I have a habit of listening when the universe catches my attention. How the universe speaks to us is all part of the great mystery. Never the less, there is a distinct message that comes through if you can allow yourself to bear witness and just observe.
What is Peruvian Shamanism?
People often raise the question of which shamanic tradition is best and recently I was asked about the difference between Peruvian and Hawaiian Shamanism. My observation is that people often seem drawn to one tradition over another. I believe it is a distinct and personal calling; a heart connection that steers us in the right direction and not necessarily an “in-the-head” study directing our best course.
I really had no idea that Peruvian shamanism would be my thing. At first it was really more the flavor of the mystical work that called me and not the tradition itself, or even the teacher. Simultaneously a close friend and I had seen an opportunity to study this path. It was the course description that first called my attention to these studies; not the teacher. My friend had already signed up when we discovered we were both looking at the same course. To my disappointment, she asked me to not join her in the class; inferring her desire for very deep and personal work would have been inhibited by my presence. It seemed it was simply not the right time and I backed out; trusting that since it hadn’t worked out, it was not for me.
That had been in late summer. The following spring another friend had a desire to turn close to a quarter acre of weeds and long grass into a garden. With no tools or assistance available to her, I offered to bring my tractor over and use it to break ground. On a beautiful sunny spring day we were doing just that. After an intense morning of work, we had stopped to eat lunch in the shade of her porch. Up the driveway came a neighbor curious about the work. I was immediately drawn to her calming strength and presence. As she joined us on the porch she mentioned she was teaching a class and that her students were on break lunching in town. I asked her what she was teaching and as she began to describe her course, my hair stood up on the back of my neck. I next asked her whether she had a student by the name of my friend and she confirmed she was present in that particular class.
I have a habit of listening when the universe catches my attention. How the universe speaks to us is all part of the great mystery. Never the less, there is a distinct message that comes through if you can allow yourself to bear witness and just observe. Now, it was really more the teacher that called me towards the work. I was intrigued that the universe had brought her to me and even more curious about what she had to offer. In this case I discovered her teachings were eclectic with a strong lean towards Peruvian wisdom traditions.
Through her classes I fell deeply into the world of Peruvian Shamanism. I often say that before this work, I didn’t feel like I really belonged much of anywhere. I lacked a heart connection to any one group; including my own family. Through these studies, I found my tribe and through my tribe, I found my connection to all beings and the sacred earth upon which we walk. My first trip to Peru was a home coming unbeknownst to me. As our plane arched its way into Cusco I was overcome with deep emotions that brought forth a fountain of tears to spill down my cheeks as I gazed out the window. How could I have possibly known?
This is what I mean by a heart connection. You have to try different things intuitively. Explore what makes itself available. Trust that that availability is one way that the universe speaks.
My experience with comparing other shamanic traditions is fairly simple. I note that the approaches to the teachings, what bodies of information, archetypes, etc are held, the rituals, and traditions vary. Despite the variances, there is a very distinct common thread that ties the mysteries of the wisdom teachings of each indigenous culture, nation, and region together in a way that is very reassuring. I have come to believe that truth just is. The indigenous tribes, though separated physically by significant geographical expansions, all seem to arrive at common innate understanding of truth; the same truth.
Where or in what tradition you begin your studies is a personal matter. My most sincere recommendation is to look at what is served up to you. Notice what catches your attention and leap. Don’t think. Just leap. It is in the leap that you will likely find your own beautiful heart and the tradition that will feed your soul and sing your song.
There was a time where a number of different indigenous tribal leaders were gathered for a summit conference at the United Nations. It became apparent they all knew and understood the truth within their peers and held this with the deepest respect and reverence for each other. They recognized truth. The universal understanding which is revealed in the awakened embodiment of each being is what truth is. This is the bridge between traditions, people, and hearts. This is the bridge that eventually teaches us we are all one. What matters is not what we think we should do, but what makes itself available and whether we choose to listen to the calling of our heart.
Alleson Lansel, RN, Shamanic Practitioner