What is a Shaman?

[Michael Erlewine]

Shamanism. That word brings up images of Don Juan, the books of Carlos Castaneda, and perhaps strange and exotic rituals held somewhere in a remote desert in the southwest. If you study shamanism, the first thing you find is that shamanism is not lineage oriented, that is: there is not a brotherhood of shamans stretching across time to the present. Instead, shamanism is a natural function of society, a reflex so to speak of our own culture. Let me explain.

The shamanic experience is the result of an individual venturing beyond the conventional bounds of society and into unknown or uncharted waters, usually the result of a psychological experience or trauma that occurs. It can be naturally induced or happen as the result of drugs or any life-changing experience. It can last for a short time or for life.

The point is that the individual finds his or herself suddenly on their own, living in a space and time that does not conform with the society around them. They are out of bounds and by definition the society around them does not know what they are seeing, what they are talking about. This is a key concept here.

Secret societies, brotherhoods, lineages, and so on are lines of thought that are consciously extended down through time by a group of like-minded individuals -organized. Most religions are examples of this organization. Shamanism is contrasted by the fact that shamans are not empowered (for the most part) by anything or anyone other than their own experiences. The shaman is separated from society by their own internal changes, which can push them beyond conventional societal borders until literally no one understands them. They are self-separated from society by the intensity of their own experiences and in general face two choices. They either manage to stabilize and return to society or they go a little crazy (at least society thinks so) or both.

My point here is that shamanism is a solitary experience. The idea of a shaman convention is pretty much an oxymoron. The important idea to see here is that every society has borders or conventions and that in every society there will be those who wander outside of those borders for one reason or another. Therefore, every society has the equivalent of shamans, and the concept is not restricted to any area of the world or to any particular society. There are by definition shamans in the heart of New York City and anywhere that society forms. In order to have a society, you have to have conventions and by that fact also that which is ‘unconventional,” those who are outside conventions, not necessarily of their own choosing.

Those who fall through the cracks of conventional society find themselves on their own, alone, and they often seek out the local shaman or wise person, who at least can see where they are at because they too have passed on beyond convention. The shaman can always spot those who are coming across the edge of convention and they act like a guide to help stabilize the individual and return him or her to society or train them in accepting their condition. Beginning to sound just a little familiar?

It should because by this definition, counseling astrologers (most of us) have had shamanic experiences, experiences that have thrust us (at least for a time) into a space where we learned something about ourselves of a deeply moving or changing nature, and thus we can understand and have compassion for those who suffer like we suffered, those who find their way to us, our clients.

Very briefly then, this is a rough idea of modern shamanism, which I would like to discuss in much greater detail with those interested in what might be called “initiatory astrology,” which is by definition esoteric or not widely know. It is what the Tibetans call “self-secret.” It hides itself by the definition of being outside convention. You don't get it unless you have had the experience. You get the idea. Let’s talk.

For those interested in these techniques in greater detail, please see my book "Astrology of the Heart: Astro-Shamanism," available on Amazon.com.

[Gary_Caton]

shamanism is a natural function of society, a reflex so to speak of our own culture. Let me explain.

The shamanic experience is the result of an individual venturing beyond the conventional bounds of society and into unknown or uncharted waters, usually the result of a psychological experience or trauma that occurs. It can be naturally induced or happen as the result of drugs or any life-changing experience. It can last for a short time or for life.

The point is that the individual finds his or herself suddenly on their own, living in a space and time that does not conform with the society around them. They are out of bounds and by definition the society around them does not know what they are seeing, what they are talking about. This is a key concept here.

Shamanism is contrasted by the fact that shamans are not empowered (for the most part) by anything or anyone other than their own experiences. The shaman is separated from society by their own internal changes, which can push them beyond conventional societal borders until literally no one understands them. They are self-separated from society by the intensity of their own experiences and in general face two choices. They either manage to stabilize and return to society or they go a little crazy (at least society thinks so) or both.

