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 .
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