23 Nov Shamanism Revived

An ancient practice in modern times

She stands in a woven cotton caftan, snakes of coloured material flowing from her shoulders, a brass mirror against her chest to ward off evil spirits. Her appearance belies her connection to Mother Nature, to the spirit realm. Her drum, the shaman’s drum, beats to a rhythm that resonates within us all. She is an ugdan, a Mongolian shamaness.

This is not a description of a woman resigned to the history books. Mongolian shamanism is as alive today as it was thousands of years ago, as far back as recorded history can take us and likely beyond that.

Alive and well

In cultures where shamanism continues to thrive, it is interwoven with every aspect of society. It is a practice dedicated to healing, healing ourselves and healing the world around us. It provides comfort through the seeking of answers during times of change or turmoil. Long before organised religion, when our lives were more intimately entwined with that of the natural world, there was Shamanism.

From the curanderos of Latin America with their healing medicine songs or icaros, to the inyanga of South Africa’s Nguni people with their plant medicines or muthi, shamanism lives on in many indigenous cultures across the globe.

Thanks to those who have carried this sacred duty forward through the generations, shamanism is seeing a revival in parts of the world where it was once thought lost, including right here in the UK.

Shamanism here and now

The upswell of shamanism in the UK began in the 1960s as a counterculture movement spread across the country, with people coming together to reconnect with nature, seeking out community and tribal-based healing.

Shamanism is as relevant today as it was then. It empowers each of us to find healing, clarity and deeper insight into ourselves. It doesn’t rely on outside intervention but puts you in charge of your own healing, with the guidance of a Shaman to facilitate you through the process.

Shamanic practices are as varied as humanity itself. Dance, ceremony, prayer, journeying, they are all a part of Shamanism as they are all a part of the human experience. For some it entails entering an altered state of consciousness, for others a sense of peace and wonder.

Your path

At the School of Ecstatic Movement we have embraced Shamanism through Shamanic trance dance and draw strength and comfort from its practice. You can too. Whether you have a question in need of answer, feel adrift or lost, or simply want to feel the power of reconnecting with your ancient roots, Shamanic trance dance can guide you to those answers, help you reconnect to your soul and endow you with a sense of belonging.

Shamanism lies deep in your bones. Follow you heart and you will find it.

Engage in your own Shamanic revival: Click Here