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Astroshamanism
Astroshamanism is based on the awareness of the existence of an
ecstatic and united dimension that lies beyond the illusions of the ordinary
perception of reality. The certitude that human beings, through the
progressive release of their separated and grieving identities, can have
unlimited access to such a dimension, constitutes the experiential essence of
this work
The term astroshamanism identifies a spiritual system of healing
aimed at enlarging human perception through the integration of the basic
principles of shamanism with experiential astrology, the ancient Mystery,
Pagan, Gnostic and early Christian traditions and recent spiritual paths,
such as A Course in Miracles. Its present form is the result of
research developed by Franco Santoro since 1976, thanks to the contribution
of shamans and medicine people of various cultures. The original reference of
astroshamanism is based upon an initiatory lineage strategically defined as
ProvOrdo Etnai and currently integrated in the work of the
Sacred Cone Circle. The basic intent of this tradition is to foster
the release of the perception based on separation and the reawakening of our
original nature of unity and unconditional love. The principal trait of this
and other similar shamanic traditions is that its teachings are not
communicated by one human being to another. Although masters or shamans
provide precious inspiration and tools to access basic information, the
actual mysteries are revealed only by direct experience.
Astroshamanism employs different tools that facilitate the exploration of
non-ordinary dimensions and help create a bridge with conventional reality to
provide healing, transformation, true perception and clarity of intent. In
this context astrology is used as a Sacred Circle to access
information on the geography of shamanic states of consciousness and to allow
their safe exploration, knowing where to find guides, spirits, allies, power,
grievances, blocks, etc. Here the horoscope is not interpreted or analysed,
but it reveals itself through emotions, movements, dances, sounds, rituals,
images and situations aimed at extending the awareness of reality and
supporting strong transformational processes.
In archaic times astrology did not deal with personalities. It was meant
as a study of energy patterns and was expressed collectively. In those
mythical times the stars were not only above in the Sky. Their archetypal
energies were accessible here on Earth, and its inhabitants could freely
sense them in their bodies, minds and hearts. It was a direct relationship,
devoid of any symbolism or rationalisation. Astroshamanism represents the
willingness to retrieve this wisdom in our present environment. Astrology is
the oldest form of symbolic language, whereas shamanism is the most ancient
and widespread method of healing. The distinctive feature of shamans is
represented by their familiarity with states of consciousness that allow the
exploration of the spiritual dimension of reality, to help their community,
themselves and their planet. To face these journeys, shamans connect with
guides, spirits, power animals, angels, and other beings. The relationship
with these entities and the dimensions to which they belong is the chief
distinctive feature of shamanic cultures and constitutes the basic work of
astroshamanism.
Astroshamanism does not involve judgements or interpretation through the
ordinary functions of the mind, neither does it require the belief in a
specific religious doctrine. What matters in this work is laying aside
prejudices and fixed ideas so as to open up to an authentic exploration of
the mysteries that exist within and without myself. Astroshamanism means to
access the hidden energy of the zodiacal signs and planets: to feel it in the
body, the emotions, the mind and spirit. It is not about studying or
analysing the theoretical significance of astrological archetypes. It
requires that I am available to actually become those archetypes: to
experience their power and to move through an intensive process of
transformation. This attitude causes a deep inner revolution which it is
important to face with gentleness and respect for my rhythms and each part of
my being.
To enter a shamanic state of consciousness, means to achieve an ecstatic
awareness and perception that extends beyond the physical senses and
functioning of the ordinary mind. What I perceive in everyday life is merely
the result of what I have decided to see in accordance both to the consensus
reality, agreed by my social environment, and my specific role in that
context. I have conditioned myself to see the world through the development
of defined programmes and, when I shift my awareness beyond the ordinary mind
that keeps repeating those programmes, then I perceive the world in a
different way. One of the basic assumptions of astroshamanism is that I am
not a physical being: I am an energy field or I am part of the whole or
rather, and from a more genuine shamanic perspective, the entire notion of
I, seen as separate from you and them, does not
make any sense. In bygone ages human beings lost connection with this
awareness and have confined themselves almost exclusively to the
identification with the physical body and the idea of being a fragmented unit
(no matter whether I call it ego, personality,
self or soul). A way in which it is possible to perceive
myself, others and the world in their original united forms again is through
shamanic experiences. Trance and shamanic states of consciousness are part of
the genetic structure of mankind. Each one of us has an inner biological need
for ecstatic experiences. The problem is that such experiences, as is
emphasised by the terms used to define them (altered or non-ordinary states
of consciousness, hallucinations, trance, etc.), are often regarded as
abnormal or dangerous. In the majority of contemporary human cultures they do
not find space in the official educational or scientific context and tend to
be socially unacceptable. As a consequence they often end up being expressed
through harmful manifestations such as alcoholism, drug addictions,
perversion, sex addiction, criminality, etc. Shamanic states of consciousness
represent the major taboo for the ordinary perception of the world as they
cause its deceptive structure to vanish and expose to the secrets of our
origin, that is where we come from and how and why we got to be here.
A large portion of humanity seems to live in a state of ecstasy
deprivation. The ecstatic experience is a fundamental need. The contact
with the source of this need is disturbed or blocked by something that
occurred in a distant past and that extends far beyond official historical
documentation. According to various researches, ecstatic experiences and the
relationship with non-ordinary dimensions constituted a daily routine for the
people who once inhabited our planet. These were nomad hunter-gatherers that
later gradually abandoned their customs and moved to horticulture or the
breeding of animals. As a result human beings retreated into limited
territories and began to lose the connection with the rest of nature and
existence which they once knew so well. In their spiritual practices,
however, they continued to keep the link with the experiences of the previous
cultures. Through the metamorphosis activated by trance states they could
again enter into ecstatic states of consciousness and activate their
relationship with other realms. Shamanism developed as the attempt to
preserve the access to those connections. For this purpose various methods
and tools were transmitted until, with the expansion of belief systems based
on separation, shamanic states of consciousness became incompatible with the
consensus reality that prevailed on most parts of our planet.
In recent societies perceptions beyond the physical body have been generally
ignored or disregarded. The forms I see with my physical eyes, identified
with names and specific shapes, have been extracted from their original unity
and transformed into fragmented pieces. They are seen as definite
configurations and separated from each other by areas termed as
nothing or void. The acknowledgement of these separated
units and the denial of the forms found in the empty spaces represents the
basic assumption on which the current perception of most human beings is
founded. I see and identify the physical spaces to which I have decided to
attribute a meaning, yet I do not see anything in the areas that exist
between those spaces because I have decided that they do not have any
meaning. Most mankind seems to live in a symbolic reality where only what is
conventionally accepted is acknowledged as real, whereas everything else
disappears from sight and dwells in a dimension surrounded by fear and
mystery. In my perception, we have become estranged from something we were
once aware of, establishing a mythology of separation where unity and ecstasy
are the most rooted taboos. As we believe we are individuals severed from
other people and the environment, we tend to invest much energy to exploit
our fellows and the Earth, acting as the separated cells of a tumour. This
causes enormous damage to our planet and ourselves. As we have split with the
Earth, we have also disconnected with the dimension of the Sky. Through a
blind adherence to religious and social conditionings, we have denied a
direct access to Spirit, resigning ourselves to the power of religious
teachings or hierarchical structures to operate as mediators between us and
God.
In astroshamanism the astrological wheel is employed according to its
original nature of Sacred Circle. The chief trait of the Sacred Circle is
that through its use it is possible to establish a direct connection with
Spirit, the Divine, God or whatever name is used to call That, instead of an
intermediary relationship with a spiritual human authority. Through shamanic
work each one can obtain visions and spiritual experiences without any
mediation. Here it is not a question of opposing political and religious
authorities. This is what we have been doing so far and it has only created
even more grievances and separation. To achieve ecstatic experiences and
visions I need to give up my victimism. It is the attachment to this
condition that prevents me from taking responsibility and pushes me to
frantically search for a well-being which will never come. According to
astroshamanism the true revolution consists of taking the courage to face the
inner world as it is from this that all that seems to be outside emanates.
There are many ways of working with the Sacred Circle. They are the result of
the labour of wise men and women who, throughout the ages, have contributed
to bringing spiritual awareness and healing on this planet. Each method has
its own tools and connects with a specific culture or lineage. Astroshamanism
is based on the system of the 12 Sectors. The advantage of this model is that
besides being very old and widespread, it represents the easiest symbolic
structure for the majority of human beings. Almost everybody has some
familiarity with the 12 zodiacal signs, considers a year of 12 months or
regularly looks at a watch with a circle of 12 numbers. In astroshamanism the
12 Sectors represent the various ways and energies which lead to the Centre.
In such a Centre, awareness is whole: there is no separation and there is
only the experience of unity. The 12 Sectors are emanations of the Centre.
Their aim is to make the Centre understandable for minds conditioned by the
illusion of separation. Here the Sacred Circle is the container of all
possible situations and experiences. The most comprehensive spectrum of
existence is described in this system. This means that, no matter where I am,
my exact location can be spotted in the Sacred Circle and from there I can
find my way to the Centre.
In astroshamanism we employ tools which can easily be related and integrated
in our contemporary reality. Here the acceptance of traditions of other times
and cultures, does not imply the evasion from my responsibilities in the
current world. Sometimes it can be useful to find inspiration elsewhere and
leave the habitual environment in order to discover my true Intent. Once this
Intent has been retrieved and reinforced, then I can decide to make it
manifest and accept the need to heal or transform my own original
environment. In some way it is easy to play the shaman in nature or
feel full of power by emulating the ritual practices of native shamanic
cultures. What is difficult is to keep this attitude in ordinary social life
and urban environments, and these are the places that need it most.
