Part 70: Dying Wishes You’ve heard of birthday wishes, haven’t you? Think of a dying wish as the opposite, things that a ghost could not complete before they died. A shaman looking to advance should take careful heed to complete each of these for the dearly departed. Contracts can be forged with each and every mission completed in the name of the dead. You may even find a guardian angel this way if you please them enough. A shaman must pay careful attention to the requests given to them, as a shaman’s true power comes from the spirit world. The spirits will have many things they wish you to do for them. You must listen to the wind if you are to know which way it blows, is what they say. What I’m trying to say is that the spirits will need your help just as much as you need theirs. Both the shaman and the spirits have something to offer one another, and what is precisely is your individual state. They don't have a physical body, so they need to possess yours to achieve what they want, and you need their spirit form to deceive evil humans and fight demons. Offer what you have to them and they will offer what they have to you. Never deny the dying wishes of the spirits. You will need them ultimately more than you need yourself, and the same goes for the ghosts of a past long forgotten. As you complete the dying wishes of the spirits, they will finally be laid to rest. However, after your heart touches theirs, they will have became quite fond of you. It will become very hard for them to rest, as they will want to be at your side, completing even more tasks with you. Should they fall in love with your soul, they may even pledge fealty to you. You will become a grand summoner, calling forth your friends to defeat even the slightest threat. If I could tell you of all the great memories I have of adventures I’ve gone on, fighting all sorts of foes with the spirits as my eternal allies, I would be gleaming with joy. There is no greater thing in my life than the spirits and the ghosts and the bond we have. Sometimes, the spirits may have wishes that seem impossible to complete. Is this really true, though? Can’t you win every battle with faith alone, as you can topple any enemy and scale every mountain with your faith alone. Believe in the spirits at your side, and above all else, believe in yourself. Do not worry about what challenge lies before you, as a confident shaman can always gain victory over any trial in the heavens and the hells. Believe it or not, most of your vocation will be spent doing as the spirits wish. They are by far the best teachers, so rejoice! What a shaman experiences shapes them, for better or worse. Whatever you go through with the spirits, and the bonds you create, will inevitably change you. There is no reason for a kindly shaman to worry about their future, but for the reluctant shaman, they have much to worry about. A shaman who is stubborn will earn the scorn of the spirits. Part of being a shaman means that you must allow for the complete possession of your body to happen so that the spirits can control you. Many don't grasp this simple fact. A shaman, at their core, is someone who knows they are being possessed, and accepts it. They submit to the spirits so that they can fight as one. A stuborn shaman will fight their control, and the spirits will be denied their wishes. A spirit would hate someone who would deny their route to peace of mind. How can anyone rest knowing their goals are incomplete? There is so many things that people regret. It’s just a part of life. We only have enough time on earth to complete so many things. Hence is the nature of mortality. When we pass onto Duat, we feel as if we are in some sort of limbo. All of our actions become limited to a literal “spiritual” nature. We struggle with our bodies in life, and in some ways, it is the same even after death. The spirits love being free from their mortal prisons, but at the same time they wish they could enjoy the benefits that come from the mortal coil. They, for lack of better terms, want the best of both worlds. Humans are the same way. Shamans act as moderators, providing a vital link between both worlds. Without the shaman, I believe both worlds would collapse. In this sense, the living, shamans, mediums, and the dead are all needed to keep the worlds balanced and intact. The dead constantly reach out. You must fulfill their desires, or all will be lost. The worlds will fade if we do not complete the essential tasks that the dead entrust on us. The dead want to complete their dying wishes so badly for a reason. It is for this reason you will be viewed as a messenger, or a harbinger, if you will. You’ll have a constant stream of messages from the dead that must be heard by their family and friends. It is vital you accept your vocation as a shaman and do the spirits’ bidding, as this is all part of being a shaman. Without the spirits, I don’t know what I’d do, and that is reason enough for me to be their loyal servant. Yes, a good shaman serves the spirits, and not vice-versa. My greatest pleasure is to sit and wait at death’s door, helping out each person that comes through it, in the name of Lady Nephtys. We are all here for a reason, as is the shaman, proving that the dead still speak and live.
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Part 69: The Shaman’s Practice Shaman have to practice their arts all of the time. Every moment, we seek to hone our skill. A shaman knows very little about shamanism when they are young, and when they are older, they still don't know everything, so it's only natural for a shaman to want to develop their skill. A shaman’s salvation is their spirits and the ability that connects the shaman to them, so they must practice and sharpen their ability, if only to keep themselves happy. Shaman can learn exponentially should they dedicate their time and heart to learning their ancient traditional vocation. Shaman are often thought of as archetypical, and for good reason. Shaman are seen as earnest people who are obsessed with what they can do. A shaman will learn his magikal art if he is able to invest in the future. A shaman will not learn and master things right off the bat, so it is important that every shaman has a positive attitude. We have so many things to learn that only time can truly teach us. With that in mind, I urge you to meditate and reflect upon all that you will learn. It's no secret that a shaman must learn their art from the spirits. Initially, one learns the secrets of shamanism by studies and teachings, but after that, it's up for the spirits to decide if you will learn more. The spirits are to be thought of as emissaries of the heavens, teaching the secrets of our arts to those who would be goodly enough to be considered what is to be called “the chosen ones.” When a spirit does take interest in our development, we can only hope that we will be gifted enough to hear their voice. One who listens to the spirits and follows their commands will undoubtedly become a strong shaman. Shamanism is an investment that takes all of your time. Only one who can be a shaman all of the time will ever realize the higher teachings of our archaic and splendid