Handcrafted Ritual Tools

Book: Handcrafted Ritual Tools by Pangaia

Like the magic baubles from childhood stories, each of us has a stone, a tool, a box, a work of art that we hold sacred. Its power addresses us daily and in doing so, connects us closer to our awareness and knowledge of self. Most of us have purchased an item at some time or another. At stores and in street fairs, from online auctions and at gatherings we are drawn to the beautiful, the functional, the piece that says, "this is exactly what you are looking for."

Who makes these special magical tools, and why? Is it only for financial gain or does something else drive them? Melbourne, Australia is a city full of glorious handcrafted magical items and here I began to seek out and talk with a group of artists who, using their own
skill, toil and craftsmanship, produce magical tools cherished the world over.

Buy Pangaia's book: Handcrafted Ritual Tools

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Pangaia - Handcrafted Ritual Tools

Power Animal Lion

LION's Medicine includes patience, family importance, courage.

"LION, TEACH ME TO BE A PROTECTOR
POWERFUL, YET SILENT AND STILL.
I AM STRONG AND PROUD,
BUT KNOW MY WEAKNESSES."

Lion is a totem of Feminine power and strength. The male Lion sits and boats his Beautiful mane while the Lioness is out hunting, working and feeding the pride.

The male Lion is the protector of the pride, but he does not fight if he can avoid it. He would sooner bask on a rock as get into a brawl. Lion always tries a passive, calm approach before resorting to violence to protect what he loves. Lion knows that one must not underestimate the power of peace, and suggests that we release all out stress and frustration before making any rash decisions.

Lion teaches many lessons. He reminds us to examine our behavior to find flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths. He teaches us to keep our temper under control. He also teaches us the power of silent, unseen observation, just like Fox. And, most importantly, he teaches us the importance of family and of team work.

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Locust On Trial

The discussion so far has put me in mind of a terrific book I once read on European animal trials, which were conducted up until I think the 17th century. One example especially pertinent to the topic at hand: if a plague of caterpillars or locusts or whatever infested an area, the local legal community would put the swarm on trial. A locust would be captured and taken to the courthouse. It would become the "defendant" , and would in effect stand-in for the whole swarm. The trial would be conducted with all pomp and circumstance, with a lawyer appointed to represent the swarm and etc. There were a number of standard defensive strategies, and sometimes the swarm was even judged innocent if their lawyer was especially able. If judged guilty, however, the locusts were ordered to get out of town. If the infestation abated, the trial was given credit. If the infestation continued, this does not appear to have been seen as an argument against conducting animal trials in the future. I trust the resemblance to the raindance ceremony is fairly clear here.

The author of the book (I cannot recall the title or author; I remember that it was published in the early 1900s and the cover shows a reproduction of an old print, portraying the public execution of a pig by hanging) argues that such trials are an attempt by the human community to intervene in the natural order, to exert its will over the world. I think this is a pretty insightful comment.

"Exerting human will over the world" could serve as a definition of the goal of science. Bacon sometimes describes science as the human "conquest" of nature, and certainly many modern critiques of science (feminist, for example) have taken this to be the self-defined goal of scientific inquiry. I'm not arguing for the ultimate truth of this particular position, but on the other hand if you look at things along these lines than certain aspects of religious and scientific thought seem to be closely related, at least in their purpose. Bacon's studies of heat are supposed to yield a (Universal) process for making heat, the shaman leading a raindance is trying to make it rain, the animal trial is an attempt to bring the plague to an end etc.

Note that the various rituals used for bringing about these interventions don't have to work very well in each case for the ritual to be accepted within the community. The community may simply accept that human powers are limited in what they can accomplish. I believe that within Alchemical studies this was a common view; even if all the processes were carried out correctly, you might still not create gold from lead or whatever, and in fact usually would not. Note also that the ritual might have multiple functions within the community. The rain-dance both be used for bringing rain and bringing about group solidarity. These are not mutually exclusive. Again, I have read something similar with respect to alchemical procedures; that the alchemist "purifying" metals with his various tools is also going through a process of spiritual purification. And certainly the animal trial, even if it does not drive out the infestation, makes the community feel better. The community is "doing something" about its situation, even if its acts are ineffective.

