Are there any others here? I'm just curious, I seem to be the only one here in this city;^]

You are not the only one.

I'm a shaman... not Christian, though.

Sorry, not me. Not even sure what that is, since I haven't heard of it before.

It's a middle ground between Native American tradition and Christian tradition;^]

Very cool! That sounds like something my teenage daughter would be interested in. She's at an age where she's finding herself, as some may say, and she doesn't seem to want to follow traditional religions.

It's been very enlightening for me. I got into it because it put priority on Jesus' teachings without demonising nature, and it allows for the teachings of the medicine wheel as a scientific look at natures cycles & our relation there to. It's got it's drawbacks tho, we tend to get looked down upon by a large portion of the christian population, but to each their own I say, it just works right for me;^]

Great thread 'Turtlepoet78',

Want to find out more from you, about your practices, reactions of others to your beliefs and faith, etc.

So far, it sounds to me like,

... the BEST Christianity has to offer, 'ecuminism' or 'inter-faith dialogue' with respect to the inclusiveness and openness to others,

and, ...

... the WORST of Christianity , as you pointed out,

"... It's got it's drawbacks though, we tend to get looked down upon by a large portion of the christian population..."

... the closed minded, judgemental, and condemning 'holier than thou' 'goody-look-down-upon-others' christians!

But let's stick to the light. Your's sounds like it shines.

Tell us more. Is it part of the 'ecuminism' efforts of the the Catholic Church (rapprochement between, or reaching out to other Christians), or is it more 'Inter faith dialogue'. I know you mentionned Jesus' teachings, but still wondering?

Very interesting!

Thanks for sharing this with us 'Turtlepoet78'.

Actually, Turtlepoet, Shamanism is a form of religious medicine that originates from the Paleolithic hunting cultures of Siberia and Central Asia. When the current Native American Indian's ancesters crossed Bering Strait Land bridge from Asia they evidently brought with them some of their Shamanism. It evidently has survived and evolved into what we know as Native American Spirituality with each tribe having their own specific beliefs and styles. Shamanism is still alive and well in many parts of Asia and Siberia, though.

Welcome to my world.

Thanks for that Lady.

And can you tell us more about Shamanism and Christianity?

Is there one, or is it simply christians, whom show interest in other faiths or religions?

'Turtlepoet78', mentionned something about 'Shamanic Christians' teach 'Jesus' as a priorty, while maintaining the essence of Shamamnic religion? How is that structured? Who runs it? etc.

Thanks in advance Lady.

Soory, my error, I forgot 3 words in here:

And can you tell us more about "... the relationship between..." Shamanism and Christianity?

Is there one, or is it simply christians, whom show interest in other faiths or religions?

A person can be whatever they want to be. Historically, though, as Christianity spread throughout the world many natives had to either convert to Christianity or find ways to blend their native spiritual/religious beliefs with that of Christianity. That's what happened with some cultures that believed in Shamanism, they began to blend the two. Much like what happened with Santeria. When Europeans came to America they too tried to convert the Native American Indians to Christianity. Many refused to convert, some did, others blended the two.

I know there's a vast Shamanic practice across the world in many differant tribal traditions, however here in the states the term Shamanic Christian denotes those like myself who converted yet retained the teachings of the medicine wheel from Native American tradition (Chickasaw for me). To put it simply, the medicine wheel gives us insight into the cycles of life and creation, and we believe it our God given responsibility to care for this planet and all of creation we venture to. As I said, we tend to get the blunt end of the stick from many christians, especialy among protestants and catholics, but to be fair we are welcomed with open arms among other christian groups. Now, the term Shaman means "medicine man", and that's exactly what we are, through faith in Christ and knowladge of both scripture and our human cycles, we help heal those and try to guide them on a path of rightiousness;^]

If you can, would you please send me more information on the beliefs and such? Thanks.

To me, it doesn't seem right that the Methodists would frown upon your beliefs, especially since it has to do with the earth and probably healing, too, which is very important. Sadly, some religions are very closed minded to the point of stagnation, versus trying to open up their minds to new ideas.

Actually the word shaman comes from a word in the Tungusic laguage of Siberia, šamán. "Sa" means "to know." So the word shaman literally means "one who knows."

I'm very familar with the Medicine Wheel teachings. Many believe that the Medicine Wheel originates in the Central America specifically in the Mayan culture. *shrugs* who knows...

Many beliefs tend to differ between us, but at the core is a perception of the medicine wheel in a new light. You can look at it like the differance between astrology and astronomy, where the medicine wheel of old was traditionaly used in evoking and/ or attempting to manipulate the elemments as deities, we look at it as a tool for understanding and studying nature. As for my personal stance on other things, I keep the corners of my beard and the length of my hair as instructed in Leviticus, I only eat kosher, the only holiday I recognise (religiously anyway) is passover, and I hold the sabbath on the original day of saturday. And that's part of another common thread between us, a desire to get closer to the pre catholic christian movement. Unfortunatly, I've never met another shamanic christian in person, so I usualy end up going to seventh day adventist services.

@valkyrie, it may have well originated in south america, but I think there was an ancient link to it with Ireland, the celtic cross is very simmilar;^]

If you are refering to the Celtic Cross whose bottom arm is elongated (the latin cross), Irish legend holds that the cross was introduced to Ireland by St. Patrick. Legend claims he is the one who overlayed the cross with the circle. To the Pagans of Ireland the Sun God was very important to them. It was his way to convey to the Pagans of Ireland how important the Son of God (Jesus) was, as the giver of life eternal, in reference to the Cross.

If you are referring to what is commonly called the "solar cross" where all the arms are equal. Then I understand. The solar cross has been found not only in Celtic culture but in many cultures all over the world. Which I find fasinating!

I personally don't believe that the Medicine Wheel, Solar Cross, whatever one wishes to call it, started in the Mayan culture or in the Celtic culture. I believe it's one of those universal symbols that have great and significant power. It's all a matter of when a person is ready to acknowledge and absorb it. Those ancient cultures all over the world were ready and able obviously.

The pentegram is much the same way. It has been found in many cultures all over the world throughout history. It's an awesome and powerful symbol. So is the medicine wheel/solar cross.

Would you consider yourself a member of the seventh day adventists?