Secrets of Shamanism

198 SECRETS OF SHAMANISM

Opening Ritual: The Steps

1. Using a rattle, stand in the center of the room. Face
   east.


2. Pivot clockwise, describing a circle with the shaking
   rattle.


3. Face east. Invoke its power and spirit.


4. Shake rattle for the upper, middle and lower
   worlds.


5. Move clockwise, face south, west and north.


6. Rattle for Sky and Earth as fifth and sixth direc-
   tions.

POWER SONGS

While there are a great many traditional songs and chants
that accompany shamanic ceremonies, shamans usually have
their own spirit or power songs. These songs come to them
spontaneously and may or may not become a permanent part
of their shamanic toolbox. Typically, a song is given to sha-
mans by their guardian spirits as a gift of protection or a
method of calling up power. The power song may be long
and elaborate, but more commonly it is a simple verse or
series of sounds set to a rhythm or tune. It may be accompa-
nied by simple drumming or sung unaccompanied. Here are
two examples of simple power songs.

1

Oh waters, you are my Mend,

Oh waters, you are my friend,

You carry me in your bosom,

You fill me with strength,

You surround me, you guide me,

Oh waters, waters, oh waters

2

Hah hey, hah hey, hey hey hey

Hah hey, hah hey, heh hey hey

Fly me, bear, fly me, bear

To where you fill the sky,

Fly me, bear, fly me, bear

Your name I always hear,

Fly me, bear, fly me, bear