The chakras are centers of energy in the body, and when they become blocked, it has negative effects on physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health.
Here are some negative effects associated with each of the seven bodily blocked chakras:
Root Chakra (Muladhara): A blocked root chakra can lead to feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety. It can also cause physical symptoms like constipation, back pain, and poor circulation.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): A blocked sacral chakra can lead to a lack of creativity, emotional instability, and difficulty forming intimate relationships.
Physical symptoms can include menstrual issues, urinary tract infections, and lower back pain.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): A blocked solar plexus chakra can lead to low self-esteem, lack of confidence, and difficulty making decisions.
Physical symptoms can include digestive issues, indigestion, and nausea.
Heart Chakra (Anahata): A blocked heart chakra can lead to difficulty expressing love and affection, feelings of loneliness, and emotional numbness.
Physical symptoms can include heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and asthma.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): A blocked throat chakra can lead to difficulty communicating, feelings of isolation, and a lack of self-expression.
Physical symptoms can include sore throat, thyroid issues, and neck pain.
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): A blocked third eye chakra can lead to a lack of clarity, confusion, and feelings of being disconnected from reality.
Physical symptoms can include headaches, migraines, and vision problems.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): A blocked crown chakra can lead to a lack of spirituality, difficulty connecting with higher powers, and feeling lost or disconnected from the world. Physical symptoms can include sensitivity to light and sound, migraines, and depression.
The next post will explain the benefits of Cleared and Energised Chakras.
It is more important than ever to prioritize our health and wellness.
In the midst of the last global pandemic, and I hear there is another one planned for 2025!
It is more important than ever to prioritize our health and wellness.
Not only does being fit and healthy help protect us from illness and dis-ease, but it also promotes a sense of well-being and balance in our lives.
Also, maintaining balanced chakras can have a profound impact on our overall health and energy levels.
One of the main reasons it is important to be fit and healthy right now is to protect ourselves from illness.
The COVID-19 virus has highlighted the importance of a strong immune system, regular exercise and a healthy diet are two of the best ways to support our immune system.
Exercise has been shown to boost the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections and diseases.
Meanwhile, a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides our bodies with the nutrients and antioxidants necessary to support our immune system.
In addition to protecting us from illness, being fit and healthy also promotes a sense of well-being and balance in our lives.
Regular exercise has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, boost mood, and improve sleep quality.
Meanwhile, a healthy diet can help regulate mood and energy levels, reducing feelings of fatigue and lethargy.
By prioritizing our physical health, we create a positive feedback loop that supports our mental and emotional well-being as well.
However, it is not just physical health that is important right now. Our chakras, or energy centers, also play a critical role in our overall health and well-being.
When our chakras are balanced and aligned, we experience a sense of harmony and vitality in our lives.
However, when our chakras are blocked or unbalanced, we may experience adverse physical, emotional, or spiritual symptoms.
There are seven main chakras in the body, each of which corresponds to a different aspect of our being.
For example, the root chakra, located at the base of the spine, is associated with grounding and stability, while the heart chakra is associated with love and compassion.
More to follow on this.
By practicing yoga, meditation, and Shamanic Wellness and Energy Healing, we can help balance and align our chakras, promoting greater health and well-being.
In conclusion, being fit and healthy and maintaining balanced chakras are critical for our overall health and well-being, especially in the midst of upcoming man made diseases that we will be subjected to in the near future.
By prioritizing our physical health through regular exercise and a healthy diet, we support our immune system and promote a sense of well-being and balance in our lives.
Meanwhile, by practicing yoga, meditation, or other energy work, we can help balance and align our chakras, promoting greater vitality and harmony.
By taking care of ourselves in these ways, we can navigate these challenging times with greater resilience and strength.
Rites and rituals, ceremonies and initiations play an important role in many cultures and religions around the world.
They are used to mark significant life events, transitions, and milestones, and to connect individuals and communities with something greater than themselves.
Rites and rituals provide a sense of structure and meaning to our lives, helping us to understand the world around us and our place in it.
They can also be a source of comfort and support during difficult times.
