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we wrapped timmy

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lucio parrillo

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Look inside my soul

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Shamanism: Beliefs And Practice

Shamanism is an ancient spiritual practice that involves a practitioner, known as a shaman, interacting with the spirit world through altered states of consciousness, such as trance. The goal is to direct spiritual energies for healing, divination, or other purposes.

Commonly Held Shamanic Beliefs

• Animism (the belief that all things, both animate and inanimate, possess a spirit or soul).

• Everything is interconnected.

• There is an alternate reality happening concurrently, often called the spirit world.

• Shamans can enter the spirit world freely, with intention.

• Spiritual journeys are an often necessary part of life.

• The spirit world can be a very real, very dangerous place.

• We are not alone, we have spirit helpers, familiars, ancestors, power animals, our guides.

• Energy has a unique footprint and vital force.

• It is possible to do work while in the spiritual realm that will have a direct effect on "ordinary reality"

The Practice of Shamanism

Shamanism is a diverse and ancient practice with a long history across various cultures worldwide. While it shares common themes, the specific practices and beliefs can vary significantly between different regions and traditions. Here's a breakdown of some key similarities and differences:

Core Practices:

• Spirit Communication: Shamans in all traditions believe in the existence of spirits and the ability to communicate with them. This communication can involve various methods, including trance states, drumming, chanting, and the use of sacred objects.

• Healing: Shamans often play a vital role as healers, using their connection to the spirit world to diagnose and treat illnesses. This can involve removing negative energy, retrieving lost soul parts, or negotiating with spirits causing harm.

• Divination: Many shamans possess the ability to predict the future, interpret dreams, and provide guidance through divination techniques like reading bones, stones, or other natural objects.

• Soul Retrieval: This practice involves journeying to the spirit world to retrieve parts of a person's soul that may have been lost due to trauma or other experiences.

Regional Variations:

• Siberian Shamanism: This tradition is characterized by its use of drums, costumes, and trance states to journey to the upper and lower worlds. Siberian shamans often work with animal spirits as guides and helpers.

• Central Asian Shamanism: Central Asian shamans, such as those found in Mongolia and Tibet, often incorporate elements of Buddhism and other religious traditions. They may use techniques like visualization and meditation to connect with the spirit world.

• Indigenous American Shamanism: Shamanic practices among Indigenous American cultures are incredibly diverse, but they often involve the use of sacred plants, sweat lodges, and drumming. Some traditions emphasize the importance of dreams and visions as a means of spiritual communication.

• Neo-Shamanism: This contemporary movement draws inspiration from traditional shamanic practices but adapts them to modern Western culture. Neo-shamans may use techniques like drumming, meditation, and plant medicine to induce altered states of consciousness and connect with the spirit world.

Key Differences:

• Spirit Guides: The types of spirits shamans work with can vary widely. Some may focus on ancestral spirits, while others may work with nature spirits, animal spirits, or deities.

• Rituals and Ceremonies: Different cultures have unique rituals and ceremonies associated with shamanic practice. These can range from simple personal rituals to elaborate community events.

• Training and Initiation: The process of becoming a shaman can vary significantly. Some traditions involve formal apprenticeships, while others rely on personal experiences and spiritual quests.

It's important to note that shamanism is a living tradition that continues to evolve. As cultures change and adapt, so too do shamanic practices. While there are many differences between various forms of shamanism, the core principles of connecting with the spirit world, healing, and divination remain central to this ancient and powerful tradition.

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Art by L. Zglenickip

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One subtle way that Xena got around the studio censors was to have Xena and Gabrielle always sleep side by side, with zero personal space, rather than on opposite sides of the campfire.

Even when they'd get to sleep in a bed, they'd always share it.

They might not have been able to come out and say it, but the show made it clear that these two slept like an old married couple, and on rare occasions, when studio heads weren't looking, they even got to cuddle.

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