During my formative years, my knowledge of shamanism was quite limited. Back then, I held the common misconception that it was merely a superstitious and unfounded practice associated with primitive cultures that lacked the advancements of modernism. This biased perspective was largely shaped by depictions of shamans as eccentric medicine men in movies and popular media. However, as I transitioned into young adulthood, my perspective began to shift thanks to an encounter with the writings of Carlos Castaneda.
Embracing the Shaman's Way
Nearly five decades ago, the translated works of Carlos Castaneda found their way into Yugoslavia, and I vividly recall the palpable excitement that rippled through the world community of the 1970s. These books provided a gateway into an enthralling world previously unknown to me. Castaneda's narratives captivated my imagination and transported me into the realm of shamanism.
Through his writings, I was introduced to the practices, rituals, and beliefs of indigenous cultures and their connection with nature, spirituality, and healing. Suddenly, my preconceived notions about shamanism crumbled, giving way to a deep appreciation for the insights and timeless wisdom embedded within these ancient teachings.
I call Carlos Castaneda my most significant early influencer who opened the world of shamanism through his books, which revolve around the teachings of Don Juan, a Yaqui Indian shaman. Castaneda documented his apprenticeship in traditional shamanic practices with the themes of altered states of consciousness, spiritual teachings, and personal transformation. He portrayed Don Juan Matus as his shamanic mentor and guide, discussing non-ordinary reality, sorcery, dreaming, and the attainment of heightened awareness.
Rediscovering Shamanism
Following this initial encounter, my interest in shamanism waned as life carried me along different paths and pursuits. It seemed like a distant memory, tucked away in the recesses of my mind. Until I crossed paths with my wife Tina thirty years later, who had undergone shamanic training under a Celtic shaman in the forests of Minnesota. During one weekend spent with her, I had the opportunity to personally experience shamanic journeying as part of a group practice.
Instructed by the Celtic shaman, we entered a state of deep meditation guided by the rhythmic beating of the drum. It was like the heartbeat of the Earth itself, leading us on our inner quest. With closed eyes and receptive minds, we traversed into a dreamscape of vivid colors and encountered spirit animals. For me, it was a wolf. As my spirit guide, the wolf showed me the importance of listening to my inner voice, trusting my instincts, and finding the courage to follow my own path. Wolf also encouraged me to find a balance in life between loyalty and independence and seek harmony within myself and with the world around me.
This was a profound immersive experience that reminded me of the active imagination, a technique advanced by Jung of a dreamlike meditative state with the access to contents of our unconscious collective mind filled with symbols.
Exploring Shamanism and the Timeless Realm
In my quest to further my knowledge in this area, I was introduced to another wolf. This time, not a spirit animal but Fred Alan Wolf, a quantum physicist and magician. He is also known as Dr. Quantum for the popularization of quantum principles. His book “Taking the Quantum Leap: The New Physics for Nonscientists” won a 1982 U.S. National Book Award in Science.
In his other book, "The Eagle's Quest," Wolf explores the connection between shamanism and quantum physics. His inquiry into this connection goes beyond conventional notions of time and moves into the understanding of time as elucidated by Einstein and others. In the realm of quantum mechanics, time is not regarded as an independent and absolute entity, but rather as a dynamic and relative concept intertwined with space. This perspective aligns with the shamanic understanding of time, particularly when it comes to the death experience.
According to this perspective, when we are alive, we sense time through our physical existence. But when we die, we're no longer bound by physical time, and we enter a special time that Wolf calls the mythical time, the time of the shamans. In this time, constructs like space, time, and matter don't exist anymore. It's a world of pure consciousness, where the soul travels beyond the speed of light and doesn't follow the laws of physics that govern our everyday lives. In this spiritual realm, shamans can travel great distances without being limited by time and space like we are. They gain this ability through arduous training, often involving multiple near-death experiences that give them glimpses into this transcendental realm.
Our personal measure of time is based on the relationship between the internal clock, such as the movement of neural impulses, and the external world of events that we experience. However, according to shamans, when someone dies, their experience of time breaks apart. At that moment, the soul of the person who passed away feels lost, while the shamans take on the role of guides of the soul of the deceased, leading it to its proper place in the afterlife. They help the souls transition from the earthly realm to the realm of the dead, ensuring a smooth journey and preventing them from getting stuck or causing disturbances. Without a physical body, the soul is no longer weighed down by matter, and it becomes free from the limitations of time that we usually experience.
Guiding the Departed to the Afterlife
In many Western cultures, including our contemporary society, rituals and ceremonies often focus on the living rather than the deceased. While funeral and memorial services are common, they often serve as opportunities for the living to grieve, honor the memory of the deceased, and find closure. These rituals may involve eulogies, readings, music, and prayers that provide emotional support and comfort to grieving individuals. Funeral and memorial ceremonies are led by clergy, funeral directors, or individuals chosen by the family. While these individuals may provide support, their roles are generally not focused on guiding the soul or facilitating its journey in the afterlife.
