang bird netting over the exit points, allowing it to hang at least 2 feet below the nesting site exit. Wait three more days after the netting has been in place, and close over the holes with screening, caulking or boards. Please refrain from using chemical or ultrasonic device Techniques or repellents.

There are now organizations to assist in protecting bats, and in fact, more and more people are becoming concerned with the conservation of bats, through private as well as governmental organizations. The increased awareness is most certainly die to the efforts of the Bat Conservation International, and numerous other organizations that emphasize education, which is ultimately the key to conserving our bat friends.

You can invite bats to your own backyard and become active in bat conservation by using an artificial roost to attract bats. Bat houses are enjoyed by a variety of bat species that also use natural crevices and tree hollows. Even if the house is not used by bats, its presence causes visitors to ask about the house which provides the owner an excellent opportunity to educate friends about bats.

Bat houses are inexpensive and easy to build. You can buy these at garden centers, order them from conservation groups, or build your own.

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5 Rune Magic Rituals Never Seen In Print Before

Book: 5 Rune Magic Rituals Never Seen In Print Before by Anonymous

Learn how to develop your own runic rituals updated to the 21st Century. RUNE-MAGIC allows you to develop your spiritual and psychic powers. With these new powers you can attract health-wealthhappiness into your life. Runes are an energy! As a Northern European you can now attract the virtues of your Viking ancestors into your daily life today. Strength (Rune UR) --- Courage (Rune Tyr) --- Victory (Rune Sig) --- Wisdom (Rune Os) and Individuality (Rune Is) They are very powerful Universal Energies of Creation. They reside in the infinite Quantum Ocean where time does not exist. There is no past present nor future. Only the NOW!

"The murmuring Runes of the Universe, the sacred symbols of Salvation of the Cosmos are deeply buried within ourselves, in our soul as inherited memories. They call, murmur and rush within us, and we could not get them outside of us by imitation, if they were not built into us since eternity. You will find on this page Rune Magic as practiced by Ragnar Storyteller. I am a Practicing Rune master using Rune Magic in my everyday life.

May the murmur of the Runes Call us to action.

Download Anonymous's eBook: 5 Rune Magic Rituals Never Seen In Print Before

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Healing States A Journey Into The World Of Spiritual Healing And Shamanism

Book: Healing States A Journey Into The World Of Spiritual Healing And Shamanism by Alberto Villoldo

Although the authors of this provocative Exploration into the spiritual realms of healing are trained in the orthodoxies of Western medicine and psychology (both have doctorates and are researchers and scientists in San Francisco), their inquiries into "mind over matter" phenomena have led them to conclude that science alone is inadequate in treating human illness. (On this subject, they note the question put to them by a Peruvian shaman: "In the training of your healers, what steps do they take to attune Mother Earth and the Great Spirit?") By observing diverse parapsychological and metaphysical methods of mediums, spiritists and others following "indigenous" healing from ancient to contemporary societies, Villoldo and Krippner enhance our concept of health by incorporating ideas that are ignored by allopathic medicine, a process advocated by the World Health Organization. The freshness of their approach results in a steady level of stimulation.

This book takes one deeper into the Spiritual Practice of mediumship and Shamanism. Mediumship and healing is not meant to be separate, and this book teaches that, and teaches the spiritual practice of the healer or true psychic. Much as many do not see or know it, truth this is what we are ment to use our abilities. This is awesome book and an easy read! I finished the book in one setting I got so enthralled with it. It is an excellent book discussing Villado's Experiences with various healing traditions in particular shamanism.

Buy Alberto Villoldo's book: Healing States A Journey Into The World Of Spiritual Healing And Shamanism

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Shaman Healer Sage How To Heal Yourself And Others With The Energy Medicine Of The Americas

Book: Shaman Healer Sage How To Heal Yourself And Others With The Energy Medicine Of The Americas by Alberto Villoldo

Anthropologist Villoldo has studied shamanic healing techniques with the descendants of the Incas for more than 25 years. Perhaps more than any westerner, he has mastered the ancient art of "seeing," which gives more direct insight into the true causes of disease than can be revealed through all the technological advances of Western medicine. He has written ten previous books chronicling his adventures on the path to becoming a master shaman, and teaches energy medicine to thousands every year. Now he reveals the concept of working with the "luminous energy field" that surrounds our physical bodies in a practical, easy-to-Understand format. Although shamanism is often shrouded in riddle and mystery, Villoldo has managed to present the Basic Principles in a step-by-step program, beginning with a series of simple exercises to cleanse and activate the chakras, the key entry points of the luminous body. By interweaving Stories From his personal journey, he makes energy work accessible to a broad audience, and paves the way to its acceptance by the medical community.