Those who fall through the cracks of conventional society find themselves on their own, alone, and they often seek out the local shaman or wise person, who at least can see where they are at because they too have passed on beyond convention. The shaman can always spot those who are coming across the edge of convention and they act like a guide to help stabilize the individual and return him or her to society or train them in accepting their condition.

by this definition, counseling astrologers (most of us) have had shamanic experiences, experiences that have thrust us (at least for a time) into a space where we learned something about ourselves of a deepling moving or changing nature, and thus we can understand and have compassion for those who suffer like we suffered, those who find their way to us, our clients.

Thank you Michael! This definition is so important for people to hear because it is so functional and concrete. I know I have not been the same since hearing it from you personally. You are perhaps the most influential person in my life in terms of the true blossoming of my understanding of who and what I am as an astrologer. I think it helped me let go of any reflexive desires to "fit in" -even within the astrological community. It also definitely focused and deepened my understanding of why clients come to me and what it is I can do for them.

It took some time for me to digest this relatively simple message, but I want you to know that I "get it" and that I will not forget it and hopefully I can pass some part of it on to my clients and other astrologers, healers etc

The biggest thing I learned (or perhaps remembered) from your heliocentric "astrology of the heart" material is that simply by my mere presence I can be a catalyst. In other words, I can stop trying so hard and trust that simply by being who I am I can deliver what it is the client needs to hear from me. That was very liberating, because goddess knows we can try so hard that we become inneffective. Often, we mostly need to get out of our own way!

[Michael Erlewine]

Gary, you wrote:

“The biggest thing I learned (or perhaps remembered) from your heliocentric "astrology of the heart" material is that simply by my mere presence I can be a catalyst. In other words, I can stop trying so hard and trust that simply by being who I am I can deliver what it is the client needs to hear from me. That was very liberating, because goddess knows we can try so hard that we become ineffective. Often, we mostly need to get out of our own way!”

Let me tell folks what we were looking at astrologically that prompted you to that understanding, as I like to ground the interpretation in the technique, so that others can repeat it. That is what technique is, a ritual to recreate the experience that resulted in the technique in the first place. I was trying to teach or empower you in that technique and perhaps it worked!

We were looking at your heliocentric chart. For those of you who have not discovered the use of the helio chart, let me just point out that the helio chart is what I call the ‘Dharma Chart’ or ‘Life Path’ Chart. Because I use helio, astrologers like to tag me as a “helio astrologer,” when I always use both helio and geo chart. The geo chart gives us a map of the circumstances we are embedded in and what our personality looks like to others.

The helio chart gives us the one (soul, self, entity, etc.) who is embedded in the circumstances. A glance at the helio chart will always show me who I am speaking to, and who will be there when I get through the personality and really get to know them deep down. Another way I like to say it is the helio chart is who you are when all the personal changes you have to take are taken – done. Beneath it all is your helio chart. That is the you we can count on.

In your case, what I pointed out is that in your helio chart you have a Grand Cross. I mean that is a major pattern that sends two oppositions through the center of the system, the Sun. This type of pattern (when in the helio) points to a very potent (let’s say: seminal) presence that does act like a catalyst. Grand Cross people don’t have to say a word. They cause change to happen or turn the wheel of change whenever they appear and they affect whomever they come to know.

The Grand Cross is the most potent single chart pattern and I have studied these patterns for over 40 years. You’ve got that pattern. I am just the opposite. I have a Grand Trine in my helio, which is sensitive to your type, so I can see what you can only feel… and I pointed out the Grand Cross type to you. This is how large-scale patterns interact.

Anyway, this belongs in a helio forum which we have not even created yet. Some years ago I made up tarot-like cards for all the basic chart types (some 60 of them) and here is the card for your type. The book you were referring to is: “Astrology of the Heart: Astro-Shamanism,” so at least that reference belongs in this forum. I am not trying to hype the book, but you can get it on Amazon.com - for those interested in this approach.

The Grand Cross

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[Gary_Caton]

Thanks Michael, that's some really great info and such a fantastic fresh and unique perspective for people to check out.

To return to the astro-shamanism dialogue, one of the things that was hardest for me to take in at first was the idea of stopping at Saturn and turning around -functionally disregarding the outer planets...I think it was hard for me because as a Mundane (meaning world -or socio-political) astrologer I thought the outers represented my bread and butter!

