The Shaman

The Shamanic Healer

A drum beats steadily.  Draped in the skins of animals, a man dances fiercely around a fire.  He chants and sings as his eyes roll and body tremors.  Adorned with bird feathers and mystical objects to aid and protect him on his journey, he enters the realm of the spirits.  His trance is harrowing but upon his return, he will have gained the knowledge and wisdom with which to heal.  He is a magician as well as a doctor.  He is a Shaman.

The Shaman has been a staple figure in human culture since prehistoric times.  A Shaman can be generally thought of as a healer and holy man who can communicate and interact with invisible spirits.  The word Shaman is of Siberian origin and the umbrella term shamanism has been extended to describe a variety of magico-religious traditions from around the world.  The most fascinating aspect of the many traditions dubbed as shamanic is the amazing similarity between spiritual systems which are separated by vast distances.  Whereas each culture has its unique characteristics, many of the aspects seem to be universal.  Regardless of the location of the shamanic culture, the Shaman seems to be an intermediary between the physical world and the unseen world of the spirits.  In many cultures the Shaman will enter a trance state, often aided by rhythmic sound or psychotropic substances, and journey into the spirit realm for the purpose of attaining insight, gaining wisdom or providing healing for him or herself or others. 

Nearly every indigenous religious system can be designated as Shamanic.  The Celtic, European, Native American, Inuit, Indo-Nepalese-Tibetan, Asian, African, South American and Pacific Island aboriginal religious customs can easily fall into the category of shamanism.  Many of these forms of spirituality share common traits despite having had little or no means of communication between cultures.  The existence of spirits, the structure of the Three Realms and the Shamans use of trance to the journeying and commune with spirits are concepts which are generally shared by most religiously shamanic cultures.  

Historically, the Shaman takes on many roles within the community he or she serves.  A Shaman may be either a man or a woman depending on the culture but often the role is designated to a specific gender.  In Korea the Shaman is always female, whereas in Native American cultures the Shaman is typically male.  In Nepal and Tibet the shamanic healer can be a person of either gender who is initiated into the way.  The Shaman may act as a healer, storyteller, counselor, herbalist, bone setter, ritual priest, historian, philosopher and fortune teller.  It was often the job of the Shaman to ensure the spiritual and physical wellbeing of the community.  In some cultures, the Shaman may also be a community leader or advisor to a tribal chief.  In nearly every instance, the Shaman is primarily a healer.  Terms such as Witch Doctor and Medicine Man refer to the Shaman's role as a medicinal healer.

The Three Realms

Nearly every Shamanic tradition teaches the paradigm of the Three Realms.  Although there are variation between cultures, some with ten realms and some with two, the Three Realm concept seems to permeate most indigenous religious traditions.  In the Celtic tradition these are known as the Other Worlds and in Australian Shamanism as The Dreamtime.  From the point of view of this paradigm, our existence is separated into three distinct sections: the realm of the spirits above, the realm of the spirits below and our own visible world which lies in the center.  These three realms are connected by a central axis, sometimes refered to as the world tree.  The Shaman, by use of hypnotic trance, can traverse between realms using the axis as a sort of spiritual super highway. 

Although, again, there are variations between cultures, the upper realm tends to be described as an ethereal heaven of bright lights and crystalline structures.  Here the Shaman may encounter angelic and human-like spirits.  The lower realm, sometimes called the Underworld, is generally a cave like world consisting of gem and rock formations.  In this world the Shaman may visit with curious elemental spirits whose form is unknown to the visible world.  The middle realm is our own world, however, the Shaman can use the power of trance to enter an unseen aspect of it.  In the middle realm the Shaman can interact with animal and nature spirits, such as the spirit of a lake or mountain, who inhabit it.  In any one of the three realms the Shaman may acquire spirit guides who can assist him or her in their many journeys.

Drums, Rattles and Feathers

The most iconic ritual item of the Shaman is the drum.  The Shaman uses the constant, repetitive and droning sound of drumming to induce the shamanic trance.  Rattles are often used for a similar purpose, creating a steady wave of sound which lures the mind into an extraordinary state.  As the Shaman is often reported to fly between the seen and unseen world, feathers are often used to decorate the costume of the healer.

In some cultures, such as the ancient healing traditions of the Himalayas, a particular cadence in the drum beat will allow the Shaman to achieve a corresponding form of trance and a journey into a particular realm or a meeting with a specific entity.  Drums, rattles and feathers may be used for healing, removing unwanted spirits form a patient’s body, calling forth helper spirits or simply to honor the spirit of a natural formation such as a river or meadow.