art. Shamanism changes people, and ultimately it will change you for the better, no matter how hard the trials of shamanism seem. You'll be weak when you first start out in your studies and practices. As time progresses, you will still need the spirits’ support, no matter how knowledgeable you will become. A sage is the ultimate shaman. The sage has a grasp on all things mystical, and that title is one you should constantly strive for, just please don't fret if it doesn't come to you as fast as you want it. One thing people do not take too much time to do is learn. It's not glamorous to be a student. No one wants to say that they are gifted at the art of being a student. To be the master you must first be the pupil, every great warrior knows that. As a shaman, you are both a person of intelligence and a warrior. A man must study with both his mind and body, strengthening their spirit as they do. A strong spiritual practice is to maintain both your body and mind, taking care of your physicality and enriching your mentality, creating a strong foundation for your spirit to grow. Do not ever give up your path, and you will stick to the plan that the gods have laid out for you. When it seems too hard for you to go on, remember all that you have learned, and above all else, have faith. Faith is the key to surviving all of your endeavors. Faith can not be defeated by anyone or anything, as it is a force that is invisible and heart moving. It really is true when they say that faith can move mountains. Faith is unstoppable, and without it a shaman can never reach their full potential. Most shaman are studious even before they come to know their vocation. Shaman are always the intelligent type, but intelligence does not necessarily bring wisdom. Wisdom is something that many dream of and few obtain. The only way to gain wisdom is with real world experience. A shaman deals within two worlds, so gaining wisdom is something valuable to a shaman, as they will have to negotiate two totally different territories. When I was young (only nineteen) and first learning what shamanism was all about, I won't lie to you, I was foolish, like most teenagers are. There is something that I gained from my foolishness, though. I gained the ability to look back and admit that with seasoning comes flavor, as I like to say. It's the things we live through that make us wise. With each passing second we become more wise. The Buddhists reflect this with their empty form philosophy, or the belief that we are constantly changing with each and every passing moment. This is true, of course, as our minds and bodies constantly age. It's this aging process that encourages us to both learn from our mistakes and to not repeat them. This is the very point of studying that highlights civilizations and history itself. A shaman must be the ultimate historian, as they are in communication with spirits and ghosts that existed within the past. This is why shaman must exist in every tense: past, present, and future. I suppose those Buddhists really are wise. Shamans are not somone who should be looked over when it comes to any of their aspects. A shaman is excellent with their body, mind, and of course, spirit. A spirit must be studying everyone and everything constantly, as this is the shaman way. Shamans are quick learners as their sixth sense gives them an intuitive mind. The impressions they gain from what they can see does not come from their eyes alone, but rather all of their senses. A shaman is truly one of a kind, and I pray that you'll see this, too. As a witness to all of the grand miracles of the spirit world, I can say that it is a great place to learn things that are both arcane and conventional. Study hard, and you just might be a strong shaman one day. To sit with patience is to sit with a sage, and I want you to remember that. Patience is everything when the spirit is immortal. Forever is a long time to waste being unwise and angry. Let the gods nurture you, and may they help you on your path to become a master. Part 68: A Shaman's Mission Shamanism is not a pointless career, and although it is a very open-ended pathway, there’s some objectives that are covered in the vocation of a shaman. Each of these objectives are essential to be reached by a shaman constantly. These objectives exist in each phase of a shaman, whether the phase last a day, a year, or their lifetime. A shaman must focus, and they must focus well. The main objective of shamanism is to alter the consciousness to cure ailments of the shaman’s mind. At first, this is just a remedy to the shaman’s former mental frailties but over time the strong shaman will have a stunning and precise mind. What once could seen as a mind weaker than living humans in life will become a razor that is sharper and more effective than all that is around them. There is only one way to achieve this goal, though, and that is for the shaman to remain steady and true to their path every moment. A shaman who wastes time and clings to the perks that occur within the world of the living will only become weaker than they were before. Those who stick to their shamanic ways will blossom, becoming a cunning fox. A shaman must help out others to remain within the graces of the gods and spirits that preside over them. A shaman must be good, and be must acknowledge every person, spirit, and god that seeks the shaman’s services. A shaman who refuses to do their vocation for others is clearly not doing what the gods have laid out for the shaman. A shaman cannot be self-serving or egotistical if he or she is to reach their full potential. A shaman learns not only from spirits, but also each and every person the shaman runs into. Whoever they meet will leave marks on the shaman’s soul. Each imprint a shaman undergoes will make the shaman better, more whole. We don't have to imagine what life is like when we have so many friends from the past to call upon. Each person becomes almost spirit-like to us. Place your understanding in every soul you come across. Shamanism is something that very few outsiders have ever been able to explain. This book is not enough for me to give you more than just a explanation of a few outer reflections of a shaman. What goes on inside of the shaman is incredible. Their objective is always to fulfill their wishes. Yes, a shaman has some sort of an ideal, be it virtuous or nefarious, that they wish to have come true. Often the shaman’s wish transforms into something else, something they never expected to get. Sometimes, it's not even to the shaman’s liking. Consider this karma. A shaman can never hope to get exactly what they want when so many spirits love to play tricks on humans. No matter what we do, we cannot deny the humanity that lies within our rough exterior. We are human in the end just like you. What we have came to learn from our guardian angels and our loving creator is only a fraction of what we will come to know in life. There is so much for a shaman to experience in their vocation, and I pray that a shaman will come to change their shamanic wish to one that will benefit humanity. Don't be afraid of those who need you the most. Live within the objectives of