The Shaman uses many tools in ceremonies and rites. When the tools are used with an attitude of honor and respect they will be able to bring the Shaman in touch with powers of his/her innermost being. By doing so the Shaman comes to realize that the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual are not separated and divided, but different facets of a total wholeness. The Shaman who takes care of his/her tools, as they would care for themselves is prepared for anything.
Not all shamans use tools and some only use some of the tools listed. None of these tools are actually needed, but rather are used as points to focus the shamans abilities. As such they are useful and should not be set aside if they help heal.
The following are not listed in any order of importance nor is it a complete list, but rather a brief description of what is needed to get started.
Skrying Stone: The equivalent of a crystal ball is used for the purpose of divination. Crystals also have great healing properties.
Runes: Can be cards or stones, is also used for divination. To have your questions read go to ask the runes.
Drums: It is used to assist the Shaman in altering his/her consciousness. For information on making a drum click here
Native American dance rattles used by shamans as part of tribal rituals for healing the sick, bringing the rain, driving out evil spirits or generally changing bad for good. To make a Rattle.
Medicine Bag: (Or Power Pouch) A bag carrying various objects of special personal significant. To make your own medicine bag go here
It is a basic requirement in your early Shamanic training that you understand and get practical experience with the use of masks as soon as possible. At least before your first serious shock in training. To learn more about Shamanic masks go here
The sweat lodge ceremony practiced by the Peoples of the Plains was a physical and spiritual purification. It was used to meditate, to prepare for other ceremonies, or to answer important questions. The ceremony combined the elements of fire, wood, water and stone. The sweat lodge was a dome-like tent made from fresh cut willow branches and covered with hides and blankets. A round pit was dug in the center. There was always a leader and a fire keeper in the ceremony. The leader was the teacher of the ceremony and the fire keeper had many different responsibilities.
Dream catchers are to catch the bad dreams and let the good dreams go through. The bad dreams are caught in the web and in the morning the bad dreams are dissolved by the sun rays or by the morning dew. To make your own dream catcher go here
The Talking Stick is an ancient tribal tool used to facilitate group discussion. This is done by empowering people to speak their truth. Use of the talking stick is indigenous to many cultures.
A TALISMAN is something which is something that has been given power, whereas a AMULET is something that naturally pocesses power. Both are considered important tool for the Shaman. There are various other tools in which the Shaman makes use of in his/her everyday life. The list is rather endless, as the shaman will collect objects of personal interest and power; these objects can be as common as rocks too uncommon as the shield. All are important and if a particular tool is not been listed here please contact us and lets us know.
The Celtic Festivals were based of the tree calender or Ogams. These were given to the Celtic people by the God Ogamis. As a way of remembering the feast days. The tree plays a important part in assisting the Shaman in obsevering these pagan hoildays, for as the tree blooms in the spring, flourishes in the summmer, gives it bounty in the fall, and sleeps in the winter, so does the major holidays.
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