As previously stated, in shamanic traditions, there is a contrasting dynamic. Shamans assume a central position in the facilitation of rituals and serve as intermediaries between the living and the deceased. Their primary focus revolves around the departed. Possessing specialized knowledge, skills, and spiritual connections, shamans are capable of guiding and supporting the journey of the soul. The rituals they perform frequently encompass prayers, chants, offerings, and purification ceremonies, all aimed at aiding the soul in disengaging from the physical realm and discovering its rightful place in the spiritual domain.
After reviewing insights presented in Wolf's book regarding the assistance provided by shamans to the soul, I was reminded of numerous other texts that shed light on the reverence for the departed and the essential process that facilitates a smooth transition into a different realm of existence—one unencumbered by the attachments of the living. Among these enlightening texts are the Tibetan Book of the Dead and the Egyptian Book of the Dead. Additionally, I read Deepak Chopra's excellent book, "Life After Death," which eloquently explores this subject matter. Apparently, there are many other traditions that speak about this topic, but for the purpose of my writing, I would stay focused on maintaining my connection with shamanism.
A Life-Altering Trip to Mexico
As I reflect upon my personal journey, there exists a remarkable encounter that lingers in my mind—the transformative trip to Mexico in 2019 alongside a group of individuals with whom I had only recently crossed paths. This diverse group comprised mainly mental health professionals, and among them was a neuropsychologist who had undergone extensive training with Alberto Villoldo.
Alberto Villoldo is best known for his work in bridging ancient shamanic wisdom with modern science and psychology. He founded The Four Winds Society, a training organization dedicated to preserving ancient shamanic wisdom and teaching it to others.
The trip to Mexico helped me grow both personally and spiritually. The presence of mental health professionals within the group fostered an atmosphere of introspection and inner exploration. The neuropsychologist who was trained at The Four Winds Society shared teachings on the principles of shamanic healing, indigenous rituals, and the power of ancient wisdom. He used oracle cards to connect with higher knowledge and give guidance on spiritual matters while we were there. As part of the ceremony, he burned sage to cleanse the space of negative energy and spiritual impurities. During this ceremony, I picked up an oracle card from the upper realm, the place where the souls of the dead arrive. I was instructed to ask for help from divine guides and listen to their message. That night, I had a dream about a hyena. I was worried it would bite me, but it turned out to be friendly, and I even petted it. I was pleasantly surprised by this dream, as it showed me what I needed from the upcoming ceremonies involving psychedelic plants. To find a balance in duality, being fierce yet playful, and embracing both light and dark aspects of existence.
The next day, I tried mushrooms with psilocybin in them, but they didn't give me what I wanted. The following day I was introduced to the San Pedro cactus, a teacher plant that has been used for centuries by indigenous people in South America for spiritual and healing purposes. It is considered to have masculine energy, the embodiment of strength, wisdom, and protection.
A Psychedelic Journey of Transformation
After 45 minutes of drinking San Pedro cactus powder, I entered a different world. When I looked at the light bulbs, I saw swirling circles of green and red light around them, giving off strange energy. My mood was elevated. I felt jazzed up and in need of walking, talking, and connecting with others.
It was dark outside, and the sky was filled with beautiful stars and trails of light that looked magical. I was drawn to a person who was sitting alone in the shadows. In the dim light, her face changed and looked like an ancient Native American medicine man with a painted face. She became the conduit through which my pent-up sorrow, stemming from the breakup of Yugoslavia, failed marriage, and the weight of parental loss found release. As the tide of emotions surged, overwhelming my senses, the contours of my face morphed into a skeleton-like image reflected back to me. It was too much to handle. Craving solitude, I sought refuge in my own room, yearning for moments of introspection and comfort.
In my room, I wore an eye mask and earplugs and kept enjoying the pleasant images I saw in my mind. The pictures gradually turned into an image of an arrow flying and breaking the chains around my heart. It was like I was set free, allowing me to experience a universal love for humanity.
However, suddenly, everything changed. I started seeing images of people from Mexican politics fighting each other and trying to make me join their side. I didn't want to see those pictures anymore, so I opened my eyes. I went outside to the balcony and saw dark clouds and lightning nearby. I sat and watched the natural world reflecting a cosmic fight. I felt as if I was dead and evil forces were fighting over my soul. There was nothing I could do, so I said, "I don’t care what happens you fight it out." I returned to my room, closed my eyes again, and saw another arrow breaking the chains of pride and control. I felt a sense of freedom and humbleness.
