Shamanic Lifestyle
We, as many others, define a Shaman as someone who enters an alternative sense of consciousness in order to enter the Otherworld and serve their community. Please see our webpage on Shamanism for more information.
Shamanism is not a religion. However as a practice it does require the application of certain beliefs.
You do not have to be a Shaman to apply these beliefs to your own life. The Indie Shaman Community is a diverse range of people, including Shaman, who came up with the following shared beliefs and ethics and we would define living by these beliefs as living a shamanic lifestyle.
- Respect for the environment. The belief that every natural object or being has a spirit/life force/life energy* and therefore should be treated with respect as an equally important being. Getting to know the living landscape in order to be able to work with it in a spirit of mutual cooperation.
- An awareness of community, of working within and for the community of which we are a part, and that community is the central core of any path to self-enlightenment.
- To accept and respect the diversity of beliefs and people.
- To accept and respect ourselves.
Why live a Shamanic Lifestyle?
We feel that many people are becoming interested in, or attracted to, Shamanism because it is one of the lifestyles that the world needs now more than ever. We need to respect the environment and try to put right some of the damage that has been done. We need a sense of community alongside a sense of everything as a whole.
Not everyone will have the inclination to work as a part of their community through working in the Otherworld. However being a Shaman is not a sign of status and a Shaman is no more important than any other part of the community. Everyone can help in the way that is best for them, which brings us to the last point above about accepting and respecting ourselves. Everyone is needed and one person can make a difference.
*according to your own belief