Modern Shamanism

A new sense of the sacred has appeared in the Western world, one that incorporates spiritual realization, personal growth psychology, and being of service all in one orientation.  This spiritual reawakening is generating a real change in attitudes as we move into and rediscover our own spirituality, and it is generally believed that this resurgence of interest in the spiritual, proceeding from the personal to the global, has the power to shift the directions of world history.

Hank Wesselman has written about this phenomenon in Visionseeker, exploring some of the ways in which the modern mystical movement is shifting the beliefs, values, and trends of Western society.  From his perspective as a social scientist, it is quite obvious to me that the so-called New Age is not a fad, but rather heralds the emergence of a true Transformational Community–one in which the old mystery schools of the past are being recreated in response to need.

The ease with which these ways can be learned and practiced by non-tribal Westerners for healing and problem-solving reveals why the rediscovery of shamanism has become a major thrust of the current spiritual reawakening in the West.  Shamanism is a path with heart, and includes a methodology that leads us into the direct, transformative experience of the sacred that defines the mystic.

The paths that each of us take as we negotiate through life are the vehicles through which we awaken.  In this sense, the singular contribution that the authentic spiritual teacher has to offer is to help us step onto our path.  And once that is accomplished, their job is essentially done.

Concordance Blog articles found under this Theme:

The Modern Shaman
The Re-emergence of the Shaman in Our Time
The Seven Laws of The Great Spirit