Secrets of Shamanism

202 SECRETS OF SHAMANISM

Dance Ritual #1: The Steps

1. Set up the environment.


2. Begin to drum or rattle (or start tape). Begin to
   move.


3. Mentally travel to a place you feel powerful.


4. Continue moving for as long as you want (not less
   than 5 minutes).


5. End with three strong beats.


6. Journey if you wish.

helps you practice that ability and prepare for situations

where you want to access the spirit world quickly for advice

while remaining undetected in a social setting. In many situa-

tions you will not be able to dance but you will have devel-

oped the skill to be in both worlds at once. In this sense the

dance is like a drill to prepare you for that.

Dance Ritual #2: The Journey Dance (Advanced)

Prepare the environment as you did in the first dance rit-
ual. Use a rattle if you wish. It helps here to have someone
else drum for you or use a drumming tape. You may discover
some rhythmic music that works for you, but it should not be
too oriented toward a specific emotion.
Stand in the center of the room with your eyes closed and
call upon your power animal or guardian spirit. Tell them
your problem; ask them your question and then follow their
instructions.
As you experience the journey, dance it, using hand mo-
tions and gestures to illustrate what is happening. Use the

Dance Ritual #2: The Steps

1. Prepare the environment.


2. Begin to rattle or turn on drumming tape.


3. Communicate the focus of your journey to your
   guardian.


4. Follow their instructions.


5. Dance your journey experience.


6. End with three beats.


7. Thank your guardian.