#neoshamanic ritual dance

[asteroidtroglodyte]

Here’s a game:

In the tags, list your 3 favorite “weird” genres

“I like everything.”

[hilite-head]

RE/FUND Nature Offering Neonshaman Mountain Limpia Ritual and Performance 

RE/FUND Nature Offering Neonshaman Mountain Limpia Ritual and Performance 

[ijustdragon]

Different Kinds of Witches

 NOT ALL OF THEM ARE HERE IF YOU IDENTIFY AS A DIFFERENT KIND OF WITCH PLEASE MESSAGE ME AND I WILL HOPE TO RECTIFY YOUR PROBLEM. BUT PLEASE UNDERSTAND IF I RECIEVE ANY ABUSE ABOUT NOT INCLUDING YOUR IDENTITY I WILL NOT RESPOND.

Now these are not exclusive kinds of witches, there are many different kinds and practises you can find or be shown. Some witches prefer to be blends of certain different areas and that is perfectly okay, some witches prefer to focus on specific areas and that is perfectly okay. I am not telling you how you should practise, I am simply giving a simple overview of the generic kinds.

Wicca 

A modern Pagan religion with spiritual roots in the earliest expressions of reverence for nature. Some major identifying motifs are: reverence for both the Goddess and God; acceptance of reincarnation and magick; ritual observance of astronomical and agricultural phenomena; and the use of magickal circles for ritual purposes.

Witch

A practitioner of folk magick, particularly that kind relating to herbs, stones, colours, wells, rivers, etc. It is used by some Wiccans to describe themselves. Being solitary or a member of a coven. This term has nothing to do with Satanism.

Witchcraft

Witchcraft is a Pagan folk – religion of personal experience. The craft of the witch – magick, especially magick utilizing personal power in conjunction with the energies within stones, herbs, colours, and other natural objects. This belief system also has nothing to do with Satanism – Black magic (which some mistakenly take as Witchcraft) has traditionally referred to the use of supernatural powers or magic for evil and selfish purposes. Modern Wicca and Witchcraft practitioners have sought to distance themselves from those intent on practising with the dark arts. Voodoo has its own distinct history and traditions that have little to do with the traditions of modern witchcraft. Their penchant for magic associated with curses, poisons and zombies means they, and Voodoo in general, are regularly associated with black magic in particular.

Maleficium (Sorcery)  

Is a Latin term meaning “wrongdoing” or “mischief”, and is used to describe malevolent, dangerous, or harmful magic, “evildoing,” or “malevolent sorcery.” In general, the term applies to any magical act intended to cause harm or death to people or property. Maleficium can involve the act of poisoning or drugging someone, and is often used in dark arts (black magic) and Necromancy (a form of magic involving communication with the deceased).

Pagan/Neo-Pagan/Paganism

General term for followers of Wicca and polytheistic Earth-based religions.  The term “neopagan” provides a means of distinguishing between historical pagans of ancient cultures and the adherents of modern religious movements. Even Vikings were Norse-Pagan. These religions include syncretic or eclectic approaches like Wicca, Neo-Druidism, and Neoshamanism at one end of the spectrum. Also used to refer to pre-Christian religious and Spiritual belief systems. “Neopagan” is often deemed offensive and not used by many contemporary Pagans, who claim that the inclusion of the term “neo” disconnects them from their ancient polytheistic ancestors. Beliefs and practices vary widely among different Pagan groups; however, there are a series of core principles common to most, if not all, forms of modern paganism. Polytheism – One of the most important principles of the Pagan movement, the belief in and veneration of multiple gods and/or goddesses. Animism & Pantheism – is the holistic concept of a universe that is interconnected.  In both beliefs divinity and the material and/or spiritual universe are one. For Pagans, Pantheism means that “divinity is inseparable from nature and that deity is immanent in nature.” Animism it can refer to a belief that everything in the universe is imbued with a life force or spiritual energy. In contrast, some contemporary Pagans believe that there are specific spirits that inhabit various features in the natural world, and that these can be actively communicated with – some which use animal spirits as a spiritual guide. Such views have also led many pagans to revere the planet Earth as Mother Earth, who is often referred to as Gaia after the ancient Greek goddess of the Earth.

Shamanism

A Shaman is an intermediary between this world and the spirit world. Shamans believe that unseen spirits permeate the world around us, act upon us, and govern our fates. They act on behalf of the community conducting ceremonial rituals, healing the people, and helping to guide others on the shamanic path. A shaman’s life belongs to the village and it is their responsibility to ensure the well being of the family, the community and all of creation. Shamanism is an ancient healing tradition and moreover, a way of life. It is a way to connect with nature and all of creation. Their practices tap into the power Mother Earth has to offer and the ancient indigenous teachings are derived from  the simplistic truths of nature. Their goal being to create internal and external harmony with all creation.  In remote locations where tribal culture is still the way of life, shamans continue to hold the positions of counsellor, healer, spiritual guide. Shamanism is the path of immediate and direct personal contact with Spirit, deeply intuitive, and not subject to definition, censorship, or judgement by others.  It does not have attached dogma and hierarchies etc. of modern day organized religion. All shamans must undergo an intense apprenticeship, learning the timeworn practices of their vocation.