But you know, that has perhaps been the idea which has had the deepest effect on my practice of astrology. After synchronistically finding out from the astronomers (at about the same time as I met you) that there are many objects like Pluto and that he is basically not all that special astronomically, I began to reconsider the importance of using the outer planets. Though I don't like to use the word, I have to say that at this point I am pretty much a "convert." In what became a very organic process over the last couple years I have largely turned my back on the outers. I no longer use outer planets as even "co-rulers of signs" and I now primarily use the synodic cycles of the visible planets to look at collective issues.

I mentioned in the interview we did together that I think collectively we give way too much of our personal power away to the outer planets. I think they just don't hold the hypnotic power any more once you recognize and realize that the real power is in working toward the inner planets...I won't try to explain what that is all about, because I know you can do a much better job, but I just wanted you to know that the concept has taken hold. So, thanks again!

[Michael Erlewine]

Gary,

Your posts have a way of introducing concepts that have not been presented here yet, so I worry that readers will not know what we are talking about. A case in point is my take on the outer planets, which I presented publically at a Project Hindsight conference in Cumberland, Maryland a few years ago.

This is a radical concept or view of the transcendental planets and Robert Schmidt and I have discussed it many times. And it really has to be a topic on its own, so I will refer readers to four posts in this same forum that will introduce the topic.

Readers: let me know what you think of this approach. It has been a lifesaver for me.

-- Michael Erlewine

[Bob_Makransky]

Hi,
Some comments on shamanistic astrology:

at shamans are not empowered (for the most part) by anything or anyone other than their own experiences.
Well, Mayan shamans are selected by their gods and are obedient to same. They don’t make the choice to become shamans, they are chosen.

My point here is that shamanism is a solitary experience. The idea of a shaman convention is pretty much an oxymoron.
Mayan shamans work together as often as alone. In traditional Mayan society such as described by Martin Prechtel in his books, shamanism is a definitely a group experience, both in training new shamans and in solving community problems. During Mayan ceremonies, for example, pretty much everyone can pick up on the messages which the spirits are sending.

here are by definition shamans in the heart of New York City and anywhere that society forms. I’m with you 100% on this one – except I use the term “magicians”. Magicians who happen to be Christians or capitalists would scoff at the idea that they are magicians using magic. But anyone who applies the techniques of magic to get what they want from life, anyone who has some degree of mastery in the use of intuition and intent, is a magician – no matter what society they live in.

So the question to ask is how do the outer planets (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) manifest to us, physically or in any other way? And the answer is: just as they already are manifesting, and have been manifesting in our astrological charts, since their discovery.
If we can’t stand to look change in the eye, Pluto brings it about by force, if necessary. For many, this has to do with our thoughts of death, dying, and what rebirth is all about.

Vis a vis Pluto, having Pluto conjunct or opposition a planet means that whatever that planet means will manifest in complete wipeouts or 180° about-faces here and there during the life. In one’s purpose (conjunct or opposition sun); emotions (conjunct or opposition moon); love relationships (conjunct or opposition Venus); etc. a conjunction or opposition with Pluto will bring total wipeouts which force the native to start completely over again from zero. Consider Teddy Roosevelt, who had sun conjunct Mercury opposition Pluto. His mother and wife died (of separate causes) the same day, which led him to start a new life in the Dakotas as a rancher; then the wipeout of his cattle herd in a hard winter forced him to reenter politics. Even his accession to the presidency (upon McKinley’s assassination) was a complete change from one day to the next. Pluto forces us to make total changes in our assumptions and relationships.

As we pass the age of 30 years, our sense that time is a linear line running from birth to our death at old age begins to fade. When we are past our physical prime, there is nothing more physical being added on. We stop growing physically. In the physical sense, we have nothing more to look forward to.

Well, there’s always sex. For some views of the Saturn return in various native’s lives, see my Saturn Return Readings article posted at http://www.dearbrutus.com => Makransky Miscellany => Astrology articles.


xoxo,

Bob Makransky

[Michael Erlewine]

Hi Bob,

Thanks for posting. I hear what you are saying about groups of shamans, but that seens to be the exception and not the rule. I refer you to Mircea Eliade’s book “Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy” as a seminal book on this topic by someone who actually had real life experience as an initiate.

