Shamanism and the Environment

Last weekend I attended a 2 day Shamanism workshop with Leo Rutherford. He’s in his 70’s now, he’s written loads of books on shamanism and he runs the Eagle’s Wing centre in Forest Row. He studied in San Francisco - all good signs. I went on a shaman weekend about 4 years ago with Howard G Charing, also a member of Eagle’s Wing and despite my scepticism I had some very powerful experiences. I’d been waiting for some time to go on a course with Leo and the time was obviously right last week.

Shamanism is a term used to describe the rites and rituals of ancient cultures around the world, usually referring to Native North and South American Indians. The Shaman serves the community as healer, priest and adviser. Common elements may include rites of passage, ceremonies and festivals, use of herbs and crystals, use of dance, drumming and chanting. There are meditative practices, which involve releasing the mind to ‘travel’ or ‘journey’, meeting spirit guides, deities and accessing other realms. There is always a strong connection to Mother Earth and the cycles of Nature and the elements.

All ancient cultures share these elements: Australian Aborigines, the Maoris and Polynesians, the Tibetan people, native cultures in Siberia, as well as Wiccan and Pagan practices. As shown on a recent BBC documentary the Incredible Human Journey - all of these practices have their roots in ancient Indian and African cultures. All of these cultures also use symbols and healing practices as a way of life - which is why Reiki (universal energy) is so strongly linked to shamanism.

The aspect I enjoyed most on the workshop was ‘journeying’. It’s similar to a guided meditation but instead of someone talking to you, it’s the rhythmic drumming that sends you into a semi-hypnotic state. You ‘dream’ an alternate reality which represents your authentic self. You ‘meet’ various guides or animals who can give you answers or guidance. I dreamed of a 3-headed dragon which represented the 3 negative qualities I would like to get rid of (or at least dampen down!): anger, greed and envy. I also dreamed of my various power animals, which I have met on other journeys, such as Dolphin, Owl and Peacock. This time I merged with all of the animals and became a huge being, rather like the Nightwalker in Princess Mononoke. I whizzed off into space and looked back at the world and gave it a big hug.

The message was loud and clear: You are called upon to help with environmentalism. What more can I do? I don’t have a car, a dishwasher or a tumble dryer. I use Ecover cleaning products and I rarely eat meat. I try to conserve fuel and water at home - no ordinary lightbulbs in my house. I have cut down on the amount of flights I take and the amount of stuff I buy. I am also making a move to using better toiletries, usually found in holistic clinics and health food shops such as Infinity. I recycle and donate clothes, books and CDs to friends, Freecycle and local charity shops. (Traid in Brighton sell good quality recycled clothes, and Magpie collect unwanted furniture). I am planting bee-friendly plants in my little city garden. And every day I send distant healing to the whole Earth. Any more tips on how I can help the environment are gratefully received, add a comment below.

3 Comments

• By Jamie Walters, July 20, 2009 @ 8:49 pm

  I enjoyed your post, both in relating shamanic and Indigenous Wisdom traditions with environmentally friendly ways of living, and your sharing your own list of things you’ve been incorporating into your own life.

  I’ve been experimenting with similar things, and exploring other ways to be increasingly Earth-friendly.

  Blessings,
   Jamie

• By rifa, July 21, 2009 @ 9:29 am

  Thanks Jamie for your comment, I’d like to hear how you’re becoming more Earth friendly, as I find it quite tough sometimes! Rifa

• By Reiki Einweihung, February 27, 2010 @ 7:27 am

  Liebe Grüße aus Deutschland und Neuhaus an der Elbe eine Klasse Seite für alle die sich mit Reiki, Heilung und anderem beschäftigen.

  Gruß Frank

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