12 SECRETS OF SHAMANISM- They have learned to relax their physical bodies and to
reduce their level of stress so that they are more receptive
and efficient. They are able to quiet the mental chatter so
that they can better hear, see, or feel the internal message. - Shamans use the powers of their inner vision and imagina-
tion to journey for knowledge and for vital information.
They have learned to recognize that these clues and sym-
bols are important and they believe that they are worth
listening to. They learn how to suspend judgment and trust
their inner guidance. - They learn to work with natural images and symbols from
within and know how to interpret these to overcome ob-
stacles and problems. True artists, they often bring their
symbolism forth into ritualistic song, dance, movement,
and rhythms. - Shamans learn how to understand people and how to work
with them in a healing fashion. They have excellent insight
into people's character structures. Shamans know how to
laugh and have learned to be detached enough from the
drama of life to find the human condition amusing. - They learn to communicate both externally and internally
at the same time. They truly have a foot in both worlds at
once and lose track of neither. They alter their views about
linear time and suspend beliefs in the limitations of the
human mind. - Shamans learn how to be successful and they certainly
know how to take action when called for. Shamans are not
armchair philosophers. They have practical skills for han-
dling dilemmas. They have become quite comfortable with
paradox. - They know how to shift levels of consciousness at will.
They are as comfortable with ecstatic states as with ordi-
nary waking consciousness. This gives them a flexible na-
ture, able to handle change easily. - Shamans are fighters. They are disciplined and persistent
in their attempts to gain power and apply it to the common
good. They know how to protect themselves in formidable
circumstances.
These then are the qualities and attributes shared by sha-
mans throughout the ages from all continents of the world.
These shamans are no more than human beings who devel-
oped themselves out of interest and dedication. Their talents