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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Northern Magic Rune Mysteries And Shamanism

Book: Northern Magic Rune Mysteries And Shamanism by Edred Thorsson

This in-depth primer of the magic of the Northern Way introduces the major concepts and
practices of Gothic or Germanic magic. From Pennsylvania Dutch hex-magic to Scandinavian
runes, Northern Magic explores the folk traditions, ancient lore, Germanic Mysteries, magic,
and wisdom of this ancient Germanic culture.

Another of Thorsson's masterpieces! I strongly recommend this book to all pagans who follow the Northern Way. I don't quite understand the bad reviews about Edred Thorsson being a satanist, he is quite far from it!

This is an excellent book for beginners of Asatru, due to the book wide variations of Norse paganism. This book covers many subjects and customs such as: The Troth, Runes, Hex-signs, Seith Magic, and much more. This book, however, is not in depth in these subjects, but a great Introduction to them. If you are looking for Information on Runes of the Elder Futhark, I wouldn't count on this book, however Thorsson introduces the Younger Futhark and covers them pretty well (one page on each rune, front and back!) I also recommend this book for the advanced, because it introduces new customs as well. Be sure to check out other books by Thorsson.

This is a really good reference for the very busy professional person who needs a clear presentation of ideas in a very short space. It would function as an excellent primer to Runelore and/or Futhark.

This book gives a really good quick overview of the Northern Way as it exists in its present remanifestation. In Chapter III, Dr. Thorsson explains the similarities and differences between the Troth, Rune-Galdor (operative rune magick), and Seith (norse shamanism) in a clear and concise manner.

Chapters IV and V explain Teutonic Cosmology and Theology in a quick, clear, and concise manner.

Dr. Thorsson does make a run at describing the Teutonic "soul" concept, but this is not as satisfying as the foregoing-described concise summaries.

Dr. Thorsson focuses on the younger runes and some home-grown Pennsylvania Dutch magick in this book, which might be interesting to some.

In my opinion, this book is most valuable for the quick summaries, and illustrations accompanying same, discussed above.

Since 1972, Edred Thorsson has been dedicated to the esoteric and esoteric study of the Indo-European, Celtic and Teutonic traditions. He studied Old Irish, Middle Welsh and Indo-European religion and culture at major universities in Germany and in the United States.

Buy Edred Thorsson's book: Northern Magic Rune Mysteries And Shamanism

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Splitting Clouds

In many parts of the world, one of the first lessons that a Shaman was taught is Weather working. Learning to control the weather is an integral part of a Shaman's training. A shaman was expected to call in the rains when needed, and if he couldn't, then he wouldn't get much respect. When I was taught how to control the weather, the first thing I was taught was splitting clouds. It's really a very simple technique and most people can do it after Practice. Go outside and pick out a cloud. Stare at it and take slow deep breaths. Do not force the breath, just allow it to be deep and natural. Now send out from your Third Eye (area in the forehead and between the eyebrows) a beam of white light to cloud. Visualize (with eyes open) the cloud splitting into two, and mentally command/Will it to do so. IT may take afew seconds or minutes, but if this technique is done properly, the cloud will usually split. Once you have learned how to do this, you are well on your way to becoming a weather worker, and in the future I may teach you how to bring in the rain, winds, or sun. Just be careful not to jump ahead of Yourself. Weather working is Something that takes practice and guidance from an experienced teacher, because you may end up causing a flood in your area . May the Thunder Gods help ya!

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Practical Shamanism A Guide For Walking In Both Worlds

Book: Practical Shamanism A Guide For Walking In Both Worlds by Katie Weatherup

There are worlds of healing, protection, and insight available to you just beyond ordinary reality. The knowledge to simply, powerfully journey to these worlds, to connect with your spirit guides, to build a vision of yourself as healthy, intuitive and psychically alive, is within this book. Whether you are just beginning to seek a truer and more meaningful existence, or you are an experienced traveler of worlds, this book provides a reliable, straightforward, friendly and Practical Guide to basic shamanic practices, including more advanced Instruction in past life healing, shadow work, and soul retrieval.

If you want to Understand what the modern shaman does and how you can do it for yourself and others, then this is the book for you. Katie has plenty of research and training to back up what she puts forth, but she doesn't beat you over the head with it. Instead, she gives you what you need to get started right away. Her style is easy to follow and the techniques approachable and effective - and the optional drumming CD empowers you to take your first journey. I highly recommend this book!

Buy Katie Weatherup's book: Practical Shamanism A Guide For Walking In Both Worlds

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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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Do I Have An Animal Guide

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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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