Today I will introduce an organization of "Shamanic Practitioners", based on United States of America. This is the Foundation for Shamanic Studies (FSS) .
Introduction
The "neo-shamanic" movements are becoming more and more popular. They are being developed, particularly in North America and Europe. Despite this, they remain on the margins of society. Indeed, the effectiveness of shamanic knowledge and practices are not yet recognized by most public authorities. This is why organizations are working to regulate the practice of this medicine and give an ethical framework to neo-shamanism.
These "shamanic practitioners" refer mostly to Michael Harner's "Core Shamanism". It is a culturally neutral approach to shamanism appropriate to our western society. The aim is to combine the ancestral knowledge of shamanism with our culture. In some way a method of inspiration, healing and information practicable by all. But above all not a religion.
Foundation for Shamanic Studies (FSS)
This foundation was created by anthropologist Michael Harner, in 1979.
It is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, study and teaching of shamanic knowledge for the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. Michael Harner is at the origin of "Core Shamanism". One of his greatest contributions is surely his central role in bringing together the worlds of native shamanism and the West.
What is "Core shamanism"?
It is a concept with the common characteristics of shamanism, but they are not linked to a distinctive cultural perspective or group. The main purpose of core shamanism is to learn to enter a modified state of consciousness without psychoactive substance. In particular, this is done thanks to repetitive percussive sounds. And the point of this training is the learning of shamanic care.
What is the FSS speech ?
The West would have lost its shamanic knowledge with the arrival of egemonic religion. The aim of the foundation is therefore to allow Westerners to reconnect with these knowledges. The Foundation's work is based on three main principles :
1. The teaching of authentic practices of shamanic care methods with high ethical standards.
2. The preservation and reactivation of indigenous shamanism. By caring for aboriginal people who have lost their ancestral shamanic knowledge. And by subsidizing elderly shamans designated as "living treasure of shamanism".
3. Study and research, especially through the "Shamanic Knowledge Conservatory".
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"What's really important about shamanism is that there is another reality that you can personally discover...we are not alone." — Michael Harner
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So, if it interested you or piqued your curiosity, I invite you to consult their website or Michael Harner's books that you will find below.
Image sources : 1
Information sources : https://www.shamanism.org/
M. J. Harner, Cave and Cosmos: Shamanic Encounters with Another Reality, 2013
M. J. Harner, The Way of the Shaman, 1980
Good to you,
@lastminuteman
Interesting information, thank you! My wife is somewhat of a shamanic practitioner, although not in a particularly organized fashion, or according to a very specific tradition... I'll pass this along.
You are welcome, anyway there is several paths for everything. No need to be mainstream, what's matter it's these go at the same final point :)
To me, Neo-shamanism is the emergence of shamanic tools and skills in every day life. We are all connected to spirit and we all have whatever the shamanic gene is at this point. Shamanism is self-discovery.
Well seen, self-discovery is the point of personal development. For some it is even in this way that we find God. Anyway, the doors are opened !