Shamanism is an Earth-based, cross-cultural, personal approach for gaining inner knowledge and empowerment. People from all cultures practiced shamanism; it predates all known religions, psychologies and philosophies, making it the oldest of spiritual disciplines practiced in Australia, Asia, Africa, Siberia, the Americas and parts of Europe. Consequently, shamanism forms the spiritual roots of Western culture and is an indelible part of our collective unconscious memory.

An Earth-Based Astrology

The changing sky, the constellations, the rising and setting Sun, the waxing and waning Moon and the visible heavenly bodies made a profound impression on early man, prompting him to devise explanations for what he observed. Practitioners of shamanism were the first to work with astrology because they believed that all creatures on earth  responded in differing degrees to the energies of the fixed stars, the Sun, Moon and planets.

There is a definite correspondence between the movement of the stars and planets and life on Earth. The signs of the zodiac, the planets and the division of the zodiac into houses, combine to form a picture of the sky, with the Earth (and the creatures and things of Earth) in the center. Our reaction to the vibrations coming from the stars and planets is what astrology is all about. Both astrology and shamanism interpret the natural world, allowing us to realize our purpose on Earth in accordance with the synchronicity of nature and the cosmos.

Shamans have always enjoyed a happy alliance with the environment by living in harmony with nature. They heal by entreating the powers that be to intercede for them, and by talking to the spirits, stars, planetary bodies, animals, plants, stones or the elements  in order to learn how to produce spiritual, mental, emotional and physical wellness. The real source of the shaman's healing ability is the universal energy of the cosmos, which animates, vivifies and ensouls all creatures and things.

We all know this universal energy source by many names—electromagnetism, spiritual ether, limitless light, prana or prakriti, Great Spirit, Great Mystery, God or Goddess. However, no matter what we choose to call it, the power of the universe is both the healer and the medicine that makes us well. Healing happens because the practitioner of shamanism receives and transmits cosmic energy as well as the energies of the Sun, Moon and planets in our solar system.

How Shamans Heal

A glimpse into non-ordinary reality may bring about spontaneous healing and thus effect a cure, so the concept behind healing through shamanism is to alter consciousness. We can do this with the aid of planetary energies.

Solar energy expands individual consciousness and revitalizes the body, heart and mind.

Lunar energy balances moods and emotions, increases personal magnetism, eases female disorders and regulates the flow of bodily secretions.

An adventurous, humanitarian spirit as well as an original, universal point of view (associated with Uranus) is also necessary to manage positive and negative forces. When the logical mind (Mercury) is awake and aware, we may improve communication skills and physical dexterity, and maintain steady nerve functions and reflexes.

Creative imagination (associated with Venus and Neptune) is the shaman's greatest ally. It may be used to build healthy inner and outer circumstances, rekindle affections, increase the psychic senses (Neptune), acquire a kind, compassionate nature and alleviate susceptibility to contagion by building white blood cells.

Increased motivation, energy, courage and foresight (associated with Mars) are necessary if outworn habits, values, limitations and beliefs are to undergo transformation (Pluto). These qualities help us claim and use inner strength and power despite external circumstances and conditions.

Wealth has to do with overall prosperity-consciousness (associated with Jupiter). If we are grateful for what we have and maintain a positive attitude, we may express physical, social and spiritual harmony, be more generous and increase the development of disease-fighting cells.

Goals and ambitions (Mars, Saturn) may be realized more quickly if we have a good sense of humor and a sense of the ridiculous regarding the serious aspects of life.

Natural Healing

Celestial vibrations influence all spiritual, mental, emotional and physical behaviors. If we learn to observe and cooperate with nature, we too can produce certain results from the cosmic vibrations set in motion through us by applying the healing techniques of shamanism to keep the body, mind and spirit sound and healthy.

We can change and improve our way of thinking, our habits and our actions, simply by gazing at the sky; seeing the stars and planets in terms of their natural cycles and positions; feeling their influences and interpreting their energies in our own way and calling on their unique powers.

Notes

Europe: Celtic, Greek, Roman and other European mythologies incorporate gods, goddesses, spirits, animals and plant and mineral totems because they stem from shamanistic beliefs and practices.

Collective memory: Collective memory, associated with the planet Pluto, contains the people, places, things and events recollected by universal, cultural, social and/or family groups.

Humanitarian spirit, logical mind: The planets Uranus and Mercury are associated with these personal characteristics. Uranus is the higher expression of Mercury, and so these energies are connected.

Creative imagination, psychic senses: Visualization skills are associated with Venus. Intuition and mysticism come from Neptune, Venus' higher expression.