shamanism if you hope to remain true to your path. We don't fail in our own lives, but we can lose the spirits’ support of we aren't a true shaman. Isis loved humans, and that love never wavered. I have such admiration for her. She is the goddess I worship the most, and I know that despite all those that influence me that she is the one who delivered my power and guardian angel to me. I feel her all around me, giving me wise council if I am myself wise enough to listen. The goddess of life is there for anyone who will pay her homage. She is a saint, and of course the most noble woman to ever exist. She can keep your eyes and heart upon the shamanic path, should you dare to walk it. The shamanic trail and the trials you go through will always be best aided with a good guide, and as an adopted Egyptian shaman, I pledge my cause to her. The followers of the Egyptian gods are not considered pagan, and nor would I classify myself as one. Paganism fails alongside Christianity. I believe that my spirit is my god, and that she is a god under the Egyptian gods. My fealty belongs to them. Whatever you take out of this book and hopefully the whole shamanic experience, I hope that it can be objective, tried and true. Let your heart lead you to repair the people of this land, be them apparition or human. There is so much for you to learn and let not my own teachings be lost on you. What I know is a lot and my greatest concern is the survival of humanity. I have no people except every human alive. I love all people and you need to as well. The shaman who has love in their heart will always grasp the true essence of shamanism. Don't be alarmed to find out that shamanism will make you a better person. It will make you so strong, and you will finally know what it takes to make yourself whole. Shaman really are a strong and rare breed, as they can survive through anything. Trust your heart, ask for the spirits’ aid, and you will go through hellfire unscathed. The rings of hell are nothing that you can't conquer as long as you know why shamanism is within you. A shaman must be always the strongest of all warriors and the wisest of all sages. If you know the truth then no one can tell you that you are wrong. Tread where no one else can, and you will have the most humbling of all experiences. The objective of shamanism is to make you love, and to love with no regret. Only by conquering your own failures will you ever be able to accomplish that. Don't let humans fade away in your mind, as the spirits are human, too. Part 67: Ceremonial Rebirth Shaman go through a complex process before they gain their supernatural powers. A shaman has something amazing happen to them called rebirth. They die and return to life, becoming a brand new creation, something greater than who they were before. The shaman is considered a ghost by those who knew them before, a member of the living dead. The shaman has their power because they are no different than those who reside within Duat. Who else can speak to the dead, other than another member of the dead? What happens to a shaman when they are reborn is a complete mystery to most. They experience death, but how can anyone survive actual death? That is the secret itself, that not even the strongest of all shaman can explain the magicks that bring us back to life. Me, on the other hand, can explain it, at least in my own way. The magicks that brought back Osiris from the dead are the way that we are also brought back to life. We are reborn from the queen of the living, Isis herself, as Osiris was reborn as the sky god, Horus. Isis controls rebirth, and Osiris controls death. As Osiris, the death god himself died, he was reborn, as Horus, yet still residing in the underworld as king. A shaman is similar. A shaman is on earth, as is Horus, and has power in the afterlife, as does Osiris. A shaman is the follower of the Egyptian trinity that is Isis, Osiris, and Horus, and has their power residing in their veins. Does this mean the true origin of shamanism comes from none other than Egypt? Of course it does. There is no other place where such magicks could have been born. No matter where we came from, our true ancestry comes from Egypt. This mere fact makes my heart cry, wishing to only be next to Isis and Osiris, resting within their loving and caressing embrace. We are truly blessed for the gift that the mother and father have given us. We live, we die, and we are reborn continually. This doesn't mean that only shamans are reborn, but all of humanity. Death is much more than just something that happens to a person at the end of their life cycle. It is the end of all cycles. When one person has something end in their life, they experience death. Phases can die, relationships can die, jobs can die, many things all will die in your life. You'll live again, as you will experience rebirth of yourself. Reincarnation is normal, and does not necessarily require actual death to occur. What does this mean for humans when they pass? Do they go to Duat, or do they come back to Earth, reborn? They experience rebirth in their own way. Becoming a spirit (or, ghost,) is a form of rebirth. What happens after that is a mystery to all except to those who can see and hear ghosts. A shaman knows life is neverending. Isis, the good mother, ensures that all will survive. Our rebirth is something that is as traumatic as it is enlightening. Many shamans have such seemingly outlandish tales about when they became a shaman. Seeing such tales as customary, I will tell you mine. When I became stricken, a dark spirit appeared before me. (I say dark spirit seeing as how the spirit was dark in color.) After a great struggle within my own soul, I discovered that I could communicate with the being. It told me of great danger, and that I would have to face the darkness if I were to defeat the approaching doom that was coming my way. After going on a quest, I received visions, and one sat in my mind, myself still unsure if it were a vision or reality. I had dug myself out of a grave, and even saw scratches on my hands and dirt underneath my fingernails. The vision of that death, it being my own, never left me. The training I did afterwards helped me learn how to control my shamanic powers. Now, over a decade later, I still seek to refine my control over them. That dark spirit that had joined me is still at my side, only she has shifted her appearance to an almost invisible white color. She operates in the shadows always nearby me, seeking to tilt everything we do in our favor. If you ever play cards fairly with me, you'll always lose, as she'll tell me the names of all your cards. It's scary to think of what power I have as a shaman. Yet, I promise you one thing: I believe in good. I believe in doing what is right, and that is why I'll always serve humanity as a protector and a valiant defender. I won't abandon my cause as a shaman, to honor both spirit and human alike. Our rebirth really is beautiful. We are a unique and reborn creature through the power of Isis and Osiris. They have given me the ability to be a shaman, and I will honor them in full. The process we go through as we grow into our shamanic powers is something