Entheogens

Musical instruments and avian adornments are not the only methods used to aid a Shaman in journeying through the unseen realms.  Entheogens are often employed as well.  The term entheogen was coined by ethnobotanists in 1979 as a replacement for terms such as hallucinogen or psychedelic.  It is a contraction of the Greek words ἔνθεος (entheos) and γενέσθαι (genesthai).  Used by the Greeks as praise for artists, the word entheogen can be taken to mean “full of the Gods” or “possessed by the Divine.”  The term is used in relation to Shamanism to describe the multitude of psychotropic chemicals found in plant, fungi and animal sources used to induce or enhance the Shaman's journey into the spiritual worlds. 

Some traditional entheogens used by Shamans of various cultures include: psilocybin mushrooms, peyote cactus, cannabis, tobacco, yage, morning glory flower, salvia, iboga, fly agaric mushrooms and alcohol.  The Shamans of Nepal are known to drink a traditional beer which is often combined with a variety of herbs to enhance its inebriating properties and use a specific method of cannabis planting that produces naga-ganja or cannabis infused with the venom of poisonous snakes.

The Shaman Reborn

Although there had been a steady decline in Shamanic practices in modern times, Shamanism has again gained popularity.  Modern religious systems which have a strong emphasis on the spirituality of nature, such as contemporary Wicca, are often described as being shamanic.  Starting in the 1960’s, shamanic concepts began to be seen as valuable to Psychologists and those practicing psychotherapy.  Although these sciences view many of the aspect of Shamanism as allegorical expressions of the mind, this type of psychological understanding of the practice sheds much light on how and why shamanic healing may work.  Aspects of traditional shamanism from all over the world can also be observed in the blended spirituality of the New Age movement.

In many cultures Shamanism never faded away but was instead merged with the contemporary spiritual system introduced to the native population.  This can be seen in traditions such as Haitian Voodoo and South American Santeria which combine aspects of traditional shamanism with the Christian-Catholic spiritual model.  In cultures which have remained guarded from the encroachment of the modern world the Shaman is still a central figure who provides healing, medicine and guidance to those who seek the ancient wisdom of the spirits.

Exploring Three Famous Secret Societies

The Freemasons

The Freemasons may very well be the quintessential Secret Society.  Called in full the “Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons,” they are undoubtedly the largest of all secret organizations with their reach spreading to every corner of the earth.  While conspiracy theorists are quick to place the Freemasons amongst the most devious of fraternal organizations, the observable aspects of Masonry are seemingly benign.  Whereas no non-member can be sure what goes on behind the closed doors of the Masonic Lodge, the group has always maintained that their objective is to improve the moral, ethical and spiritual aspects of its members.  The motto of the organization is “Making good men better.”  Freemasonry is often simply referred to as “The Craft.”

Masonry can be categorized into two divisions, Operative Masonry and Speculative Masonry.  Operative Masons were those historical stonemasons who practiced the physical crafts of building, stone working, architecture and mathematics.  Speculative Masonry, the latter incarnation, used the elements of the Operative Masons as symbolic images to teach various philosophies and ideologies.  The main symbols of Freemasonry are the Square and Compass, tools which are used in drafting prior to building.  Other symbolic tools of The Craft are the Gavel, the Chisel, The Plumb Line and Rule, the Gauge, the Level, the Trowel and the Mason’s Apron.  All of these are implements which would have been used by physical stonemasons and symbolize those mental facilities necessary to build an inner temple of knowledge and understanding. 

The origin of Modern Masonry is a subject which is open to debate.  The first known Masonic writing is commonly thought to be the Regius Manuscript.  This writing describes the history of Masonry as well as rules and regulations of The Craft.  A common theme in Freemasonry is the building of the Temple of Solomon by his Chief Architect, The Master Mason Hiram Abif.  In this masonic story, Hiram is confronted by three “ruffians” who demand he reveal for them the secrets of The Craft, specifically the “Master’s Word.”  When Hiram refused, the ruffians proceed to attack and kill the Master Mason, sealing their own fates as well.  Many of the symbolic rituals of Freemasonry revolve around this semi-biblical story.

Some believe that Modern Masonry is a fraternity reserved for the social elite.  In fact, the group consists of members from varied socio-economic backgrounds.  One must be able to pay the dues of the organization, which are relatively minimal, and the paying of dues must not interfere with the family life of the member.   The general requirements for membership include being a free man who joins of his own will, is of good reputation and professes a belief in a Supreme Being.  Although Atheists are not allowed admittance, the nature of the belief in a Supreme Being is open to the personal interpretation of the member.  Masonry is therefore available to people of various religions including Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and general Theists.  Although only men can join the Freemasons, there are also Masonic organizations which admit women such as the Order of the Eastern Star.

