When I was child, my mother often took me on long walks through the New Zealand bush.
I felt an unexplainable connection to the trees
and the earth beneath my feet.
Those moments sparked my interest in diving deeply into the mysterious world of shamanism later in life.
Journeying between the worlds and communicating with the spirit realm felt natural to me, and in some sense, a lot easier than learning to communicate through ‘normal’ language.
I knew with every fibre of my being that I was born to be a shaman.
THE ROLE OF NATURE IN SHAMANISM
Nature is the ultimate teacher in shamanism. It provides the wisdom and guidance that shamans draw upon to heal and restore balance.
Every element of nature, from the whistling winds and towering mountains to the starry sky, holds secrets and insights.
These natural wonders can help you forge a deeper connection with the truth of who you are.
7 SHAMANIC LESSONS FROM THE NATURAL WORLD
1. The Shaman as a Tracker
Just as a predator in the wild meticulously tracks its prey, never missing a single footprint or broken branch, a shaman tracks their thoughts with the same precision.
The shaman follows each thought to its root,
understanding how it shapes their reality
By observing the natural world, shamans learn the art of tracking, applying it to their inner landscape to uncover the origins of their thoughts and actions, thus mastering the creation of their own reality.
2. Deep Listening:
Just as an owl silently listens for the faintest sound of its prey in the night, a shaman practices deep listening.
They attune to the whispers of the spirit world and the subtle energies around them.
This skill allows the shaman to receive guidance
and insight from beyond the physical realm
3. Metamorphosis – Shaman’s Death and Rebirth:
Just as a butterfly undergoes metamorphosis, emerging transformed from its cocoon, a shaman embodies the principle of death and rebirth.
This process allows them to shed old ways and embrace new ones, adjusting their methods to meet the unique needs of each individual and situation.
Through this continual transformation, a shaman always finds a way to facilitate healing and profound change, guiding others through their own processes of metamorphosis and renewal.
4. Intuitive Wisdom:
Similar to how a spider senses vibrations through its web, a shaman possesses an intuitive knowing, feeling the unseen currents and energies that influence the physical world.
This heightened intuition guides their actions and decisions.
5. Sacred Empathy:
Just as bees work together in a hive, sensing and responding to the needs of their colony, a shaman embodies sacred empathy.
This sacred empathy enables the shaman to offer compassionate and effective healing, ensuring that those they assist feel truly seen and supported in their journey towards wholeness.
The shaman intuitively understands and feels the emotion and energy of others, creating a deep spiritual connection
6. Spiritual Groundedness – A Foot in Both Worlds:
Like a tree with deep roots anchoring it firmly in the earth, a shaman remains grounded, maintaining a strong connection to the physical world while journeying through the spiritual realms.
This groundedness provides stability and strength in their healing practices.
7. Visionary Insight:
As an eagle soars high above, seeing the broader landscape below, a shaman possesses visionary insight, perceiving the larger patterns and connections in life.
This perspective enables them to offer profound guidance and support to those seeking clarity and direction.
Embracing shamanic wisdom and connecting with nature can have a profound impact on your personal and spiritual growth.
In the Medicine Woman Certificate in Shamanic Studies© program, you can work deeply with the powers of nature to develop the qualities, wisdom and powers of the shaman.
Whether you seek personal growth, spiritual connection, or the ability to heal, shamanism provides a path to unlock the transformative power of nature to create a life of harmony, balance, and profound spiritual depth.
I look forward to walking this sacred path with you.
L.V.X.
Light in Extension,
Franchelle Ofsoské-Wyber
Founder and Spiritual Director of Medicine Woman Centre for Shamanic and Esoteric Studies®