I also like the animal trial example because it muddies the waters here in interesting ways. The conversation to date has concerned itself with comparing/contrasting religious/scientific thought. Yet here we see legal institutions using their procedures in a way that suggests a religious ritual. Conversations on the distinctions/similarities between legal and religious thought, and legal and scientific thought, would also be good to have.

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Pagan Manners Or Are There Any Dead Animals In The Soup

Book: Pagan Manners Or Are There Any Dead Animals In The Soup by Grey Cat

I can hear the outraged screams already. there are people out there who believe that the very idea of "Pagan Manners" is a conflict in terms; that "manners" are outdated, dishonest and hypocritical. Well, think again. Manners constitute the only successful technique ever discovered by humankind to enable groups and individuals, holding moderately disparate views, customs or beliefs, to get along Together. There are things more improtant than manners; but, without manners, its unlikely that a discussion will ever go to them.

Pagan manners are fairly simple and have nothing to do with which fork you use or how to word an invitation. They have to do with respect for others' feelinsg and beliefs. They most specifically have to do with recognition of the fact that you should "judge not th path of your brother or sister for their path is sacred." Manners are also the only way of attempting to grant everyone the personal space which each of us needs. There have been a number of attempts to write down a list of "thou shalts" and "thou shalt nots" which will cover Pagan Life.

Download Grey Cat's eBook: Pagan Manners Or Are There Any Dead Animals In The Soup

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An History Of Magic Witchcraft And Animal Magnetism

Book: An History Of Magic Witchcraft And Animal Magnetism by John Campbell Colquhoun

Modern doctrine of Animal Magnetism, which, indeed, was, until lately, entirely unknown. Facts are generally related and attested by various authors of reputation and credit ; and they have been laid before the reader of this work with as much accuracy as a diligent inquiry could insure. The various authorities for these facts have been adduced when possible ; so that the reader may have an opportunity of testing the accuracy and the value of the evidence upon which the different Narratives rest. With these prefatory Observations, the author submits his labours to the judgment of the inquisi- tive and candid reader. Some time after the preceding portion of this Preface was written, my ingenious and respected friend, Dr BRAID of Manchester, was kind enough to transmit to me a copy of his recently published " Observations on Trance, or Human Hyber na- tion;" in which some curious cases are narrated of individuals who permitted themselves to be buried alive.

Download John Campbell Colquhoun's eBook: An History Of Magic Witchcraft And Animal Magnetism

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John Campbell Colquhoun - An History Of Magic Witchcraft And Animal Magnetism

Trading Places Exercise

Objective:

To trade places (mentally) with a dog or cat, or other animal.

Setting:

Home, Zoo, Wilderness, etc.

Instructions:

1. Relax your body as completely as you can. Calm your mind, eliminating all thoughts which do not relate to your intent and purpose. Sit so that you are comfortable, and as nearly as possible on the same level with the animal you will be working with. Lie down if you like. The important thing is that you are able to comfortably make eye contact with your animal partner in this exercise. It is also important to satisfy yourself that the animal is likewise comfortable and secure with you.

2. Take a deep breath. As you slowly exhale, look into the animal's eyes, and imagine that a part of your awareness is being transmitted through your breath into the animal's mind. Watch the animal breathe, and imagine that a part of its awareness is being transmitted into your mind.

3. Continue looking directly into the animal's eyes until you fell your Consciousness merge with the animal's consciousness.

Benefits:

As the boundaries between you and the animal dissolve, you may feel as if you've really traded places with a member of another species, as though a part of you has become the animal - this is the height of subjective merging. You may begin to feel compassion for another species. You'll also probably recognize some of the artificial differences between the human and animal worlds. You may be able to feel or sense the actual flow of the animals emotions and mental imagery. Should you accomplish this then it should be no trouble for you to contract with the animal to serve as your magical partner. Asking another to become such a partner also places upon you the responsibility of becoming its partner. I would not recommend contracting an animal to become your familiar and then treating the animal as a pet. A pet is Something you possess, own. A Familiar, to my way of thinking, is an individual who has entered into a mutually beneficial Relationship (partnership) with you, and therefore should be afforded the respect and consideration due a partner.

