Any SWIY's ever met with a real Shaman?

[PsychoActivist]

SWIM is hoping this is the right spot for this thread. If not he apologizes in advance and any mods please feel free to move it accordingly.

SWIM was curious if anyone that "isn't you" have ever met with a Shaman and if so he would love to hear about the overall experience. He would also like to hear about how one may actually go about meeting with a Shaman. He realizes that only so much can be said before it becomes a form of sourcing so he is not asking for any exact locations or sources. He would just like to hear what might be the first step in arranging a meeting with a Shaman (if that is allowed to be discussed). Regardless, he would still love to hear some experiences.

Also SWIM realizes that many different cultures have their own types of Shaman. SWIM is open to all really. He is still somewhat naive about Shamanism but he has done quite a bit of reading and research and is very intrigued and believes he could really use some healing.

Any other information that could help educate SWIM even more about Shamanism would be appreciated as well.

Thanks.

Reputation Comments on this post:

Good topic for discussion

[Expat98]

Are you aware of the ayahuasca sessions available to tourists in Peru and other countries in South America? Some of them are hosted by genuine shamans who know what they're doing and can act as competent guides through the ayahuasca experience. However, the popularity of "ayahuasca tourism" has exploded in recent years, and there are a lot of groups who are just out to separate tourists from their money, and their "shamans" are fakes who are not really qualified. So you really have to do your research and choose wisely. The other downside is that these sessions tend to be quite expensive. It may be worth it though if you can find a good one.

I'd be most interested in hearing about first-hand experiences with ayahuasca sessions in South America if anyone has info to share.

[PsychoActivist]

^ Thanks for the reply. SWIM probably would not have taken into consideration, the popularity/lack of authenticity factor. That's a good point and makes sense. He will remember that when researching.

[Potter]

Your best bet would be to get into an ethnobotany program at a university.

[ripdas112]

^^^^ Uh huh.

also as Expat was saying, sessions in Peru are good from what swim has heard! Beware of fakes and money stealers! India's infamous for duds..

[nuffsaid420]

Originally Posted by Potter

Your best bet would be to get into an ethnobotany program at a university.

Yes this is what I did, and my teacher is a shaman of 30 years. We even went on 'journey's' in class(without the drugs). This by far was my most mind expanding experience, he also showed me that shamans today come in many flavors and forms, Many artists are shamans today.

In the old shamans necessitated being artist too.

Today the artist is necessitated as being a shaman.

I am an artist(shaman)

But if you want the "traditional" experience just do a google search. There are many "sacred journey's" to Peru and like places that people are always going on.


The call of a shaman is the healer. The call doesn't care where you live. I find living in America way more challenging than if I were born into a traditional area. Sometimes I think this is the next level of shamanism, to still be able to become one when everything and everyone has always tried to steer me away from this call. Very challenging. The call of shaman also necessitates being a "healer".

Just stay away from Vodoo.

Peace & Love

Reputation Comments on this post:

Good points

[Euthanatos93420]

Originally Posted by nuffsaid420

Just stay away from Vodoo.

Peace & Love

Yup, that about sums it up.

[old hippie 56]

Have heard mixed reviews of the Peyote Way Church of God-The Spirit Walk. Swim know one person that done the walk years ago and he came back a changed man.
http://www.peyoteway.org/spiritwalk.php

[Junket]

Originally Posted by old hippie 56

Have heard mixed reviews of the Peyote Way Church of God-The Spirit Walk. Swim know one person that done the walk years ago and he came back a changed man.
http://www.peyoteway.org/spiritwalk.php

Just checked this out and it looks absolutely insane..

8 hours of walking around the desert? damnnnnnnn

What is the legality of such a place? They provide you with peyote?

[old hippie 56]

-Thinking you might be going about it the wrong way, it ain't about getting high, it about coming in touch with your spiritual side.

[Junket]

Originally Posted by old hippie 56

-Thinking you might be going about it the wrong way, it ain't about getting high, it about coming in touch with your spiritual side.

Oh, no I read the testimonies from customers, you are by yourself, not talking. I didn't really think it was a resort to go get fucked up at.. Haha. Its still interesting to me. Out in the desert trippin out and finding yourself

intense

[PsychoActivist]

It looks cool but SWIM is not sure if he likes the whole idea of being by himself for this. He would rather have a guide with him.