The Hell Fire Club

The London based Hell Fire Club was founded by Philip, the Duke of Wharton in 1719 and was comprised of a small number of members of high society.  Several other clubs from England and Ireland functioning under the same name would bring The Hell Fire Club into popular infamy, the most infamous being the organization founded by Sir Francis Dashwood in the 1730’s.  The club’s motto, “Do What Thou Wilt,” was later popularized by Aleister Crowley and was also adopted, with some variation, by members of the Wicca Religion.  The club of Sir Francis Dashwood was originally known as The Order of the Friars of St. Francis of Wycombe and a variety of other titles and was later designated the name “The Hell Fire Club.”

Although it is difficult to know for sure the purpose of the club, it is commonly thought that the members would meet to engage in acts which were contrary to those prescribed by Church standards, hence the name “The Hell Fire Club.”   It is reported that this may have included the reading of obscene literature, the viewing of pornographic material and the displaying of pagan images.  Although the organization was often accused of worshipping The Devil and various demons, the club itself is thought to have been mostly satirical, mocking the commonly found Gentleman’s Clubs of London.  It is reported that members would dress as characters from biblical stories and eat meals which consisted of foods such as Devil’s Loin and Hell Fire Punch.  Unlike other clubs found in London at the time, The Hell Fire Club would admit women as well as men.

The Hell Fire Club founded by the Duke of Wharton came to end in 1721, being officially disbanded by Kind George I, after which Wharton would become a Freemason and later the Grandmaster of the Lodges of England.  Francis Dashwood’s club would persist until the 1760’s.  It is rumored that Benjamin Franklin would often attended Hell Fire Club meeting as a non-member.  Historians speculate that his attendance was actually a form of spying on members of English high society.  At the time before the Revolutionary War, recording the various acts of the members would have been a way of giving the colonies political leverage over some of the members of Parliament.

Sir Francis Dashwood’s nephew, Joseph Alderson, would revamp the organization in 1781, after Dashwood’s death, under the name The Phoenix Society.  The Phoenix Society, later known as The Phoenix Common Room, is a group which is still in existence today. 

The Rosicrucians

The Rosicrucians are said to have been founded in the late medieval period by a German doctor named Christian Rosenkreuz, also called Frater C. R. C.  This group’s philosophy revolved around an esoteric form of Christianity and was often associated with Protestantism and Lutheranism.  The ideals of the Rosicrucians generally protested the dogmatic views of the Catholic Church and praised empiricism and rational thinking.  Rosenkreuz, which is considered by most to be a pseudonym, is said to have assembled a group of eight doctors, each swearing an oath to treat any and all ill patients without payment around the year 1407.

Rosicrucianism can refer to both members of specific secret societies as well as adherents to its particular philosophy.  The Philosophy incorporates aspects of Alchemy, Ancient Egyptian mythology, Judaic theology and early Christian Gnosticism.  It emphasizes the rational study of nature, the physical universe and the spiritual aspects of reality.  The Rosicrucian philosophy is said to have influenced Freemasonry as it emerged in England and Scotland as is evident in the Rose-Cross Degree of Scottish Masonry.

Other groups related to the Rosicrucians were the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, The Martanist Order of Louis-Claude de Saint-Martin and the enigmatic Knights Templar.  In 1915 the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis, or the Rosicrucian Order, was officially incorporated in the United States.  According to the AMORC, various historical persons were associated with Rosicrucianism including Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, René Descartes, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Francis Bacon and Aleister Crowley.

Today, the Rosicrucians may be most well-known to the public by presenting theatrical plays which are often seen advertised in local newspapers.  These plays often depict biblical story lines with esoteric undertones.

Alchemy: The Forgotten Science of Spirituality

As a practitioner of herbal medicine, I love making teas and tinctures.  A few years ago I purchased several glass jars in which to store my dried herbs.  Reading the label stating Hermetically Sealed Jars, a thought occurred to me – “Alchemy is a strange thing.”  Everyone knows of it, but nobody seems to know about it.  With the exception of those few students of Esotericism, the concepts and ideals of Alchemy seems to be greatly misunderstood among the common populous.   At the very best, the average person has been exposed to Alchemy only through cartoons, movies, comic books and popular media.  What is failed to be realized is the tremendous impact Alchemy has had on human evolution and civilization.

The word ‘Alchemist’ generally conjures images of greedy Wizards working tirelessly to turn lead in gold.  While it’s indeed true that the production of gold was central to many schools of Alchemy, the Alchemist was certainty not a mere money-maker focused on financial gain.  Although charlatans do exist in any professional arena, and there have certainty been fraudulent Alchemist throughout history, the true Alchemist was a holy-philosopher seeking to transmute the lead of his worldly existence in to the pure gold of spiritual illumination.  Alchemy is in fact the oldest form of Science.  It is the foundation of modern Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, Medicine and Pharmacology.  Every facet of modern science owes its existence to the ancient craft of Alchemy.  Yet, the average person knows very little of what is called The Royal Art.

