Embark on a Shamanic Journey
When you are very advanced, the veils between these two worlds disappear.
K: By way of example, can you put my experience in perspective for the reader?
S: Sure. The part of your experience that you described [for the reader] is typical of a Lower World Journey – the realm of the Power Animals. One of your power animals is the Black Panther. In post-journey dialogue, you and I discussed what the panther symbolizes for you, at this point in your life, and/or in relation to a life event. The inquiry process is unique to each person.
Another voice speaks, “Relax.” The voice is distant, soothing. It is Sandy’s voice. My body softens; I slip out of fear’s tight grip. I am lifted out of the muck. Shimmering gold mist cascades down my body, cleansing me. The earth is firm beneath my feet and the panther sits tall at my side. The native woman approaches. She takes my hand.
K: The native woman, she was in the Lower World, how is that possible?
S. In your journey, the native woman was most likely a guide leading you to the Upper World. Whether she represents a part of yourself, an actual person, living or deceased, a spiritual entity, etcetera… This is something to explore through the inquiry process so that the client may derive personal meaning and insight. I am there to help you navigate through non-ordinary reality.
Frequently, we take a Power Animal with us for help in the Upper World, where you meet Ancestors and Angels. You may also encounter mythical creatures who are more Human then animal. The Upper World experience can be more difficult to decipher. The Lower world is easier, since it is more like dreaming, so more familiar to us, in a way.
The panther walks by my side. We emerge from the brush into a clearing. Periwinkle skies surround us. The native woman sheds her glamour. Auburn waves caress her face. Eyes glistening like emeralds look upon me, gently. Extending her robed arms, she takes my hands. My panther rises.
K: Tell me more about how you help a client derive meaning from these encounters.
S: It is important to understand that interpretations and understanding do not usually come all at once, in one session. The deepest level of understanding and insight come after many journeys. The inquiry process is how I help my clients develop a relationship with their power animals and spirit guides. When the proper relationship is established, it becomes very clear why these figures have come and how they can help.
The questions that I ask are different for each person—there are so many variables to consider, such as a person’s state of health, mental and emotional state, daily life stressors, and so on. Along with the information a client provides, we might enter the shamanic journey with a specific question in mind, bringing the question to the power animals, guides and teachers. Sometimes, though, the question brought is not the one that is answered. Instead, the client may receive information on an entirely different, but still relevant, situation in his or her life.
