You don’t need to practice shamanism
You don’t need to practice Shamanism. In fact, without a clear calling, it’s far wiser to just psychologically integrate the wisdom of the path. That opinion sets me apart from most of my colleagues and, for good measure!
Most shamanic practitioners have the very best intentions and want you to benefit as they have. They invite people to take psychedelics, journey into the spirit world, or receive the same rites of initiation they did. Their goal is to earnestly share what helped them. However, I see things differently.
Traditionally, there was only one shaman per community. That’s not because they wanted to hoard power, but because the calling is demanding and challenging. Life as a shaman comes with unimaginable difficulties. What’s the point of having multiple people spend their lives grappling with them when a single person will do?
Here’s an insight: Our society lacks social cohesion, in part, because of a loss of rites of passage at puberty. In pre-modern communities, you earned your admission into adulthood. The puberty rite created a tribe bonded by self-reliance.
Let’s take this insight a step deeper. One of two things happens to the person who didn’t complete their puberty rite:
First, there are people who never started their rite of passage. They feel like an impostor in adulthood, like their real life hasn’t yet started, like they are capable of so much but can’t seem to implement anything.
Second, are those who don’t recognize it’s over. They are chronically stuck in survival mode. Their life is first and foremost about self-preservation.
You don’t need to take plant medicines, pick up a drum, or attend a fire ceremony to complete your rite of passage. In fact, these can add unnecessary complexity. It’s wiser to glean insights from the path before direct practice. For most, that’s enough.
Truthfully, there’s nothing I can write to stop someone who is called to become a shaman. And, I wouldn’t want to. I do, however, want to offer another option for those who don’t want to make a lifetime commitment. Before you jump in the deep end, grab the wisdom from someone who knows how to swim.