This book has completely changed my life, as well as the lives of the many people I have touched, since reading Shaman, Healer Sage in late 2003. After finding myself (totally unexpectedly) on the path of shamanism, I found and read this book. I will admit, I did have many reservations on much of the books teachings. Frankly, it just didn't seem possible that such a profound level of healing, could be so simple. I mean, if it was this easy, why hadn't I heard of it before, or come across someone who was a shaman and could do these wondrous things. At 50 years old, I really didn't know what a shaman was, short of the 1992 Sean Connery movie "Medicine Man", in which the diminutive shaman (who Connery had made very angry) scared the hell out of me. Not a good start for me.

Anyway, I had just spent several months, looking for someone to teach me about shamanism. After reading his book, I decided that the good Dr. was probably a very good place to start. I read two more of his books, just because I'm an eternal skeptic, then I reread Shaman, Healer Sage again. Did I mention that I'm a skeptic???

I began formal study with Dr. Villoldo and his staff of shaman instructors in July of 2004. The work of the south was true to the teachings of the book, and I saw (and experienced) healing work that I still find unbelievable. The teachings are just as simple and eloquent as the book that led me to these classes. I found the same to be true about the next two classes. The gifts of healing I have learned so far, have allowed me to heal people of both physical and psychological ailments. In some cases, these people have been treated for, and suffered from these illnesses, for several years. I do not take credit for this work. If you have read the book, you will know why.

I am leaving for two more weeks of study in March of 2005. I read Shaman, Healer Sage before I leave for every class. I noticed that many of my fellow students who took the class on the teachings of the west, seemed to have their copy of the book with them. I believe that not only does the book serve as a helpful reference to what we are learning, but it also serves as an inspiration to those of us who have dedicated our lives to this calling.

Before I close this, I would like to say that I do not intend what I write in this review, to make anyone think this road is an easy one to follow. Much to the contrary. To learn, and apply Dr. Villoldo's teachings take total commitment, and intentions that must be pure. It isn't something you do on a whim, as your entire life will never be the same, and you won't either. This is a serious way of life, that is sometimes a heavy weight to carry. I will say that to be able to do something about someone's suffering, instead of standing by and watching them suffer, is a gift that goes beyond any gift I could ever imagine. I can think of nothing more wonderful to do for someone, than to remove their pain.

If you are going to read one book on shamanism, read Shaman, Healer Sage. You will be glad you did. To Dr. Villoldo, who has taught me so much, as well as all of the teachers who taught him, and the people who are instructors in his classes, I (and the people I have healed) thank you.

Buy Alberto Villoldo's book: Shaman Healer Sage How To Heal Yourself And Others With The Energy Medicine Of The Americas

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How To Hold A Samhain Rite To Honor Animals

This ceremony is designed to honor the spirits of the animals - both wild and domestic. Man's Relationship with animals goes back thousands and thousands of years. They have been a source of food and clothing. They have protected us from the Things That lurk in the darkness. They have provided comfort and warmth. In some cases, they have even raised and nurtured our discarded children, as in the case of Romulus and Remus. If you have animals in your home -- pets or livestock -- this is their night. Feed them before you feed the humans in your family. Put some food out for any wild animals that may happen by as well.

Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varied
Here's How:
1.If you have a pet that has passed away during this last year, you may want to include a photo or keepsake of them on your table during this rite.

Prepare a stew for your family that includes small amounts of as many different meats as you may have available -- beef, pork, game, chicken, etc. If your family is vegetarian or vegan, designate a non-meat ingredient to represent each animal and adapt the ritual as needed, eliminating lines that reference the eating of animals. When your stew is ready, gather the family around the altar table you prepared during the previous night's Harvest End Ritual.

2.Place the stew pot in the center of the table, with a large serving spoon or ladle. Make sure you have some good dark bread to eat as well. Each member of the family should have a bowl and spoon handy. Say:

Samhain has come, and it is the end of the Harvest.
The crops are in from the fields,
And the animals are preparing for the coming winter.
Tonight, we honor the animals in our lives.
Some have died that we may eat.
Some have provided us with love.
Some have protected us from That Which would do us harm.
Tonight, we thank them all.

