Part 2. Moon of Drama

RP’s story is not unlike many others. We often believe that we are the only ones who were battered, abused, abandoned, humiliated etc… but the fact of the matter is, this is unfortunately a common ground amongst most human beings. When we are hurting we often say to those who want to help us: “… but you don’t understand.” A part of us has been programmed despite the obvious to believe that darkness can be owned.

Sacred Circle tradition which is a shamanic tool or philosophy teaches us that nothing can be owned. Our First Nation ancestors lost claim to their ancestral land because of this shamanic belief system. They kept telling the European conquerors that “nobody can own mother earth.” 500 years later we begin to understand the depth of that wisdom but it still doesn’t changed the fact that the majority of people on this planet either own or rent their dwelling and their small piece of home. Where the ancestors thought their wisdom was practical and obviously sane – they soon came to realize that there are other mind sets in the world. How much do we loose in our life time because of programming: Ours and those of others?

When RP approached me with her story and her questions there were two obvious repetitions for me:

· The theme of children challenged by their talents and abilities; and seeking mentors.

· Her search for a definition to the words --- shaman and shamanism.

Through watching her deliver her story and her questions I couldn’t help but observe the natural rhythm of nature and cosmology influencing her speech, her actions, and even such details as tone, emotion and attitude. Once you took away the programming behind her questions you were left with someone searching to mimic beauty.

Obviously the question remained: What does someone like RP find beautiful?

You would think that all three year old boys find trucks and cars attractive but my son never cared much about them despite his father’s passion for motor bikes or any kind of motor vehicles. My son loved music and sounds very early on in life. At three years old he was using musical cards and tucking them near the latches of doors or boxes so that we would hear music when we would open them. We quickly concluded with the help of programming that he would grow up to become an engineer. It would have never crossed her mind that he would become a musician.

It is human nature to influence one another. The same way that animals, birds and trees influence the grand scheme of the forest. Where it becomes dysfunctional is when the influence becomes rigid and unchanging. At this point it no longer follows natural and cosmological reality.

“Should we expect people to feel sad, or sorry about us when we mention that we are sick or that we’ve lost a loved one? Should we expect people to be afraid when we scream insults at them. Should we feel sad or be scared when people share their stories or get mad at us as well?” I asked. At first she nodded yes but then, somewhat confused RP shrugged “I don’t know.”

From a shamanic point of view if we’re not in the experience than the emotions we feel are triggered by memory or programming. In other words they are results of some kind of influence on our life. If we’re seeking to find our true nature than we should be able to go back to the roots and find ourselves there before we were touched by others. This is why we often speak of soul retrieval in shamanic circles. I understand Shamanism as a way of living which focuses on collective strength, power (medicine), beauty and abundance. Sacred Circle tradition helps me separate from influences and concentrate on where I fit in the scheme of Creation.

It’s been clear to me that defining shamanism is difficult mostly because we don’t know enough about this way of living and also because it is always in constant movement. The actual act of defining goes against shamanic perspective and so it makes incredible sense that shamans were never very helpful in defining their role or their unique abilities. It was then that RP lifted a finger and interrupted me.

“Couldn’t contemporary shamans help in defining their role because things have changed and if they express that movement is crucial to shamanism – then, most people would be open minded to the ever-changing definition,” RP cleverly said.

Again, I couldn’t help but laugh.

In one sentence she managed to bring together the Moon, the Earth and the Stars. I could see the beauty of influence and the reason why souls keep coming back for more.

“You certainly make a good point,” I said and left it at that.

*wink.

P.S. I wouldn’t mind your feedback because these two blog entries are right out of my personal journal and literally jump from thoughts to inner questions. What does it stir in you? Does it bring up some questions for you? And what are you thoughts on the many topics that are hidden between the words?

Wolikon.