Ke$ha's "Your Love Is My Drug" is a Shamanic Head Trip

This is what I get for turning to YouTube to help myself wake up on a dreary Tuesday. It's been said that poplet Ke$ha is the poor man's Lady Gaga because she keeps reaching in the same direction but never quite gets there. I would agree, but Ke$ha's songs are catchy and full of humor, so she can't be all bad.

But girl goes all shamanic in her latest video for "Your Love Is My Drug." (Couldn't post it so you'll have to follow the link.) It's obviously inspired by the 70s, too. For most of it, she jumps around in the desert (California, I'm assuming), but then there's a real elephant plus some chick with a tiger mask (animal totem?), so it could be anywhere (Africa, Asia?). She's with some guy who looks like Jesus, and they're both dressed hippie-like (no body glitter this time). More animal shape-shifting, and then Ke$ha turns into a mermaid before dancing around in some hippie net shawl thingy.

Watch carefully for Native American symbolism, and I think I caught Australian Aboriginal symbols, too. For a second, Ke$ha's even wearing bird feathers. Her shamanic "money shot," so to speak, comes when the lights go out and she's wearing glow-in-the-dark body paint with markings reminiscent of tribal peoples (Africa, maybe?). Then she dances around with a giant snake, a la Britney.

Yeah, it's a great big mish-mash and the song itself is mindless pop. Of course, I'm sure it was cooked up in a marketing meeting about "trends." Still, I like to see this kind of symbolism pop up, and I think it lodges in people's psyches and helps open them up to things that are ultimately more meaningful.

Ke$ha's "Your Love Is My Drug" is a Shamanic Head Trip

This is what I get for turning to YouTube to help myself wake up on a dreary Tuesday. It's been said that poplet Ke$ha is the poor man's Lady Gaga because she keeps reaching in the same direction but never quite gets there. I would agree, but Ke$ha's songs are catchy and full of humor, so she can't be all bad.

But girl goes all shamanic in her latest video for "Your Love Is My Drug." (Couldn't post it so you'll have to follow the link.) It's obviously inspired by the 70s, too. For most of it, she jumps around in the desert (California, I'm assuming), but then there's a real elephant plus some chick with a tiger mask (animal totem?), so it could be anywhere (Africa, Asia?). She's with some guy who looks like Jesus, and they're both dressed hippie-like (no body glitter this time). More animal shape-shifting, and then Ke$ha turns into a mermaid before dancing around in some hippie net shawl thingy.

Watch carefully for Native American symbolism, and I think I caught Australian Aboriginal symbols, too. For a second, Ke$ha's even wearing bird feathers. Her shamanic "money shot," so to speak, comes when the lights go out and she's wearing glow-in-the-dark body paint with markings reminiscent of tribal peoples (Africa, maybe?). Then she dances around with a giant snake, a la Britney.

Yeah, it's a great big mish-mash and the song itself is mindless pop. Of course, I'm sure it was cooked up in a marketing meeting about "trends." Still, I like to see this kind of symbolism pop up, and I think it lodges in people's psyches and helps open them up to things that are ultimately more meaningful.

A Journey Through the Akashic Records, the Book of Life and My Ego

This past Friday I attended a meditation at a friend's home, and the idea was to journey (or meditate) to the Akashic Records, a theoretical place where you can "access" information about all our lives, past, present and future. I had heard about the Akashic Records but didn't know much. The idea grew out of the Theosophical Movement and was popularized by psychic Edgar Cayce. I was looking forward to a group meditation since I had mostly been journeying alone, the subject matter was interesting and I wanted to meet the meditation leader, who owns a esoteric healing school where some friends are employed. End result? Not impressed, but I think it had more to do with me than anything else.

I've heard of Cayce but don't really know much. Anway, I was curious to "visit" this place where he claimed you could find all the records of all our lives (assuming reincarnation is real, of course). The idea is you go to gain insight; any problems you're having now are linked to past-life decisions/actions. Sort of like a super computer.

Scary Christian Crap
But the more I read about the Akashic Records ("akasha" is a Sanskrit word meaning "big, blue sky"), the more apprehensive I became. A lot of people, even the meditation leader, likened it to the Biblical Book of Life. Maybe that comparison helps people understand, but it just turned me off. Do you know how many times I agonized as a Christian about whether or not my name was truly written in that damn book?! For whatever reason, I feared that I would die and reach Heaven only to have Jesus shake his head sadly and send me to Hell. Yeah, good times!

