210 SECRETS OF SHAMANISMHARNESSING POWER THROUGH LIGHT
Shamans the world over have a special relationship with
the sun and with its properties of heat and light. Although
much of shamanic work is done in the darkness of night or
with the eyes closed, storing light is an important part of a
shaman's work. Traditionally shamans have enjoyed sitting in
the sun for hours, collecting and storing sunlight for their
more nocturnal activities. Many ancient shamans were sun
worshipers who appeared to stare directly into the sun to
receive its powers. Actually their purpose was to let as much
sunlight as possible enter their eyes.
Under no circumstances should you stare directly into the
sun or even indirectly, as you might damage your eyes irre-
parably. Nor, with the current destruction of the ozone layer,
should you sit naked in the sun for any period of time. Nev-
ertheless, being outdoors and absorbing much sunlight
through the skin and eyes even indirectly under the shade of
a tree is an excellent shamanic practice to absorb power.You have now learned many rituals, ceremonies, and
practices that shamans use in their quest for power and self-
knowledge. Keep in mind that these rituals have countless
forms and are subject to infinite personal interpretation. Re-
member also that shamanism is a deeply personal practice,
without dogma or rigid guidelines. Making these practices
work for you is the important thing.