Hughes, Ch. 2; Walsh Parts I & II

These readings were definitely a breath of fresh air compared to last week's. We are now presented with this totally new idea (as far as a Westerner is concerned) about a person who can actually travel to this altered state and bring something back to benefit his fellow man: a Shaman. I've definitely heard this term many times in my life prior to this course but I am certainly very thankful for being able to dive in deeper. I felt a strong connection to this word. I enjoyed how both authors not only brought up the ancient meanings of the word but how they put a modern spin on it (such as the section about rock music and the raver scene). I immediately had a vision of Jim Morrison standing there with his then girlfriend Pam, as he seemed to levitate her in the air. We seem to give rock stars (even as broad as simply saying a celebrity) shamanistic qualities unknowingly. We listen to their songs or watch their movies for comfort or 'healing' if you will. We gain inspiration from them to continue our pointless lives. It is not out of the question to say that past Shamans - the original Shaman - was inspiration. Perhaps if one came down with a certain illness or sickness they could look to that Shaman for guidance. Even if the explanation was so vague as to say "a spirit is upset with you", the person could use that to look within themselves to find out what was wrong.

I definitely loved the part in the readings when psychedelics came up - especially the pscilocybin mushrooms. Is it any wonder that the Aztecs referred to them as "God's Flesh"? Upon entering a magic mushroom trip, one is overcome with a "buzz" if you will. It completely consumes you. If you try to go against it, you're only in for a bad time. I can easily compare this to life and a sort of "going with the flow" vibe. Perhaps that is what a Shaman would say. Perhaps they would tell us to stop, look and listen. I recall the Indian talking about his peace pipe. It is simply taking the time to appreciate EVERYTHING. The positive, the negative - it is all a part of you. I think a Shaman is someone who recognizes this fact of life and uses it to his advantage and to help those around him. The problem is, there are those around you that will not and can not accept this idea. These are the people that need the Shaman's help.