The Alchemists were spiritual-scientists that explored the supernatural realm questing for the ultimate truth of existence.  Among the fruits of their labor, they would produce for the modern world advanced systems of Chemistry, Anatomy, Psychology, Astronomy and Spirituality.  They were Inventors, Philosophers, Doctors and Blacksmiths as well as being Shamans, Priest, Healers, and Sages.  Most importantly, the Alchemists laid the foundation for those wishing to explore the vast mysteries of existence.

Alchemy is a broad term which can refer to any number of traditions from around the globe.  Many ancient cultures, including those of China, India, Europe and the Middle East, have had long standing Alchemical traditions which can still be observed today.  Alchemy is said to have originated in Ancient Egypt where the God Thoth - called Hermes Trismegistus in Greek - first inscribed the knowledge of Alchemical Operations on an Emerald Tablet.  The Emerald Tablet of Hermes the Three-Times-Great describes the “certain truth” that makes any physical or spiritual science possible.

Alchemy can be described as a process of spiritual evolution involving both the experiment and the experimenter.  It is a way of expediting the natural evolution of the universe in a manner observable by the limited view of the Human Being.  That is to say, Alchemy seeks to speed-up nature’s inherent process of evolution. This is done through both physical Chemistry, involving the production and consumption of various Alchemical medicines, and through a process of internal prayer and visualization meditation.  Alchemy functions under the postulate: “As Above, So Below.”  This can be understood in one way to mean that the Physical Realm affects the Spiritual Realm and vice versa.  This can also mean that the mundane, worldly existence has, in actuality, the same qualities inherent in the invisible, spiritual word.  Alchemists work to release these spiritual qualities in their chemical operations and, more importantly, within themselves.  

While I was in school for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, I was told by one instructor that all of Chinese Medicine came about in ancient times via Alchemists seeking to produce an Elixir of Immortality.  Their quest would lead them to classify many medicinal herbs, create charts of human energetic circulation and produce one of the most advanced medical systems on Earth.  From the tradition of Chinese Alchemy also emerges the practice of Qi Gong, which can be viewed as Chinese Internal Alchemy.  This practice involves physical exercises in combination with deep breathing and meditation to produce Alchemical processes in the body and spirit in order to achieve Immortality.  The Philosophy of Chinese Taoism views the concept of becoming an Immortal as more akin to being Spiritually Enlightened than simply living forever or being unable to die.  The Taoist Immortals, those who successfully created and consumed the Elixir of Immortality, were imbued with great wisdom, fortune and endless inner contentment.   The search for Immortality was not without its casualties, as it is reported that many Chinese Alchemists died consuming concoctions containing Cinnabar – a mineral containing high a level of mercury.

The Alchemy of India is well document and Alchemical Philosophy is woven into Schools of Esoteric Hinduism, Buddhism and Yoga.  Some consider the Indian-Buddhist Philosopher and Alchemist Nagarjuna to be the Father of modern Chemistry, having developed or improved upon many of the apparatus necessary for chemical operations.  Buddhist and Hindu Deities are often shown consuming Amrita, the Nectar of Immortality described in the Indian creation myth The Churning of the Ocean.  Some Buddhas even bear names indicative of Alchemical thought such as the Buddha Amitayus – a name which literally means ‘Infinite Life.’

Medieval European Alchemy is possibly the most widely known tradition of Alchemy.  This tradition would influence every major school of European thought from Freemasonry to Christianity and give rise to Alchemical Fraternities such as the Germanic Order of the Gold and Rosy Cross.  The main objective of the Alchemist was to create a Philosopher’s Stone, a miraculous substance which brings any other substance to it pinnacle of physical and spiritual evolution.  That is to say, it would turn lead into gold and human beings into spiritual immortals.

The use of Spagyric, or Herbal Alchemy, in Europe would help lead to the discovery and use of drugs as healing agents.  In Spagyrics, an herb would be broken into its fundamental parts and recombined to form a healing medicine.  This process would lead to first extracting of herbal chemical compounds, such as extracting Salicylic Acid from White Willow Bark, effectively producing healing drugs such as Aspirin.  The Royal Art of Alchemy would come to decline and in 1661 Robert Boyle published a document titled “The Skeptical Chemist.”    This publication would put into question the entire Theology and Philosophy of Alchemy, citing mathematical formulae to explain alchemical operations.  To be a Chemist was to take on the physical and mental components of Alchemy, while leaving its spiritual essence behind.

However obscure these ancient traditions of Alchemy may seem, their influences cannot be ignored. From prescription medication to hermetically sealed jars, Alchemy is part of Human history.  Perhaps it is even one of most important parts of history.  For more information on Alchemy I recommend the book “The Path of Alchemy” by Mr. Mark Stavish.