|
Fundamentally, technoshamanism is the process of using music, ritual, and technology to alter consciousness. It utilizes the healing and mind-altering techniques of ancient shamanism and the holistic ideals of mind/body connection combined with modern technologies. Terrance McKenna, a contemporary philosopher, believed that technology is becoming a substitute for these kinds of ancient rituals that were once evident in many nomadic cultures. He once said, "technology is the interface between what exists now and what is coming into existence". We have found that people who attend raves have unconsciously been doing this for years. Just now, we are beginning to realize this and put more intention into the process. There are many ways to embrace technoshamanism. Any combination of using spoken word, music, song/chant, movement, computer generated visuals or other forms of technology to alter awareness will work. Some people choose to aid their journey with a mind-altering substance (medicine) that they feel connected with. We do not frown upon this, nor do we encourage it, because the journey is each our own. Many people have taken the journey with out the aid of medicine and have had extraordinary experiences. The process is different for everyone. There is no right or wrong way. :::Goals of Technoshamanism::: -Create and maintain sacred space. -Create alternate awareness. -Translate music into energy and movement (dance the energy). -Understand the nature of attention and focus to be able. -Invoke friendly spirits, guides and other dimensions to guide your journey. -Transcend yourself by experiencing a state of ecstasy and bliss. -Connect and commune with other people and dance the group mind. -Allow yourself to feel the unity of the tribe. -Dissolve fear and experience the power of transcendence. -Find meaning, purpose and humor in your life. -Apply these processes and experiences to your everyday life. :::To answer the questions::: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? :::Ancient Shamanism::: The world of the shaman is the world of the spirits, uncanny powers, psychic phenomena, initiation, altered states, dreams, death, rebirth, and healing. It is the realm of body, faith, trust, disruption, dissolution, intuition, mysticism, transcendence, psychedelic experience and cosmic consciousness. It is awareness of sensuality vs. intellect, morality and dogma. Under the influence of a shaman, an initiate may attain direct transpersonal experience that vivifies multiple realities. A shaman penetrates deeply into the basic roots of the structuralizing process, and brings that information back to the here and now. :::A Shaman's Calling::: Shamanic abilities appear when you stop doubting the reality of Spirit. The community in which one lives also plays a role in a shaman's calling. Indigenous African shamans have said that their power to heal is intimately connected to the needs and powers of the people and the environment in which they live. As a sign of honoring these powers, African shaman healers not only worship the bush around them, but gave every child who crossed their path a penny, because, they explained, the children and nature were the origins of their shamanic abilities. :::Mother Nature::: Shamans treat the environment as if were filled with knowing spirits that agree and disagree with their path. Mother Nature is your ally and maybe even your greatest friend. Just listen to her. Follow her. We live in a society that tends to govern rather then follow nature. We are taught to rely on doctors, therapists, counselors, priests and even politicians to make decisions for us. The shamanic path is based upon sensing unpredictable events in oneself and the earth. The spirit of nature grounds, inspires and teaches.... if only we will listen. :::The Path of Knowledge::: There are many paths to the top of the mountain. To be closer to Spirit, we must each choose the paths that are right for us. Our teachers are everywhere. They may be a good therapist, a dancer, a storyteller, a shaman, a friend, a mirror or even an idiot. It all depends on the situation. However, the more we seek to be near Spirit, the more we began to realize that we must enter some altered state of consciousness to burst free of the conventional limitations of flesh and rationality. Many people today still feel impelled to experience drugs in order to find these altered states of consciousness; others look to martial arts or meditation; and yet, even unknowingly others turn to shamanism. :::The Dream Body::: An Australian healer once said "we dream as individuals only because we are all dreaming together". The dream body is the shaman's body. Living your dream body means listening to your body's sensations. You must embrace situations of happiness, joy and ecstasy or even aches, pain and dizziness. This is the way your dream body is communicating with you - by telling you what you need, what is good and not good for you. Listen closely, for your dream body w :::Further Studies::: If the concepts of technoshamanism and ancient shamanism intrigue you, we ask you to now take it upon yourself to do some more research. Try the internet, or read a couple of our favorites: "The Urban Shaman" written by Serge Kahili King. "The Shaman's Body" written by Arnold Mindell.
|