Traditional Witch

The witches who take the journey of traditional witchcraft, are interested in the old ways (pre-Christian), and are followers of history and the arts, building a foundation for their craft. Usually the craft is passed down generation after generation within family units. These witches are less inclined to participate in the worship of Goddess or Gods, preferring to work predominantly with the Spirit world and will often call on their ancestors or land spirits for strength. They work with moon cycles, planetary symbols and cycles, rune symbols, herbs and their chemical uses, the land and ancestors are very important to a Traditional witch. Traditional witches are drawn towards both the dark and the light, performing banishing and repelling spells. They do not to follow the threefold law or the Wiccan Rede, (just to be clear traditional witchcraft is not Wicca) but careful consideration and responsibility is taken when performing any magic whether it’s healing, hex, curse or banishing spells. They perform Shamanic journeying by inducing trance that involves drumming, rattling, heavy dancing, rocking, entheogens, meditation, flying ointments, and more. Hedge-riding is a practice that involves traveling to the spirit world through the use of trance work and other various techniques to alter the conscious mind (including entheogens, which are herbs and other substances used to induce trance) which allows the spirit to leave the body. Animism is a part of Traditional Witchcraft because they believe everything on this earth has a spirit or soul. They believe in an Upper World, Middle World and Under World. Under – those who’ve died, awaiting reincarnation or choosing not to pass on or can’t ascend. Middle – the here and now. Upper – spirits/souls who have ascended and no longer need a body as they can survive without the recharging of the spirit/soul that life is, or were never bond to a physical form/body to begin with.

Kitchen Witch

(aka – Cottage Witch & Hearth Witch) This Witch carries practical sides of the Wiccan / Pagan religion, magic, gemstones, the elements and the earth. A Kitchen Witch is usually recognized as practicing Celtic Wicca: Goes by the elements, the Ancient Ones and nature. They are usually healers, respected highly and once they are past their 40’s tend to take on a “Wise Woman” role as they have an abundance of knowledge and are admired for it. They work with plants, stones, flowers, trees, the elemental people, the gnomes and the fairies. But above all performs her magic in the Kitchen and has Goddess given talents for food crafting.  Potions, herbal remedies, and natural instincts for over protection of hearth and home. Most often they make the best mates as they are very crafty in love and relationships – and it is said one who is a friend of a Kitchen Witch has many perks. 

Green Witch

Is the practice of nature-based and earth oriented witchcraft, drawing on the folklore, folk religion and folk magic of ancient cultures as they connected to the forest; such as the tree worship of Druids, the kitchen craft of Italian witches or the keeping of sacred groves as presented in Gallic paganism. Green witches usually practice a traditional form of witchcraft in which the earth, trees, herbs, plants and flowers are consulted for their medicinal and magical value. They will grow their own herbs or Wildcraft them, and are very good at making herbal remedies. Belief in deities depends on the individual witch, though many Green witches acknowledge and earth mother or series of nature spirits as their deity. Usually, the spirits of nature, the dead (that of humans and animals) or the Fey have a large part in Green traditions. A form of green witchcraft which is better classified as Green Wicca was popularized by Ann Moura.

Hedge Witch

Hedge craft is a path that is somewhat shamanic in nature, (sometimes referred to as wise man & wise woman) as they are practitioners of an Earth-based spirituality. These are the ones who engage in spirit flight and journey into the Other world. They can, in this capacity, be very powerful midwives and healers. A bird of one kind or another is usually associated with the Hedge Witch, most commonly the raven and the goose. The term “hedge” signified the boundary of the village and represents the boundary that exists between this world and the spiritual realm. (they are said to be Night travellers or walkers on the wind). Their main function is mediator between the spirits and people. They may also work as a herbal healer or midwife. Some claim it to be the continuation of the practices of the cunning folk and wise-women, while others say that it is a modern tradition.

Eclectic Witch

An individual approach that picks and chooses from many different traditions and creates a personalized form of witchcraft that meets their individual needs and abilities. They do not follow a particular religion or tradition, but study and learn from many different systems and use what works best for them. Many Eclectic Witches refer to themselves as Solitary Practitioners, Sorceresses, Hedge Witches, Green, White, and Grey Witches. Some consider themselves Wicca, as long as the Rede is adhered to, the Earth and the Universe revered. One main complaint made against the Eclectic Witch is that they are not true Wiccans because they build a tailor-made religion or tradition for themselves from the ground up rather than following an established or correct form of Wicca. Their minds remain open and are receptive to knowledge, ideas, beliefs and methods that others practice. They adapt well to different situations and create their own paths by what they believe to be true and right at that time in their life (simply put – they don’t follow rules). They like to explore and make their own mistakes and take from experiences in turn creating their own rules and traditions. It’s why you can bring 2 Eclectic Witches into a room yet they are totally different in the way they practice, live, and believe as they are all different in some way.

