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Astroshamanism (Book 1)
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This book is the first of two volumes aimed at providing a brief introduction to the principles and practices of astroshamanism. The term astroshamanism identifies a spiritual system of healing aimed at expanding human perception through the integration of the basic principles of shamanism with experiential astrology, the revival of archaic mystery traditions and their application to contemporary western culture. Its present form is the result of researches developed since 1976, thanks to the contribution of shamans and teachers of various cultures and dimensions. The intent of this work is to stimulate the awareness, the exploration, the acknowledgment and the retrieval of one’s inner potential. As its structure is based on the circle, what is not immediately understandable will be clarified as the readers proceed with their experiences. This text is aimed at supporting the spiritual path of each individual, not at becoming a substitute of that path. The present volume introduces some of the theoretical aspects and practical tools on which astroshamanism is based. First it considers astrology and its relationship with shamanism. Then it provides details about the Sacred Circle, the concepts of Intent and Function, a series of astroshamanic basic practices and rituals, the astroshamanic voyage, the Spirit Guide, the Totem Spirits, the Spirit Medicines and Sacred Tools, and further shamanic techniques. This volume ends with a brief description of some aspects of astrological language, as it is employed in astroshamanism, and a coda featuring a compendium of one of the basic myths to which the astroshamanic tradition refers. The second volume is devoted to the exploration of the Sacred Circle and consists of sections dealing with each of its 12 Sectors and 4 Directions. Information on the characteristics and correspondences of the various energies of the Sacred Circle is provided, together with specific practices, rituals and experiential reports of astroshamanic voyages. Astroshamanism can be applied in the context of any culture or tradition. In the way in which I have developed it, this work refers to the following basic models: the Sacred Circle, the work on release or forgiveness and the Epic of the Sacred Cone. The Sacred Circle and its various applications - astrology included - represent the general structure of astroshamanism. Its purpose is to achieve balance, integration and unity through a process of circular learning that refers to the subtle cycles of the Earth and the universe. Each lesson and experience is repeated in different ways and from various perspectives until it is totally learned. When this occurs, a passage to a new level of perception takes place: the circle ceases to rotate along the same circumference and opens up to a spiral movement to start a new cycle of transformation. The work on release or forgiveness represents the major function of astroshamanism. This is the attitude that allows me to let go of my limited identification and expand the scope of my awareness. References include here: the Western Mystery and Hermetic traditions, basic shamanism, A Course in Miracles ®, etc. The Epic of the Sacred Cone constitutes a mythic and strategic transposition of the former models. It includes information - in the form of messages, visions, rituals and practices - derived from the work with a specific shamanic lineage that I identify here with the term Sacred Cone Circle or ProvOrdo Etnai. The above teachings represent the original reference tradition of astroshamanism. Their basic intent is to foster the process of release of grievances and reawakening of our original memories through a relationship of exchange with multi-dimensional realities. In this context initiation is not about receiving outstanding powers and radically shifting my perception of life, although this at times may also happen. It is a process that involves implanting a seed, which will stimulate my potential and grow in accordance with my investment of energy and natural disposition. This development stems from the essence of all mystery traditions (mystery from the Greek myein, to keep silent, and tradition from the Latin tradere, handing down, surrender, transmit). The principal trait of these mysteries is that they cannot be communicated by one human being to another. Although esoteric teachers or shamans can at times provide the tools and itinerary to access basic information, the actual mysteries are revealed to the initiates only by direct experience and connection with their multi-dimensional nature or Spirit Guides. The image of the cone includes both that of the circle and the triangle. It describes a spiral circular movement that, starting from an original emanation point, creatively develops ad infinitum. This represents the progressive demanifestation process of this universe, the ascentional movement of matter toward the reality of spirit, the abandonment of the illusion of 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 your true purpose in this plane of existence. The present text is a tribute to this vision. The information given in the book covers a large amount of material. According to your level of experience, your understanding is likely to be different. Sometimes the information will be very familiar and obvious, while at others you may find yourself unclear or overwhelmed by what is presented. Some of the ideas contained in this book could cause different reactions. You may find them hard to believe, weird, obvious, naive, startling, revealing, glamorous, absurd, fascinating, meaningful, inspiring, etc. You do not need to believe or accept what is written. What I am trying to express relates to experiences, which are not defined or symbolically represented by ordinary human languages. In this attempt I employ a limited perspective of observation and this implies that I use expressions that are understandable according to the partial visions and experiences of a human being. These are not absolute truths. They are just pieces of a puzzle that is waiting to be completed by your own experiences and visions.
