When the Pandora Box is Opened
Let me start by saying that I don’t adhere to any one religion. I believe that every spiritual path holds valuable teachings for us all. I take what resonates with me from each tradition and weave it into my life. If you’re into labels, you might call me “spiritual.”
Recently, during a Shamanic initiation ceremony, I crafted my own Medicine Drum. This drum wasn’t just a piece of art; it became a vessel of profound messages. One day, my drum delivered a message that initially seemed cryptic: “Awakening of your Pandora’s Box to set you free.” At first, it felt like a riddle, but as I connected with my drum daily and incorporated it into my soul retrieval sessions, the message started to make sense. The insights and revelations came fast and furious, transforming my journey in extraordinary ways. During this period, I was also given my Shamanic name—Ash. If you’re curious about this magical story, click here to read more.
Shamanic Illness
As a child, I experienced random fainting spells and recurring dreams of drowning in sand. These dreams were so traumatic that I tried desperately to escape them. Eventually, I stopped fighting and realized the dream wasn’t as dreadful as it seemed. Just when I thought the nightmares were over, I began suffering from sleep paralysis—not the typical kind that occurs during falling asleep or waking up, but when I was in a deep sleep state. This struggle continued throughout my childhood and into my early twenties.
I adapted by training myself to avoid deep sleep until I had my first child. As any mother knows, the early years with a baby come with sleepless nights. Thankfully, my baby initially slept well, but as she grew, her sleep patterns changed. Despite numerous offers of sleeping tablets, I refused, preferring not to rely on medication. Looking back, these early challenges were my first initiation into the path of becoming a shaman.
In a recent study session with a Native American Elder Shaman, I learned about “Shamanic Illness” that sometimes manifests in childhood as a call from Spirit to become a shaman. As the Elder described various symptoms, including fainting and nightmares, I knew my experiences were part of this call. He confirmed my intuition, explaining:
“It was the call of Spirit. You experienced a difficult childhood and traumas that served as life lessons, preparing you for your role as a Shaman. These initiations have taught you compassion and the ability to hold empathy without slipping into sympathy.”
He elaborated beautifully on this last point:
“Holding empathy means being present with someone, actively listening and acknowledging their feelings, without letting their emotional state consume you. Sympathy, on the other hand, can inadvertently deepen a person’s suffering by reinforcing their sense of victimhood. True empathy involves understanding without becoming emotionally entangled, maintaining your own energy while providing genuine support.”
I invite you to embrace this lesson and practice empathy daily. By doing so, we can support one another authentically and heal together.
Ceremony
Ceremonies in shamanic traditions are more than mere rituals; they are profound acts of connection and transformation. They serve as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, fostering healing and balance. In Native American traditions, ceremonies hold deep cultural and spiritual significance, often involving prayers, songs, dances, and rituals to align participants with spiritual forces and ancestors.
These ceremonies are communal, bringing people together to share intentions and energies. A great example is the Sweat Lodge ceremony, a purification ritual where the community unites in a sacred space for prayer, song, and cleansing. This collective experience fosters unity and collective healing.
Imagine a community gathering under a starry sky, surrounded by the rhythmic beat of drums and traditional songs. Each person offers their intentions and prayers, participating in a ceremony that deepens their connection to the spiritual world and to one another. Through these rituals, shamans and participants experience a profound sense of interconnectedness and purpose.
I’ve been doing Full Moon Ceremonies for years and find great joy and pride in these events. If this sounds like something you would like to experience (I highly recommend) then have a look at the following:
Events
If you’d like to join a ceremony, here are some wonderful opportunities:
Pretoria Sisters:
Join the beautiful ‘Artful Women’s Circle @ Plaaslik’ on 17 August 2024, hosted by a lovely friend Savannah. Click here for more details.
Joburg Sisters:
There’s a Women’s Circle in Kyalami on 14 September 2024, hosted by my friend and Yoga instructor Kyla. Booking is essential, so connect with her if you feel called to this magical event.
My Offering