that inspires us every moment we are alive. Even in death we can use our ability, to link Duat with the world above. There is no greater pleasure than realizing we have gone through the gates of Duat to be with our phantom friends. It's only with them that we can truly feel whole. What we have in common with both the living and dead gives us the ability to relate to both, and this is just one of the many gifts we receive from shamanism. Rebirth had initially alternated our consciousness, and now we perfect the art with the aid of the spirits. My angel helps me learn about both her and myself, and as I unlock the mysteries of both shamanism and the universe itself, I feel each and every day a little bit more complete. Praise to Isis that she would let me return to this world, as I am nothing more than a wretch before her. Part 66: The Sun God The sun god is the central god to ancient Egyptians and many other cultures, such as Native America and Babylon. The sun god in Egypt was originally identified as Ra, and was a creator that played a central role in the beliefs of primordial myths. The sun is the eternal light that gives life to humans and the planet itself. As a shaman, mastery of fire should be one of your major concerns, and you should learn of the importance of the sun god, if only to understand the true essence of fire itself. The sun is the star that is closest to Mercury, which is often represented as a messenger in myth, primarily Roman, where it gets its name. It's safe to assign Thoth, the Egyptians’ god of writing and math, to be the equivalent of Mercury, and also Hermes to the Greeks’, messenger god that resides on Olympus. The sun helps Thoth calculate and write, helping the Egyptians grow in scientific knowledge. The Egyptians entire civilization revolved around both science and religion, which explained why they tried very hard to fuse the concepts. The knowledge and understanding of architecture that the Egyptians had was incredible, as was their pictitorial writing we call Hieroglyphics. The Egyptians had a complex knowledge of inventing, as they created paper, glass, and the ancient calculator, the abacus, amongst other things. Their close connection to the sun god may be the reason why the Egyptians were so gifted when it came to creating new and cilvilazation advancing inventions. The pyramids themselves are counted as the most wonderful of all ancient wonders, with its visage even gracing the back of the American one dollar bill, the most common of all American bills. The sun god is something that gives off solar energy, which is the true essence of fire. As we have came to understand what the sun is, we must also recognize why it played such a dominant role in ancient polytheistic religion. The shaman may have many or no predominant religion, but they will always understand the symbology behind the sun and its identity as the creator. The Bible may even identify their god as the spirit of fire, as it says that their god is both a spirit and a consuming fire. Have we been fooling ourselves all along? From Ra, to Jehova and even Mithra, all are identified as the sun. What else could give us life none other than the sun itself? Solar energy is fire. The shaman must learn to work with their internal fire, and some may even seek to gain dominion over actual fire, using it in their rituals. Fire is what keeps us alive, and the most powerful of all shamans will have sophisticated beliefs over what fire is and the philosophy over what is believed to actually have created this universe. This brings us to the ultimate question: is fire what made this universe come to be, and we only wished to corrupt fire into some sort of human-like entity for us to understand better, or vice-versa? Life comes from many sources, like water and our breathable atmosphere. The miracle of life is really something. What it takes to make a living organism exist and thus live, is a complex process that many have tried to explain, using tools like religion and science. What we often forget is that there is a spiritual counterpart for each and every physical husk we call a body. Your organs are not what make you live, but your spirit does. This is the basic belief that is a part of animism, the core concept behind all forms of shamanism. If you believe that a body can just move on its own and has no eternal essence, then shamanism is probably not suited for you. The good news is that shamanism has no one defining central concept besides animism, which means it's up to the shaman itself to live out their dreams and come to grasp with what true reality is. Let me explain to you an easy concept. The Earth has a similar complexity that is shared by humans. Both the human body and the Earth itself are mostly water. The Earth itself has a night and day, and also have different seasons and weather, reflecting like humans’ changing emotions. The Earth has many animals being born on it, such as the human body for the female experiences the miracle that is conception and child birth. The Earth has oxygen, which is required by living organisms to live. Earth has natural resources, and they are used and replenished like the human body does. The Earth is the identity of the human female, and the world is nothing more than the very mother. Human females are the image of the Earth, and males with their life creating sperm are the reflection of the sun. Fire is destructive, as many men learn war and destroy others. The sun is the god of the Earth, and the Earth is his wife, the goddess of all. They are the male and female counterparts of each other, and I believe they are the identified as gods many have tried to hide. What I have explained to you is the complete truth, and I have presented many facts to explain to you that this is indeed the real identity of the hidden gods. I have given you the basic understanding of the sun god, and it is now up to you to seek him and his true face. Whether his name be god or Lucifer, Ra or Mithra, it does not matter. This is the god that many shaman have sought and whether they have ever found him is completely up to the shaman as they walk their path. I cannot tell you how the gods truly are, for you must go and seek them yourself. When you find them, ask them what you need to know, and ask for the gift of mastery over fire. Those who are true of heart will receive it from our truly kind creator. Part 65: Perception Every shaman has outstanding perception. A true shaman can see through every lie and every attempt to deceive them. This is just one of the many supernatural powers that a shaman possesses. Some say the spirits that work for the shaman extract the truth out of everyone, well I say it is something of a godly caliber. I am able to see the truth as the gods have directed me to never be cheated by the abusive one. All who stand before me will not be able to trick me, as the spirits and gods alike will always lead me to the truth. A shaman is well-known for their ability to see the unseen. This perception extends into every part of their life, encompassing every aspect that a shaman engages in. We are the keepers of the invisible world: ones who must protect humanity