My understanding is that while there are family genealogies that pass shamanic techniques to their children, there are few of what we might call lineages as we find in many spiritual disciplines where there is a mouth-to-ear transmission of the teachings. My point is that Shamans spring up spontaneously in all cultures by definition because societies are conventional by nature and some wander beyond the conventions.

Be that as it may, my experience with shamanism is not in South America or anywhere else but right here where we are living – in modern society. In counseling practice I specialized (so it seemed) in those folks who through drug experiences or various emotional shocks somehow ended up beyond the pale of societal conventions. I won’t repeat what I wrote elsewhere, but the idea is that our internal experiences themselves can isolate some of us for a time from society. Shamans can counsel and guide those isolated and help them return to normal stability. Astrologers frequently fill this role. And so on.

I did follow your link and read your article on “Saturn Return Readings,” which I enjoyed. I have written very extensively about Saturn in my book “Astrology of the Heart: Astro-Shamanism, “ which is a paperback on Amazon.com if you have the interest. As you point out, the Saturn return is a major initiation for all of us, whether we are aware of it or not. We all go through it, but we do not all go through it with our eyes open, with awareness of what is happening to us. There is something to be said for reading the story of the Saturn return into the ears of those who have not taken it yet on the chance that they can respond to what is being presented and experience the Saturn Return consciously. Most seem to learn about it only after it has happened.

[Angela_Star]

Dear Michael,

I love your article as it has cured the mystery of why I simply do not fit with society at large and have slowly progressed over time into being always "alone"
I did do some astrological counseling in the past, but for personal reasons decided to leave it behind. What I am really interested in is the further discusion of the "initiation" part of the subject. When will you be going into that subject and do you have to have several of us sign up or request this first?

I always thought because all of my planets are below the horizon that my need for privacy or introversion may be the reason for my growing isolation. Then I thought it was because of how the choices I had made did not turn out as I had expected or wished. I kept trying to get "out there" but became ill. Then I realized I was interested in things most others were not. I could go on here but I am trying to make a point that I have felt lonely and isolated and trying to figure out why and when you mentioned the mars influence and the aura it produces I had a light bulb experience. Since I do not see myself clearly or as others do with a sun/ neptune/mercury conj, I had to look at my mars/uranus conj. in the first in gemini and realized it was what I was putting out in my daily actions and comings and goings that was stage, although all planets below was something else added to the stew.

At least now I know that I am an astro-shaman and yes I can tell when others are having pain/suffering becaue of not fitting in, although since I left the counseling field have not really been able to help others be in touch with that, nor did I know who I was in that respect either, except that I was different, had extreme losses and was alone. So I am so grateful for coming to see this blog and I am more accepting of my "fate" without condeming myself so much.

By the way, I do not know how to use the quote section and when I try to use the color and bold/italic all I get are a lot of symbols and nothing comes out like it should so I left it alone. I am not computer savvy and if anyone call share how to work this I would be grateful. Hello to all as I am a newbie as of yesterday.

Sincerely,
Angela M. Star

[David_Mastrogiovanni]

Greetings, I would like to comment that it was through Astrology that I recieved the answer to why I am so mystically inclined. It was my brother whom convinced me of the validity of Astrology in 1984.
I had many paranormal experiences before and since that time. Some of these experiences have been interpreted by others to be 'Shamanistic' in nature. It may be of interest that I have been a practitioner of 'Yogic Science' since 1968 [Japa {mantra} Yoga].
The discovery of the "Mystic Rectangle" so prominently placed in my natal chart and the corresponding Sabian symbols are the predominate indicators of these tendencies and proclivities to my understanding and satisfaction...particularly the Sabian for my natal Pluto at the 21st degree of Leo. That particular degree of the Zodiac is defined by Rudhyar to be about "The premature expansion of consciousness"...and OH those transits by Pluto as per how I've been affected in so many ways along things of said nature!
Without the Astrological knowledge I have gained I would be somewhat like a ships' captain without a star map, spiritually. I feel spiritual growth and understanding goes hand in hand with astrological understanding.
Good topic, cheers.
Dave Mastry