Ancient ways of healing
By Phil Morgan
Since the beginnings of
humankind and development of the most basic social cultures, there has been a
recognized need for healing. Venerated and acknowledged were those with the
specific gifts or talents of being able to heal or assist others with their
healing. For thousands of years the tradition of shamanism has evolved and
focused on the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of the community and
each of its members.
The healing practices of shamanism began from information and guidance
originating in the spirit world. The shaman (male or female), faced with an
unfamiliar illness or situation, would seek assistance from the spirit world
through an altered state of consciousness called the ‘shamanic journey’. Spirits
responded as advisors or guides and taught the shaman ceremonies to alleviate
pain, heal emotional wounds or physical injuries, cure illness, and assist the
soul in moving on after death. Through this process the shaman’s body of
knowledge grew and healing practices were born. The shaman and their select
students often guarded healing ceremonies and rituals as “proprietary secrets”.
Today the path to a shamanic healing practice continues as it has over the
centuries. To learn the traditions within a specific culture a student must
submit to a rigorous and often lengthy training period after having been
accepted by a teacher. The student then learns, one-by-one, the ceremonies of
their lineage of shamanism, as they have been collected from the spirit world.
Many times these healing practices are culturally sensitive and assume an
understanding gained by growing up with the practices and stories of the people.
Another path to establish a shamanic-based healing practice is to step outside
any particular tradition or culture. Like the original shaman this means
building one’s own traditions based on personal interactions with the spirit
world. This path has some perils that following a tradition avoids. The
foundation of the practice must be built one piece at a time. The steps include
learning to journey, connecting with teachers and protectors in the spirit
world, and creating context and form for what will be done in the physical
world. Each step requires time, a great deal of it, and developing the deep
level of trust necessary to surrender and fully participate on each journey.
While some of this can be learned and practiced in a group setting, class or
drumming circle, each person, on an experiential level, has their own path that
they must walk alone. Dangers do exist and it is wise to employ as many safety
techniques as possible. While many of these can be learned in shamanic journey
training, others are learned through repeated experience as relationship are
built with the spirits who come as teachers and guides.
During the past 21 years I have studied shamanism and my understanding of the
universe and my place within it has greatly expanded. The aliveness of all
things, the sacredness of life, the interconnectedness of all, and the love and
support available for those of us in human form, are far greater than I had ever
suspected. At 64 I realize I am just beginning to comprehend that there is such
depth and richness to life. There is a demand for healing by the universe,
including my own healing, to which I must respond. The gifts of the shamanic
practice go beyond my wildest dreams and continue to stretch who I am and how I
perceive and relate to the world around me. If this path, this journey, calls to
you, I urge you to explore it and discover its blessings.
©
2005 P. W. Morgan
Over twenty years ago
Phil Morgan responded to a calling to pursue his own healing and assist others
who wanted to heal. His shift in careers from working with computers to working
with people led him to explore shamanism. Today he has a practice teaching
students and seeing clients, which takes him throughout North America and
Europe.