• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

LonerWolf

Our mission is to help you connect with your soul through soulwork. By working with your soul, you’ll be able to discover true joy, fulfillment, and peace.

LonerWolf Menu Icon
MENUMENU
  • LonerWolf Logo
  • 0
  • Shop
  • Freebies
    • Free Tests
    • Free eBooks
  • Topics
    • Soulwork
    • Spiritual Awakening
    • Old Soul
    • Empath
      • Sensitivity
    • Twin Flame
      • Soulmate
    • Mysticism
    • Higher Consciousness
    • Shamanism
    • Practical Spirituality
    • Relationships
    • Psychology
      • Personality
    • Solitude
    • Self-Esteem
    • Sexuality
    • Eco
    • Philosophy
      • Freethinking
    • Miscellaneous
  • Soulwork
    • What is Soulwork?
    • Why Am I Unhappy?
    • What is My Purpose?
    • How Do I Start?
  • Start Here
  • About
    • About Luna & Sol
    • Reposting Our Work?
    • Ask Luna & Sol
    • Join Our Tribe!
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
Home » Shamanism » Shaman’s Apprentice: Drugs, Rituals and Living Energy

Shaman’s Apprentice: Drugs, Rituals and Living Energy

by Mateo Sol 7 Comments

Share
Stumble
Pin
WhatsApp
Email
Shares 399

Shaman's Apprentice image

What do you associate with the word “Shaman“?

Usually when people first hear about my Shamanic practice they envision mysterious and otherworldly activities.

Who can blame them?  Literature and visual media portray Shamans as crazy looking tribal men and women who live deep in forests dressed with animal bones and involved in obscure rituals.

I first came across an actual Shaman at the age of 6.  Little did I know I would be mentored by Shamans for almost a decade later.  My grandparents thought that contacting a localmateo sol Shaman would be the solution to our family’s ills, as they believed my mother and uncle had been “touched” by evil spirits (they both suffered from intense mental illnesses), and I had begun having dreams of the “Apus” (the spirits of the Mountains, the other three nature spirits being; “Pachamama“, mother earth; “Mama Killa“, the moon; “Inti“, the sun).

To be a successful Shaman you must learn how to harmonize the energies within you.  If you can master your own “heavy” energies, you can share your wisdom and you can help others do the same with their own (as T.S Eliot referred to it; the Wounded Surgeon’s ability to heal others).  In doing so you learn to create bridges between the thin veil that separates the world of everyday subjective “dreams” that we call conscious reality, from a deeper and denser understanding of “reality”.

Bridging the Unconscious Mind Consciously

The concept of an “unconscious” mind has been around for quite some time.  Although most of us associate the unconscious mind with Freudian ideas of repression and sexual desires, modern science has an entirely different definition.


It is now thought that parts of our mental processes are unconscious and inaccessible to our conscious minds due to the architecture of the brain.  The unconscious mind as we know it today is the result of thousands of years of evolution and is designed for the survival of our species.

While our conscious minds are great for analytic thought, language processing and directed focus, our unconscious minds play an invaluable role in protecting us against wild animal bites or cars that swerve into our paths.  Consciously deciding to hit the brakes, or move out of the way of danger instead of using your unconscious instincts would be impossible.

There’s an infinity of things happening around us that we aren’t aware of; from imperceptible sounds and electrical frequencies, to atom vibrations and the photosynthesis of plants.  We aren’t aware of these things because our conscious minds are limited, and they can only focus on immediate tasks at hand.

As Aldous Huxley explained over 60 years ago after experimenting with the psychoactive substance known as “mescaline”; our unconscious minds function as “reduction valves” that protect us from being overwhelmed and confused by masses of useless and irrelevant knowledge.  What comes out at the other end of this vast depth of awareness is a trickle of the kind of consciousness which will help us stay alive.

The word “Shaman” means an “Inspired Priest”; someone who has learned to reconnect to their natural home, their ‘divinity’, by tapping into their unconscious mind and making themselves “whole” again through dancing, meditation, hypnosis, psychoactive substances, breathing methods, and so forth.

In our world these days, there are two main approaches to the study of the mind: science and Shamanism.  Science is obsessed with studying the hardware of the brain, the objective pathways of neurons and dense forests of synapses, without comprehending the nature of consciousness.  Shamanism, on the other hand, is an art of exploring the subjective truth of the mind through visions, dreams, myths and interactions with nature.

We are accustomed to thinking of human consciousness as originating from the brain, even though science doesn’t know where exactly it arises, or why.  What if instead of creating consciousness, our brains are rather like television sets; receptors of a frequency, a living energy that enters us and fills us with awareness?

And if this were the case, how would we return to where the frequency originates?

Rituals as Doors of Perception

When I first introduce people to rituals they can’t help but find them a bit silly.  For example, I personally found it difficult to grasp why exactly I was learning about “despachos” (offerings to mother Earth or the mountains).

The Incan tradition is full of beautiful rituals to demonstrate ones gratitude towards Pachamama, like thanking her every morning when we wake up.  There is also “Ayni“, which is an energetic reciprocity that you fill all your activities with through higher awareness.  There are “mesas” which are altars or shrines we work on where we place our “Khuyas” (stones of power that we infuse with our most refined energy, for example: empathy) among other objects.