Obviously, I have issues there--but, seriously, why use an outdated, fear-based comparison? Can't we move past that? But I was still curious to see what I would experience. Hey, I'm an optimist. While I didn't have any very specific info I was seeking, I thought, well, I'm curious to know about my future with my partner. These kind of meditations can trigger all sorts of things in the subconscious.

Jealous? Who--me?
It started out rough. I had never been to my friend's house before (we went through the shamanic mystery school together)--and immediately Envy reared its green head. She has a beautiful home, just the kind I'd love to have. Lush, green yard full of flowers and plants, and a lovely home with art, very comfortable and well-appointed. I know, I know--none of that matters--except when you have these aspirations and wonder why you've failed to achieve them.

So I was focused on that as we started the first of two meditations. I also didn't like that the meditation leader basically just jumped right in--no special breathing, so ringing of a bell, just "close your eyes and go!" The first meditation, however, came together. It wasn't to the Akasha but one designed to help us tap into life purpose and soul messages. But it was too damn short! This one was very vivid and felt like it was going somewhere--and then it ended. So maybe I'll have to revisit this one again on my own.

Over Before It Began
After a break, we headed to the Akashic Records. Before we began, the leader showed us a picture created to show what Cayce experienced on his own journey. Again, very reminiscent of ascending through the levels of Hell up to Heaven--at least, that's what I saw. First, I don't believe in any demons or evil creatures anyway, so this was just another barrier. What is the point really? All I knew is I was uncomfortable with the setting, and so I knew I needed to protect myself. Maybe that's why it didn't go so well.

So we head "up" to the Library. I did see an actual book, which when opened contained more futuristic-looking cartridges. I was handed one by some nondescript entity--but then it was time to go back! It seemed like most of the journey was us getting there, and then it was time to return. Oddly, I did sense that my partner was there with me, which was nice. But that was it--no messages, no other imagery, nothing.

Once the leader brought us back to regular consciousness, we all discussed what we had experienced. Several others mentioned all kinds of things they saw and felt. I began to wonder maybe I had done something wrong. Why hadn't I experienced all this?? Whatever--I was ready to leave. So I quickly gathered my things, said my goodbyes and was the first out the door (it was late anyway, I told myself).

Not a Complete Bust
I was disappointed. I had looked forward to this for several weeks only to get creeped out and leave feeling, "What was the big deal?" Everyone else kept saying how wonderful it was and blah, blah, blah. But now that I've had time to think it over, I do feel better. And I've had some realizations:

1. I simply don't care for these meditations where people seem to need validation ("you are loved," "God loves you," etc). To me, it's irrelevant. I don't believe in a god whose love I need in order to feel special. Also, I don't have a need to constantly heal past "trauma." Sure, my life has had its share of bad stuff, but somehow I get through it relatively well, whereas some people never can get past what their mother didn't do right or what happened to them in the past.
2. My ego was in the way. Obviously, I have issues about material, worldly success, and that clouded my attitude and energy from the start. If I hadn't been comparing myself to my friend, I might have had a different experience. Then afterward, I was comparing my meditation experience to that of everyone else. Despite my frustration, I'm sure I could gain some insights from what I DID experience rather than trying to meet some obscure expectations.

So, in the end, maybe I learned something after all, in spite of myself. And that's what I dig about shamanism.

A Journey Through the Akashic Records, the Book of Life and My Ego

This past Friday I attended a meditation at a friend's home, and the idea was to journey (or meditate) to the Akashic Records, a theoretical place where you can "access" information about all our lives, past, present and future. I had heard about the Akashic Records but didn't know much. The idea grew out of the Theosophical Movement and was popularized by psychic Edgar Cayce. I was looking forward to a group meditation since I had mostly been journeying alone, the subject matter was interesting and I wanted to meet the meditation leader, who owns a esoteric healing school where some friends are employed. End result? Not impressed, but I think it had more to do with me than anything else.

I've heard of Cayce but don't really know much. Anway, I was curious to "visit" this place where he claimed you could find all the records of all our lives (assuming reincarnation is real, of course). The idea is you go to gain insight; any problems you're having now are linked to past-life decisions/actions. Sort of like a super computer.

Scary Christian Crap
But the more I read about the Akashic Records ("akasha" is a Sanskrit word meaning "big, blue sky"), the more apprehensive I became. A lot of people, even the meditation leader, likened it to the Biblical Book of Life. Maybe that comparison helps people understand, but it just turned me off. Do you know how many times I agonized as a Christian about whether or not my name was truly written in that damn book?! For whatever reason, I feared that I would die and reach Heaven only to have Jesus shake his head sadly and send me to Hell. Yeah, good times!

Obviously, I have issues there--but, seriously, why use an outdated, fear-based comparison? Can't we move past that? But I was still curious to see what I would experience. Hey, I'm an optimist. While I didn't have any very specific info I was seeking, I thought, well, I'm curious to know about my future with my partner. These kind of meditations can trigger all sorts of things in the subconscious.

Jealous? Who--me?
It started out rough. I had never been to my friend's house before (we went through the shamanic mystery school together)--and immediately Envy reared its green head. She has a beautiful home, just the kind I'd love to have. Lush, green yard full of flowers and plants, and a lovely home with art, very comfortable and well-appointed. I know, I know--none of that matters--except when you have these aspirations and wonder why you've failed to achieve them.

So I was focused on that as we started the first of two meditations. I also didn't like that the meditation leader basically just jumped right in--no special breathing, so ringing of a bell, just "close your eyes and go!" The first meditation, however, came together. It wasn't to the Akasha but one designed to help us tap into life purpose and soul messages. But it was too damn short! This one was very vivid and felt like it was going somewhere--and then it ended. So maybe I'll have to revisit this one again on my own.

Over Before It Began
After a break, we headed to the Akashic Records. Before we began, the leader showed us a picture created to show what Cayce experienced on his own journey. Again, very reminiscent of ascending through the levels of Hell up to Heaven--at least, that's what I saw. First, I don't believe in any demons or evil creatures anyway, so this was just another barrier. What is the point really? All I knew is I was uncomfortable with the setting, and so I knew I needed to protect myself. Maybe that's why it didn't go so well.

So we head "up" to the Library. I did see an actual book, which when opened contained more futuristic-looking cartridges. I was handed one by some nondescript entity--but then it was time to go back! It seemed like most of the journey was us getting there, and then it was time to return. Oddly, I did sense that my partner was there with me, which was nice. But that was it--no messages, no other imagery, nothing.

Once the leader brought us back to regular consciousness, we all discussed what we had experienced. Several others mentioned all kinds of things they saw and felt. I began to wonder maybe I had done something wrong. Why hadn't I experienced all this?? Whatever--I was ready to leave. So I quickly gathered my things, said my goodbyes and was the first out the door (it was late anyway, I told myself).

Not a Complete Bust
I was disappointed. I had looked forward to this for several weeks only to get creeped out and leave feeling, "What was the big deal?" Everyone else kept saying how wonderful it was and blah, blah, blah. But now that I've had time to think it over, I do feel better. And I've had some realizations:

1. I simply don't care for these meditations where people seem to need validation ("you are loved," "God loves you," etc). To me, it's irrelevant. I don't believe in a god whose love I need in order to feel special. Also, I don't have a need to constantly heal past "trauma." Sure, my life has had its share of bad stuff, but somehow I get through it relatively well, whereas some people never can get past what their mother didn't do right or what happened to them in the past.
2. My ego was in the way. Obviously, I have issues about material, worldly success, and that clouded my attitude and energy from the start. If I hadn't been comparing myself to my friend, I might have had a different experience. Then afterward, I was comparing my meditation experience to that of everyone else. Despite my frustration, I'm sure I could gain some insights from what I DID experience rather than trying to meet some obscure expectations.

So, in the end, maybe I learned something after all, in spite of myself. And that's what I dig about shamanism.

Sounds for Healing

Last week a friend who I met through last year's Shamanic Mystery School invited me for a sound healing session. Not that I seemed to need it necessarily, but she's starting her own healing practice and wanted, well, guinea pigs. If it's free--I'm there!

(No, this isn't my friend below, but I thought she looked friendly.)

I've had a wee bit of experience with sound healing, but this was my first private session. In order to be a good client, I put some thought into what I might need healing for, and of course, I thought about my relationship with my partner, but also healing for what I perceive as a tendency to hold back and be too much of a pleaser. Sounds minor, but this tendency can turn crippling.

The idea with sound healing is that everything, including us, is made up of energy at various frequencies. Think string theory! So if something is off in your vibration, that could lead to illness, emotional dependencies and all sorts of other problems. If those vibrations can be put back in tune--sort of like tuning an old piano--then you'll be as good as new. Sure, I don't know if I buy into all of it, and yet I know how a favorite song--those particular sounds--can put me in a happy mood or a sad one. Sound does affect us in ways we often take for granted.

Any sounds can be used: bells, gongs, tuning forks, quartz crystal bowls--even the human voice. My biggest surprise during the session came when my friend--a rather quiet, mousy person--started toning with her voice. Out of this little woman came a deep, masculine tone; at first, I thought it was a recording. Her voice changed throughout, from deep to high-pitched, from loud, throaty hums to soft whispers. All the while, she's using her various instruments. Meanwhile, my job is to relax and pay attention to any images or impressions I receive. Afterward, we'd both discuss our experience--and then wait for the healing to take effect.

