How Do I Become a Shaman?

A steady drum beat puts you into a trance for your journey.

One highly significant step to becoming a shaman includes visiting the "otherworld," a realm or portal beyond the physical world, which you enter through a trance state, and where you can actively experience and receive a vast amount of knowledge on topics of your choice. The aboriginal shamans in Australia call the otherworld "Dreamtime," and the Celtic shamans call this place, "Other World." People practiced this shamanic tradition all over the world in ancient times and continue to this day, mainly for spiritual growth, healing and understanding everyday life.

Things You'll Need

• Drum
• Drummer
• Shamanic drumming tape
• Timer or clock (optional)

Instructions

1. Arrange for a friend to drum at a steady beat for 15 minutes. You can also listen to a shamanic drumming tape, which contains nothing but drumming at steady beats. This constant drumming will put you into a trance state, an important state in which to learn how to operate when becoming a shaman.

2. Lie down in a relaxed, comfortable position with a pillow under your head. Make certain you will not be disturbed for at least 30 minutes. Release all worries you may have as you relax.

3. State your intention for this drumming journey out loud or to yourself. For example, state, "I am taking this journey to the otherworld to see what it looks like."

4. Start a drumming tape or ask the drummer to start drumming for about 14 minutes, then stop for a moment and speed up the drumming rhythm for the remaining minute. This common, rapid drumming shift after a momentary stop lets the person know the journey has come to an end. This will also happen on the shamanic drumming tape.

5. See yourself in a place where you feel comfortable and safe, such as a forest or a park. Search for a hole either in the ground or a tree hollow, or a cave entrance--any hole will do. You can always make yourself small if you find a little hole.

6. Step into the hole and move along the tunnel you find. Repeat your intention if you feel lost or stuck. You will soon see a light at the other end of the tunnel.

7. Move yourself towards the light and out of the tunnel. You will now be in the otherworld. Take a look around--if you cannot see anything clearly, since the otherworld can appear exceptionally bright, use your other senses, taking in how you feel and what you hear.

8. Retrace your steps to the tunnel entrance when you hear the rapid drum beats, then go back through the tunnel and come out the other side. Open your eyes. This will be your first shamanic journey, an essential step towards becoming a shaman.

Tips & Warnings

• Make certain you do not feel tired and sleepy before starting a drumming journey. You want to be able to remember your experience and all of the knowledge you have gained.

References

• "Follow the Shaman's Call: An Ancient Path for Modern Lives"; Mike Williams; 2010
• New Age Journal: Shamanic Journeying: A Beginner's Guide