"The principles of A Course in Miracles® underlie those of astroshamanism, which integrates shamanism, experiential astrology, the archaic mystery traditions and ACIM®. [...] Forgiveness is the major function of astroshamanism in letting go of limited identification and expanding the scope of awareness. For those interested in these seemingly diverse disciplines this, possibly the first-ever integration of its kind, is a 'must read'" MIRACLE WORKER, Magazine of the Uk Miracle Network, [excerpt from Issue 55, Nov/Dec 2003]
"[...] As an astrologer you are either at home with chants and rituals and inner guides or you are not. This book certainly gives plenty of information about how to get safely on to this path and there is a wealth of material here, to be continued in the second part of the book.. " THE ASTROLOGICAL JOURNAL, London [excerpt from Number 5, September/October 2003]."
"This is an excellent must read book that we would highly recommend, not only for those on their own shamanic journey through life, but also for anyone on a spiritual path of self discovery. An interesting and helpful read from start to finish full of no nonsense, practical facts and good advice." www.SPIRITLINCS.com
"I find your book interestingly conveying wealth of information, systematically presented and very well articulated. You encourage creativity and discourage dogmatism, and this approach is something I really appreciate in people. I especially found the chapter on Totam Spirits very instructive and inspiring. I give workshops in Astro-Tarot that have to do with these ideas about the sectors etc, and I can surely enrich these classes with ideas that popped into my head while reading this chapter. The advantage of your book is that you do not put it aside after reading it - you can use it constantly as an effective tool for self-improvement.Thanks for sharing this material." RUTH AHARONI, astrologer, author, yoga teacher (Israel)
"In 'Astroshamanism - Book 1', Franco Santoro generously transmits his shamanic knowledge and experience through the language of astroshamanism: a method that he has developed by expanding the connections between shamanism and astrology. Astroshamanism has been one of the most significant healing tools and experiences in my life. This method allows the integration both of the personal and collective unconsious, through the relationship with the deities (planets) that refer to each zodiac sign. This rapport, which develops through the connection with the Spirit Guide, primarily serves a healing function. True healing, both physical and psychic, can only be of a spiritual nature, and this is what happens during the workshops and sessions lead by Franco Santoro" PAOLA PIERPAOLI, astrologer, author, channeler (Italy).
"The aim of the book is to provide a basic introduction to astroshamanism, which Franco Santoro defines as a spiritual system of healing aimed at expanding human perception through the integration of the basic principles of shamanism with experiential astrology and the contemporary revival of archaic mystery traditions. The text is a comprehensive roadmap that takes the reader into a journey of deep inner transformation and clarification of intent, supported by detailed and valuable information. Rather than indulging with theories, the focus of the book is however basically experiential, offering a large variety of practical tools and useful suggestions. Besides integrating shamanic principles with astrological knowledge, the author draws from his own individual vision, which is also inspired by the teachings of A Course in Miracles and, though not overtly, by Gnostic and ancient hermetic traditions. It is a practical and precious guide that leaves ample space to the reader’s individual spiritual path and potential. In referring to the horoscope and the related symbols and visions, the author discourages excessive interpretation and analyses. He insists on creating a communication with them, opening up to a vital relationship aimed at reawakening the awareness of our true nature and support strong transformations processes. The book covers the following topics: experiential astrology, shamanic cosmology, ego system, practices and rituals, astroshamanic voyage, spirit guides, power animals, totem spirits, demons, spirit medicines, sacred tools, astroshamanic chants, dances and more. The book contains an appendix featuring the author’s compendium and adaptation of an ancient mythic tale that deeply touches for its mind-boggling and healing nature." ALEXANDER MADEIRA, shamanic healer (Spain)
