The Way of the Shaman Part 4 – The Spirits Unmasked

The Spirits Unmasked The spirit guardians reveal who they really are to Michael Harner during his very first journey into the spiritual realm.  I will highlight certain words in the quotes to help you better see who they are. While Mr. Harner was having this spiritual journey he recalls “I could only very dimly perceive the givers of these thoughts: giant reptiliam creatures reposing sluggishly at the lowermost depths of the back... Read More

The Way of the Shaman Part 3 – Asking the Guardian Spirits for Advice?

Asking the Guardian Spirit for Advice? It is possible for the shaman to consult with their animal spirits.  “This kind of consultation is commonly called ‘divination‘ in the anthropological literature.  A common reason to consult one’s power animal is to obtain advice regarding some personal problem.  Another reason is to consult with the power animal concerning the nonordinary cause and treatment of a patient’s... Read More

The Way of the Shaman Part 2 – Is the Shaman Possessed?

Is the Shaman Possessed? Once the guardian spirit in inside the shaman the shaman can perform dancing, accompanied by drumming, to “consciously become one with his power animal.” (page 61) “Much animal-like dancing in the primitive world has as its objective the unification of power animals with the dancers, whether or not the rituals are purely shamanic in other respects.” (Page 61) The author gives instructions on how to... Read More

The Way of the Shaman Part 1

Michael Harner is the founder and director of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies in Mill Valley, California.  He is an atheistic anthropologist and a practicing Shaman.  In 1980 he wrote a book entitled, “The Way of the Shaman”, which is considered to be a classic work on what shamanism is, where it came from, and how you can participate in it. What is a Shaman? A Shaman is essentially a “medicine man” for the tribe.  Someone... Read More

Transcendental Misconceptions

On March 28, 2011 Jay Leno had guest star Russell Brand, the actor from the new Arthur movie.  What caught my attention was Russell’s comments on a meditation technique he uses called “Transcendental Meditation” or TM for short. Jay Leno: “Now I want to ask you about something I heard.  I found this fascinating.  I heard that you meditate.  Now you seem like someone who is constantly on the go knees bobbing up and down, can’t sit still. ... Read More

Indian ‘living god’ in critical condition

I ran across a story of a well known spiritual leader in India who is on life support. He needs kidney dialysis and needs a ventilator to breath. He has millions of followers in India and many more from more than 100 countries around the world. His followers believe him “to be a living god, and the reincarnation of the great spiritual guru, Sai Baba of Shirdi, who died in 1918.” Miracles have been attributed to him such as a “mysterious... Read More