Hereditary Witchcraft

The term hereditary witchcraft, is given to the witch who has inherited the magic gifts through genealogy. (Keep in mind just because your Grandparents or Parents were/are witches does not necessarily mean you are too. Sometimes this can skip generations.) These witches are born, usually to a magical family and begin their journey very early in their life, using the gifts handed down through the generations. Born into a tradition of esoteric origin (the conviction that nature is a living entity owing to a divine presence or life-force). These traditions are often not recorded, except in Grimoires which are also passed down but very highly protected, but rely primarily on oral and physical tradition. Each family has it’s own unique traditions. Most will stick together as family units rather than covens.

Sea Witch

(water witch) As the name implies, sea witches are believed to be able to control many aspects of nature relating to water, most commonly an ocean or sea. They specialize in water based magic and worship Sea Gods & Goddesses. However, in more modern times, sea witches can also practice witchcraft on or near any source of water: lakes, rivers, bathtubs, or even simply a bowl of salt water. Sea witches use witchcraft related to the moon, tides, and the weather, and are believed to have complete control over the seas. In some folklore, sea witches are described as phantoms or ghosts who have the power to control the fates of ships their passengers. Sea witches often improvise on what they have, rather than making purchases from a store or from another person. Common tools include clam, scallop, or oyster shells in place of bowls or cauldrons. They are beachcombers and collect items including seaweed, fishing net, shells, sea grass, driftwood, pieces of sea glass, and even sand. Driftwood was used as walking sticks and charged as wands. Sea Witch works with what is termed ‘grey magic’ to maintain a balance of light and dark – most are solitary. 

I will be doing an in-depth look at all of these on a later date.

Blessed Be,

Circe

[tipsycad147]

Shamanism: Definition, History, and Beliefs

Mongolia, Khentii province, a shaman near a sacred shamanic ovoo. Tuul & Bruno Morandi / Image Bank /Getty

By Patti Wigington

Updated June 25, 2019

The practice of shamanism is found around the world in a variety of different cultures, and involves spirituality that often exists within an altered state of consciousness. A shaman typically holds a respected position in his or her community, and performs vitally important spiritual leadership roles.

Key Takeaways: Shamanism

“Shaman” is an umbrella term used by anthropologists to describe a vast collection of practices and beliefs, many of which have to do with divination, spirit communication, and magic.

One of the key beliefs found in shamanistic practice is that ultimately everything—and everyone—is interconnected.

Evidence of shamanic practices has been found in Scandinavia, Siberia, and other parts of Europe, as well as Mongolia, Korea, Japan, China and Australia. Inuit and First Nations tribes of North America utilized shamanic spirituality, as did groups in South America, Mesoamerica, and Africa.

History and Anthropology

The word shaman itself is a multi-faceted one. While many people hear the word shaman and immediately think of Native American medicine men, things are actually more complex than that.

“Shaman” is an umbrella term used by anthropologists to describe a vast collection of practices and beliefs, many of which have to do with divination, spirit communication, and magic. In most indigenous cultures, including but not limited to Native American tribes, the shaman is a highly trained individual, who has spent a lifetime following their calling. One does not simply declare oneself a shaman; instead it is a title granted after many years of study.

Mongolian Shamans or Buu, sit together as they take part in a sun ritual ceremony.  Kevin Frayer / Stringer / Getty Images News

Training and Roles in the Community

In some cultures, shamans were often individuals who had some sort of debilitating illness, a physical handicap or deformity, or some other unusual characteristic.

Among some tribes in Borneo, hermaphrodites are selected for shamanic training. While many cultures seem to have preferred males as shamans, in others it was not unheard of for women to train as shamans and healers. Author Barbara Tedlock says in The Woman in the Shaman's Body: Reclaiming the Feminine in Religion and Medicine that evidence has been found that the earliest shamans, found during the Paleolithic era in the Czech Republic, were in fact female.

In European tribes, it is likely that women were practicing as shamans alongside, or even in place of, men. Many Norse sagas describe the oracular works of the volva, or female seer. In several of the sagas and eddas, descriptions of prophecy begin with the line a chant came to her lips, indicating that the words which followed were those of the divine, sent by way of the volva as messenger to the gods. Among the Celtic peoples, legend has it that nine priestesses lived on an island off the coast of Breton were highly skilled in the arts of prophecy, and performed shamanic duties.