from spirits and vice-versa. Spirits will always be at risk of crossing over to the world of the living as much as humans have the potential misfortune of crossing over into the spirit world. It's up to the shaman to use their perception to detect when either world is at risk. A shaman must use their greater judgment to assess such risk, as their perception will lead them to see what others cannot. Our perception is our true eyes, ones born of the mind. I have been called to see the other worlds in the name of the spirits and the gods, and I must use my mind’s eyes to peer into the realms that are hidden quietly away from the world of the living. I must serve, as the gods have laid great trust upon me, and I will not let them down, nor will I falter. Our third eye is the chakra point that some philosophers believe is responsible is for seeing into places that we cannot see. They believe the third eye controls both time and space, and is the chakra point that is at the middle of your forehead. I've used chakra point meditation breathing exercises in the past, and I must say that they are truly effective for honing your inner chi, which is sort of like your internal psychic energy that flows throughout your nervous system. Whether or not this is a philosophy or belief that a shaman should believe is completely optional, but I will say this: our internal energy is what dictates our perception. Our perception is the same thing as possessing a sixth sense, and let's face it, some people have it, and some people don't. Our perception develops just as it does for everyone. Sometimes, a person happens upon a secret invisible world that they may have not been originally meant to find. Such is the gods’ direction: they intended for us to take a special role in the discovery of the world that has hid away from mortals for so long. We cannot look away: you and I have been called to be shamans. In this world, shamans are a dying breed. As the flood of neo-shamans becomes more rampant, the actual shaman with a developed sixth sense becomes a fading memory. We cannot be mixed in with those of a counterfeit nature. The gods have chosen me to be one with the spirits, and perhaps you have been chosen to. What does your sixth sense reveal? Is it saying that you can hear the spirit’s whispers, or do you believe that you are just going insane? Trust me, you will definitely know the difference. My sixth sense has always been above the normal human’s, but it was not until I became a fully fleshed out shaman that it really soared to new heights. I thank the gods for this gift, as it has helped out tremendously in life. Every day I see more, and I want to see more. The place where I dwell is one of sightless wonder, one full of dark apparitions and beckoning unbound souls. I haven't wanted to be a mortal ever since I was given my gift, knowing that it was my greatest dream to be a part of a world that exists within my mind's fantastic splendor. In my mind, everything is real, as faith is what dictates what I see. If I believe in everything, I'll never be let down, as the realities that the mind creates through its belief is nothing short of amazing. My perception helps my faith build a world that is comfortable enough for me to escape the cruel realities of the world. How strong is your perception? Can you see what others can't? Can you read the letter between the lines, and interpret the real motives behind the actions of the various people you'll meet? Can you see those spirits hidden in the background, manipulating the environment of those who are not privy to the spirits’ influence? Don't be alarmed if you do, for you may actually have a chance of being a medium or shaman, after all. Perception is one of the most needed requirements for being a shaman, and ones who achieve any sort of perception in life may make for an excellent shaman. The way people acquire perception is a long and difficult path, yet as a shaman it becomes a much easier process. Few can see ghosts and spirits, and those who can have tapped into an energy that few have ever dared to even fathom. Use your perception, and dare to gain unseen intuition. Those who call upon their perception will be rewarded with the intense ability to read signs. Perception reveals all that those attempt to conceal. Your perception is the key to let the light shine that all seek to keep invisible. Let your perception grow, and you will find your way. Without a guiding light in this world there is nothing but the darkness. Perception can help anyone see in the dark. Will you try to see what others cannot? I believe you will. I don't believe you are weak, and I'm sure you know of the powers of the mind. Seek to unlock them all and you will gain the sanctity that lies within the gods’ hands, a place where sorrow cannot reach. Part 64: Obeying The Spirits The shaman must obey both the gods and the spirits. Sometimes, the will of the gods and spirits may seem unreasonable. Trust me, it's not, and the only thing that can prevent you from advancing on the path of shamanism is refusing to do as the spirits ask. We may think that what they do may send us outside of the graces of humans, but trust me, a shaman cannot focus completely on humanity, as your duty is to the spirits. The spirits may even ask you to do outlandish things, but you'll figure out over time why they ask such things. The shaman does not need to make sure that the spirits are loyal to him or her, but more that the shaman is loyal to the spirits. Spirits are powerful beings, and will not assist the unworthy. You must prove your worth if you are to have a strong bond with any of them. Spirits bond with humans in ways that are often fairly similar to the way humans would bond with one another. Spirits want you to become one with them, carrying out the tasks that spirits would be doing themselves in life. Spirits waste no time in telling the shaman what they want, and it is understood that if you want anything at all from the spirit, you will have to do as they ask and request. A shaman cannot grow in ability should the shaman not seek to make the spirits constantly happy. Spirits are dominating personalities, just as you would imagine. They'll pick you up, and then go right back to breaking you down should you not accept their terms. It's not to say that spirits are evil entities or creatures that have an agenda that only equals their own pleasure and happiness. In fact, spirits are quite the opposite. Spirits have to live with the fact that many will never see them, and thus never respect them. When they encounter a real shaman, their hearts are filled, and they wish to test a shaman to see if they are right to wield their power. A shaman may undergo vigorous tests upon the behalf of the spirit, with the shaman wishing to forge a friendship and bond with the spirit. A shaman that is unsuccessful in creating unity with a desired spirit will only feel woe and sorrow, knowing that a great and powerful friend has slipped through their hands. Why would a shaman ever believe that spirits are to be obeyed at all times, as if the spirits themselves are godlike creatures? That is because in Egyptian polytheistic