History of Shamanism
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Shamanism dates back over 30,000 years. Cave art from that time depicts shamanic practices. The word shaman is derived from the word saman (one who knows), which comes from the Manchu-Tungus people in Siberia. It is documented that shamanism was practiced in Asia, Tibet, Hungary, Sweden, North and South America, central Europe and Africa.
The shaman journeys to explore consciousness and connect with Spirit in order to teach, heal, and aid in the survival of his/her tribe. There was a core belief that everything is alive and possesses a spirit. Ancient cultures had specific unique ways that one could become a shaman. They ranged from people having psychotic episodes (thought to be closer to spirit), to someone struck by lightening, to someone whose innate abilities were enhanced by a shamanic teacher. The shaman held a prestigious role in those communities. They were honored and respected for their ability to access information and apply it where it was needed. I am studying the teachings of the Q'ero Shaman of Peru. They are the direct descendants of the ancient Inca. Their history dates back almost 50,000 years. The Inca called themselves Children of the Sun. They worshiped the Sun God, and believed they were direct descendants. The Inca were an advanced society in many ways. They had the largest empire on the planet by the time the Spanish invaded in 1532. They gathered great quantities of gold and used it for ornate decoration. The Spanish were amazed by the gold, and were determined to get it for themselves - along with with the Inca empire. The Spanish conquered the last city of the Inca in 1592. A small group of people from the Quechua area made their way into the high holy mountains to escape the Spanish invaders. They remained there for generations, safe-guarding their spiritual practices and sacred knowledge. The Spanish tried to suppress the Inca spiritual practices of the Q'ero who didn't escape to the mountains, and forced many of them to convert to Christianity. Even with all of this oppression, the Quechua people have preserved their powerful mystical practices and sacred teachings that honor the earth. All this was passed down orally, generation after generation. The Q'ero shaman had received a prophecy after they retreated to the high mountains. They believed that a time would come when the mountain glaciers would melt and they would come down from the mountains and share their wisdom with people from around the world. There was a desperate need for this information to save Mother Earth and the health of Her peoples. This started with people from North American/United States and Europe. The number of true Q'ero shaman has dwindled to just a few, but those few were determined to fulfill the prophecy. Because of them, we now have access to much of their wisdom. They are teaching us how to live in harmony with the earth. They are teaching us how to live with love and compassion towards each other and all living things. They are teaching us that we are all connected through the very energy we are created from. They are also teaching us how to use this connecting energy, the energy of Spirit, to heal and create harmony. |
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