Baptism from the Shaman’s View

The word “Shaman” is a description by anthropologists of Spiritual practices that do not follow a traditional religious structure. 

Saying “shaman” to explain this demographic is like using the word “plant.” It is accurate to say that of a tree as well as a clover but still not explaining what it is.

The practice of Shamanism is personal and while there are varied ways of living and performing ritual; there are also some foundational basics of Shamanism. 

Shamanism follows the natural cycles built into nature and recognizes that we are not separated from nature but part of it. Ebb and flow, give and receive, seasons, moon cycles, and more are some examples of the flow of nature. 

The base of Shamanism is awareness of the Four Elements. 

Air, Fire, Water, Earth. 

And, just like scientists have found; when these 4 elements combine: new life is created. 

Beyond the 4 elements, there is the 3 realms. 

Shadow world/subconscious 

Middle world/our connection of this physical life and spiritual path

Upper world/spirit world

There is no distance, before and after, but all things are occurring at once and it is our perception of time and distance that makes us human. So, as there are the 4 elements; simultaneously the three realms are present too. 

Let's use an example: Shamans know that as part of the universe we are able to utilize the consciousness of it and because the universe has laws in place: using these laws to manifest "miracles" is part of what we are and why we are here. 

So, when we hear of people "parting the sea" or using "mud" to cure blindness; we recognize that the "magic" is present and available to us all through the elements of this world and our connection to it. Water, Earth, etc... Instead of MOVING the water per say, you ARE WATER and simply divide. We are the "dust of the earth" so using mud to heal blindness would make sense to recalibrate/recreate a new scenario of sight. If we are clay, just re-sculpt.

For tens of thousands of years, Shamans have known that the elements heal, and that when all 4 combine new life is possible. 

So when we SEE baptism, we know that it is a real process; dependent on the intention of the receiver.

An old "way" of rebirth was to use a river, lake, or water body to represent the womb. 

Submerging oneself into the water would symbolize putting to death an old paradigm, illness, perception, addiction, etc. It would represent past lives and the cycle of rebirth. Water and Earth. Returning our body (Earth) to Earth and being born of the womb (Water).

Rising up from the water we take a new BREATH of LIFE. This is the action of infusing the EARTH with SPIRIT/Fire. Living our passions, loving and caring are also FIRE energy. 

All four combined create a NEW LIFE. 

In baptism, we also see the 3 realms. Shadows, subconscious (represented by water) but also moving FROM the shadow into the light. The Middle realm is this physical life; a spirit in body who has forgotten who we really are. Finally, the upper world; the growth of our awareness as we follow our passions and ascend to the light as much as possible before passing on and choosing to rebirth again. 

I have often contemplated religious cultures that don't teach about past lives- while still keeping the ritual of baptism. BUT, it goes to show that the roots are there, the messages are there for those who find them. Everything is bread crumbs and clues. 

I also admit wholeheartedly that while I was an active weekly member of religion for 33 years; I didn't know either, but I think one of the purposes of box religion is to start the "wheels turning" and to lay the groundwork. 

Religion is not the end or the answer to "WHO AM I? WHY AM I HERE?" but the beginning. In ALL religions it seems we are told that we have come to be "Masters/Gods/Goddesses" and simultaneously told to "OBEY" just like the story of Adam and Eve. Two conflicting laws; placed intentionally so we would be propelled to choose forcing action.

All religions have roots in Shamanism. It is the non-conforming practice of spirituality that creates the form and structure. Out of chaos comes organization, and inevitably structure, organization and repetition create an anomaly which then begets chaos. 

Studying Shamanism has been one of the most beautiful and profound experiences of my life journey. I'm so grateful for it. I'm grateful for the insights that have been and continue to be around me. I feel that my depth of spirituality has deepened. I'm grateful that it helped me have more understanding and reverence for the religious upbringing I had.

Shamanism is meant to be a personal quest and experience. It is meant to look different for everyone and to be integrated into your life. There isn't a regulated "This is how you have to do it" practice but everything is GUIDELINES. 

Every person is on their path to their own greatness and potential and every path will be unique. 

To learn more about the Shaman path I teach

Go to https://www.katiejodrum.com and see the online or in person choices.