Ceremonies and services are often used to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away, providing a space for people to come together and share their grief and memories.
They can also be used to celebrate joyous occasions such as weddings, graduations, and other achievements.
Overall, rites and rituals, ceremonies and services serve as a way to connect with our past, present, and future, and to forge deeper connections with those around us.
They provide a sense of belonging and community, and help us to make sense of the world and our place in it.
Some of these include.
Pregnancy / Fertility
Fertility and pregnancy rituals have been practiced for centuries across cultures to honor and celebrate the creation of new life. These rituals can help couples connect with each other and with their spirituality, reduce stress and anxiety, and provide a sense of hope and encouragement during the often-challenging journey of conception and pregnancy.
Naming
A naming ritual is a significant event that helps to establish a sense of identity and belonging. It can be a powerful way to honor cultural traditions, acknowledge family history, and create a unique and meaningful name for a new member of the family or the community. A naming ritual can also help to strengthen familial bonds and build a sense of connection between generations.
Birthdays
Celebrating birthdays is a way to commemorate the day a person was born. It is an opportunity to express love, gratitude, and appreciation for the individual’s life. It provides an occasion for family and friends to come together, create memories, and enjoy each other’s company. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing life and cherishing those we hold dear.
Boy’s – to Manhood
Young Men’s to Manhood Ritual is an important step in the development of young men. It is a rite of passage that marks the transition from adolescence to adulthood, and helps to instill values such as responsibility, respect, and integrity. This ritual provides a sense of belonging, community, and purpose, and can help young men develop a strong sense of self and identity.
Girl’s – To Womanhood
The Young Women’s-To Womanhood Ritual is an important milestone for young women as it marks their transition from girlhood to womanhood. This ritual is a celebration of their growth, accomplishments, and potential. It helps them to gain a deeper understanding of their identity and purpose, while also connecting them to their community and cultural traditions.
Graduations
A Graduation Ceremony is an important milestone in a student’s academic journey. It provides a sense of accomplishment and closure, recognizing the hard work and dedication that went into earning the degree. It also offers an opportunity to celebrate with family and friends, and to reflect on the memories and lessons learned during the academic years.
Marriage / Weddings
Marriage is an important institution that signifies commitment, love, and partnership. The wedding ceremony is a public declaration of this commitment and marks the beginning of a new chapter in the couple’s lives. It is a celebration of love and the start of a lifelong journey together, and holds great significance for both the couple and their families.
Vow Renewals
A vow renewal ceremony is a wonderful way to celebrate a marriage and reaffirm the commitment between partners. It allows couples to reflect on their journey together, and to renew their love and commitment to each other. It is also a chance to share this special moment with family and friends, and to create new memories together.
Divorce
A divorce ceremony can be a meaningful way to provide closure and healing after the end of a marriage. It acknowledges the end of a significant chapter in life and allows for a ritualistic release of negative emotions. It can also provide a sense of empowerment and a fresh start for the future.
Wise Man – Elder
The Wise Man/Elder Ceremony is a vital tradition in many cultures worldwide. It recognizes the importance of older individuals in communities and acknowledges their wisdom and contributions. By celebrating their knowledge and experiences, we encourage inter-generational communication and respect. This ceremony reminds us of the value of our elders and how they enrich our lives.
Wise Woman – Elder – Sage
A Wise Woman, Elder, Sage ceremony is an important celebration of the knowledge, wisdom and experience of older women. It provides an opportunity for younger generations to learn from their elders, and for the elders to pass on their legacy. Such ceremonies can be empowering, inspiring and healing, and can help strengthen the bonds between generations.
Funeral – Celebration of Life
Funerals are an important way to honor and celebrate the life of a loved one who has passed away. They provide a space for family and friends to gather, share stories and memories, and pay their respects. A funeral ceremony can bring comfort and closure to those who are grieving and serve as a final farewell to the departed.
Memorials
A Memorial Ceremony provides an opportunity to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. It allows individuals to come together in a shared expression of grief and support, providing comfort and solace. Additionally, it can serve as a way to celebrate the life and legacy of the deceased, ensuring that their memory lives on.