In a state of unease, I was grappling with the notion that malevolent forces yearned to claim my soul. To find comfort, I sat on the bed assuming a meditative posture with my arms in a position of prayer. For the first time in my life, I sincerely prayed, in the Serbian language, a simple prayer asking God to save my soul. Tears ran down my face as I repeated the prayer over and over.
At that moment I was in a state of complete surrender. I willingly relinquished all control, and let go of resistance. It was a unique experience, as I released attachments, expectations, and illusions. I placed my trust in a higher power, surrendering to a divine plan of action.
As I bowed down and prayed intensely, an indescribable light surrounded me completely. In that otherworldly moment, I realized that my prayer had been answered and my soul saved. A deep sense of calmness and peace came over me. The anguish was gone. The awakening of my spiritual self had occurred, forever guarded against harm.
Moved by this revelation, I proceeded to the bathroom. Discarding my clothes, I took a cold shower, allowing its purifying touch to cleanse my physical body. This sacred act became my baptism, heralding a new beginning. This mystical psychedelic (near-death) experience granted me access to shamanic time travel of the soul through symbolic death and rebirth.
The impact of this extraordinary experience was transformational. In the days and weeks that followed, I found myself immersed in deep contemplation, with heightened awareness about the intricate bioenergy web connecting plants, animals, and human beings. It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing a vibrant life force pulsating all around me.
This unveiling led me to further explore and nurture my spirituality. I discovered the Center of Universal Light, a welcoming spiritual gathering group. I became an active participant in the group, attending their gatherings and workshops, and engaging in insightful discussions.
Exploring Shamanic Soul Retrieval
After my new friend, a neuropsychologist, introduced me to Alberto Villoldo's teachings, I felt inspired and curious about his brand of shamanism. I made a decision to join his specialized course. I was especially excited to learn more about the powerful practice called soul retrieval, for which he was well known. With Villoldo's guidance, I wanted to uncover hidden parts of my soul, and further explore the depths of my mind.
I was not disappointed. This course not only expanded my knowledge but also provided me with practical tools and techniques Peruvian shamans use in healing ceremonies. I learned about the reservoir of living energy known as chakra energy. This energy is in a constant state of flux and motion, contributing to the overall functioning of the body. Chakra systems are universal and present in all human beings. Within our bodies, we possess seven distinct chakras, each formed at the intersection of endocrine glands and nerve plexuses. These chakras serve as important energy centers, connecting both our physical and psychological systems.
I was familiar with this teaching when I studied yoga, but I didn’t know that alongside these seven chakras, there exists an eighth chakra that resides outside of the physical body but within the luminous energy field surrounding it. It is a radiant sun visually depicted as a halo above our heads, the source of the sacred. In shamanic traditions, this eighth chakra is often referred to as the soul. It represents a unique aspect of our being, distinct from the ninth chakra, which we commonly recognize as the spirit.
Upon the moment of our physical death, an intriguing phenomenon occurs. The information stored within the seven chakras located in our body is uploaded to the eighth chakra—the soul. It is as if this higher chakra receives and assimilates the accumulated knowledge and experiences gathered throughout our lifetime. This knowledge is transferred to the newborn body and carries into the new lifetime.
Apparently, reincarnation is well and alive in the shamanic tradition but it encompasses more than just the cycle of rebirth; it also emphasizes the imperative nature of safeguarding and nurturing the soul. Recognizing the pivotal role of soul care, shamanic practitioners employ a powerful healing modality known as soul retrieval.
Soul retrieval serves as a transformative practice, offering restoration to those who have endured soul loss or suffered soul damage as a consequence of traumatic events or near-death experiences. When an individual encounters a traumatic event or undergoes a near-death experience, fragments of their soul may become dislodged, lost, or disconnected, creating a void within their being. These fragmented soul aspects hold essential elements of one's vitality, personal power, and identity. The absence of these crucial components can manifest as a deep sense of emptiness, unexplained grief, chronic disconnection, or a feeling of being incomplete.
During the ceremony, the shamanic healer engages in dialogue with the fragmented aspects of the soul. The healer supports the fragments, guiding them back to the individual's present existence. The individual's capacity for resilience, joy, and self-love is replenished, enabling them to navigate their earthly journey with renewed purpose and vitality.
A Lost and Found Soul
To illustrate this process, Alberto shared a personal story from his own life. He was born in Cuba and experienced a revolution in the country when he was 10 years old. During that time, his father entrusted him with a .45 caliber US Army Colt pistol. Sitting him down by the front door of their home, his father explained that because he had to leave, Alberto, a 10-year-old child, would be responsible for protecting his mother, sister, and grandmother. He instructed Alberto to shoot through the door if anyone tried to break in.
