Classic Shamanism And Core Shamanism (tradition)

[kreeden]

One of the problems I have always had with calling myself Shamanic is the respect I have for the Classic Shaman { Traditional Shaman **. They are such , not because they are following a personal path , but because they are fullfilling a duty for their people .

There is a very good comparsion between the two here ... http://www.cauldronfarm.com/writing/shaman_compare.html

This brings up more then a few interesting questions . Do we have to define what Shamanism is ? Is being taught by the Spirits enough to call one's self a Shaman ? Is finding one's self enough ?

Sorry , but I can't figure out how to copy the two list here without having them run together into one paragraph .

[Vigdisdotter]

Originally Posted by kreeden

Do we have to define what Shamanism is ?

Defining things certainly helps in communicating about the subject

Originally Posted by kreeden

Is being taught by the Spirits enough to call one's self a Shaman ? Is finding one's self enough ?

I'm going to say, No. In my opinion "shaman" is a title that is given to you, not by the spirits, but by the people you serve. Lots of people can and do practice shamanic thought and techniques, they journey and even get instruction from various beings....but they don't have a community that they serve. This to me means that they are Shamanic Practitioners, but are not Shamans.

And yes, I'm one of those that is a Shamanic Practitioner, but not a Shaman

[kreeden]

Thank you for your views Vigdisdotter . Personally , I have always had a problem calling myself a Shaman for those very reasons .

So , how would you define " serving a community " ? Just wondering if teaching others would serve ? Not that I plan to start mind you . Guess that I'm just wondering where that line is that one crosses from being a Shamanic Practitioner to being a full Shaman ?

BTW , don't mind me . Like they say , a fool can ask more questions then a wise person can answer .... And I do have questions .