The Four Ways of the Shaman

The term shaman is thought to have come from the Tungus and Evenki word sâman from the natives of Siberia, and it means “one who knows”. In the 18^th century the term became popular in Europe when anthropologists began using it as an umbrella word for indigenous medicine people who contact the spirit world while in an altered state of consciousness.

Yet, nowhere in the world does a traditional healer call herself ‘shaman’ unless he or she is from Siberia. For example, the medicine people of the Peruvian Andes are known as paqos while in Southern Chile are machis and in Tibet they are known as amchis.

However, since the word shaman is now popular in the modern world, I can add that it refers to those who have been summoned to become healers or be in service to their community and have gone through a substantial initiatory journey to awaken to the invisible world of Spirit.

The shamans I am speaking about have achieved a high level of ethics and generosity, and don’t pursue knowledge or power for personal gain only. One reason why shamanism has brought up confusion and mistrust in the western mind is precisely because some individuals wear the mantle of shaman to manipulate others. For our School, the abuse of power is recognized as sorcery, and the people who practice are seen as sorcerers.

After arriving at common ground on who we call a shaman, we can identify a variety of expressions which in our School we group into the four directions of the Medicine Wheel as explained below.

In the South, we have those who help mainly by attending the physical body. These are healers who are hands on their patients. They adjust bones, prepare herbal ointments, calm the nervous system or make dietary recommendations.

In the West are the shamans who track the toxicity in the emotional body. They understand how their patients hold a judgmental or shameful relationship with themselves or unhealthy attachment to others. They can find curses that have been passed down from one generation to the next.

In the North are the wisdom keepers who enlightened others with the stories they tell. These shamans are dedicated to pass on the wisdom of their tradition reinterpreting and actualizing what has become rigid or obsolete.

In the East we find the shamans who contemplate reality from inner stillness. They are known as the ones who dream the world into being – and a healthier and more peaceful humanity. Plus, they help the dying cross the veil to the spirit world.

In summary, a shaman can have abilities of all four directions, but may feel drawn to one or another one of these gifts at different times on his or her life.

It is important to understand that all four ‘types’ of shamans are different from modern therapists or western doctors because of  their conscious connection with Spirit and the world of subtle energies.

As a modern shaman, to which direction and abilities do you feel yourself drawn to?

Blessings!

Marcela Lobos