structure, spirits are considered to be divine deities, just like the Egyptians believed that cats are sacred. In ancient times Egyptians even sacrificed food and belongings to spirits and the dead. We do not know much about the direct beliefs that surrounded the way Egyptians saw the afterlife, but we do know the their entire culture was raised around the worship of the gods and additionally what happened to the body and soul once one died. We, as a human whole, are curious in what happens when our bodies give up the ghost, if you will. The Egyptians had a very sophisticated view on what happened to us after we died, and it is beautiful to think that the gods of old have a very special plan for us, along with a place such as Duat for us to achieve eternal rest. As far as spirits were concerned, Egypt had a view that they were similar to the gods in strength and reverence, placing them underneath heroes like Isis and Horus. Shamans will always be able to add more to the accounts of what spirits are, but even I do not know fully what spirits are. They are creatures that are without compare, ones of splendid wonder and magnificent ways. Shaman encounter spirits all the time, alongside ghosts, but at times the difference between ghost and spirit can be dubious and misleading. Whatever the spirit may be, we need to remember that these spirits are nothing short of angelic. We need spirits in our lives, and that means we have to place them first. We cannot pretend that our own lives matter, as we have been called to do a job in which we encounter all sorts of spirits wherever we go. Spirits want you to create harmony with them and not chaos. Humans are the ones who constantly create conflict and chaos with what seems like every spirit that they come across, so we are left to the task of reestablishing the link that connects our worlds by respecting the denizens of the spirit world. It's a shame that humanity does not know much about the incredible and unseen world around them. I feel that if they did know about the existence of the spirit world that coincides with our world that you would see a lot of people become spiritually aware and fewer spirits harmed. Spirits can't be really killed, but they have intense emotions that are better left unharmed. Shamans and spirits are inseparable and interchangeable, yes, but we still are originally two halves of a puzzle. When we become attune to the spirits’ demands, we become stronger. If we are so blind to not respect the spirits that exist all around us, then we will have a very hard time as a shaman. For this certain reason, it is best to see the spirits like gods and obey their every command. I promise you, although spirits are very mischievous, they will not harm you. Spirits will, however, test you with the greatest of all tests. Should you survive the tests that the spirits will seek to break your will with, you will become a valuable asset to the spirits and gods alike. Let's not forget that both the spirit and shaman work for the gods, and therefore we must remember that everything leads back to the central service that seeks to do our gods’ will. Don't be afraid to obey the spirits, even if their requests seem unreasonable. Spirits are your best friends, and want you to prove that you are worthy of being their friends. The spirits will aid you in all your fights, should you obey them. Submission is always the doctrine when it comes to the strong, and trust me, spirits are supernatural powerhouses. You must be the one powerful enough to have sought out the spirits’ assistance and prove to them that you are indeed the one that will lead them to their dreams, and have their wishes fulfilled under your service. Grant their wishes and watch as each and everyone one of your wildest and unimaginable dreams come true. Part 63: Astral Projection Astral Projection is the ability to move outside of your body and into new realms and areas that are normally too far away to reach. The premises is that the person leaves their body and becomes like a ghost, able to move at extraordinary speeds and observe people in a casual and invisible way. Astral Projection is very similar to how a shaman may travel to the other world (the spirit world, and so it can be viewed as an extra form of shamanism,) even if Astral Projection is a bit crude and uncontrollable. It's main strength relies on the fact that it can happen to even those who are not developed psychically, and it's main drawback is that a person may drift away from their body, forever. Astral Projection is not to be confused with remote viewing, a more precise and controlled form of psychic phenomena. Remote viewing is something that psychics use to view and see places far away. Remote viewing also mirrors (at least in some ways,) the shamans ability to see what others can't. A shaman can see ghosts and spirits, and the remote viewing user will see places that others cannot. Many shaman specialize in psychic ability, and it is but a simple part of a greater whole for the shaman. Astral Projection, is often the same for the shaman, as the shaman knows the trick but prefers other forms of OBEs (outer body experiences,) to Astral travel. The shaman often leaves their body, and would prefer to use what is most comfortable to them. Astral Projection is something often talked about within paranormal experience circles but is often not elaborated on its true purpose and nature. I am led to believe it is a greater manifestation of a dream-like experience. One cannot view what our subconscious is trying to tell us accurately so our spiritual essence floats out of our body, ready to view what our subconscious is telling us. Another theory is that it is something demonic, where the spirit has been forced out of the body due to demonic assaults and occupation. The result of such an exchange is that the spirit floats away, forced out for a period of time or forever. Whatever the cause of Astral Projection, it will still forever remain a mystery for us. There is so many other ways to experience other places and realms outside of Astral Projection. When I was younger, I experienced Astral Projection, and it felt like a primitive form of my abilities that developed later on in life. After I had reached my initial rebirth as a shaman, the outer body experiences became controlled, and much easier to manage, and thus it is proven to me that Astral Projection, at its best, may be interesting, but ultimately, a fluke. How does a shaman go to other realms and worlds, exactly? What is the exact technique they use? A shaman does leave their body, just like a person would in astral travel, but there is one major key difference. The shaman leaves to see visions, often directed by the shaman’s gods. That's right: a shaman leaves their husk at the whim of those above him or her. What we see when we are absent from our physical selves is mind blowing and extraordinary. We drift into a world where nothing is as it seems. Our bodies become our own vehicles, being our means to no longer be in the physical world but instead the spirit world. There we have a weightless form that can travel to one end of the world to the next, able to take in the