3.Go around the family in a circle. Each person should take a scoop of stew from the pot and place it in their bowl. Younger children may need an adult's help with this. As each person gets their helping, say:

Blessed are the animals,
Those who die that we may eat.
Blessed are the animals,
Those we love and who love us in return.

When every family member has their stew, each takes a piece of bread. As they do, say:

As the Wheel of the Year continues to turn,
The harvest has ended, and the grain has been threshed.
The animals sleep for the winter.
We thank them for their gifts.

4.Take your time finishing your meal. If you have pets, don't be surprised if they come visit while you're eating your stew tonight -- animals tend to be very aware of the spiritual plane! If there is any stew left over, leave some out for the spirits. Any extra bread can be thrown outside for the wild animals and birds.

Tips:
1.If you want to mix a bit of stew in with your pet's everyday food, it's a good idea to check with your veterinarian first.
What You Need:
•An altar table
•A pot of stew
•Some hearty dark bread

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Power Animal Owl

OWL's medicine includes Clairvoyance, awareness, intuition.

"OWL, LET ME SEE AND HEAR ALL AROUND ME.
TEACH ME TO Understand EVEN THAT WITH IS HIDDEN,
TO HAVE CLARITY WHEN OTHERS DO NOT."

Owl has a very keen Perception of everything that is going on. She is aware of everything that is happening around her at all times and she can see whatever she focuses on with sharp clarity. People with Owl medicine know what's going on and have clairvoyant or psychic powers. Their intuition is accurate, clear and precise.

Those with Owl medicine are the least gullible of all people. Nobody can get a lie or a con past them because Owl sees right through them, peering past their mask to see the truth beneath.

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Shamanic Journeying A Beginner Guide

Book: Shamanic Journeying A Beginner Guide by Sandra Ingerman

The shamanic journey is a practice common to all indigenous societies throughout history. By listening to a drumbeat or other rhythmic percussion, the shaman enters "non-ordinary" reality--an altered state of Consciousness beyond time and space--to access spiritual guidance and healing, assist others and the planet, and reconnect with the cycles of nature. Shamanic Journeying offers readers an interactive learning experience to discover how to journey just as traditional shamans have for centuries. With the instruction in this book and the accompanying CD, internationally respected teacher Sandra Ingerman illuminates: * The original role of the shaman in indigenous cultures * How to meet and work with your "power animals" and other spirit guides * How to navigate the Lower World, Upper World, and Middle World--the three divisions of unseen reality * The keys to successful journeying in our modern culture. Sharing fascinating accounts of the powerful results of shamanic journeying and answers to the questions common to most beginners, Shamanic Journeying is an accessible guide for exploring the visionary worlds of the shaman. CD includes drumming for three journeys.

This book is very simple to read and to understand for beginners of Shamanic Journeying. I still believe one book won't explain all in this topic. However, it is a great start and it is like a children book. I thought the CD is exceptionally helpful for the sake of journeying. I had a great opportunity doing real-life shamanic journeying with a Shaman in town where he would play the drum and ask us to lay down, relax and journey. The drum beats in the CD are pretty similar to my real-life experience... though I would still prefer the real-life druming if given an opportunity.

Journeying is a great way to tap into our subconsious mind receiving answers of life through communication to spirit guides. I don't think one will see the benefit immediately after one journeying. But over time, and over the aid of a loving and compassionate therapist (and/or supportive friends and family) who has knowledge about mindfulness and Shamanism, one can be gain benefits around dealing with Chronic and emotional pain.

Buy Sandra Ingerman's book: Shamanic Journeying A Beginner Guide

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Numbers Their Occult Power And Mystic Virtues

Book: Numbers Their Occult Power And Mystic Virtues by William Wynn Westcott

Pythagoras, one of the greatest Philosophers of ancient Europe, was the son of Mnesarchus,an engraver. He was born about the year 580 B.C.,either at Samos, an island in the Aegean Sea, or, as some say, at Sidon in Phoenicia. Very little is known of his early life, beyond the fact that he won prizes for feats of agility at the Olympic Games. Having attained manhood and feeling dissatisfied with the amount of knowledge to be gained at home, he left his native land and spent many years in travel, visiting in turn most of the great centers of Learning.

History narrates that his pilgrimage in search of wisdom extended to Egypt, Hindostan, Persia, Crete and Palestine, and that he gathered from each country fresh stores of information, and succeeded in becoming well acquainted with the Esoteric Wisdom as well as with the popular exoteric knowledge of each.

