Shamanic Journeying

Shamanic Journeying

The practice of Shamanic Journeying is an intrinsic aspect of shamanism worldwide. Brant Secunda explains the basic concepts of shamanic journeying as a visionary experience, in which one is able to achieve an altered state of consciousness or trance.

Shamans learn to journey into a magical doorway (NIERICA) to access an alternate universe or a parallel reality. The use or rattles and drums, Brant explains, can help to propel one on such a journey.

Why would someone go on a shamanic journey and what are the benefits of this practice? The individual can learn to connect with the spirits of nature in this doorway. We can learn the language of the world of nature and in this way we can complete ourselves and become whole people.

We inquire how to integrate this practice into our daily lives and Brant offers insights into how the experiences of shamanic journeying can empower us through experiences of natural ecstasy.

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Negative Emotions

Negative Emotions

Everyone struggles with negative emotions. Brant Secunda shares with us the Huichol perspective on negativity and ways in which they alleviate themselves from these negative feelings.

The Huichol say that all negative emotions stem from three primary negative aspects, each connected to a particular region of the body. We inquire about this emotional/physical correlation and explore specific practices we can utilize to purify ourselves of negativity.

By letting go of the roots of negativity we can embrace a life of balance and harmony. Brant says, “We have to try, we have to practice it and watch, and feel how it can affect us and transform our life. This is how we Huichol shamanism is viable today in the modern world…”
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Humility

Humility

Brant says, “Don José… …always emphasized to be humble, that humbleness is such a high quality, to have humility, to be humble in front of nature. To be humble and have humility in front of The Great Spirit is such an important part [of shamanism].” We explore the connection between humility and self-confidence, and how this can help us from being held back in our lives.

Surrendering to Nature, to the beauty of life, allows us to embrace who we are and our place in this world. This allows us to experience pure joy and laughter.

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Finding the Soul

Finding the Soul

Where is our Soul? Brant Secunda says “it is in the place between two heartbeats.” But finding this place requires us to focus on the heart; to develop a relationship to nature through the heart.

We inquire about the Huichol perspective on the Soul/Body connection that has become so popularized in our modern world and learn from Brant how to empower our bodies through our innate connection to the Earth.

Do the Huichol differentiate the Spirit from the Soul? We examine this question and the importance of bringing all three (body, heart/soul, and spirit) into unification.
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The Power of Intuition

The Power of Intuition

Each of us has the ability to tap into the power of intuition and find the answers to life within ourselves. The Huichol tribe puts a tremendous emphasis on training our intuition, on focusing our awareness so that we may find guidance within our hearts. They give a physical form to intuition in KAUYUMARI (The Magical Deer Spirit), which they say resides in the heart of all human beings.

Brant Secunda describes how the Huichol strive to strengthen their connection with the Deer Spirit, their higher self, or intuition. He also shares games we can integrate into our daily life to help train our intuition.
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The Four Elements

The Four Elements

We are all made up of the elements that surround us. Earth – Air – Fire – Water, are a part of our very genetics. The Huichol say that we are a mirror of the universe; that everything around us, also exists within. Brant discusses this indigenous perspective of our “outer” environment and ways in which we can unify ourselves with the four elements.

This interview also explores various spiritual representations of the elements and how they are interconnected with our physical bodies.

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The Art of Chanting

The Art of Chanting

Chanting can be found in all major religions and spiritual traditions worldwide. The Huichol see the art of chanting as one of the highest and most difficult forms of spiritual practice. The ceremonial shamans are often referred to as the “singing ones.” They utilize the ancient chants to alter reality, both in the spiritual paradigm and in our everyday life, with things such as the weather.

Chanting is one way to alter consciousness and create a link to the divine. Specific tones can help to “open the heart” and shift our mental state into a more peaceful and harmonious phase.

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Staying Steady

Staying Steady

With all the ups and downs, highs and lows of modern day life, it can be very difficult to remain steady and even keeled. The Huichol people have an amazing ability to remain steady in their life. Both emotionally and physically, they live a life of continuity and balance. By better understanding the ways in which ancient indigenous cultures lived a sustainable life, we too can unlock the secrets to avoiding the roller coaster of negative emotions and physical pain.

By making yourself aware of the natural rhythm of nature and by striving to be a part of that cycle, each of us can find stability on our path of life.

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Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage

The ancient art of pilgrimage can be found across all cultures. By approaching a “place of power” with positive affirmations, we can empower both the place and ourselves.

When we leave offerings and making prayers at a mountain, a lake, or a river, we wake up the energy of that place and are in turn present to receive the blessings of that place. By connecting with the spiritual world of nature through pilgrimage, we internalize the life force of the places we visit and carry the power with us where we go.

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Listening to Silence

Listening to Silence

Our minds can be filled with constant chatter. How do we quiet the mind?

When we allow our mind simply rest in the silence, an entire world of opportunity and learning is awakened. Explore various methods for quieting the mind and learn about the benefits of doing so.

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