Journeying
(This is an excerpt from a University Of Metaphysical Sciences course at www.umsonline.org, please feel free to visit the school website)
Modern shamanism has influenced modern witchcraft as it should due to the amount of overlap in worldviews. One of the techniques that has crossed over into The Craft is Shamanic Journeying. Journeying seeks to facilitate a shift of awareness into a state of trance in which consciousness is directed towards gaining wisdom and guidance in the process of self-growth, usually using guided and structured visualizations. Most of the popular techniques are based on the pioneering work of Dr. Michael Harner anthropologist and founder of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, as described in his book The Way Of The Shaman. Drumbeats, rattling, and musical elements are used, along with or without voice, to induce the trance in which journeying takes place. A detailed description of trance induction is fitting material for discussion elsewhere. As a general rule, structure journeying in 20-30 minute durations with one or two journeys in a sitting. Before you begin, always make the intention to return your consciousness fully back into your body upon completion of the journey.
Journeying for a beginner can be quite the spiritual shamanic task. Shamanism is a journey for anyone whether it is simple meditation or leaving your life behind for a new adventure. Physical healing isn’t possible without the power and energy of the spirit. Reflections on dreaming of an archangel can sometimes guide our way under a star. Leaning psychology can also help with journeying.