I won't bore you with all the images and impressions, but the session did give me something to think over. Maybe all those sounds will help me preserve my "personal power," if you will. Overall, the experience was powerful, I do have to say. It's an intimate experience, to allow a person to tone for you in this way, to reveal something about yourself beyond an upset tummy or whatever. Oddly, just lying there listening to my friend's powerful voice and the bold sounds of the instruments chipped away at my own reticence--encouraging me to let my own power and abilities to shine forth. So, I guess it did work! And my friend also offered me another session--for free! I think I'll go back in a few weeks and give it another try.

If you're ever curious about sound healing, I would recommend Zacciah Blackburn, who offers workshops around the country, so there may be one offered near you.

Sounds for Healing

Last week a friend who I met through last year's Shamanic Mystery School invited me for a sound healing session. Not that I seemed to need it necessarily, but she's starting her own healing practice and wanted, well, guinea pigs. If it's free--I'm there!

(No, this isn't my friend below, but I thought she looked friendly.)

I've had a wee bit of experience with sound healing, but this was my first private session. In order to be a good client, I put some thought into what I might need healing for, and of course, I thought about my relationship with my partner, but also healing for what I perceive as a tendency to hold back and be too much of a pleaser. Sounds minor, but this tendency can turn crippling.

The idea with sound healing is that everything, including us, is made up of energy at various frequencies. Think string theory! So if something is off in your vibration, that could lead to illness, emotional dependencies and all sorts of other problems. If those vibrations can be put back in tune--sort of like tuning an old piano--then you'll be as good as new. Sure, I don't know if I buy into all of it, and yet I know how a favorite song--those particular sounds--can put me in a happy mood or a sad one. Sound does affect us in ways we often take for granted.

Any sounds can be used: bells, gongs, tuning forks, quartz crystal bowls--even the human voice. My biggest surprise during the session came when my friend--a rather quiet, mousy person--started toning with her voice. Out of this little woman came a deep, masculine tone; at first, I thought it was a recording. Her voice changed throughout, from deep to high-pitched, from loud, throaty hums to soft whispers. All the while, she's using her various instruments. Meanwhile, my job is to relax and pay attention to any images or impressions I receive. Afterward, we'd both discuss our experience--and then wait for the healing to take effect.

I won't bore you with all the images and impressions, but the session did give me something to think over. Maybe all those sounds will help me preserve my "personal power," if you will. Overall, the experience was powerful, I do have to say. It's an intimate experience, to allow a person to tone for you in this way, to reveal something about yourself beyond an upset tummy or whatever. Oddly, just lying there listening to my friend's powerful voice and the bold sounds of the instruments chipped away at my own reticence--encouraging me to let my own power and abilities to shine forth. So, I guess it did work! And my friend also offered me another session--for free! I think I'll go back in a few weeks and give it another try.

If you're ever curious about sound healing, I would recommend Zacciah Blackburn, who offers workshops around the country, so there may be one offered near you.

"Marvel-ous" Meditation

A friend says to me the other day, "Just ride whatever spirit is offering you."

And I thought of this guy, the Silver Surfer! Which is totally groovy. He's a bit of a tragic character, but I like what the Wiki has to say about the Surfer's abilities:

"The Silver Surfer wields the Power Cosmic, granting him superhuman strength, stamina, durability, senses and the ability to absorb and manipulate the universe's ambient energy for a variety of effects. The Surfer can navigate through interstellar space, dimensional barriers, and hyperspace, which he can enter to exceed the speed of light when flying on his board, and has even proven capable of time travel."

 Yep, this guy's definitely a rad shaman with a surfboard! 

"Marvel-ous" Meditation

A friend says to me the other day, "Just ride whatever spirit is offering you."

And I thought of this guy, the Silver Surfer! Which is totally groovy. He's a bit of a tragic character, but I like what the Wiki has to say about the Surfer's abilities:

"The Silver Surfer wields the Power Cosmic, granting him superhuman strength, stamina, durability, senses and the ability to absorb and manipulate the universe's ambient energy for a variety of effects. The Surfer can navigate through interstellar space, dimensional barriers, and hyperspace, which he can enter to exceed the speed of light when flying on his board, and has even proven capable of time travel."

 Yep, this guy's definitely a rad shaman with a surfboard! 

My Great Grandfather Was a Dowser!

