Why is shamanism, in all of its forms, becoming more popular? What is the reason behind this now?
In a nutshell, we may say that humans have an inherent desire to grow into ‘all that we can become,' and that we have reached a point when a shift in awareness and a change in our way of life are unavoidable if we are to continue to progress – or even live – as a species.
- Over the past two millennia, our efforts have shifted to a greater emphasis on material reality, economic progress, consumerism, and scientifically oriented mental development.
- This has resulted in materially prosperous civilizations while neglecting our inner and spiritual growth. We've lost touch with the Earth, our souls, and the holy both inside and beyond, and we've lost our sense of greater meaning and purpose.
The shamanic archetype, that deep knowing pattern inside us, reminds us of how it felt to be focused on soul and spirit, immersed in a community, and feeling ourselves as a vital component of life.
It serves as a reminder of what we must return to on our human journey in order to become balanced and complete.
We have reached a point in human evolution where many of us are beginning to recognize that our materialistic worldviews, societal economic structures, and one-sided development have resulted in a slew of ecological, economic, social, and political issues, as well as, most importantly, "soulless" societies.
We paid a far greater price than can be described in any framework described by mere words.
- Environmental catastrophe, animal extinction, the destruction and uprooting of virtually all indigenous civilizations across the globe, slavery's brutality, religious crusades, horrific global wars, and more all tell their own stories.
- Even our much-lauded economic growth has now resulted in unprecedented wealth disparity, with 1% of the world's population owning 48% of the world's wealth.
- We pay a hefty price even in affluent nations where we enjoy a large part of the produced riches. We've hit new highs in terms of so-called "mental illnesses," with depression and anxiety disorders leading the way, followed by loneliness and isolation.
- The strain to be 'well adjusted' in a culture that denies one's soul is taking its toll.
I find it unsurprising that soul suffering, which has long been ignored at best and denied at worst in contemporary society, is now showing up in the consulting rooms of medical practitioners, therapists, and psychiatrists in the form of psychosomatic pains, diffuse emotional disturbances, hopelessness, disenchantment, and energy depletion as a result of psychosomatic pains, diffuse emotional disturbances, hopelessness, disenchantment, and depletion of energy.
- We would not exist as a society if we did not study and feed the mind, according to Jung. He saw, as do many others now, that we would lose our souls in the process.
- When we engage in shamanism, we learn that there is no such thing as ‘wholeness,' no good human growth, no ultimate pleasure, happiness, and fulfillment without nurturing our souls, extending our awareness, and seeing ourselves as an integral part of the whole.
The shamanic archetype is stirring inside the human psyche because it symbolizes what we've lost:
- Our connection to the Earth, nature, our soul, and the holy.
- It embodies all our disjointed mind yearns for.
- It is a symbol of mystery, enchantment, and community.
- It symbolizes our desire to break through our brains' restricting cognitive and ego boundaries, to change our states and allow our awareness soar, so that we may experience the holy in all of its awe-inspiring forms.
- It symbolizes the human desire to move beyond the mundane and into the realm of the miraculous.
- It symbolizes our ability to create our own reality via our imagination.
As you read these words, the shamanic soul inside you' has already woken and is requesting time and space to grow in order for your journey to unfold. It's time to get started.
You may also want to read more about Shamanism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