"Developed by the author over the last quarter century, Astroshamanism is a system of spiritual healing that integrates experiential astrology with the basic principles of shamanic traditions from around the world. It covers sacred rituals and tools, voyaging, spirit guides and power animals, totem spirits and demons, trance dance and more. The birth chart becomes a sacred circle. However, the horoscope is not interpreted analytically but expressed by using shamanic techniques to expand awareness. New transformative perceptions are facilitated by a direct connection with <an ecstatic and unified dimension that lies beyond the illusions of the ordinary perception of reality.> Overall the emphasis of the book is more on the author's personal shamanistic approach, with the astrology offering a language to clarify the processes." PILGRIMS UK Reviews, Gloucester (England)
"When first coming upon the term astroshamanism my reaction was a rather puzzled one. I was familiar with various shamanic practices, mainly from the native American tradition, knew a little about shamanism as practiced in the East and had on several occasions experienced astrology as a tool for self-exploration and counselling, but it would never have occurred to me to bring these two ancient systems of wisdom and healing together. So upon reading Franco Santoro’s book Astroshamanism, A Journey into the Inner Universe I was indeed entering new territory, gradually moving into a fascinating multi-dimensional world into which not only astrology and shamanism are incorporated but also archaic and contemporary western mystery schools as well as Jungian psychology and general aspects of modern culture. The theory is at times challenging in its complexitiy and the author underlines that, as with all mystery traditions, ultimate understanding can only be the result of direct personal experience, which in turn will lead to the discovery and unfolding of one’s inner potential and, as part of a spiritual journey, to an end of the illusion of separation and a perception of unity. What impressed me and greatly supported me in my understanding of this approach is that in addition to the theoretical parts, which provide a mapping for the territory in which the journeys take place and which are based on Franco Santoro’s research work, his own long-standing connection with Guides and exploration of non-ordinary states of consciousness, there is a huge amount of practical information presented in a systematic and even didactical way that helps to actually step into the exploration of the astroshamanic world, to begin the astroshamanic voyage. This includes, for example, a very detailed basic introduction into shamanic journeying, followed by the procedure of establishing a connection with the Spirit Guide. A central practice in astroshamanism involves working with the Sacred Circle, which in this tradition is structured along the twelve zodiacal signs, each sign seen as a place for experientially encountering essential archetypal energies. Many tables provide factual information, especially with regard to the astrological side and a variety of tools, practices and rituals are presented in detail, ranging from ways of working with altars, power points, drums and rattles to the introduction of exercises using the voice and the body in chants, trance postures and dances. By interweaving episodes from his own search, presented in a most lively and passionate way, Franco Santoro illustrates some of the principles of his work and shares parts of his personal journey with the reader. What I appreciate foremost is that he emphasizes over and over again that experiences vary from one individual to another, that there are numerous ways of working with these powerful energies and that his teachings by no means represent an absolute truth. On the whole I perceive an enormous scope in the work described and am convinced that, if it is dealt with in a way that is adequate to a person’s individual learning capacity on all levels, it does initiate and support deep transformational processes." ASTRID GUDE, educator (Germany)
Astroshamanism
(Book 2)
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In this second volume, Franco Santoro takes us through an initiatory journey into the multi-dimensional universe that thrives beyond the limited boundaries of our ordinary perception. The book is devoted to the exploration of the zodiac as a Sacred Circle and consists of chapters dealing with each of its 12 Sectors and 4 Directions. Extensive information on the shamanic and astrological characteristics of the Sacred Circle is provided, together with a wide range of practices, insights, approaches and experiential accounts to suit different people and situations. It includes detailed explanations that allow the reader to have a direct experience of their authentic potential and ground it in their daily life. Both visionary and pragmatic, this book aims at accessing the shamanic realms of the zodiac to gently release the illusion of separation and gradually reawaken the original power of our divine nature. Contents: astrological signs, houses, planets and related shamanic connections, Totem Spirits and basic archetypes, astrological correspondences (animals, plants, minerals, qualities, grievances, etc.), healing tools, chants, dances, rituals, techniques, myths, reports of shamanic voyages, more.