So maybe these shaman skills run in the family! Which is something I've always wondered. It's probably more common than anyone realizes or recognizes or admits, but I think sometimes spirit will keep skipping around in a family until someone raises their hand and says, "Pick me!"

Some families have all sorts of stories about "wacky" relatives, but not mine. Until now! It isn't much, but I'll take what I can get. Over Easter/Ostara weekend, I wanted to go in search of the cemetery where my maternal grandmother's family is buried. Through online census records, I uncovered the location of the church and the names. So my mom, my partner and I set off in the car, with GPS activated.

We found the rural Methodist church and its small cemetery just south of the county line. Thank goodness we didn't have hundreds of graves to search! There were several stones bearing my maternal grandmother's family name, and within just a minute or so we had found her parents and her paternal grandparents (theirs was one of the oldest graves, so they must have founded the church in the 19th century).

My mom then tells me that she remembers her mother's parents, Arthur and Ida, but they were already quite elderly at the time. Specifically, she remembers Arthur taking her and her siblings out into a field to show them how he found water with a dowsing rod. She said she remembers the stick moving around (she didn't say if they actually found water), but it certainly made an impression on her--and of course, it caught my attention!

Stories about old Southerners using a dowsing rod aren't all that odd, actually. Sure, maybe people were more superstitious back then, or it could be they were more open to things before science (and religion) educated the wonder right out of us. I wonder if great-grandpa Arthur had to keep it a secret from his Methodist brethren? But in the countryside, these sort of things were often tolerated as long as it didn't attract too much attention. Sometimes the dowser didn't even consider his "skill" all that special but more something fun to play around with and impress the children (like my mother).

Just one little story, but it's something!

My Great Grandfather Was a Dowser!

So maybe these shaman skills run in the family! Which is something I've always wondered. It's probably more common than anyone realizes or recognizes or admits, but I think sometimes spirit will keep skipping around in a family until someone raises their hand and says, "Pick me!"

Some families have all sorts of stories about "wacky" relatives, but not mine. Until now! It isn't much, but I'll take what I can get. Over Easter/Ostara weekend, I wanted to go in search of the cemetery where my maternal grandmother's family is buried. Through online census records, I uncovered the location of the church and the names. So my mom, my partner and I set off in the car, with GPS activated.

We found the rural Methodist church and its small cemetery just south of the county line. Thank goodness we didn't have hundreds of graves to search! There were several stones bearing my maternal grandmother's family name, and within just a minute or so we had found her parents and her paternal grandparents (theirs was one of the oldest graves, so they must have founded the church in the 19th century).

My mom then tells me that she remembers her mother's parents, Arthur and Ida, but they were already quite elderly at the time. Specifically, she remembers Arthur taking her and her siblings out into a field to show them how he found water with a dowsing rod. She said she remembers the stick moving around (she didn't say if they actually found water), but it certainly made an impression on her--and of course, it caught my attention!

Stories about old Southerners using a dowsing rod aren't all that odd, actually. Sure, maybe people were more superstitious back then, or it could be they were more open to things before science (and religion) educated the wonder right out of us. I wonder if great-grandpa Arthur had to keep it a secret from his Methodist brethren? But in the countryside, these sort of things were often tolerated as long as it didn't attract too much attention. Sometimes the dowser didn't even consider his "skill" all that special but more something fun to play around with and impress the children (like my mother).

Just one little story, but it's something!

If I Lived In Bahrain, Would I Be Arrested for Sorcery?

So the Middle Eastern nation of Bahrain has made "sorcery" a crime, although they didn't exactly say how sorcery is described. Except to say it could be anything defined as "paranormal" by scientific and religious beliefs. Um, doesn't that present a problem. I mean, science might say that any religion is in itself "paranormal,"--so by that logic you might be considered a sorcerer for just being a good Muslim. And of course, it's very convenient when one religion has the power to label another set of beliefs "paranormal." After all, Muslims can't prove they're praying to the One True God any more than I prove that the images in my head are really animal totems.

Which brings me back to my question. Yes, I suppose I would be arrested if I lived in Bahrain, performing all my rituals, meditations and such. Ridiculous! Set aside the concept of religious freedom for a moment. Sure, we should all respect each other, but that isn't what bothers me most.

What bothers me most is that all religions and spiritual beliefs can be considered "sorcery" depending on your perspective. And none of it can be proven--not praying to Allah or Jesus or holding ceremonies for Mother Earth or Isis. Personally, I don't think any of it is "real" in the way most people conceive it. Let me explain. Say I decide to "curse" my neighbor because his cat pooped in my flower bed, and so I mix some herbs and potions together and light a candle and say a spell. Honestly, I don't think it has any effect on my neighbor--or his cat--unless that neighbor is aware of my intention. If he is aware, then he might begin to associate my "curse" with some bad luck that comes his way--but did my "curse" really work or was it simply the power of suggestion?