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Fire In The Head Shamanism And The Celtic Spirit

Book: Fire In The Head Shamanism And The Celtic Spirit by Tom Cowan

It has been nearly ten years now since Fire in the Head: Shamanism and the Celtic Spirit was released. Ten years. That is a very long time for readers to encounter a number of other books on Celtic traditions, shamanism, and Celtic Spirituality in general. However, if we track back to 1993 when this book was first released we will quickly see that at that time there really had not been any sort of exhaustive study of the shamanic archetype within the Celtic traditions--which Fire in the Head: Shamanism and the Celtic Spirit clearly is.

Others who have reviewed this book and offered a less than gleaming assessment of the book are undoubtedly people who are seeking either more of a hands-on, experiential, or practical book on shamanic techniques (see Cowan's Shamanism As A Spiritual Practice for Daily Life), or something with a more classical scholarly 'feel' to it (see F. Marian McNeill's, The Silver Bough, W.Y.Evans-Wentz' The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries, or Celtic Heritage by the Rees'). However, for an overall introduction to the numinous power and energy of the shamanic archetype within the primal Celtic traditions Fire in the Head, even after ten years, is still the best introduction. It is a wide-sweeping flight into the themes and topics, devoid of the particularities of personal cosmology one sees in so many other Celtic books. Cowan gets out of the way so that readers can have their own experience and make their own assumptions. Certainly, once a person has read this it is time to read such works as Jean Markele's The Druids, Caitlin and John Matthews' The Encyclopaedia of Celtic Wisdom, etc., but, again, for an introduction to the core elements of primal Irish, Welsh, and Scottish animisitic spirituality this is still the best.

Regarding the exploration of witchcraft within Fire in the Head: All too often people assume that Witchcraft And Wicca are synonymous. They are not. Wicca, largely, was invented in the 1950's. However, witchcraft (both black and white)is well documented as having been practiced in different parts of the Celtic world, as well as the Anglo-Saxon world. I think Tom's exploration of witchcraft is in keeping with the premise of the book--to peel back the layers of European animism in general and see where the shamanic energies may exist.

Buy Tom Cowan's book: Fire In The Head Shamanism And The Celtic Spirit

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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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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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Arbatel Of Magic Or The Spiritual Wisdom Of The Ancients

Book: Arbatel Of Magic Or The Spiritual Wisdom Of The Ancients by Medieval Grimoires

A Magical Ritual published at Basle in 1575. The text is in Latin and appears to have been influenced by Paracelsus. It is of Christian, not Jewish, origin, and although the authorship is unknown, it is probably the work of an Italian. Only one of its nine volumes still exists: dealing with the institutions of magic, the work is entitled Isagoge, which means "essential or necessary instruction."

The book introduces the ritual of the Olympic spirits who dwell in the air and among the stars and who govern the world. There are, we are told, 196 Olympic provinces in the universe: thus Aratron has 49; Bethor, 42; Phaleg 35; Och, 28; Hagith, 21; Ophiel, 14; and Phul, 7. Each of the Olympic spirits rules alternately for 490 years. They have natural sway over certain departments of the material world, but outside these departments they perform the same operations magically.

Thus Och, the ruler of solar affairs, presides over the preparation of gold naturally in the soil. At the same time, he presides magically over the preparation of that metal by means of alchemy. The Arbatel states that the sources of occult wisdom are to be found in God, spiritual essences, and corporeal creatures, as well as in nature, but also in the apostate spirits and in the ministers of punishment in Hell and the elementary spirits. The secrets of all magic reside in these, but magicians are born, not made, although they are assisted by contemplation and the love of God.

It is sufficient to describe the powers and offices of one of these spirits. Aratron governs those Things That are ascribed astrologically to Saturn. He can convert any living thing into stone, can change coals into treasure, gives familiar spirits to men, and teaches alchemy, magic, medicine, and the secret of invisibility and long life. He should be invoked on a Saturday in the first hour of the day. The Arbatel was said to be one of the best authorities on spiritual essences and their powers and degrees.

