Shamanism, the world’s oldest healing tradition, is found in all cultures on Earth.. With the aid of rhythmic drumming and chanting, the shaman enters a very deep trance or vision state. This vision state frees the shaman’s consciousness from the body, allowing it to “fly” into the realms the spirits inhabit, and to experience these “Otherworlds” with all the senses of the ordinary physical realm.
There are a number of relatively common practices and experiences in traditional shamanism which are being investigated by modern researchers. While the older traditional practices are ignored by some researchers, others have begun to explore these older techniques. The emergence of the new field of the “anthropology of consciousness.”
In order to journey to the other dimensions of existence a Shaman induces an altered state of consciousness in himself similar to a state of self-hypnosis called a state of flow. While in this state of flow, or Shamanic Trance, he is in complete control. He is able to take his consciousness and subtle bodies into nonphysical reality where he journeys to the world of spirits, gains information and makes subtle changes in reality which may affect his/her physical world.
Ritual Body Postures as a gateway to ShamanicVision. . The practice of ritual body postures offers a gateway to profound shamanic vision experiences. Through the deliberate assumption of specific body positions, individuals engage in an ancient tradition that transcends ordinary perception, leading to heightened states of consciousness and spiritual exploration.
During the practice of ritual body postures, participants enter a meditative state and hold specific bodily poses for extended periods. These postures are passed down through generations, each holding unique experiential significance and symbolic meaning. By immersing themselves in these postures, practitioners create a sacred space within themselves, inviting transformative experiences and connections to the unseen realms.
As the body settles into the posture, a profound shift in awareness occurs. Consciousness expands, enabling individuals to journey beyond the limitations of the physical realm. In this altered state, they may encounter visions, receive messages, and gain insights from the spiritual dimensions.
The shamanic vision experiences that emerge during ritual body posture practice are highly personal and can vary widely from individual to individual. Some may witness vivid images, encounter spirit guides, or gain deep wisdom and understanding about themselves and the world around them. Others may experience a merging with nature, a sense of interconnectedness, or a profound sense of transcendence.
These shamanic visions are not merely hallucinations or figments of imagination but are regarded as sacred and transformative encounters with the spiritual realm. They offer a profound opportunity for personal growth, healing, and spiritual connection.
The practice of ritual body postures, with its emphasis on intention, discipline, and reverence, creates a potent space for these shamanic vision experiences to unfold. It serves as a powerful tool for individuals to delve into the depths of their being, commune with the spiritual forces, and tap into the vast wellspring of wisdom that lies within.
As practitioners engage in this ancient tradition, they contribute to the rich tapestry of shamanic practices that have been passed down through generations. The shamanic vision experiences that arise from the practice of ritual body postures continue to inspire and guide individuals on their spiritual journeys, deepening their understanding of themselves, the world, and the interconnectedness of all things.