Every culture has a history of rituals and traditions.  From the mindful tea drinking rituals of the Zen monks, to the rituals performed to honor the Sun god and Moon goddess of the Wiccans, there are countless examples of rituals taking place in all cultures and religions in the world.

While rituals don’t have any power by themselves, it is rather the psychological process of going through a ritual that changes our perception of the world.  It is the ritual that lulls the conscious mind into a repetitive flow, a flow that allows the unconscious mind to manifest itself with varying intensities.

Take the Zen Buddhist occurrence known as “Makyo” (“the devil in phenomena”), for instance.  This idea refers to the process of ritualistically meditating to seek enlightenment, and coming across terrifying, devilish visions from the unconscious mind.

Witches throughout the ages, have also been know to practice the tradition of “night traveling” (commonly depicted in our modern image of witches flying on broomsticks).  These women, and men, would connect to their unconscious minds through the ritualistic ingestion of herbal plant potions (usually with mild psychoactive properties) , resulting in “spirit flights” and subsequent connections with other realms of existence.

Getting High With a Purpose

Most people who hear of “Shamanic Healing” will immediately think about drugs and getting high.  But this is not always the case as seen in the case of practicing rituals.

When I first came to live in Australia I found an immense cultural contrast.  From cultivating a natural connection to the land everyday as in the tradition of the Shamans, to the constant bombardment of media indoctrination and materialistic pursuits, I found it hard to adjust to such a new, alien way of living.

Quite quickly I discovered that techniques which would easily work in other cultures wouldn’t necessarily work as well in Western cultures such as Australia.  The strong sense of self, of false ambitions and desires is so intense within the Western culture, that first there must be a de-programming of all these cultivated ideals.  That is why I see the necessity to apply soulwork to our daily lives, to explore and understand ourselves better.

In some cases, psychoactive substances are an advantage as they do offer a dissociation from our false selves.  But the problem is our prejudice towards mind-altering substances, and our belief that they should all be grouped under the same ominous label: “drugs”.

Thinking that all drugs are the same is like thinking all “food” is the same; whether McDonalds or an organic gourmet meal.  While some substances are highly addictive and toxic, others are physically harmless and open parts of your mind that you have never explored, understood or even known existed before, as has been verified in the last few years through scientific research.

Not only that, but the purpose that you give your substances also affects the experience.  In a culture of materialism, psychoactive substances are seen as vehicles towards pleasure.  While some people take these substances to escape from problems, others take them to see pretty shapes, colors and sounds, and still others use them as ways to achieve Self-Discovery, and as powerful, sacred tools of Self-Exploration and change.

One of the most useful components of psychoactive substances is that they bring to light your shadow self, revealing many of your insecurities and internal conflicts for examination.  They can also provide a direct link of communication to your unconscious mind, reveal false beliefs, and helping you to question long held habits and deep-seated assumptions.


Soulwork Coloring eBook cover

The Soulwork Coloring eBook:

Stimulate mind-body awakening with our printable art therapy Coloring Book. Connect with your Soul through the power of sacred geometry!
Download Button

Those who get high for “fun” will eventually get bored or experience depression from abusing these tools as stimuli.  We see this everywhere.  But those who use these sacred substances for the purposes of self-growth, and to bridge the conscious and unconscious realms together, learning to integrate their new-found discoveries into their daily lives, will profit immensely from their psychedelic journeys into Self-Understanding.

Shamanism is not about drugging people out of their minds, but rather is about taking them on short, intense journeys that teach them to look at themselves and the world differently, to open their minds to the possibilities of other realities and planes of existence.  There is a bigger alienation from a person’s authentic self in the West, than there is in any other culture of the world.  We need to be reminded that there are other ways of looking at the world as well, and that there are others ways of living consciously.

Shamanic Healing is a way to remind us of the presence and power of our unconscious minds, and to learn to listen and trust in them more.  To bring back with us a higher awareness of our every action, thought, feeling, emotion, intention, intuition, dream and vision is the main objective of Shamanism.  To bridge the gap between the mundane and the magical, and to experience the miraculous in the mundane is the result.

Share
Stumble
Pin
WhatsApp
Email
Shares 399

Image Credit: Photo Artist

Want More Like This?: Drugs, Energy, Healing, Self-Mastery, Spiritual Journey, Unconscious Mind

You might also enjoy ...

  • Natural Energy Boosters image
    5 Natural Energy Boosters For Highly Sensitive People
  • Energy Vampire image
    6 Types of Energy Vampires That Emotionally Exhaust You
  • Sexual-Transformation image
    Transforming Sexual Energy Into Spiritual Energy
Mateo Sol Avatar

About Mateo Sol

Mateo Sol is a prominent psychospiritual teacher whose work has influenced the lives of thousands of people worldwide. Born into a family with a history of drug addiction, schizophrenia, and mental illness, Mateo Sol was taught about the plight of the human condition from a young age. As a shaman and spiritual guide, Sol’s mission is to help others experience freedom, wholeness, and peace in any stage of life. [Read More] Donate to support Sol's work →

Comments (Use Facebook or as Guest)

Guest Comments

    Cancel reply

    We respect your privacy and will not publish your personal details.