The school of Pythagoras has several peculiar Characteristics. Every new member was obliged to pass a period of five years of contemplation in perfect silence; the members held everything in common, and rejected animal food; they were believers in the doctrine of metempsychosis, and were inspired with an ardent and implicit faith in their founder and teacher.

No person was permitted to commit to writing any tenet, or Secret Doctrine, and, so far as is known, no pupil ever broke the rule until after his death and the dispersion of the school.

The most striking peculiarities of his doctrines are dependent on the mathematical conceptions, numerical ideas and impersonations upon which his philosophy was founded.

Download William Wynn Westcott's eBook: Numbers Their Occult Power And Mystic Virtues

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Shamanic Binding

There are many "heaven"s, as I see it...

One of these, which I go to for Information, is the Realm of Spirit Animals. I do the usual preparations for a journey, then halfway up (I use a rickety wooden ladder) my teacher suggested a ladder when I was very young, and I haven't rebuilt it yet...It's had Many Years of almost constant use, and I think that it's time to repair this mental tool...), and though the ladder continues (both up, down, several other ways...) I swing through a little hole and come up underneath an enormous tree. The place is filled with animals (of course) and I can find out from them, generally, whatever I need to know. There's usually something I do in return; I was taught (and believe, since it works for me) that there are essentially five (5) KNOWN ways to relate to a spirit. The first rule, as I believe it, is that no matter what, in any dealing between entity and entity, the Relationship MUST be made clear for there to be useful communication. It doesn't matter as much WHAT the relatioship is (although I have preferences), so long as it is clear. The five ways I am aware of are:

1. Binding by Gift.
2. Binding by Love.
3. Binding by Trade.
4. Binding by Spirit.
5. Binding by Weapon.

Since the last one is, in MY way of thinking, least desireable, we'll start there: Binding by weapon, for me, is only used when a spirit or entity comes to me with something nasty planned, and only if there is no other way. It is kind of like putting the genie in the bottle (the old Arabian Nights Genies were very tricky, and would just as soon devour someone who lets them free as grant them wishes...): first, you must have superior force, and superior will. And Plenty of Reasons...

Binding by Spirit is MUCH more preferable: This is the link you have with your spirit animals: A link from like to like, regardless of form. It usually HAPPENS to you, rather than you CAUSING it to happen.

Binding by Trade is offering something in return for what you wish to receive. Not as wonderful an experience as Binding by Spirit, but still worthwhile. It is necessary to find some entity willing to trade, however, and for this the Realm of Animals is where I use it most. After a while, you can get into a routine, whereupon in becomes Binding By Gift:

Binding by Gift is when the shaman leaves a gift or gives a gift, in expectation of needing a favor later. This can be considered the case when a spirit comes to you for help, but generally I classify that as Trade, since it is the same as trade, just the other way around. Binding by Gift, you do the thing first: If I need information that I think the Squirrels, for instance, in the Animal Realm can offer, I'll leave out a selection of nuts underneath the pine tree in the front yard, for I know that there are squirrels which frequent it. Then, later, I'll go up to the Animals and ask for what I need. This originally started as Binding by Trade, where they'd tell me the information I needed to know, and then say, "In Trade, you can leave nuts for the Little Brothers." Now, I do it
aforehand, knowing. This is a much more comfortable relationship than Trade, as Trade is generally a one-or-two-time thing, while Gift is something much more meaningful and long-lasting.

Binding by Love is actually entering into a friendship (or deeper) with a spirit. Most of the shamans to whom I speak agree with me that the relationship they have with their Spirit Helpers/Guides is a love or lover relationship. Some explain that they are soul-mated to their guides. This makes sense to me, and is the last form of relationship of which I am aware in this context.

Hope this was interesting.

Tapadh Leibh. Gaffer.

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Power Animal Bear

BEAR's Medicine includes: inner knowing, healing, dreaming, transormation, introspection, solitude.

"BEAR, LEND ME YOUR GENTLE STRENGTH
SHOW ME THE WAY TO MY INNER CHILD
AS I EXPLORE THE MAGICAL SECRETS
OF THE DREAMTIME"

Bear is the keeper of the dreamtime. He stores your dream Knowledge so tht you may learn from it when you awaken.
Bear thinks his actions Through very carefully. He is to quick to judge, but rather thinks deeply about his decisions. When you ask Bear a question or ask for an opinion, you can be sure that he will reply with an informed, well thought out answer.
Bear is usually nourishing and gentle, but has quick reflexes and will readily fight if necessary with brute strength and speed.
Bear loves to get his paws into sweet things but even more importantly, Bear lives to feel comfortable and warm. Other people feel cozy with Bear. Bear people are often sleepy and tend to "hibernate" more than others.