Download Medieval Grimoires's eBook: Arbatel Of Magic Or The Spiritual Wisdom Of The Ancients

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Calling Your Power Animal

There are different names for this exercise in different cultures. It is a way for a person to get in touch with their animal aspects through dance. Keep in mind that a Guardian Spirit can appear in animal or human form.

Undertake this exercise in a quiet, half darkened room which is free from furniture that can hamper your movements. It is helpful if you have the use of one or two rattles, but these are not necessary.

There are two parts to this exercise, 1- The Starting Dance, and 2- Dancing your animal. In both dances, you loudly shake a rattle in each hand and dance in time to the rattle. In all dancing, you keep your eyes half closed. This allows you to cut down on the light and at the same time enables you to know where you are in the room.

The Starting Dance

Standing still and erect, face east and shake one rattle very rapidly four times. This is the signal that you are starting, ending or making an important transition in serious shamanistic work. Think of the rising Sun and the power it brings to all living things.

Still standing in place, start shaking one rattle at a steady pace of about 50 beats per second. Do this for about half a minute in each cardinal direction while thinking of the element or Power Animals of that direction. For example, you can think of an Eagle in the East, a Lion in the South, a Serpent or Dolphin in the West, and a Bull in the North. Move clockwise.

Return to the East and shake the rattle above your head at the same rate for about half a minute. Think of the sun, moon, starts and the entire universe above. Now shake the rattle towards the ground and think of the earth, our home and the gifts she gives to us.

Still facing the East, begin shaking both rattles at the same rate and dancing along with the beat as if you were jogging in place. In this starting dance, you are giving proof of your sincerity to the power animals wherever they may be, by making a sacrifice to them of your own energy in the form of dance. Dancing is a form of praying and evoking the sympathy of the Guardian Spirit.

Stop dancing and stand still. Shake one rattle four times to signal that you are about to make an important transition.

Start shaking your tattles loudly, but in a slow tempo of about 60 beats per minute. Start dancing around the room in time to the rattle. Move slowly and in a free form. Try to pick up the feeling of some kind of mammal, bird, fish, reptile or a combination of these. Once you feel the sense of Something, concentrate on it and slowly move your body in accordance with the creature. Be open to the Experience and emotion of the creature.

Don't hesitate to make noises or cries. By keeping your eyes half closed, you might be able to see the non-ordinary environment in which the animal is living. You may even be able to see the animal. Do this for about 5 minutes. Without pausing, shift to a higher state of rattle shaking and movement. Do this for about 4 minutes. Another shift to a still faster pace of rattle and body movements. Do this for about 4 minutes.

Stop dancing and mentally welcome the animal into your body. To do this, shake the rattle four times and draw it and the animal towards your solar plexes.

Face the East and shake the rattle four times, while standing still. This is the signal that your work has ended.

Once you have successfully gained your power animal, make it content enough to say with you. This is done through exercising your animal through dancing and singing songs of the animal.

Guardian animals usually only stay with a person for a few years, and then depart. So in the course of a life long shamanistic practice, a person will have a number of animals.

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Shamanism Faq

Summary: This FAQ contains a general overview on shamanism. It should be read by anyone interested in Understanding what is meant by shamanism and what differentiates shamanism form other forms of ecstatic experience
Keywords: shaman, anthropology, ethnography, consciousness, spirit, oobe

NOTE: The following general overview of shamanism is not intended to be the last word or the definitive work on this subject. Rather it is, as its title implies, intended to provide the participant or reader with a set of guidelines that will familiarize them with the general use of the terms shamanism, shaman and shamanic in the trends, study and practice of historic, traditional and contemporary shamanic experience. The word 'shaman comes to English from the Tungus language via Russian. Among the Tungus of Siberia it is both a noun and a verb. While the Tungus have no word for shamanism, it has come into usage by anthropologists, historians of religion and others in contemporary society to designate the experience and the practices of the shaman. Its usage has grown to include similar experiences and practices in cultures outside of the original Siberian cultures from which the term shaman originated. Thus shamanism is not the name of a religion or group of religions. Particular attention should be paid to the use of qualifying words such as "may" or "usually". They indicate examples or tendencies and are not, in any way, intended to represent rigid standards Please send comments to deane@netcom.com (Dean Edwards).