Dell Horoscope Magazine December 2003 [excerpted] Astroshamanism Book II by Franco Santoro is one of those far-out books that can change the way you perceive reality. Astroshamanism leads the reader through the process of making a sacred circle, keeping an astroshamanic journal, going on a shamanistic voyage, and having a series of practices and rituals geared toward each of the twelve houses. Unlike most basic astrology texts, this book will touch your soul by introducing a life-affirming worldview completely different from anything most people are taught through the standard educational system. If you want a magical, transformative, mystical experience, Astroshamanism is your ticket.
I first read the original draft of this book when a group of us at Findhorn were doing the training in Astroshamanism offered by Franco. As we met each month Franco would give us the literature for the relevant sector, along with some of the material that now forms part of Astroshamanism Book One. The material in Book Two is closely based on those early notes for each of the sectors that Franco so generously made available to us then, and we readers of this edition are privileged to receive a lot of previously unpublished original material in this volume. Book Two forms a major source of reference to return to time and time again, and can offer clues and pointers in many situations. A lot of the information contained here I have never come across anywhere else, and it has provided the key to understanding some aspect of my experience on many occasions. I personally find the minutiae as fascinating as the broader picture and am deeply appreciative of finally having all of this information in a book. Whilst working on the draft Franco was driven by the need to get all of the information for each of the sectors down on paper and consequently out of his head (or wherever it comes from!) leaving him free to develop his practice, research and teaching of astroshamanism. This volume, along with the guidance contained in Book One, also forms a practical course to follow with some valuable and original exercises to undertake during each sector. The themes of each sector are explained in the text, and become the subject for extended meditation, journeying or other exploratory practices. Franco is an articulate and erudite writer and teacher, and this book contains many flavours to savour – abundant and hard to find information on varied aspects of spirituality and astrology. Franco’s personal stories, ideas and inspirational material of many kinds. Even after reading it several times its magnificence still has the power to take my breath away. JUDY WYLD
In Astroshamanism book 2: The Voyage through the Zodiac Franco Santoro focuses on the practical side of the work with his unique approach of blending astrology and shamanism, inviting the reader to join him in an experiential exploration of the 12 Zodiacal Signs (the Sectors), the four Directions and the Centre that in this tradition form the Sacred Circle. For a deeper understanding and a genuine exploration previous reading of the first volume is definitely required, but for those wanting to get an overview of the scope of the work and its methodology a clear and concise introduction to basic principles is provided at the beginning of this sequel. Since the world that gradually unfolds will certainly be experienced as complex, multi-layered and possibly deeply challenging old belief systems, the clear structure which the book follows provides orientation and grounding. Each direction and sector is introduced with a lot of attention to detail, providing factual information, correspondences, characteristics, and guides the reader into the specific energy that expresses itself in this particular area. In addition to some recommended basic practices a variety of healing tools are offered that support and encourage an individual path within this voyage, which on the whole will lead towards an expansion of human awareness. With a lot of openness, depth and humour the author contributes reports of his own journeys and other shamanic experiences. I greatly appreciate the thorough didactic approach that characterizes this second volume, the respect Franco Santoro shows to various traditions, the way he honours individual experiences, the joy and passion that shine through. I see the book as an exciting and inspiring invitation to go on a deeply transformative journey on which you will meet yourself and Spirit in whatever form He/She appears to you and where you will move towards a healing of the illusion of separation. ASTRID GUDE, educator (Germany)
Edizioni Mediterranee, ISBN 88-272-1325-2, 128 pages, 2000
This text is a basic introductory work on astroshamanism published in Italian by Edizioni Mediterranee.