I think prayer is the same way. I think if you know people are praying for you or sending good thoughts or whatever, that makes you feel better. But me sitting in my house praying for people in Africa does no good whatsoever, except maybe to make me more aware of Africa, which might lead me to take real action.

Years ago, I examined my Christian faith and decided it didn't work as advertised. So why bother? But I do like ritual, and I can't shake my spiritual bent, so if I'm going to be all crazy religious, then I should at least get something out of it--and so shamanism and nature-based philosophy works for me. But just because I burn sage and ring chimes doesn't make me Harry Potter. Even if I really believe deep down in my heart that I'm tapping into something mystical or paranormal, that still doesn't make it real. For me, I have to walk that fine line and keep that balance. It keeps me grounded, helps me retain my sense of humor and prevents me from falling right back into some crazy fundie literalism like before.

I know this is just me ranting, but I can't help it. It's just so sad when cultures or nations like Bahrain are so entrenched in their worldview that they cannot see their own folly. European cultures have already been through this, and maybe every culture has to do it in order to evolve. There are true crimes in this world that need to be punished--murder, rape, theft and so on--but "sorcery?"

If I Lived In Bahrain, Would I Be Arrested for Sorcery?

So the Middle Eastern nation of Bahrain has made "sorcery" a crime, although they didn't exactly say how sorcery is described. Except to say it could be anything defined as "paranormal" by scientific and religious beliefs. Um, doesn't that present a problem. I mean, science might say that any religion is in itself "paranormal,"--so by that logic you might be considered a sorcerer for just being a good Muslim. And of course, it's very convenient when one religion has the power to label another set of beliefs "paranormal." After all, Muslims can't prove they're praying to the One True God any more than I prove that the images in my head are really animal totems.

Which brings me back to my question. Yes, I suppose I would be arrested if I lived in Bahrain, performing all my rituals, meditations and such. Ridiculous! Set aside the concept of religious freedom for a moment. Sure, we should all respect each other, but that isn't what bothers me most.

What bothers me most is that all religions and spiritual beliefs can be considered "sorcery" depending on your perspective. And none of it can be proven--not praying to Allah or Jesus or holding ceremonies for Mother Earth or Isis. Personally, I don't think any of it is "real" in the way most people conceive it. Let me explain. Say I decide to "curse" my neighbor because his cat pooped in my flower bed, and so I mix some herbs and potions together and light a candle and say a spell. Honestly, I don't think it has any effect on my neighbor--or his cat--unless that neighbor is aware of my intention. If he is aware, then he might begin to associate my "curse" with some bad luck that comes his way--but did my "curse" really work or was it simply the power of suggestion?

I think prayer is the same way. I think if you know people are praying for you or sending good thoughts or whatever, that makes you feel better. But me sitting in my house praying for people in Africa does no good whatsoever, except maybe to make me more aware of Africa, which might lead me to take real action.

Years ago, I examined my Christian faith and decided it didn't work as advertised. So why bother? But I do like ritual, and I can't shake my spiritual bent, so if I'm going to be all crazy religious, then I should at least get something out of it--and so shamanism and nature-based philosophy works for me. But just because I burn sage and ring chimes doesn't make me Harry Potter. Even if I really believe deep down in my heart that I'm tapping into something mystical or paranormal, that still doesn't make it real. For me, I have to walk that fine line and keep that balance. It keeps me grounded, helps me retain my sense of humor and prevents me from falling right back into some crazy fundie literalism like before.

I know this is just me ranting, but I can't help it. It's just so sad when cultures or nations like Bahrain are so entrenched in their worldview that they cannot see their own folly. European cultures have already been through this, and maybe every culture has to do it in order to evolve. There are true crimes in this world that need to be punished--murder, rape, theft and so on--but "sorcery?"

I'm Buying a New Drum!

I'm excited because I just ordered my first drum! Yeah, some may say that's backwards--How can you be a shaman without a drum?--but then, I also bought a motorcycle helmet before I even had a motorcycle! All in good time, I say. Since I didn't have an actual drum, I've been using CDs and online music for my meditations, which works just fine.

And since I sold my motorcycle, I decided to channel some of that energy (money) into a really nice drum. I've had plenty of opportunities to buy one, but I wanted something special since this will be used not only for personal use but also for (hopefully) public ceremonies. Buying something more mass-produced just didn't feel right. So why not pay a little extra for something more customized?

