Shamanic Initiation

Not all awakening is Kundalini awakening, although it is a commonly used term.

Shamanic initiation is probably the least understood of all the spiritual processes. Despite the recent (disrespectful, erroneous) New Age idea that Shamans can be created by courses and workshops, true Shamans are born, not made. A Shaman does not initiate other Shamans, as occurs with Yoga and Wicca. Rather a Shaman may recognise that another has been chosen or born a Shaman, and assist with the unfolding.

The primary teaching happens through the spirits directly, although it is not unusual for a new Shaman to be drawn to a more experienced one, to have a hand to hold to make it easier to accept the process. Usually one is also lead to information and Spirit provides a commentary for enhanced understanding.

In tales of Shamanic training such as those by Carlos Castaneda, the human guide chooses a student who is already a potentially Shaman, the gift is within them waiting to be actualized. Carlos often wrote that Don Juan would become frustrated because he could see the power within Carlos, but the logical Western mind of Castaneda was slow to actualize. Carlos had Don Juan to explain things, but much of the teaching was a result of Don Juan creating situations for Carlos to interact with spirits directly, and learn from them.

Shamanism has some things in common with Kundalini, and they may go together, but they are *not* the same thing. Shamanic training makes Kundalini feel like a walk in the park, by comparison. I would not wish Shamanic initiation on my worst enemy! While all Shamans may become K. awakened as part of the training process, not all awakened people become Shamans.

Shamanism is much more intense than Kundalini., and it also involves a much more hands-on training as to nature of the illusion of the physical, and a deeper relationship with death, nature, and the underworld.

Being taught by the spirits directly is one aspect of Shamanism that some Kundalites share. Most Shamans are also K. awakened, but few Kundalites are also Shamans. There are many different definitions of what makes a Shaman, but my own consideration looks for several specific aspects and experiences.

For Shamans, Death shows up as a spiritual being, an ever present spirit teacher-guide whom you get to know, and eventually integrate with. It is an ongoing relationship. My definition of a Shaman is pretty simple: if the spirit who claims you does not do its best to kill you with a severe, life threatening sickness shortly after you meet, then you are not a Shaman.That is not to say that all life threatening illnesses are shamanic sickness, of course. CFS, malaria, flu, pneumonia, fibromyalgia, cancer, arthritis, heart disease, or suicidal impulses are not Shamanic sickness.

The basic pattern is that there is a "First contact" with the spirit, usually taking the form of a psychic or paranormal experience and an interrogation by a spirit. The interview is followed by a severe life threatening illness. Shamanic sickness usually includes visions, high fevers, transient comatose states, delirium with hallucinations of visits from the spirit that claimed you, etc... the sickness may last weeks or months, however long it takes you to surrender to the training, or die. Medical intervention is usually of little use, as the cause of the illness is supernatural, not physical. (See a doctor anyway, just in case your illness is physical and treatable, and not Shamanic sickness!! Better safe than sorry. ) It is estimated that 1/3 of those who are called, do not survive the sickness. The sickness is a cleansing and a testing.

The key to survival is to consent to their plans for you. Surrender to becoming a Shaman and agree to be trained. (Source: Kundalini Teacher)