Rites of The Munay-Ki
The Munay-Ki Rites are a powerful transformational tool that can help individuals connect with their true essence and awaken their spiritual power. These ancient shamanic teachings provide a pathway for personal growth, healing, and evolution, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world around us. The Munay-Ki Rites are essential for those seeking to align with their highest potential and live a life of purpose and meaning.
In conclusion, rituals are an essential part of human life as they provide structure, meaning, and a sense of belonging.
They allow us to connect with our past and present while also providing a framework for our future.
By engaging in rituals, we can cultivate a sense of mindfulness, gratitude, and purpose in our lives, ultimately leading to greater happiness and fulfillment.
“The human brain can only truly make changes through ceremony. It is like you missing your initiation into manhood, and become the eternal boy, collecting “toys” your entire life.” Dr Alberto Villoldo
If any of these are of interest for you and your family, contact me for details and prices.
Many prophesies in the indigenous world speak of this time in human history as a period of great transformation.
In the medicine tradition of the Inca, legend tells of a great angel who looked into the future and saw that humanity would face an enormous task at the beginning of the 21st century. Extenuating circumstances in an extremely difficult and challenging time would require extraordinary effort to bring about peace and heal the heart of the world.
“Who would like to volunteer?” the angel asked. Knowing we could make a difference, we jumped up and said, “Me!”
The prophesies say there is to be a tremendous culling of humanity because the earth can no longer sustain the parasite that humanity has become.
But every crisis brings with it a marvelous opportunity and this is why we stood up and said, “Me!”
Our work is to find new solutions, to develop sustainable ecological practices in commerce, business, and medicine.
This is what we came to do.
The problems we face are vast and overwhelming.
And they are no longer just a matter of global warming or carbon emissions, but of the possible collapse of the entire climate system – and in time, the social system as well.
I see the main problem as a spiritual one, centered around human beliefs, the troublesome elements founded in our western mythology.
It is a mythology that is predatory, that is abusive, that reaps the cream of the earth, that passes the furtive costs onto future generations and expresses itself in our economic, political, social, and educational systems.
It is also practically the only mythology on the planet in which the feminine is eclipsed by the masculine.
But you cannot repress the feminine without ill effect – eventually, it becomes deadly for a culture, and this is what has happened to us.
We have to break free of these greedy, rapacious paradigms that see the earth as ours to consume, and the feminine as damned.
My mentor believed that the new shamans, the new caretakers of the earth would come from the west.
We are the ones who can bring healing and transformation to our families, to our communities, and to the earth.
We are the change agents.
This is a critical time in history, a time for a reawakening of the earth and of our own feminine.
It is a time of tremendous transformation.
All our old models are being reinvented, in every facet of society.
Through this great transformation, a new human is emerging on the earth.
I call this new human homo luminous.
The shaman understands that evolution happens within generations.
It is for us to take that quantum leap into who we are becoming.
We can become homo luminous in our lifetime.
This is our greatest task: to take that quantum leap individually because as we do it for ourselves, we do it for the entire planet.
Each and every one of us, when we choose truth, when we choose light, when we choose a feminine theology of cooperation and sustainability, we are transforming the world.
In Munay
Jamie
Credits – Alberto Villoldo, The Four Winds & their Teachers, all My Teachers and Guides, Great Spirit, Pachamama.
Money that is earned without active involvement in the earning process.
Passive income is a term used to describe money that is earned without active involvement in the earning process.
This type of income can come from various sources including rental properties, dividends, multi-level marketing and investments.
The significance of passive income goes beyond just financial gain and can also have spiritual and metaphysical benefits.
One of the spiritual benefits of passive income is the sense of freedom and security that it provides.
When one is not reliant on a single source of income, they can feel more in control of their life and less anxious about the future.
This can lead to a greater sense of inner peace and well-being.
Another spiritual benefit of passive income is the opportunity it provides for personal growth.
When one has more time and resources available, they can pursue hobbies, interests, or even charitable causes that align with their values.