From a friend's recommendation, I've purchased my drum from The Drum People, out of Alabama. The drum maker is Cherokee/Metis, and he and his wife hand-make all the drums, beaters and storage bags. I was attracted to them because they use reclaimed cedar wood so that living trees are not cut down. Plus there isn't any mass assembly line churning these things out. So far, my experience working with them has been great. They take time to make sure you get what you want, and they have all kinds of ways to customize your drum and any other accessories. Plus, they emphasize the spiritual energy that goes into making and using a drum, which is important to me. Unfortunately, they no longer hand-paint on the drum heads due to a busy workload, but that's fine with me.

I'll let you know when the drum arrives!

I'm Buying a New Drum!

I'm excited because I just ordered my first drum! Yeah, some may say that's backwards--How can you be a shaman without a drum?--but then, I also bought a motorcycle helmet before I even had a motorcycle! All in good time, I say. Since I didn't have an actual drum, I've been using CDs and online music for my meditations, which works just fine.

And since I sold my motorcycle, I decided to channel some of that energy (money) into a really nice drum. I've had plenty of opportunities to buy one, but I wanted something special since this will be used not only for personal use but also for (hopefully) public ceremonies. Buying something more mass-produced just didn't feel right. So why not pay a little extra for something more customized?

From a friend's recommendation, I've purchased my drum from The Drum People, out of Alabama. The drum maker is Cherokee/Metis, and he and his wife hand-make all the drums, beaters and storage bags. I was attracted to them because they use reclaimed cedar wood so that living trees are not cut down. Plus there isn't any mass assembly line churning these things out. So far, my experience working with them has been great. They take time to make sure you get what you want, and they have all kinds of ways to customize your drum and any other accessories. Plus, they emphasize the spiritual energy that goes into making and using a drum, which is important to me. Unfortunately, they no longer hand-paint on the drum heads due to a busy workload, but that's fine with me.

I'll let you know when the drum arrives!

What Every Well-Dressed Shaman Is Wearing!

Sure, this guy may actually be homeless and digging through dumpsters for his outfits--but, I sincerely love his sense of style. I think he looks like a shaman. Call me crazy. I saw his pic on Socialitelife.com. He's apparently just another New Yorker out for a stroll with his pup in a stroller, a gray parrot on his head and the latest fashion. Love it!

What Every Well-Dressed Shaman Is Wearing!

Sure, this guy may actually be homeless and digging through dumpsters for his outfits--but, I sincerely love his sense of style. I think he looks like a shaman. Call me crazy. I saw his pic on Socialitelife.com. He's apparently just another New Yorker out for a stroll with his pup in a stroller, a gray parrot on his head and the latest fashion. Love it!

Look Ma--I'm Praying on TV!

Can't believe I hadn't posted about this yet, but with being sick and all, it somehow slipped through the cracks. So last night, yours truly delivered the invocation for a meeting of our esteemed local county commissioners! And I slipped in a little shamanic juju without anyone realizing it!

One of the administrators said she found my minister web site, therefore the invitation. Unlike some places around the country, we still open each county meeting with prayer (this is the Bible belt, after all). Now, there are some neighboring counties where this practice is under challenge, but locally, no such problems. Naturally, I worried about what to say. Do I shake my rattle and dance a jig around the podium while invoking nature spirits? Do I blow my conch horn and really freak everyone out? Will something I say set off the Christians on yet another "witch hunt?" And--most important--what do I wear?

As an interfaith minister, these aren't easy questions to answer. I knew I wanted some sort of reference to nature and I wanted some form of shamanic elements, too. After researching online, I found part of a prayer that I liked, and then I added my own touches. So instead of praying to Jesus, I invoked the "eternal and unseen spirit of the universe." I thought that was nonspecific enough while also expressing my own opinion that spirit does not take the form of a bearded man in the sky.

I also used the words "sacred circle" to hint at Native American and pagan influences. To honor the 4 directions, I talked about drawing a great circle around the county, mentioning real towns that roughly corresponded to east, south, west, north. The commissioners and visitors might not realize it, but they had just been included in a magickal circle--so let the positive energy flow!

Also, with the spring equinox only a few days away, I mentioned balance and harmony, and tied this into the business of the county. I added a few more nods to taxes, bonds and other such glamour; after all, it's a county meeting, which is what the prayer is supposed to focus on.