Historically, shamans have always been part of the society where they lived,
taking care of its problems, whenever they were allowed to operate. For
centuries shamanic cultures have been persecuted in the western world until
they were almost entirely exterminated. They have managed to survive in
secrecy or through complex esoteric camouflage. Nowadays there seems to be
more freedom and this ancient knowledge can re-emerge and be used in our own
cultural context and not relegated somewhere else. The world needs shamans
able to function on the roads, among the electronic equipment and engines, in
the squares and markets of our contemporary society.
Trance or shamanic states of consciousness have to do with the present and
with getting out of the most dangerous trance: that of my
conditioning and daily conventions. The fact is that on the Earth we are
always in some kind of trance and the actual work consists of learning to
balance such states and being aware that it is not possible to go into a
trance without coming out of the one I am already in. When there is unbalance
I live in a state of hallucination where I perceive pain, anger and all kinds
of grievances. When there is balance I have the choice to consciously open to
the trance states that bring love, ecstasy, peace and blessings to me and
others.
Opening up to shamanic states of conscience means to truly say yes
to life and to be fully responsible. It means to accept becoming a conscious
part of the universe, choosing to trust a divine purpose, identifying with
the maximum expressions of our being and moving further to project this
potential on all that surrounds me. It is a process that requires my sole
individual consensus. After all, it is a choice between a state of total
responsibility regarding my perception of the world and a condition of
passive victim to events determined by others. The process of taking
responsibility develops gradually, through a progressive healing work that by
attempts and experiences releases blocks and grievances. It is a painful
process for the ego’s impossibility to identify culprits outside
prevents it from finding a refuge to preserve its hallucinations. At the same
time, this process is an act of love aimed at carefully determining the
access to one’s inexhaustible tools of power. These tools have been
kept hidden in the unexplored territories of the shamanic world. The only way
to access them consists of moving beyond the trance of ordinary reality. This
can occur spontaneously and without complex procedures. The precariousness
and the illusion of conventional reality is such that anyone can access the
perception of what exists beyond. In this regard it is a question of
considering and developing a series of experiences to which no importance is
usually given: for example, dreams, visions, fantasies, intuitions, shadows,
spaces of void between one object and the other, etc. A more operative method
consists in employing shamanic techniques. In this regard various
possibilities have been transmitted according to traditions. Sometimes they
are ferocious methods, of complex or difficult management, such as the
employment of poisoning substances or hallucinogenic plants, intensive
temperature conditions (sweat lodge, sauna, etc.), fasting, sensory
deprivation, painful practices of initiation, etc. In other contexts non
traumatic and playful tools are used, such as chant, dance, drumming or other
auditory aids, massage, body postures, the connection with spirit guides and
allies, or other simple ritual practices. While the first methods expose us
to the risk of dangerous repercussions on the physical or mental plane and
generally require a complex preparation hardly accessible to contemporary
man, the latter, besides being very efficient, are safe and within easy reach
of whoever honestly wishes to have a shamanic experience.
Once a shamanic state of conscience is achieved, the decisive element that
determines the ecstatic experience is always represented by the will to
receive it. The exercise of this will requires practice and patience as it
often clashes with a wall of obstacles (doubts, fears, uncertainties,
distrust, etc.) created by the ego’s defence system. Despite the strong
oppositions and conditioning of the consensus reality, shamanic states of
consciousness are regularly experienced by all human beings. What is missed
is solely the willingness to acknowledge them or consider them significant.
For those who are available to open to this path, the answers arrive sooner
or later. An ecstatic world defines itself in all its particulars and give a
sense of unmentionable love and beauty. When this happens, the classical
question that most people ask themselves is: “Did I make it all up by
myself?”. The answer to this question is the secret key of shamanic
work.
A major part of the work with astroshamanism has to do with the undoing of
the illusion of separation through honestly acknowledging and releasing
grievances and pent-up emotions. In this context the image of a cone is often
used. The cone describes a spiral circular movement that, starting
from an emanation point, creatively develops ad infinitum. This represents
the progressive demanifestation process of the universe, the ascensional
movement of matter toward the reality of spirit, the abandonment of the
separation created by the ego and the journey back to unity. This process
does not occur by escaping or transcending the physical dimension, but
through using it as a teaching device to fulfil my true Intent in this plane.
Rather than ignoring grievances and hidden emotions, trying to dispel them by
focusing only on the “positive” or using the will to push them
into the unconscious, I can instead learn to open up to their true nature.
Then I can feel and accept them for what they are, rather than confining
myself in a conventional illusion of well-being. Astroshamanism is about
taking full responsibility about my presence in the material plane, giving up
my denials and patiently undoing separation. True forgiveness and release
occur when I have fully seen and understood what I am letting go of. Those
who honestly accept the exploration of their shadows, withdrawing their
projections on others and integrating them into the wholeness to which they
belong, are doing a major service on this planet.
© Franco Santoro, Cluny Hill College, Forres IV36 2RD, Scotland, 2000
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