Table of Contents:

1. Terms used in this FAQ
2. What is shamanism?
3. The Relationship between shamanic traditions and culture
4. The role of Shamanic Ecstasy
5. The origin of the term "shamanism"

1. Why were the terms used in this FAQ selected and do they have special meanings.

There is an extensive literature about shamanism that has been compiled since the late Eighteenth Century. Like any field of study and religious practice, shamanism has developed a specialized vocabulary. Please note that some of the words used in the material that follows are drawn from scholars who have a solid background in shamanic studies and may have meanings that are specific and less general than is often the case in popular usage. Consulting a good dictionary should clear up any points of confusion.

2. What is Shamanism?

Shamanism is classified by anthropologists as an archaic magico-religious phenomenon in which the shaman is the great master of ecstasy. Shamanism itself, was defined by the late Mircea Eliade as a technique of ecstasy. A shaman may exhibit a particular magical specialty (such as control over fire, wind or magical flight). When a specialization is present the most common is as a healer. The distinguishing characteristic of shamanism is its focus on an ecstatic trance state in which the soul of the shaman is believed to leave the body and ascend to the sky (heavens) or descend into the earth (underworld). The shaman makes use of spirit helpers, which he or she communicates with, all the while retaining control over his or her own consciousness. (Examples of possession occur, but are the exception, rather than the rule.) It is also important to note that while most shamans in traditional societies are men, either women or men may and have become shamans.

3. Does the presence of an active shamanic tradition necessarily mean that the society itself should be deemed "shamanic"?

No, not at all. The presence of shamanism in a nation or a community does not mean that shamanism is central to the spiritual or religious life of the community or region. Shamanism often exists alongside and even in cooperation with the religious or healing practices of the community.

4. What is meant by shamanic ecstasy and what role does it actually play in shamanism?

The ecstatic technique of shamanism does not involve itself in the broad range of ecstasy reported in the history of religion. It is specifically focused on the transpersonal movement of the Consciousness of the shaman into higher or lower realms of consciousness and existence. Another aspect of shamanism is that compared to other spiritual traditions, it is a path that the individual walks alone. While much of the focus of shamanic studies has been on the shamanic complexes of north and central Asia, shamanism is a universal phenomenon, not confined to any particular region or culture.

5. What is the origin of the word "shaman"?

Shaman comes from the language of the Tungus of North-Central Asia. It came into use in English via Russian.

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Power Animal Panther

PANTHER's medicine includes rebirth, Knowledge of darkness and death.

"PANTHER, LET ME KNOW YOUR SILENT WISDOM.
AS MY Perception EXPANDS,
I WILL FIND A WEALTH OF INSIGHT AWAITS ME."

Panther is secretive, silent and graceful in her every move. She is solitary by choice, she tell little but listens much. She is careful not to share too much information, only enough to ease curious minds.

Panther people have a broader vision. Panther medicine gives them a deeper insight, both spiritually and physically. Their enhanced Perspective lets them see things in close detail or from a distance. Panthers enter the world enlightened whereas others have to work to achieve that.

Black Panther is very mystical. She finds the most power in darkness. Black Panther understands death and teaches people not to fear it, for out of death comes rebirth.

When Panther enters your life, it is time for a new beginning, a new door has opened for you. Panther introduces you to an expanded awareness, alternate realities, the elimination of fears, and most of all, total rebirth. Panther gives us the opportunity to become a whole new person and she promises to be our protector and guardian throughout this rebirth process.