This can lead to a sense of fulfillment and purpose that goes beyond financial gain.
From a metaphysical perspective, passive income can also be seen as a manifestation of abundance.
The law of attraction suggests that what we focus on expands, and by focusing on creating passive income streams, we can attract more financial abundance into our lives.
This can lead to a greater sense of prosperity and abundance on all levels.
In addition to the spiritual and metaphysical benefits, passive income can also have practical benefits such as providing a safety net in case of job loss or unexpected expenses. It can also provide a source of income for retirement or allow for early retirement if desired.
In conclusion, passive income is not just a financial strategy but also has spiritual and metaphysical significance.
It can provide a sense of freedom, security, personal growth, and abundance.
By focusing on creating passive income streams, one can achieve both financial and personal fulfillment.
If this is of interest to you, and you would like more information on how and where to look at this, feel free to message me.
The concept of money goes beyond its tangible value and has spiritual and metaphysical implications.
Money is a fundamental aspect of modern society, and it is often considered a measure of success and status.
However, the concept of money goes beyond its tangible value and has spiritual and metaphysical implications.
Money can be viewed as an expression of energy that reflects our beliefs, values, and attitudes towards abundance, prosperity, and wealth.
From a spiritual perspective, money is an expression of the universal energy of abundance.
Our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality, and the same applies to our relationship with money.
If we harbor negative beliefs or emotions towards money, we are likely to experience scarcity or lack in our financial life.
On the other hand, if we cultivate a positive mindset and appreciation for money, we are likely to attract more abundance and prosperity.
Metaphysically, money represents the flow of energy in our lives.
Money is a vehicle that enables us to exchange our time, skills, and resources with others.
When we receive money, we are receiving an energy exchange for our contributions. Similarly, when we spend money, we are contributing to the energy flow of the economy and supporting the livelihoods of others.
Therefore, our relationship with money is not only about personal gain but also about contributing to the greater good.
At a deeper level, money can also reflect our spiritual values and purpose.
Money can be used to support causes and organizations that align with our values and beliefs.
By using our resources to make a positive impact in the world, we can create a sense of fulfillment and purpose that transcends monetary gain.
In conclusion, money is not just a physical currency but also an expression of spiritual and metaphysical energy.
Our relationship with money reflects our beliefs, values, and purpose, and it can be a tool for personal growth and contribution to society.
By understanding the spiritual and metaphysical aspects of money, we can cultivate a positive mindset towards abundance and prosperity and use our resources to create a better world.
Feathers have been considered symbols of spirituality in many cultures throughout history.
In Native American traditions, feathers are seen as a connection to the spirit world and represent communication with the divine.
In many other cultures, feathers are also associated with angels or other spiritual beings.
Seeing feathers can be a sign of encouragement or a message from the spiritual realm.
It may symbolize the presence of a loved one who has passed away or a guardian angel trying to communicate with you.
Feathers can also represent freedom, lightness, and the ability to rise above challenges.
If you keep seeing feathers, pay attention to the colors and the location where you find them. White feathers may symbolize purity and peace, while black ones may represent protection and grounding.
Feathers found in significant locations, such as your home or workplace, may carry a specific message for you.
Ultimately, the spiritual meaning of seeing feathers is unique to each individual and their beliefs.
Trust your intuition and let the feathers guide you towards your spiritual path.
Feathers have been associated with various metaphysical meanings across different cultures and religions.
In general, feathers are seen as a symbol of divine intervention, spiritual ascension, and higher consciousness.
Seeing feathers is often interpreted as a sign that angels or spirit guides are trying to communicate with you, offering comfort, guidance, and protection.
In Native American traditions, feathers are considered sacred objects that represent the power of the bird spirit and its connection to the Great Spirit.
Each feather has a specific meaning and is used in rituals and ceremonies to honor the spirits and ancestors.
In other spiritual traditions, feathers are seen as a reminder to pay attention to your intuition, trust your inner wisdom, and stay connected to your soul’s purpose.
Seeing feathers may also indicate a need to let go of old patterns or beliefs and embrace new opportunities for growth and transformation.
