In traditional shamanic cultures, the role of the Shaman was one that people did not particularly want. It was an occupation that was often passed down from generation to generation— I ' ve met this type of Shaman before and they haven ' t been too happy about it. It ' s in the blood and not the soul and that is very sad indeed.
People will sometimes call themselves“ shaman” after a weekend course. This comes from ego, from one wanting to call themselves something that sounds“ cool and powerful and mysterious.” I find this very disrespectful to the lineage of these teachings; we have not gone through the years of physical and mental and spiritual tests that our shamanic ancestors have gone through. Unless one has undertaken these tests and have done so, fully immersed in the traditions of a shamanic culture and with proper tutelage, then, and only then, is one worthy of the name. And even then, the Shaman would most likely deny it and would certainly never boast of it.
Therefore, I am Paul. And if pressed, I am a Shamanic Counselor. So, back to how I began my journey on the Shamanic Path...
I ' ve always been on this path. In fact, 99.90 % of mankind is born with these“ gifts”.
However, these gifts have been weaned from us because of family, education systems, the“ working world” and peer pressure. I just never surrendered these gifts.
One of the stories that I tell is this: My mom asked me when I was around six, why I did not allow my friends to play with my plastic, toy soldiers.
5