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Native American Tribe Unknown The Totem And His Or Her Partner

Book: Native American Tribe Unknown The Totem And His Or Her Partner by Al Selden Leif

A totem is any supposed entity that watches over or assists a group of people, such as a family, clan, or tribe. Totems support larger groups than the individual person. In kinship and descent, if the apical Ancestor of a clan is nonhuman, it is called a totem. Normally this belief is accompanied by a totemic myth.

Although the term is of Ojibwe origin in North America, totemistic beliefs are not limited to Native Americans. Similar totem-like beliefs have been historically Present in societies throughout much of the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and the Arctic polar region.

Download Al Selden Leif's eBook: Native American Tribe Unknown The Totem And His Or Her Partner

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Foundation For Shamanic Studies

The Foundation for Shamanic Studies is dedicated to the preservation, study, and teaching of shamanic knowledge for the welfare of the Planet and its Inhabitants.

“What Yogananda did for Hinduism and D.T. Suzuki did for Zen, Michael Harner has done for shamanism, namely bring the tradition and its richness to Western awareness,” say Roger Walsh and Charles S. Grob, in their book, Higher Wisdom. “Michael Harner is widely acknowledged as the world’s foremost authority on shamanism and has had an enormous influence on both the academic and lay worlds.”

Started in 1979 as the Center for Shamanic Studies, the Foundation for Shamanic Studies presents the world’s foremost training programs in shamanism and shamanic healing. They are based on the pioneering work of anthropologist Michael Harner, who brought shamanism to contemporary life in the West after extensive field and cross-cultural investigation, experimentation, and personal practice. He originated, researched, and developed core shamanism, a system designed for Westerners to apply shamanism and shamanic healing successfully to their daily lives. This system is based upon the underlying universal or near-universal principles and practices of shamanism, rather than upon culture-specific variations and elaborations.

Since the West overwhelmingly lost its shamanic knowledge centuries ago due to religious oppression, the Foundation’s programs in core shamanism are particularly intended for Westerners to reacquire access to their rightful spiritual heritage through quality workshops and training courses. Training in core shamanism includes teaching students to alter their Consciousness through classic shamanic non-drug techniques such as repetitive drumming so that they can discover their own hidden spiritual resources, transform Their Lives, and learn how to help others. Core shamanism does not focus on ceremonies, such as those of Native Americans, which are part of the work of medicine men and women, persons who do both shamanism and ceremonial work.

When invited by indigenous peoples who have largely lost their shamanic knowledge, the Foundation may send a team to help them establish firsthand shamanic contact with their own spirits and learn from them. With this work done in short time, the team leaves. The Foundation has done this by invitation in various parts of the world, including the Arctic of Eurasia and Canada, and in central Asia.

Where the survival of indigenous shamanism is threatened by outside forces such as religious and political persecution, the Foundation may designate elderly shamans as Living Treasures of Shamanism and provide lifetime stipends to help them pass their precious knowledge on to their peoples.

The Foundation also maintains a great archive, the Shamanic Knowledge Conservatory, containing irreplaceable documents, books, audio-visual media, and artifacts to preserve endangered shamanic knowledge for future generations.

Income from donations, workshops, and other activities of the Foundation help support these and other projects of the Foundation, which is a nonprofit public charitable and educational organization.

Suggested free e-books to read:

John Opsopaus - Interpretationes Of Ancient Herbs
Michael Jordan - Dictionary Of Gods And Goddesses
Anonymous - Protection Of Space
Shanddaramon - Self Initiation For The Solitary Witch
Melita Denning - The Foundations Of High Magick

Power Animal Turtle

TURTLE's medicine includes Earth wisdom, protection.

"TURTLE, TEACH ME YOUR MAGIC.
I FOLLOW YOU TO THE SOURCE OF POWER
TO LEARN THE EARTH'S GREATEST SECRETS."

Turtle has many Mystical powers – earth magic, water magic, psychic protection, healing. Turtle can allow you to find balance in Your Life as well as freedom from struggles. He teaches carefulness, tenacity, and patience as the keys to Reaching your goal.

