But I settle for NeoPagan or NeoShaman rather tha Wicca or Witchcraft.
I have difficulties with shaman. On the one hand, my own magickal studies began largely because of a number of unexpected (and still unexplained) experiences which I can only describe as shamanistic. On the other had, I think that the word has been hopeless divided from any meaningful cultural context by New Agers. I don't think one should call oneself a shaman unless the background is there, the infrastructure that comes from a long tribal tradition which not only recognizes shamans, but knows how to train and care for them. I'm very skittish about the appropriation of indigenous culture by "outsiders." Of cousre, these are my problems, and I do not even know in what sense you mean shaman.
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Re: The pull of fellowship is strong.
Date: 2006-12-07 12:32 pm (UTC)I have difficulties with shaman. On the one hand, my own magickal studies began largely because of a number of unexpected (and still unexplained) experiences which I can only describe as shamanistic. On the other had, I think that the word has been hopeless divided from any meaningful cultural context by New Agers. I don't think one should call oneself a shaman unless the background is there, the infrastructure that comes from a long tribal tradition which not only recognizes shamans, but knows how to train and care for them. I'm very skittish about the appropriation of indigenous culture by "outsiders." Of cousre, these are my problems, and I do not even know in what sense you mean shaman.