Overall, the metaphysical meaning of seeing feathers varies depending on the context and your own spiritual beliefs.
However, it is always a positive sign that you are on the right path and that the universe is supporting your journey.
Often feathers will just appear in front of you. They may fall from the sky, or blow across your path, or just appear next to you.
Sometimes it is sent to you just to confirm you are not alone and are on the right track.
When this happens thank your angels, spirit guides and loved ones that have passed.
Sometimes I like to pick it up and keep it as a reminder I am not alone and that my guides and spirit are with me.
Feathers come in many different colours and shapes.
They can be small and brown and speckled.
Black, or white, or black and white.
Large or small.
Be aware of these colours and feel how these feathers speak to you.
White feathers can represent angels, whereas black and white or coloured feathers can be from your spirit guides.
Whatever they are there can be a special spiritual meaning of them coming into your life.
If you want to learn more meditate and ask your guides for more information.
Fasting can provide numerous spiritual and physical benefits for individuals who choose to incorporate it into their spiritual practice.
Fasting has been a part of spiritual practice in many religions for centuries.
The act of abstaining from food and drink for a certain period of time was believed to bring about spiritual benefits.
One of the most significant benefits is that it helps to increase self-discipline and self-control.
By denying oneself the so called pleasures of food and drink, individuals are able to focus on their spiritual goals and develop stronger willpower.
Fasting also helps to purify the mind and body, allowing individuals to let go of negative thoughts and emotions and focus on positive energy.
The act of fasting is believed to help individuals connect more deeply with their spiritual beliefs and values.
It is a time for reflection, prayer and meditation, which can lead to a greater sense of inner peace and spiritual growth.
In addition, fasting can also help to improve physical health.
It has been shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and improve insulin sensitivity.
These benefits can lead to a longer and healthier life, which can in turn contribute to a more fulfilled spiritual practice.
Overall, fasting can provide numerous spiritual and physical benefits for individuals who choose to incorporate it into their spiritual practice.
Many cultures observe some form of harvest festival.
Few feasts, however, are as extravagant as Thanksgiving, which ushers in a whirlwind of excess.
Of overeating, and of unbridled consumption of comfort food that often stretches into the month of December and concludes with a massive hangover on January 1.
If you’re consuming large amounts of carbs, gaining weight around your belly, and experiencing mood swings and brain fog, it’s a good idea to spend a few days fasting.
While most people in Western society think of fasting in terms of losing weight, that is a dangerous misuse of the practice.
Fasting actually has significant health benefits (with weight loss being a small bonus).
We fast to detox, turn on the body’s repair mechanisms and clear brain fog.
Fasting brings about cleansing at a cellular level by triggering autophagy – in which debris inside the cells is recycled into a form the cells can use as building blocks.
Research cardiologists at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that fasting lowers the risk of diabetes and coronary artery disease – the leading cause of death in America.
Even during a very short fast, amazing things happen to the body and brain.
In just 24 hours, the production of human growth hormone increases by a staggering 1,300 percent in men and 2,000 percent in women, repairing cells that make up our tissues.
Short bouts of fasting can help us overcome addictions to sugar and carbs. When we feel stressed, many of us tend to gravitate to comfort foods that we grew up on.
The result is that over the decades, the flora in our guts become addicted to sugars, carbs and nasty fats, so when we fast for more than 12 hours, the digestive flora go into revolt and begin releasing chemical toxins that signal starvation to the brain.
Even though we don’t actually need nourishment, we become ravenously hungry, simply because the flora want to feed.
The gut microbes are extraordinarily smart, however, and they learn quickly.
In just 24 hours we can break their food addictions and begin to establish a new balance in the colony, allowing good flora to flourish.
Fasting is a fundamental part of the spiritual practice to gain enlightenment.
Muslims fast at Ramadan and Jews at Yom Kippur.
In many indigenous cultures, seekers on a Vision Quest prime their brains with a combination of superfoods and fasting before going into a forest or other natural setting to open their minds to divine guidance.