    Required fields are marked *

  1. Emilio Mireles says

    October 15, 2016 at 00:56

    Are drugs necessary?

    Reply
    • Mateo Sol Avatardon Mateo Sol says

      October 15, 2016 at 18:24

      No, they aren’t. In fact, due to the legality of them, I use others methods of inducing states of trance (at least in this country). Dancing, music and many other techniques are equally effective.

      Reply
  2. Sally M says

    June 17, 2015 at 16:52

    When I was in my late teens I experimented with hallucinogens and feel it brought me closer to spiritual awareness and made me see the world in a completely new way. I remember seeing tiny dots everywhere, everything was made of these tiny dots including me. I realized everything connected, including me to my friends. Holding hands we could feel the electricity, magnetism, and tiny waves coming off each other. We would close our eyes and say what we saw in the darkness, one at a time, and we all saw what the others were seeing. When we opened our eyes and went outside, nature was alive in ways I can’t even explain. The trees and flowers were connecting with us, the birds were so heavenly and divine it was amazing, and the ocean was speaking to me. I loved being in nature when I tripped, I feel so much more connected to our universe and know that we are all one.

    Reply
  3. Diane says

    August 2, 2014 at 12:45

    Another illuminating arclicle – always a pleasure to read
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Mateo Sol AvatarMateo Sol says

      August 2, 2014 at 17:01

      Gracias to you Diane for having the interest to read it!

      Reply
  4. Carbonelle says

    August 2, 2014 at 05:25

    I’m very interested in the shaman and shamanistic practices but find so many people are con-dispensing or it’s all about hallucinogenics. I’m interested in the truth nod the connection of all elementals to the human world and the rituals that create these bonds from a historians eye view as well as someone looking for a grounding in faith

    Reply
    • Mateo Sol AvatarMateo Sol says

      August 2, 2014 at 16:57

      Hola Carbonelle,

      It’s true that shamanistic practices have been polluted by many con artists or false ayahuasqueros. In Peru we receive many tourists looking to experiment with the sacred vine and of course whenever there is a demand, especially in such a poor country, supplies from different places will emerge.

      Truth is very personal and you have to find a guide that you trust. Guides are not always necessary, with enough research you can probably find a safe substitute substances that works for you. It will give you a taste but I usually advice against it. It is all too easy to get lost in the visions, colors and feelings and lose the whole purpose of the spiritual journey which is to find personal revelations of yourself.

      I do hope you find what you’re looking for, experiencing truth through psychedelic journeys can alter your entire life path.

      Reply

Search:

About Us

Luna & Sol image

Our names are Aletheia Luna and Mateo Sol. We’re twin flames, spiritual mentors and soulwork teachers who currently live in Perth, Australia.

Our mission is to help you rediscover and reconnect with your soul through the practice of soulwork. We write about topics such as spiritual awakening, discovering and channeling your gifts (such as those that empaths have), thriving in loving relationships (like twin flames) and progressing as an old soul in soulful maturation.

Find out more about soulwork.

Spiritual Awakening Book Image

Support Our Work

We spend hundreds of hours every month writing, editing and managing this website. If you have found any comfort, support or guidance in our work, please consider donating, between a cup of tea and a good dinner:


Your Gift Amount:



Alternatively, you can become a patron by giving a single one-time donation of any amount:

Donate

Recent Posts

Biggest Fear Test image

What is Your Biggest Fear? Free Psychological Test

In the deep, dark, depths of your psyche, what are you terrified of … [Read More...]

Personal Boundaries image

18 Signs You Lack Personal Boundaries (and Feel Constantly Used)

You feel pushed. Manipulated. Exploited. Dominated. Coerced. … [Read More...]

How to Use Binaural Beats to LET GO of Fear, Pain, and Overthinking

There are a stunningly vast array of benefits you can experience from … [Read More...]

Feeling Trapped image

Are You Feeling Trapped? Here Are 5 Notorious Reasons Why

You feel suffocated and weighed down by some kind of invisible … [Read More...]

Take A Test!

Are You An Awakening Soul Test

Explore Topics

Abuse Alone Anxiety Authenticity Awareness Beliefs Consciousness Core wound Courage Creativity Dark Night of the Soul Depression Destiny Ego Empowerment Emptiness Energy Fear Freedom Gifts Happiness Healing Introvert Love Non-Resistance Outsider Pain Repression Self-Acceptance Self-Awareness Self-Discovery Self-Fulfillment Self-Love Self-Mastery Self-Transformation Self-Understanding Shadow work Soul Soulful Maturity Spirit Spiritual Journey Trauma Unconscious Mind Wholeness Wisdom

Haven’t Found The Right Article?

Let The Universe Choose My Message!

© Copyright 2012 - 2018 LonerWolf.com. All Rights Reserved. · Luna & Sol Pty Ltd · Terms & Conditions