What did I wear? Well, my teacher likes to say that one way shamans can "shape shift" is by understanding which mask to wear in which situation. In other words, a kilt and face paint may not be appropriate at the county courthouse! So I decided to rock the suit and bow tie. See, I think that if you sneak up on people with some of this alternative spiritual stuff because you present a more familiar image, then they're likely to get your message. And besides, it was on TV! Only the local cable access channel, but hey--who knows who was watching and may have been touched by something I said. Sure, the fundies may have been puzzled by the lack of "Jesus" every 5 words, but my hope is that my focus on what unites us rather than what divides us got past all that.

Oh yeah, and I included a nod to "Battlestar Galactica," too! Wonder if any one caught that? "So say we all!"

Look Ma--I'm Praying on TV!

Can't believe I hadn't posted about this yet, but with being sick and all, it somehow slipped through the cracks. So last night, yours truly delivered the invocation for a meeting of our esteemed local county commissioners! And I slipped in a little shamanic juju without anyone realizing it!

One of the administrators said she found my minister web site, therefore the invitation. Unlike some places around the country, we still open each county meeting with prayer (this is the Bible belt, after all). Now, there are some neighboring counties where this practice is under challenge, but locally, no such problems. Naturally, I worried about what to say. Do I shake my rattle and dance a jig around the podium while invoking nature spirits? Do I blow my conch horn and really freak everyone out? Will something I say set off the Christians on yet another "witch hunt?" And--most important--what do I wear?

As an interfaith minister, these aren't easy questions to answer. I knew I wanted some sort of reference to nature and I wanted some form of shamanic elements, too. After researching online, I found part of a prayer that I liked, and then I added my own touches. So instead of praying to Jesus, I invoked the "eternal and unseen spirit of the universe." I thought that was nonspecific enough while also expressing my own opinion that spirit does not take the form of a bearded man in the sky.

I also used the words "sacred circle" to hint at Native American and pagan influences. To honor the 4 directions, I talked about drawing a great circle around the county, mentioning real towns that roughly corresponded to east, south, west, north. The commissioners and visitors might not realize it, but they had just been included in a magickal circle--so let the positive energy flow!

Also, with the spring equinox only a few days away, I mentioned balance and harmony, and tied this into the business of the county. I added a few more nods to taxes, bonds and other such glamour; after all, it's a county meeting, which is what the prayer is supposed to focus on.

What did I wear? Well, my teacher likes to say that one way shamans can "shape shift" is by understanding which mask to wear in which situation. In other words, a kilt and face paint may not be appropriate at the county courthouse! So I decided to rock the suit and bow tie. See, I think that if you sneak up on people with some of this alternative spiritual stuff because you present a more familiar image, then they're likely to get your message. And besides, it was on TV! Only the local cable access channel, but hey--who knows who was watching and may have been touched by something I said. Sure, the fundies may have been puzzled by the lack of "Jesus" every 5 words, but my hope is that my focus on what unites us rather than what divides us got past all that.

Oh yeah, and I included a nod to "Battlestar Galactica," too! Wonder if any one caught that? "So say we all!"

No More Shaman Mentor

Back in January, you may remember that I had been approached by a local student who asked me to serve as her mentor on a graduation project about shamanism. Well, she's changed her mind! Which, now that I've known the girl for a while, seems to be a trend. Shamanism was her second project idea, after her first didn't turn out--and now she's onto a third, with less than a month to complete everything! Ah, to be a teenager again (not really).

I'm disappointed, certainly, since I was looking forward to how this would turn out. Plus I thought she was pretty bold for choosing this topic. She had already begun work on a ritual tool kit, but it appears her research paper turned her off. Which is a shame--she never did take me up on my multiple offers to help her refine the topic and figure out what to write about. But, as they say, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink!

But she's on this particular path for a reason, as am I, and so I hope we can both learn what small or big lessons were here in this situation for us to learn. Hmmm, that's always the trick!

No More Shaman Mentor

Back in January, you may remember that I had been approached by a local student who asked me to serve as her mentor on a graduation project about shamanism. Well, she's changed her mind! Which, now that I've known the girl for a while, seems to be a trend. Shamanism was her second project idea, after her first didn't turn out--and now she's onto a third, with less than a month to complete everything! Ah, to be a teenager again (not really).

I'm disappointed, certainly, since I was looking forward to how this would turn out. Plus I thought she was pretty bold for choosing this topic. She had already begun work on a ritual tool kit, but it appears her research paper turned her off. Which is a shame--she never did take me up on my multiple offers to help her refine the topic and figure out what to write about. But, as they say, you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink!

But she's on this particular path for a reason, as am I, and so I hope we can both learn what small or big lessons were here in this situation for us to learn. Hmmm, that's always the trick!