Modern Spirituality

Table of Contents Acknowledgments i Foreword iii Introduction v Chapter 1 - Committing to the Path 1 1. "Why study Shamanism?" . 1 2. "Where am I supposed to make room in my life to study any spiritual practice?" 3 3. "Am I ready to become a healer?" . 8 4. "Is there any one to help me do this work?" . 12 5. "What is the most important quality to nurture?" . 13 6. "Does a person need an initiation to be a Shaman?" . 16 7. "Every time I try to walk my path as a healer something gets in the way. Why is that and what can I do about it?" 17 8. "Is Meditation required in Shamanism?" 19 Chapter 2 - Energy Signatures . 23 9. "What is an energy signature?" . 23 10. "Does a crystal have its own energy?" . 25 11. "Are Spirit Guides the same as Totems?" 27 12. "Do you hear voices?" 29 13. "What of the earth's trembling?" 31 14. "Why am I feeling more physical sensations in my body as I study energy signatures?" 33 Chapter 3 - Talismans and Tools of the Shaman 35 15. "What is a power song and where do I get one?" 35 16. "What is a medicine bag and how do I make mine?" 36 17. "What is a Prayer Tree?" 39 18. "Why are there so many different kinds of medicine wheels?" 19. "What do animals tell us?" . 43 ii The Shaman Speaks 20. "When you refer to the talismans (i.e. stones, feathers, etc.) being presented to us, do you mean on our inner journeys or in the physical world?" 45 21. "What is a talking stick?" . 46 22. "Do most people require physical symbols to accept that someone is able to perform a healing and to display that the healing act has been accomplished?" . 46 Chapter 4 - Safety and Protection . 49 23. "How do I stay safe in this reality and in others?" 49 24. "Can you give me a surefire way to be grounded and protected?" 49 25. "Should I fear studying Shamanism?" . 51 26. "I have visions. Is that good?" . 53 27. "How do you communicate with your guides and teachers?" 56 Chapter 5 - Traditional Shamanic Wisdom . 61 28. "Can you explain what 'grace' is?" . 61 Power. . 65 29. "What is the deal with 'good versus bad'?" . 67 30. "I realize I am human but I have a hard time when it comes to forgiveness." 68 31. "You frequently use the terms Causal and Buddhic. What are their meanings?" . 73 32. "Is there a parallel between Buddhism and Shamanism?" . 77 33. "How does the Shaman define soul and spirit? 80 34. "What good are emotions?" 82 35. "What does personal power have to do with Shamanism?" 86 36. "What do you mean by the word 'intent'?" . 89 Chapter 6 - Standing in Your Power . 93 37. "How would you say one develops personal power? I tend to have a very aggressive, controlling personality, which hinders me in many areas." . 93 38. "I feel I am here to help heal the rifts in Mother Earth's energies. Can you tell me how to go about this?" 95 39. "How do I manage my time and balance myself in this hectic world?" . 99 40. "Why do all these difficult experiences keep happening to me?" 100 Contents iii 41. "Do I control my emotions or do they control me?" . 102 42. "I have the sensation of swimming or flying up to a different point in time. . 103 43. "I have a hard time staying focused. Any suggestions?" 104 44. "What does a Shaman know that most people don't?" . 105 45. "How do you protect yourself from predatory spirits?" 107 Bibliography . 111 About The Author . 113 About the cover . 116 Index . 117