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You want to be a Shaman?
The word Shaman has become increasingly commonplace. Which is in some ways good, for it brings back to our awareness that there were once medicine people within every community who worked in partnership with spirit to bring healing and guidance when needed.
There are those out there who are offering weekend courses, and even longer trainings, in how to be a Shaman. Does that make those who complete such training a Shaman?
No.
A Shaman intercedes with spirit on behalf of their community. The work of a Shaman is inextricably linked to the spirits and the depth of that relationship. That relationship develops over time and the skills of a Shaman come with time. Anyone can learn shamanic practices, but without deep partnership with spirit, their work is hollow.
I am still deepening my relationship with my spirit allies, and always will be. Some are close as friends, others are fierce, hard teachers, all of them challenge me. My shamanic practice is a lifelong journey and brings me much joy.
So, for those of you who want to be a shaman, I have written this poem. It is not all love and light, although certainly that is part of it. It is a path which will turn your life upside down and transform you utterly if you embrace it.

Drum in hand
She looked askance at me
You want to be a Shaman?
She laughed
And stepped closer to the fire
First you must be chosen
It is not a choice.
Then you must meet your death
And live
You must hunt down
Your Demons
And be eaten by them
Until nothing but
A hollow bone is left
You must be possessed
By the Sun, the Moon and the Stars
You must learn
To see with your heart
To listen with your skin
You must learn
That you are something more
Than blood and bone
You must become
Self-possessed
Empty as the sky
Full as the Earth
Until you are One
And all that is
May dance and sing through you.
The shaman looked at me
That would be a start
She said.
© Sarah L Kent 2017
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