Trance shamanic work is a practice that involves entering altered states of consciousness to access spiritual realms and perform healing or divination. Here are the key aspects of trance shamanic work:
## Altered States of Consciousness
Shamanic trance involves shifting awareness beyond ordinary reality:
– It allows perception that extends beyond physical senses and ordinary mind functioning[1].
– The shaman enters an ecstatic state of consciousness to access other realms of reality[1].
– This state is considered part of humanity’s genetic structure and fulfills an inner biological need for ecstatic experience[1].
## Methods for Inducing Trance
Shamans use various techniques to enter altered states:
– Drumming, chanting, dancing, and other auditory/physical practices[1]
– Some traditions use plant medicines or other substances[1]
– Sensory deprivation or intensive sensory experiences may be used[1]
– The goal is to shift out of ordinary consciousness into a trance state[1]
## Purpose and Applications
Shamanic trance work serves several functions:
– Healing individuals and communities[3]
– Divination and gaining spiritual insights[2]
– Maintaining social cohesion in tribal settings[3]
– Accessing mythic realms and communicating with spirits[2]
## Neurobiological Aspects
Research has examined the brain changes during shamanic trance:
– EEG studies show a shift from left analytical to right experiential brain activity[3]
– There’s a change from prefrontal to posterior somatosensory processing[3]
– These changes relate to altered self-experience and sensory processing[3]
## Key Elements of the Experience
The shamanic trance state typically involves:
– A sense of journeying to spiritual realms[2]
– Interactions with spirit guides or power animals[2]
– Vivid inner imagery and sensations[3]
– A transformed sense of self and reality[1]
## Cultural Context
Shamanic trance practices are found in many indigenous traditions:
– They often involve culturally-specific symbols and spirits[2]
– The shaman acts as an intermediary between human and spirit worlds[2]
– These practices have historically played an important social and healing role[3]
While often misunderstood, shamanic trance work represents an ancient tradition of accessing non-ordinary states of consciousness for healing and spiritual purposes. Modern research is beginning to shed light on the neurobiological underpinnings of these practices.
Citations:
[1] https://www.cuyamungueinstitute.com/articles-and-news/trance-and-shamanic-states-of-consciousness/
[2] https://www.laits.utexas.edu/sami/diehtu/siida/shaman/trans.htm
[3] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311908.2017.1313522
[4] https://www.thesanctuaryheal.com/post/shamanic-trance-altered-states-of-consciousness-the-collective-trance
[5] https://www.cuyamungueinstitute.com/articles-and-news/what-is-shamanic-trance/
[6] https://wattever.com.au/energy-efficient-appliances-guide/
[7] https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/your-guide-to-energy-efficient-cooking
[8] https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/energy-efficiency-and-reducing-emissions/save-energy-in-the-home/reduce-cooking-appliance-costs-at-home
Source: Perplexity.
Image: Mongolian Shaman performing Fire Ritual Customs to worship Khovgol Lake – by Munkhbayar.B, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons