Understanding How Shamanic Witchcraft Works
By
Rebecca Ryan
Shamanic Witchcraft , by my definition, is a blending of earth based practices. It is, like all magick, about liberation, independence and empowerment...
The things that set Shamanic Witchcraft apart from other modalities, are the tools used and the initiation rights of passage. More about that later, let me start with definitions and then show how Shamanism and Witchcraft link together.
There is no real beginning date of witchcraft - it is present in all ancient cultures and can be found (in varying forms) as far back as we humans go. The word "Shamanism" traces its roots through Russian anthropological work in Siberia in the 1900s, but its practice is also very ancient.
One accepted definition of a SHAMANISM is:
"A first definition of this complex phenomenon, and perhaps the least hazardous, will be: shamanism = technique of ecstasy." Eliade
There is no accepted definition of MAGICK, but here is a good one:
The science and art of causing change to occur in conformity with the will.
Crowley has a definition which is much better than Websters Dictionary summary:
"The use of means (charms or spells) believed to have supernatural power over natural forces."
In shamanic ritual, there is an exit from the human body while in a tranced state to seek answers or guidance from the spirit world, (usually from an ancestral or tribal overspirit). In witchcraft ritual, there is a space created (a circle) where new energies are formed, old wisdoms are accessed and new understandings are learned from any channel that is called to open. There are lots of cross overs when journeying work is done; shamanism and witchcraft both teach access to other realms through traveling in company with (or as) familiars.
Both shamanism and craft work are devoted to conscious co-creation, the success of which is determined by the expertise of the practitioner, the purity and wisdom of the channels contacted and the alignment with the life path of the individual.
For instance, there will be discussion with the various energies present at any healing ritual or blessing, to understand if healing is the best outcome, what healing is best and how best it will take place to serve the individual, and the community.
Shamanic Witchcraft is, in truth, full magick in an altered state, to serve a community's evolution.
Plato wrote in his Phaedrus that the "first prophecies were the words of an oak", and that those who lived at that time found it rewarding enough to "listen to an oak or a stone, so long as it was telling the truth."
The reason I give, for why Shamanic Witchcraft is so profound, is that it can be applied directly to whatever we find challenging in life. It can present new solutions within our own truth and teach us, as Nature always does, to learn more about our Self and who we are. Shamanic Witchcraft, like any endeavor, is most powerful when it is totally devoted to bringing more peace and love to each party and the Earth.
Here are some good books for reference...
Hedge Witch: Spells, Crafts & Rituals For Natural Magick
Ritual Magic : What It Is & How To Do It.
The Shaman's Body: A New Shamanism for Transforming Health, Relationships, and the Community
Living Dreams is a Melbourne based Alternative Health Practice, led by Counselor and Therapist Rebecca Ryan. Treatment is based on the development of the whole self. Rebecca works with a cross section of the community dealing with issues such as grief, trauma, depression, anxiety and behavioral challenges (eg. eating disorders) and anger management. Previous clients have included footballers (living up to their potential), children and many people who want to understand more of who they are and how to love and live more satisfying lives. Trained services include: Hypnotherapy, Counseling, Process Orientated Psychology, Meditation, Theta Healing, NLP, Entity Clearing, & Soul Retrieval. She is also a practicing Shamanic Witch and teaches courses on esoteric wisdom. For more information on shamanic witchery and healing, visit http://www.rebeccaryan.com.au ---- Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rebecca_Ryan ----- http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Is-Shamanic-Witchcraft?-Your-Guide-to-Understanding-How-It-Works&id=6803748
Shamanic Witchcraft Related Items For Sale
Understanding How Shamanic Witchcraft Works related articles from the blogosphere...
What is Shamanic Witchcraft?
What is the difference between Shamanism and Witchcraft exactly? Aren't they two different magical techniques and practices? What happens when you put them together? In this video, Shamanic Witch Rebecca Ryan tells you exactly what is Shamanic Witchc...
May Monster Madness- Spidery delights! « thepurplebroom
thepurplebroom.wordpress.com 5/1/12
p163 The Temple of Shamanic Witchcraft . Of course, as part of my home Decor, I have spiders on my walls and I even made Buttons over here:) : Here are some close up pictures of jumping spiders, they make adorable little ...
My Craft and Sullen Art: Inside the Crucible: gender, androgyny and ...
annua-mycraftandsullenart.blogspot.com 5/1/12
In traditional forms of witchcraft (agreed by most people to be the remnant shamanism of Europe) we talk about such things as 'crossing the hedge', 'riding the hedge' with 'one foot in either world' and 'turning our skin' or ...
The Shamanic Witch and Ethics | Witches Of The Craft
witchesofthecraft.com 11/10/11
The Shamanic Witch and Ethics Author: Eilan. When ethics from a Pagan perspective are discussed in the public domain the ultimatum of “Harm None” arises. I have written on the Harm None ethic and the Pure Will in my ...
Shamanic Witchcraft
