Shaman's Path: The Crossing

Phase 4 of Natural Mystic

Background: This is the first of two programs in the Advanced Certificate. Its prerequisites are the three programs of the Certificate. Shaman's Path has three modules.

Purpose: The shaman is an artisan, magician or priestess of energy and non-ordinary states of consciousness. Shaman's Path explores and helps enable you to experience the ways of this natural mystic. Its threshold crossing can lead to an 'acquisition of soul power' activating the shamanic archetype within the Self. The shamanic gifts acquired, or skills developed, here are what we view as your unique expressions of the shamanic artistry of 'interbeing' with nature, soul and spirit.    

Description: The Shaman's Path program is for those strongly drawn to nature, soul, spirit and shamanic realities. A person with the developmental (archetypal) pattern of the Shaman (sometimes called 'Priestess' for the feminine) can journey into the Otherworld (shamanic state of consciousness) at will; experience Oneness with the inter-relatedness of all created things; have an intimate connection with the powers or life force energies that pervade the universe; readily access the ability to 'work magic', that is to heal, see, and transform ordinary reality in ways considered extraordinary by 'community standards'; and, before this is acquired, undergoes a major initiatory challenge and calling (Cowan, 1993, Harner, 1980).

As a profound journey of Self-discovery the developmental path of any prospective 'shaman' holds great potential and promise whilst also having substantial potential challenges or pitfalls for the unskilled, unwise or unwary traveller. This program helps you explore the ways of your Shaman or Priestess archetype within your Self, and in relationship with the powers of Nature, Gaia and the Cosmos. It offers guidance in how to appropriately access the gifts of the Shaman's Path as an ultimate journey into mystical balance, wisdom and service for your life and for all Life. 

"The Zen monk Dogen wrote, 'You should know that the entire earth is not our temporary appearance, but our genuine human body.' Earth, according to Dogen is truth and speaks truth but not necessarily with a human tongue. It is our body. And its voice can be heard." (Joan Halifax)