An ethnic Akha shaman in Thailand performs rituals to help find members of a missing soccer team in 2018.  Linh Pham / Stringer / Getty Images

In his work The Nature of Shamanism and the Shamanic Story, Michael Berman discusses many of the misconceptions surrounding shamanism, including the notion that the shaman is somehow possessed by the spirits he or she is working with. In fact, Berman argues that a shaman is always in complete control–because no indigenous tribe would accept a shaman who could not control the spirit world. He says,

“The willingly induced state of the inspired can be regarded as characteristic of the state of both the shaman and religious mystics whom Eliade calls prophets, whereas the involuntary state of possession is more like a psychotic state.”

Evidence of shamanic practices has been found in Scandinavia, Siberia, and other parts of Europe, as well as Mongolia, Korea, Japan, China and Australia. Inuit and First Nations tribes of North America utilized shamanic spirituality, as did groups in South America, Mesoamerica, and Africa. In other words, it’s been found throughout most of the known world. Interestingly, there is no hard and concrete evidence linking shamanism to the Celtic-language, Greek, or Roman worlds.

Today, there are a number of Pagans who follow an eclectic sort of Neo-shamanism. It often involves working with totem or spirit animals, dream journeys and vision quests, trance meditations, and astral travel. It’s important to note that much of what is currently marketed as “modern Shamanism” is not the same as the shamanic practices of indigenous peoples. The reason for this is simple–an indigenous shaman, found in a small rural tribe of some far-off culture, is immersed in that culture day to day, and his role as a shaman is defined by the complex cultural issues of that group.

Michael Harner is an archaeologist and the founder of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, a contemporary non-profit group dedicated to preserving the shamanic practices and rich traditions of the many indigenous groups of the world. Harner’s work has attempted to reinvent shamanism for the modern Neopagan practitioner, while still honoring the original practices and belief systems. Harner’s work promotes the use of rhythmic drumming as the base foundation of core shamanism, and in 1980 he published The Way of the Shaman: A Guide to Power and Healing. This book is considered by many to be a bridge between traditional indigenous shamanism and modern Neoshaman practices.

A Sussex shaman puts a spell on the Cuadrilla drill site during an anti-fracking demonstration. Kristian Buus / Corbis News / Getty Images

Beliefs and Concepts

For early shamans, beliefs and practices formed as a response to the basic human need to find an explanation—and exert some control over—natural occurrences. For instance, a hunter-gatherer society might make offerings to spirits that influenced the size of the herds or the bounty of the forests. Later pastoral societies might rely upon the gods and goddesses who controlled the weather, so that they would have plentiful crops and healthy livestock. The community then came to depend on the work of the shaman for their well-being.

One of the key beliefs found in shamanistic practice is that ultimately everything—and everyone—is interconnected. From plants and trees to rocks and animals and caves, all things are part of a collective whole. In addition, everything is imbued with its own spirit, or soul, and can be connected to on the non-physical plane. This patterned thinking allows the shaman to journey between the worlds of our reality and the realm of other beings, serving as a connector.

In addition, because of their ability to travel between our world and that of the greater spiritual universe, a shaman is typically someone who shares prophecies and oracular messages with those who may need to hear them. These messages may be something simple and individually focused, but more often that not, they are things that will impact an entire community. In some cultures, a shaman is consulted for their insight and guidance before any major decision is made by the elders. A shaman will often utilize trance-inducing techniques to receive these visions and messages.

Finally, shamans often serve as healers. They can repair ailments in the physical body by healing imbalances or damage to the person's spirit. This may be done by way of simple prayers, or elaborate rituals involving dance and song. Because illness is believed to come from malevolent spirits, the shaman will work to drive the negative entities out of the person's body, and protect the individual from further harm.

It's important to note that shamanism isn't a religion per se; instead, it's a collection of rich spiritual practices that are influenced by the context of the culture in which it exists. Today, many people are practicing shamans, and each does so in a way that is unique and specific to their own society and world view. In many places, today's shamans are involved in political movements, and have often taken key roles in activism, particularly that focused on environmental issues.

Sources

Conklin, Beth A. “Shamans versus Pirates in the Amazonian Treasure Chest.” American Anthropologist, vol. 104, no. 4, 2002, pp. 1050–1061., doi:10.1525/aa.2002.104.4.1050.

Eliade, Mircea. Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy. Princeton University Press, 2004.

Tedlock, Barbara. The Woman in the Shaman's Body: Reclaiming the Feminine in Religion and Medicine. Bantam, 2005.

Walter, Mariko N, and Eva J Neumann-Fridman, editors. Shamanism: An Encyclopedia of World Beliefs, Practices, and Culture. Vol. 1, ABC-CLIO, 2004.

https://www.learnreligions.com/shamanism-definition-4687631