Fasting for up to three days is perfectly safe for most people in good health. (If you have any concerns, are diabetic, taking medication, or dealing with acute illness, do not fast without first consulting a physician.)
Along with hunger pangs during the first day or so, you might experience mood swings, low energy, and irritability. Most of the discomfort comes from the fact that your body is detoxifying.
After the body burns through the stored glucose, it goes into ketosis as it starts burning fats.
You can tell when you’ve switched to burning fats because your hunger pangs will go away.
It is imperative to drink at least four liters of water a day while fasting.
If you are not urinating every hour, you’re not drinking enough water.
If at any time you feel very sick, or your blood sugar is dropping dangerously, break your fast. It’s a good idea to keep chocolate and some basic foods like nuts and dried fruit on hand in case of emergency.
I personally have found fasting hugely beneficial on all levels.
If you are not sure, start slowly, and get advice from a professional.
In Munay,
Jamie
Credits – Alberto Villoldo, The Four Winds & their Teachers, all My Teachers and Guides, Great Spirit, Pachamama.
A spirit animal is a spiritual guide or totem that represents an individual or a group.
It is believed that spirit animals offer guidance, protection, and support in times of need. Your spirit animal is a reflection of your personality, traits, and strengths.
It is often an animal that you feel a strong connection with, whether through dreams, visions, or real-life encounters.
Spirit animals can be found in many cultures and traditions, and each animal has its own unique symbolism and meaning.
By connecting with our spirit animal, we can tap into our inner wisdom and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
From earliest times, humankind has used animals as totems and symbols of the highest ideals – the lion as a symbol of strength, the lamb as the purity of God, the serpent and eagle as symbols of the sacred principles of the universe.
Mesoamerican societies worshiped the winged serpent Quetzalcoatl, a god who was master of the winds and the sky, and the protector of his people.
In Greek mythology, Medusa’s scalp writhed with live snakes, symbolic of her sovereign female wisdom.
The hero Hercules was often depicted wearing a lion skin, which gave him the beast’s cunning, strength, and dominance.
In the Bible, King Solomon is referred to as the “lion of Judea,” and Jesus is called the “lamb of God.”
In the Hindu religion, cows are held to be sacred.
The zodiac has animals as symbols, as does the Chinese calendar.
Cultural identifications with animals are so strong that entire civilizations have taken them as symbols.
The mighty lion has long represented England; the industrious honeybee, a symbol of immortality and resurrection, was chosen by both Charlemagne and Napoleon to represent France.
Perhaps the most omnipresent animal symbol of all is the eagle, adopted by both ancient and modern cultures around the world, such as the Greeks, Egyptians, Sumerians, Hittites, and Romans.
The bald eagle represents the might and freedom of the United States.
Even automakers use animal imagery to symbolize their products because potential buyers intuitively respond to certain animal attributes.
We expect the Jaguar sports car to be sleek, fast, and elite; the Dodge Ram SUV to be sure-footed on rocky terrain.
Four archetypal animals are particularly important to the Laika of Peru. The serpent symbolizes knowledge, sexuality, and the healing power of nature. The jaguar represents strength, courage, and the power of transformation.
The eagle (or condor) symbolizes foresight, clarity, vision and the self-transcending principle of nature.
The hummingbird symbolizes courage, strength, and guidance.
When shamans open and close sacred space, we invoke these spirit animals, representing the four core principles of life.
Apart from archetypal images, most of us have lost our sense of connectedness to all but the most domesticated of animals.
But whether we are aware of it or not, we all have power animals that symbolize the instinctual aspects of our soul in its natural, most unspoiled state.
When we call for a power animal, Spirit provides us with whatever we need – we do not get to choose.
In fact we may retrieve one that is entirely unforeseen, or actively disliked.
The animal that comes to us represents an instinctual part of ourselves that we may have become disconnected from – or even find distasteful.
Working with a power animal is an instinctual process about who we are becoming, not about who we would prefer to be.
It is up to us to learn its attributes as it reveals its wisdom.
Want to find out what your Power Animal is?
And the best ways to look after it and nurture it?
