Shamanism

Shamanism is a prehistoric belief system that continues to infuse our world with deeper meaning. Matt has traveled extensively throughout North and South America for over a decade pursuing his studies of shamanism. His studies and experiences have infused his writing and teaching with core concepts that tap into ancient teachings that bridge the past into the present.

Listen to Matt’s interviews about shamanism on the audio page of this site.

Vanishing Wisdom

Shamans were the first medical specialists in indigenous communities. Their traditional methods are known to be effective in treating both physical and psychological ailments. The chemical components of plants that shamans use for expanding consciousness, visionary states, and in healing rites could be building blocks for new drugs or cures for diseases. For thousands of years indigenous groups have made extensive use of the materials contained in the rainforest to meet their health needs.

The World Health Organization estimates that 80 percent of the people in developing countries still rely on traditional medicine for their primary health care needs. Without money, access, or faith in modern facilities, indigenous people depend on shamans, herbal healers, and rainforest plants and animals for their survival.

Shamans also play a crucial role in helping scientists to discover the potentials of plants. As one scientist said, “Each time a medicine man dies, it is as if a library has been burned down.”

Nature as Teacher

By gaining experiential knowledge given to them by the plants and the patterns of Mother Nature herself by expanding consciousness, visionary states, and through other disciplines, shamans understand intuitively that nature consists of energy flows. Since prehistoric times they have learned how the matrices of nature work together. With this knowledge they have chosen to live in harmony with these forces by embodying a balance of power that puts them and their people in harmony with the forces of nature instead of in opposition to them.

In order for the human race to survive into the future we must follow the example they have set. In order to do this, we must change the way we live, and to change the way we live, we must change the way we think. The choice is ours.

So are the consequences.

Watch Matt’s award winning video slide show: Dying Cultures, Vanishing Wisdom.

Watch Matt’s first interview about shamanism on the Bridging Heaven and Earth show.

Watch Matt’s second interview about shamanism on the Bridging Heaven and Earth show.

*For in-depth information about shamanism, visit Shamanism Magazine on Flipboard.*