breathtaking wonders that inhabit the spirit world. That is one of the key differences between astral projection and shamanic travel to the underworld: shamans see an unseen world where those who do astal projection see the ordinary world. It's not to say that one who is committing astral projection is experiencing something special. In fact, it can be very special, however the risks involved with astral projection can be dangerous and therefore a risk each time the user initiates it. We are creatures who want to believe. Astral projection and other forms of OBEs provide some outlet to make their belief come to life. We are shaman because we do believe, and we know that we are not always in control (if ever,) of our own actions. The only thing we can do is hope to become part of a grand scheme and possess our own soul. Astral projection can offer many opportunities for us discover what is out there, but it's implied that a shaman or prophet’s visions are stronger, if only by the natural meaning of the messages. Let go of everything you know, as a walk down the shaman’s path will make you see the readily conceived as absolutely boring. Astral travel is something that always seems to be random, but I dare say it is not. If you are experiencing this phenomena, I urge you to pay attention to the signs around you very closely. If you can figure out why you are leaving your body, note it and do everything you can to fix it. When my soul was sealed inside my body upon becoming an invocated shaman, I was more than happy to get past my astral projection stage. Remember, that visions are the more acceptable form of otherworldly manifestations, albeit less glamorous. A shaman-to-be may be one experiencing astral projection, but a real shaman will not deal with such risky endeavors. The shaman needs to be in control over their body, as many shaman will have an extreme amount of spirits and ghosts pass through their coil. To be at peace with yourself and your surroundings will create unity with the spirits around you, enabling you and your allies to grow a stronger bond. How could one drifting away during OBEs ever seek to gain unity with those who are functioning around your body, it housing your mind and so much more? Part 62: The Ecstatic Rituals A shaman’s power exists within their rituals. Within them, they exhibit ritualistic dances, singing, praying, and more to enable them to bring forth the powers of heaven. Their rituals are full of energy and passion, exhibiting extreme emotion. The shaman is full of emotion, and it blows away people who are lucky enough to see such a grand display. It is true that there is magick in the ritual itself. Only a shaman understands the alteration of their consciousness that occurs during the ritual. We are filled with energy and feelings that seem too intense to be our own, and we know that the gods are entering our bodies at the time. Obviously, a shaman can have spirits enter their bodies, and that means a godly spirit or deity may choose to allow us the privilege of them possessing our body, it acting as a divine conduit. The emotions we feel must match our dance and song. We have many spirits participate in our ritual, and if able, humans also. We gesture, sing, and lay prone, in hopes that the desired spirit will enter our body. Should our ritual succeed, new spirits, powers, and miracles are the reward. We may be able to save someone's life, (Or maybe save the lives of an entire village!) if the gods approve of our earnest rituals and hearts. If the gods and spirits do not answer, then their will is thus ratified. Whatever a god or spirit decides must be respected and understood that our shamanic wishes were not answered for good purpose. We cannot believe that our rituals were in vain, as that is a thought that is purely nonsense. Our rituals seem psychedelic to most, and for good reason. Many shaman of the past ingested drugs to alter their conscious, hoping that the hightened state of consciousness would allow them to see the spirit world better. Obviously, I must warn you that taking drugs is illegal and that it is something that was more acceptable for shamanism in the past. Our rituals are already ecstatic without the need for hallucinogenic drugs. That being said, the things we see and feel in shamanic trance induced by our rituals is absolutely amazing. We truly do take a voyage on the edge of two worlds when we dare to commit our shamanic rituals. The euphoric feeling that accompanies shamanic ritual is something that cannot be easily forgotten. Each moment we spend out of it is a reminder of each moment we do spend in it. For us to be able to communicate with the spirits in their own realm is something every shaman should constantly aspire for. What exactly is the feeling we get when our divine artform succeeds? Imagine the feeling to be like one you've never experienced, one of pure pleasure and and joy. It's like seeing a ghost or a spirit for the first time, it's just that memorable. (In some ways it is exactly like that!) The shamanic ritual is something that transports your mind way into the clouds, and for that time, everything makes sense and you feel as if you have the keys to the universe. Everywhere under the heavens becomes accessible, and as you pass from place to place, you discover that there is truly nowhere you cannot go. The gods are the ones who give you this divine rite of passage, and the passionate emotion that comes with it. Do not squander such a gift. Shamanic ritual is something that should not be initiated without good reason. Use it sparingly, and you will feel the intense sensation that comes with shamanic ritual to its fullest. It's not that the ecstasy that shamanism is full of is directly felt by the mind, but more the spirit. Ancient civilizations all believed that the mind and the spirit are one, and to some extent, I believe that as well. That means that anything that is felt by the mind, then also the spirit feels the same pleasure. The purpose of shamanic ritual is to communicate with spirits by using the appropriate customs to summon them and eventually go into a trance, opening up a portal to their realm that the shaman can then enter. The shaman’s body goes limp, indicating that he or she has successfully entered the spirit world. There, he or she goes on a quest, looking for missing spirits, cures to diseases, the gods’ council, and more. Should the shaman find what he or she is looking for, they return, eager to share what they have discovered in the spirit world with others. A shaman can mark off a journey to the spirit world as a success should they find what they had been originally looked for there. Sometimes, we do not know what we are looking for, exactly, and it may become a tad bit more complex. Either way, we must trust in the spirits and gods to aid us and deliver us through their world when we are there. Only they know how to find what we are looking for in the spirit world. Never underestimate the strength of the spirits. They are passionate and helpful guides. The ecstasy felt by a shaman when they are weaving their ritual is a feeling of emotional bliss. Although our hearts may be heavy, they always