For several weeks, Alberto sat by the door, listening to the sounds of gunfire outside. Eventually, three militiamen approached their house. They initially knocked on the door, but when there was no response, they attempted to kick it in. Overwhelmed by fear, Alberto put the gun down and went to the window. One of the men made eye contact with him and recognized the terrified little boy. Sensing Alberto's fear, he convinced the others to leave.
That day marked the loss of Alberto's childhood as he developed an intense fear of strangers and began having recurring nightmares about his loved ones being taken away. He found himself reliving the traumatic event, losing trust in his teachers, and feeling the need to protect anyone he cared about at all costs. He also harbored resentment towards his father for placing such a heavy burden on his young shoulders.
In his thirties, Alberto undertook a shamanic journeying that allowed him to revisit his younger self. During this process, he assured little 10-year-old Alberto that everything would be okay, that he would take care of him, and that he would no longer have to carry the weight of his family's survival. Through this activity, Alberto was able to heal his soul, letting go of constant seriousness and mistrust toward strangers. He stopped perceiving everything as a life-or-death crisis and embraced the joy of living instead.
Navigating the Journey of the Soul
According to shamans, our earthly existence is connected to the spirit world, creating a mirror-like relationship between the two realms. When our physical bodies perish, our souls begin an ascent toward the spirit world. This “expedition” commences within a realm enveloped in darkness, known as the world of stones and minerals. Within this dark place, there is a potential for souls to become disoriented and confused, particularly if their departure from life occurs suddenly or violently, such as through accidents or acts of murder.
Traversing through this initial stage, often referred to as a form of "purgatory," the soul may eventually advance into the second world—the world of plants. In this realm, souls that have endured significant suffering during their lifetimes, whether from physical ailments or invisible emotional wounds, may find themselves drawn to this world. Driven by an innate desire to seek healing from suffering, they explore the abundant array of plant medicines that hold the potential to mend their afflictions.
The third world that awaits the journeying soul is the world of animals. Unlike humans, animals possess collective souls, lacking the individuality of human souls. Within this world, souls burdened by an intense fear of death and dying may encounter difficulties and become lost. Such fear-ridden souls may find themselves lingering within the confines of the animal world, struggling to ascend to the next stage of their spiritual odyssey.
Next in the sequence of realms lies the fourth world, which encompasses not only humans but also whales and dolphins—beings endowed with individual souls. This is the place of our origin and the place where we can heal all the ills that we experienced on the physical plane. Souls that have diligently prepared for the inevitability of death through various spiritual practices or other means find themselves better equipped to navigate this realm. In a way, it is the ultimate healing center of the soul.
The fifth world, often associated with the realm of the fifth sun, represents the culmination of the soul's journey. It is within this domain that the various processes of spiritual metamorphosis reach their fruition. In this extraordinary realm, souls transcend their current state as Homo sapiens, evolving into a new form known as Homo luminous—a luminous being. Mystics who have encountered this world often choose to remain immersed in its transformative energy. In contrast, shamans undertake voyages to this realm, acquiring knowledge during their visit and then returning to our earthly plane as the custodians of that knowledge.
Shamans, recognized as the wisdom keepers, have honed their practices to assist departing souls in avoiding entrapment within any of the previous worlds. They possess the ability to guide and facilitate the soul's journey into the future, embracing the possibilities of what we are destined to become. With their expertise and connection to the spirit world, shamans ensure that the soul's transition after physical death is a purposeful and transformative experience, paving the way for a new incarnation on the physical plane, aligned with the evolving tapestry of existence.
The Wisdom Keepers
We have come to the end of our journeying into the world of shamans, the ultimate time travelers. These remarkable individuals willingly remain in our physical world, offering their assistance.
Among the many facets of their mission lies the sacred task of healing the remnants of tormented souls. With their deep understanding of the human psyche and the workings of the universe, shamans traverse the labyrinth of trauma and pain, offering restoration to those who have been scarred by life's trials. Through ancient rituals, energy work, and spiritual insights, they help to mend the wounded soul, enabling it to transcend the limitations of past experiences and embrace a brighter future.
Their service to humankind extends further, encompassing the pivotal moment of our physical departure from this world. As we approach the threshold of our mortal existence, shamans stand as steadfast guides, assisting us in navigating the transition from life to death. Through their presence and guidance, they facilitate a graceful and conscious crossing, ensuring that our journey continues unimpeded. The mission of these wisdom keepers brings a ray of hope for all of humanity in their tireless efforts to aid us in our evolutionary ascent to a luminous being.
As we conclude our voyage into the world of shamans, let us carry the essence of their teachings within us. Let us honor their presence by embracing our own journey of self-discovery and transformation.
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