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Cat Folklore And Magic

Cats have been sacred to more than one religion, and at different times and places have been considered both good and bad luck-bringers. The Egyptian goddess Bast was both lion-headed and cat-headed and attended by cats and therefore cats were sacred and revered in Egypt; killing one was a heinous crime, and when a Household cat died mourning rites were performed for it. Cats were often found in Temples and were ritually fed; stray cats were treated with honor and fed, and the household cat was allowed to share the family's
food. Cat amulets were produced and elaborate cat-sized sarcophagi crafted for cats who had died, who were often embalmed ashumans were. Followers of the goddess Diana also considered the cat sacred because she once assumed the form of a cat, and cats were under her special protection. In Scandinavia, Freya's chariot was drawn by cats. The Celtic goddess Cerridwen was also attended by white cats, who carried out her orders on earth.

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How Does One Become A Shaman

Some have wondered if the experience of shamanic ecstasy or flight makes a person a shaman. Generally speaking, most would say no. A shaman is more than someone with an experience. First, he or she is a trained initiate. Usually years of trenculturalization and under a mentor precede becoming a functioning shaman. Second, a shaman is not just an initiate who has received inner and outer training, but is a master of Shamanic Journeying and Techniques (shamanic ecstasy). This is not a casual acquaintance with such abilities; there is some degree of mastery of them. Finally, a shaman is a link or bridge between this world and the next. This is a sacred trust and a service to the community. Sometimes a community that a shaman serves in is rather small. In other instances it may be an entire nation. A lot of that depends on social and cultural factors.

One becomes a shaman by one of three methods:

a) Hereditary transmission;
b) Spontaneous selection or "call" or "election";
c) personal choice and quest. (This latter method is less frequent and traditionally such a shaman is considered less powerful than one selected by one of the two preceding methods.)

The shaman is not recognized as legitimate without having undergone two types of training:

1) Ecstatic (dreams, trances, etc.)
2) Traditional ("shamanic techniques, names and functions of spirits, mythology and genealogy of the clan, secret language, etc.) The two-fold course of instruction, given by the spirits and the old master shamans is equivalent to an initiation." (Mircea Eliade, The Encyclopedia of Religion, v. 13 , p. 202; Mcmillian, N.Y., 1987.) It is also possible for the entire process to take place in the dream state or in ecstatic experience. Thus, there is more to becoming a shaman than a single experience. It requires training, perseverance and service.

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Magic Witchcraft Animal Magnetism And Electro Biology

Book: Magic Witchcraft Animal Magnetism And Electro Biology by James Braid

James Braid (19 June 1795 – 25 March 1860) was born at Ryelaw House, in the parish of Portmoak, Kinross, Scotland, and was the son of James Braid and Anne Suttie. He married Margaret Mason (or Meason) on 17 November 1813. They had two children, James (born 1822), and a daughter.

A Scottish Physician and surgeon, specialising in eye and muscular conditions, Braid was an important and influential pioneer of Hypnotism and hypnotherapy. Braid adopted the term "hypnotism" as an abbreviation for "neuro-hypnotism" or nervous sleep (that is, sleep of the nerves), in his lectures of 1841-2, and it is from his influential work that others derived the term "hypnosis" in the 1880s. Braid is regarded by many as the first genuine "hypnotherapist" and the "Father of Modern Hypnotism".

Braid's work had a strong Influence on a number of important French medical figures, especially Etienne Eugene Azam (1822–1899) of Bordeaux (Braid's principal French "disciple"), the anatomist Pierre Paul Broca (1824–1880), the physiologist Joseph Pierre Durand de Gros (1826–1901), and the eminent hypnotherapist and co-founder of the Nancy School Ambroise-Auguste Liebeault (1823–1904).

Braid hypnotised the English Swedenborgian writer Dr. J.J.G. Wilkinson, who observed him hypnotising others several times, and began using hypnotism himself. Wilkinson soon became a passionate advocate of Braid's work and his published remarks on hypnotism were quoted enthusiastically by Braid several times in his later writings. However, Braid's legacy was maintained in Great Britain largely by Dr. John Milne Bramwell who collected all of his available works, and published a biography and account of Braid's theory and practice, as well as several books of his own on hypnotism.

Download James Braid's eBook: Magic Witchcraft Animal Magnetism And Electro Biology

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