CONTEMPORARY SHAMANISM

Ancient ways for urban and suburban people of today. BY LEO RUTHERFORD.
Eagles Wing College of Contemporary Shamanism (UK) / www.shamanism.co.uk

The origins of shamanism pre-date recorded civilisation and may well go back 45,000 years or more. Evidence of shamanic practises exists from the Palaeolithic period and it is the oldest way in which humanity sought connection with creation, with the source. These practises are shared by indigenous peoples the world over with an underlying cosmology that cuts across cultural differences and customs. All of us have evolved from shamanic cultures - shamanism is not imported, it is our roots wherever we live. Today shamanism survives on all inhabited continents in less 'developed' regions in spite of the relentless onslaught of western scientific materialism, the treatment of the Earth and nature as something to be dominated and exploited and dogmatic masculine dominant religion. Shamanism is a path to knowledge which is gained through experience of many facets of life. It is not a belief system, it is a way of knowledge - that which is known from inside, that which stands up to the tests of time and experience and is proven to work - unlike beliefs which are taken on from outside and not personally tested in the laboratory of life. In the past two to three millennia, a male God in the image of man has been put into the minds of the people, rather like a Father Christmas / Santa Claus figure. He is seen by many religious people as separate from the Universe and often sitting in judgement of it and of us. This is totally at variance with the shamanic cultures who saw Creator and Creation as one and the same, God as the essence of existence of which we ourselves are an integral part. When we see ourselves as living within and as part of God, we dont need complicated theology, we can go out to the trees, the animals, the sky, and feel God present in nature. Indigenous shamans say we are supposed to be the Caretakers of the Earth. We are the one species with the knowledge of Self, and thus the power of conscious choice. We are challenged to awaken to our Oneness with All Things, to our relationship to each other as cells in the body of Creator/Creation and to use our powers wisely. As the insatiable and unsustainable nature of Western style civilisation is becoming visible, more and more people are turning to the ancient indigenous cultures for help and guidance in finding a way back to living in greater harmony and balance with nature, with Planet Earth, and with themselves. Will we be in time? How can we do enough to change our polluting and desecrating ways before our Planet ceases to be able to sustain us in the way to which we have become accustomed? I was an engineer/business manager until mid-life crisis propelled me to seek deeper meaning in my existence. My personal odyssey into healing led me, to my surprise, to the most ancient cultures. I have been involved in shamanism for over 30 years now and my world view and my life have changed beyond recognition. I am free of the guilt of

Christianity and of the whole concept that belief/faith is necessary. My life quest is for knowledge.

Essential Differences Between Shamanism And male monotheist Religion:Religion: Belief in one god. Shamanism: knowledge of nature and universe. Religion: Set of beliefs. Shamanism: Set of tools to find knowledge. Religion: God is separate. Shamanism: God in everything, is everything. Religion: God is good, devil is evil. Shamanism: Good and evil are two aspects of creation. Religion: Priests elected by hierarchy. Shamans acknowledged through ability. Religion: Repetitive dogma/structure. Shamanism: Constantly tested by 'what works'. Religion: Masculine principle dominant. Shamanism: Feminine & masculine principles in balance.

Books by Leo Rutherford: Shamanic Path Workbook (Arima Pubs 2006) The view through the medicine wheel (O-Books 08) Spirituality versus Religion (CreateSpace 2011)

EAGLE'S WING College of Contemporary Shamanism, 01435-810233 / leorutherford@eagleswing.co.uk

www.shamanism.co.uk