Then contact me now.
In Munay,
Jamie
Credits – Alberto Villoldo, The Four Winds & their Teachers, all My Teachers and Guides, Great Spirit, Pachamama.
Ceremonies and rites of passage are an important aspect of human culture.
Many of you know the importance of bringing together communities and families through Ceremonies and Rites of Passage is at this special time.
Ceremonies and rites of passage are an important aspect of human culture.
They provide a sense of belonging and identity, as well as marking important milestones in life.
These rituals can take many forms, from religious ceremonies to secular events like graduations or weddings.
They often involve symbolic actions or gestures that reflect the values and beliefs of a particular community.
By participating in these ceremonies, individuals gain a deeper understanding of their place in society and the world around them.
In this way, ceremonies and rites of passage help to strengthen social bonds and provide a framework for personal growth and development.
Rites of Passage are ceremonies that acknowledge major initiations (transitions) in a persons’ life.
They are observed in various ways around the world, although modern societies tend to focus on birthdays, coming of age (Sweet 16, Quinceañeras, bar and bat mitzvahs), marriage and death – skipping many important transitions in a person’s life-cycle.
Ancient societies, native communities and shamans understand the importance of consciously closing each stage of life in order to enter, fully present, into a new cycle.
A shaman’s map for the great journey of life includes the major initiations of birth, manhood or womanhood, first love, marriage (and sometimes divorce), parenthood, sagehood, and death.
It’s possible that you won’t go through all of these passages in a biological sense or at the usual time of life.
For example, some people never marry or have children.
Yet each of us, regardless of gender or culture, must go through them mythically at least once.
If you have no son or daughter, you may write a book or produce some other creative project that will be your “baby.”
You will be “born” again as you start a new life in another city or change careers, and parts of you will “die” metaphorically with the losses and changes that life brings.
Initiations are inevitable.
Every initiation presents the opportunity for illumination – to awaken your divine nature, identify with the realm of the creators, experience grace, and break free of the realm of scarcity and the brutish, predatory existence that most of humanity endures.
Rites of Passage allow us to gain maturity, wisdom and inner peace; to examine and honor what may not have been fully recognized in the process of daily living, and to acknowledge with gratitude what may have been forgotten.
With each Rite of Passage, we let go of the past in order to gain inner peace, wisdom, stability, generosity, purity of intent, courage, compassion, temperance, vision, strength, power and humility.
When we don’t celebrate the Rites of Passage, we have unfinished business and may unconsciously be gripped by wrath, greed, lust, sloth, envy, gluttony, or pride.
By celebrating a Rite of Passage into a new life cycle, we experience genuine rebirth:
-Instead of struggling with belonging, self-worth and anger, we gain inner peace and the certainty of connection with all our relations. -Instead of feeling resentful or becoming obsessed with materialism and power, we find healing in the power of generosity. -Instead of being the eternal single, ambivalent about relationships, expecting our partner to meet all our needs and being unwilling to work at creating a genuine partnership, we find healing in the power of authentic courage. -Instead of living our life through our children, our projects, or being envious of those who seem to have more options, we find healing through compassion. -Instead of being crippled by a sense of scarcity and loss, and the desire to regain what is no more, healing is achieved through temperance. -Instead of becoming arrogant and self-important, we find healing in humility.
While a shaman is not essential, each Rite of Passage requires sacred space, intention, conscious presence, ceremony, symbolic death and community.
When we open sacred space we remember that we are connected with the cosmos, with Nature, with the spiritual world and all our relations.
By creating ceremony, we remember that we are part of a mystery and great consciousness that gives profound meaning and purpose to our lives.
A community (of friends, family, or peers) provides the empowerment of witnesses to the process.
Rites of Passage not only enable a much deeper connection to ourselves, they facilitate compassionate understanding of who we are, and why we are walking upon the earth.
And in the process, we experience profound gratitude for the gift of life.
In Munay,
Jamie
Credits – Alberto Villoldo, The Four Winds & their Teachers, all My Teachers and Guides, Great Spirit, Pachamama.