also are true and pure. Should we feel the touch of divinity that comes with shamanic trance, then we must also know that this is something too powerful to come from us alone. As we have our conscious warp and bend, we can finally know what it is like to be a true shaman who is in charge of our abilities. The trance feels as if we are putting on another person's skin for awhile. It is a strange feeling to get used to. The intensity that is felt during trance is unreal. The memories and visions felt and seen during shamanic trance is a reminder of who we are and why we are shaman. Never deny the power of the ecstatic rituals we undergo when we need to enter trance. It is the power of what opens up shamanic trance that makes our rituals so blissful, a feeling many would die for just to feel. Traditions are traditions for good reason, as it is something carried with honor and great merit. Mother Isis has been the goddess of life as long as time can remember. Her example should lead you to the understanding of why our rituals are there. Gods do not change, as what worked in the beginning will still continue to work. Mother Isis has been the queen sorceress, possessing the gift of rebirth for so long. Her gentle touch is the reason that many men and women seek her power. Our gift of shamanic trance is the same way. It always works, and many chase after it, in the hopes of divine enlightenment. Will you be gifted enough to discover our secret ecstatic ritual? Part 61: The Neverending Pilgrimage
You are a shaman, but what you really are on the inside is a pilgrim. You have so much to live for. Your life and actions will decide the fate of many from both the world of the living and the spirit world. There's no way that you can turn back on those who made you. The people of the earth. Don't try and run. Make your pilgrimage, whether it is to the top of the mountain or to a throne. You aren't afraid, are you? You'll need all the strength you can get to go to where you are heading, and more importantly, belief in yourself. Going on a pilgrimage is what shamanism is all about. You aren't here for just one reason. You are here for great purpose. You are to embark on a journey of neverending self-exploration. Sometimes the trip is beautiful, and other times it is absolute torment. You will be tormented as much as you are enlightened. You'll become attached to the spirits and other denizens of Duat, trust me. There is no way to avoid that. You will find yourself crying for them often. You'll be lost in pure emotion. Your pilgrimage belongs to your heart. To stand the trials you'll face as a shaman you will have to be the strongest man or woman alive. Please, don't act like it doesn't matter. A person like me has spent my whole life indulged in shamanism, and when others speak of it, I find crude lines drawn on the wall. To be the complete shaman, you will have to dive straight into hell. You think you are tough? You think you know anything about shamanism at all? You don't, because this is a pilgrimage, and it is never the same for two people. This life is something of both pain and pleasure, and although the body's pain disappears after becoming a shaman, you're emotions will be torn to shreds, time and time again. I've lamented for twelve years as an official and elected shaman. I fear nothing, and you'll find out I have the abundance of a bear when it comes to spiritual wealth. I accomplished this by engaging on my own pilgrimage, seeking to better myself through the test of fire, where every part inside feels like I am burning alive. My heart beats heavy and jumps for joy everytime I engage in my archaic and ecstatic art, my shamanic magick. Even if you read this book from start to finish, you'll only know a tiny bit of all my knowledge when it comes shamanism. Scary, isn't it? It makes you feel discouraged, doesn't it? Fear not, child, for I am with you, like a graceful teacher, an unsung guardian fallen angel. I will not let you die, not ever. Once you can walk this path alone, I will leave you, and you will be able to resume your pilgrimage to find out why your heart hurts so much. Other people will see you walking your path alone, as others cannot obviously see ghosts. Humans will prey on you, and try to rob you on your pilgrimage. Do not be tricked by these lowly beings, and summon your guardian angel to strike them down. Do not ever doubt the power of your guardian, as they will be able to save you, always, just give them your faith. You are stronger than any mortal, trust me, as they are not attuned to the forces that dance around you. Your pilgrimage must not end, and if it does, shamanism will claim yet another one of its countless victims. Don't be a statistic, for you must be able to walk upright, and face any opponent that comes along. Shamans are born fighters. We are intense and emotional warriors, and I don't think that any foe knows that we are the hurricane that lays waste to everyone in our path. We do not care for what man has to say, and your pilgrimage will succeed in forcing you to put your entire mortal life behind. Let them hate you, as they always will. Jealousy will rise up in them, and it is a shame that they cannot see your radiant soul, underneath it all. We are not one, but with the spirits, we are one. That means that I will offer you little guidance on your path, and everything else must come from the spirits that guide you on your path. They may reject you at first, but spirits and ghosts love those who relentlessly chase after them. I sacrifice to them all the time, as my shamanism has taken my life completely. I sought out to write this book (and, especially this chapter,) to offer what little encouragement and help I can to you. Someday, I'd love for you to talk to me, and tell me your tales. I have many, and whatever you may take out of them, I pray that it is enough. I have taken so much from this world, robbing it of every storehouse in heaven. I want to share my arcana and wisdom with all. I write ten pages a day, and sometimes, (if not always,) it does not feel as if it is enough. My heart is heavy, and it wants to bleed for you. Don't let me down, and continue your endless pilgrimage, your ill-fated journey. Don't be worried. You have so long to go, and its best you do not waver when danger comes your way. If you feel like you're losing your mind, then that is also clear sign you have found the true form of shamanism, a constant barrage of spirits and ghosts thrusting their concerns on you. Fulfill their wishes and desires, and they will bless your blade and your shoes, letting you fight through the endless masses we call humanity. They wish nothing more than to make you just like them, and that is dream suicide. Curses be on those who made up the idea of the American Dream, for that is suicide for your soul. Rise up, and take arms. Grab your backpack, put on your boots, and find your compass, because, good god, we are going on a endless journey to save our heart, spirit, mind, and soul. Forever is a hell of a lot longer than what the damned world offers you. Happiness for a moment is nothing compared to the eons of ecstatic bliss that shamanism offers you. |