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Drumming for the Astroshamanic VoyageBy Franco SantoroThis is the title of a recording produced by Franco Santoro specifically for astroshamanic pratices and voyages. Track 1 and 2 contain two solo drumming journeys of about a quarter of an hour each, with call-back drumming made at the end of each segment. They are played with two different drums. Track 3 includes a single voyage of half an hour in length, divided into three stages (Intent, Release, Integration) encompassing the Higher, Lower and Middle world. The first and second stages utilize solo drumming, whereas the third stage involves rattling. Track 3 can also be used as a short version of the Sacred Cone Basic Ritual and as an aid for astroshamanic healing sessions. The recording is available in CD or cassette and can be ordered through this website at info@astroshamanism.org or store@findhorn.com. |
This is the first version of a recently released astroshamanic trance dance production,recorded live at Cluny Hill College Ballroom, Forres (Scotland) on 9 December 2004 during a public astroshamanic healing ritual. Astroshamanic dance is used to achieve a state of ecstasy where the dancer uncovers his true nature and surrenders to her authentic function in the web of life. It is an inner operation, aimed at revealing experiences and visions beyond time and space. In astroshamanism, the 12 zodiac sectors represent the fragmented parts of the soul. Each sector has its own frequency and through dance we can align to its ways and fully incorporate it. We open ourselves to stars, planets, and whatever exists around us, reactivating the memory of our original communion. By physically dancing the sectors, we enter into their rhythm, experiencing their energies and directing them toward a sacred intent. Emuria is a multi-dimensional healing realm located in the Handorian State of Sanjul, where it holds the spirit of S7/S8, i.e. Sun in Sagittarius and Moon in Scorpio. Its honourable force enhances the harmonuous dialogue between darkness and light. The CD features Franco Santoro (bells, jaw harp, medicine rattle, ritual frame drum, tamburieddhu, tamorra, sistrum, woodshaker, Thai gong, vocals) and Shaun Foyle (bendir, plains flute, NI Kontakt sampler). Edited and mixed by Shaun Foyle using Cubase SX.
Recorded at Cluny Hill College, Pavilion West, Forres (Scotland) on 12 December 2004, New Moon in Sagittarius. Produced by Franco Santoro. Recorded by Shaun Foyle. Track 1 contains a monotonous 4/4 beat solo frame drumming with callback suitable for general shamanic journeys or for practices aimed at supporting the connection with the Spirit Guide and the Vertical Axis. Track 2 includes a monotonous 6/8 hand beat frame drumming ideal for shamanic healing practices or work with the Lower World. Both tracks are also suitable for astroshamanic journeys in Western and Northern Sectors and in particular in Sector 9 (Sagittarius).
Recorded at Cluny Hill College, Pavilion West, Forres (Scotland) on 12 December 2004, New Moon in Sagittarius. Produced by Franco Santoro. Recorded by Shaun Foyle. Track 1 and 3 contain a monotonous tambourine drumming at 4/4 beat (141 bpm) and 6/8 (167 bpm) respectively, with call-back shaking (2-4) at the end of each segment. Both tracks feature a 12-double jingle Southern Italian tambourine and can be used for astroshamanic voyage, soul retrieval and trance dance. Track 5 includes a monotonous shamanic jew’s harp piece at 147 bpm, suitable for astroshamanic healing, integration and contemplation, followed by 12-minute silence (6) and final gong. The whole CD can be used as a medium version of the Basic Ritual of the Sacred Cone, with Stage One-Intent (1-2), Stage Two-Release (3-4) and Stage Three-Healing (5-6).
Recorded at Cluny Hill College Ballroom on 23 September 2004 (Sun in Libra and Moon in Capricorn) during a healing public open event. With Franco Santoro and Shaun Foyle. The CD contains the original source recording.
Recorded live at Cluny Hill College Ballroom, Forres (Scotland), on 1 July 2004 (S4/S9) during an open trance dance event. The compact disc contains the original unedited recording. It features Franco Santoro (ankle-wrist bells, jaw harp, medicine rattle, ritual drum, tamburieddhu, tamorra, Thai gong, vocals, woodshaker), Jordi Brugueras Malagarriga (cajon, dumbek, udu) and Shaun Foyle (bendir, dumbek, plains flute, udu).
This compact disc provides sonic support for the astroshamanic healing touch basic practice. It was recorded during the Findhorn Foundation Astroshamanic Healing workshop held at Cluny Hill College from 1 to 7 March 2003. The compact disc is available only for astroshamanic practitioners and researchers.
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