Turtle people can feel at home anywhere they go because they carry their protective shell with them. But when Turtle finds himself in an uncomfortable situation, he tends to retreat into his shell instead of facing the problem. While sometimes this keeps Turtle from learning valuable lessons, it also means that people with Turtle medicine are survivors. They can chase new opportunities but feel safe knowing that they can withdraw into the refuge of their "shell" when trouble rears it's head.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

William Frederick Poole - Cotton Mather And Salem Witchcraft
Stephen William Hawking - Space And Time Warps
Correllian Times Emagazine - Issue 23 July 2008 Vol 2 Power Animals And Totems
Mama San Ra Ab Rampa - Flor Silvestre
Lyall Watson - Supernature

The Wiccan Shaman Druid Song

Lyrics by Eran (with help from Roisin)
to the tune of "I'm a Yankee Doodle Dandy"

I'm a Wiccan-Shaman-Druid,
I am new age through and through.
Decked in crystals from my head to toe,
With feathers and pyramids, too.
My spirit-guide is from Atlantis.
He's a Zen-Aztec guru.
Come and spend the weekend with us,
For two thousand dollars
You'll be a Wiccan-Shaman too.

I'm an Elvis-Loki-Viking.
I channel Ashley Montague.
In a former life I was a gypsy clerk,
Bull fighter, and troubadour, too.
I know five Illuminati,
They're a strange and motley crew.
There's a priest from ancient China,
He lives in my basement.
He is an Elvis-Viking too.

My coven is part Rosicrucian,
Mixed With Some Theosophy.
Add in some stuff from the Golden Dawn,
`Cause Crowley's just all right with me.
I've got twelve initiations,
I've seen all there is too see.
And watch out for those strange Co-Mason-Santaria-Druids,
They'll cement your chickens to a tree.

I've got a pipe ceremony,
Adapted from the O.T.O.
I use a sweatlodge for my Beltane rites,
The Maypole is just there for show.
I have got a glass athame,
With batteries to make it glow.
It's just great for calling quarters
In my new tradition:
The Lynn Andrews-Buckland-Starhawk Grove.

NOTE: This was the song sung by members of the MorningStar Coven during the Talent Show at DragonFest '95. I don't think they would mind you using it, just be sure to give credit, where credit is due!

Suggested free e-books to read:

Alice Bailey - Initiation Human And Solar
Max Heindel - The Rosicrucian Mysteries
Harold Macgrath - The Pagan Madonna

Big Dreams

Dreams from a Shamanistic point of view are of two types, 'ordinary' and 'non-ordinary' or 'Big Dreams'.

Big Dreams are ones that occur several times, or ones that are so vivid that they almost seem real. Big Dreams are considered to be communication from your Guardian. These are not symbolic, but are literal.

Should you have a Big Dream that has negative connotations, e.g. an automobile accident, you should immediately enact the dream once you are awake. The dream is not symbolic, but your enacting of it is. Just go Through the notions of the incident in a simple way and get it over with.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Samael Aun Weor - Magic Runes
Wh Auden - Baldur Dream
Aristotle - On Dreams

Power Animal Fox

FOX's Medicine includes cleverness, camouflage.

"FOX, SHARE WITH ME YOUR WISDOM,
TO SEE THE UNSEEN,
AND UNSEEN, SEE."

Fox reminds all people to stay in touch with their Feminine side. Fox people often have an affinity for faeries, elves, gnomes and other Magickal creatures of the faerie kingdom.

Fox has a keen sense of small, so you may notice odors more then most people or have a stronger sense of taste that allows you to pick up subtle flavors in foods.

A master of camouflage, Fox can blend in to any background. A Fox person can enter a room and meld into the surroundings, going unnoticed for a long while. This "invisibility" allows Fox to silently observe his surroundings and use his conclusions to his advantage.

Free eBooks (Can Be Downloaded):

Sepharial - A Manual Of Occultism
Stephen William Hawking - Space And Time Warps
Anonymous - Witchcraft And Wicca Faq
Jacob Behmen - The Super Sensual Life
Anonymous - Potentialities Of Loki

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.

Suggested free e-books to read:

Stephen William Hawking - Space And Time Warps
Jacob Behmen - The Super Sensual Life
Anonymous - Potentialities Of Loki