Secrets of Shamanism

Jose AMD LBIIA STEVENS 199

Fill me with your power,

Fly me, bear, fly me, bear

Surround me with your fur,

Hah hey, hah hey, hey hey hey

Hah hey, hah hey, hey hey hey.

These power songs remind shamans that they are pro-
tected from harm by their guardian spirit. In singing them,
they honor their allies and call forth their powers to protect
and help them. The songs are also a constant reminder that
they are connected with the spirit world, not lost in the
"dream" of ordinary reality. Singing a power song fills them
with power and a sense of certainty.
Power songs are usually sung at ceremonial times, during
rites of passage, or in situations where assistance is wanted.
For example, a power song might be sung just prior to a
healing ritual or a journey for specific information to solve a
thorny problem. You can sing a power song prior to a chal-
lenging interview, meeting, or test situation, where more
power would be of value. Singing a power song just before a
surgical procedure or medical intervention would be excel-
lent.
Here are some hints at discovering your own power
songs.

• Take a journey using the methods we have outlined specif-
  ically to find a power song. Tell your ally that this is what
  you are looking for. Allow your ally to take you some-
  where where you can find one or be given one. Upon re-
  turning, practice it until you get the words, sounds, beat,
  and tune clear.


• Using a drum, begin a methodical beat, and allow yourself
  to relax with the idea in mind that a power song is looking
  for you. The power song will find you via the beat of the
  drum if you are open to it. As you begin to get fragments
  of words or sounds, gradually alter your beat to accommo-
  date the new song. Don't worry if it feels like you are
  making it up at first, because that is the way most sha-
  manic work intuitively feels. Take a risk and continue to
  plug away, letting something come through. Be persistent
  but playful and proceed without effort. If it feels like work,
  quit and try it another time. There is no limit to the
  number of power songs you can have, but generally you
  will probably rely on one or two favorites.