A simple start to shamanics

After much reading and asking, it seems to me as in all things the more the we try to take on any kind of belief, the more we try to make it complicated for ourselves. Even the basic Christian religion, that was simple enough until Christianity got their hands on it. We try to give it meanings it was not supposed to have. Many books are written on just simple ideas from aboriginal people from all over the world and are just blown out of proportion usually just to sell a book or two. As I have said before the Native American must have had something very special they live as one with the land and the animals around them.

Before we can truly appreciate and understand the Indian and their culture, a certain amount of research is necessary. Prior to the time the white man came to The Great Plains and The Rocky Mountains, the Indians enjoyed the fruits of unquestionable freedom. It is difficult to think of the United States without highways, electric power, telephone lines and fences.

The inhabitants loved their home and roamed the vast country as truly free men and woman. No hidden motives or false pretences, everyman was accepted by others exactly has he was, no questions ask.
The native people were so much in tune with nature if they broke a bone it would heal by itself in just a few weeks just as with an animal. The ideas these peoples had weren't meant to be complicated, it was just part of their lives. I have tried to go back to the roots of the belief that I try to live my life by.

I think, first of all you have to have a belief there is a god, were either you call him God, creator, great spirit or something else.
The native people knew there was a spirit being in the heavens. The great creator created all things and gave them all they needed, they were not told this by a book, they knew it in their hearts. If they went against the natural laws that the creator put in place they knew it would not work, if they lived their lives in harmony with these laws they would do well.
In today's modern world it is virtually impossible for someone who has to live a normal live to do these things, yes you can run off and live in the wilds of some country but it's not really practical.
But we can make a start.

HOW?

All I can tell you is how I was taught. If you try it please let me know how you got on. As with any journey you must prepare yourself, try this very simple ceremony first.

You will need a smudge stick, a little sand and a pot to put the smudge stick in. This is for the smudging ceremony to cleanse yourself, and place. Then you will need to find a place, if you can find somewhere in a wood or a corner of a field great, but anywhere quiet will do even if it's your own bedroom.

If you find a place in wood that place must be respected as well the person who owns the land you are on, do not disturb the area, take home anything you take with you, always give something back to the area as a thank you.
I always sprinkle a few wild flower seeds as I leave, some tie a small piece of ribbon there.

Sit for a while in the place you find it will soon tell you if you are not wanted, try another until you do feel comfortable, now is the time to smudge the area, this is done to cleanse your area of unwanted energy's (it's good to cleanse your house occasionally to clear out stagnant energies. Light the smudge stick, when its smoking well place it in the pot (not to forget to put the sand in the pot) hold the pot and offer it to the four corners of the area you are at. Replace the smudge in front of you, using both your hands catch some smoke and bring it into your heart, then over your head and down your neck. This cleanses our hearts, minds and helps us to be grounded. Being grounded is a very important part of journeying as we find out at a later time.

You can now sit for a while just thinking of decisions you would like to make in your life, I like to leave the smudge stick burning taking in the natural herbal smoke. When you feel you are finished put the smudge out by tuning upside down and stub it into the sand.

Well done, this is your beginning into a journey that may help you change your lives for the better.

If you have trouble getting smudging supplies you can contact me at

sharedvisions2000@hotmail.com

Jon