fragmentation

I was going to write about death today.  Even had my "ducks in a row" on how and why to approach the subject.  Then I read some other blogs (again) and my subject changed.  I want to know where the hostility comes from on some other blogs concerning Michael Harner and his "core shamanism".  To be up front with things, I have been taking part in workshops put on by one of Michael Harner's certified instructors for over three years now and have learned a lot about shamanism, its' history and its' role as a tool in our current society and have been quite satisfied with the experience.  First, I wish to thank Michael Harner for dedicating his life to the study of shamanism, the presentation of shamanic technique in a way that is honorable and the preservation of the craft by recognition and financial assistance to shamans throughout the world.  The husband/wife team who head the workshops I have been involved in are quite knowledgable and very dedicated to their role.  In addition to the standard "core" workshops they have devised what they call "the next step" series where the subject matter either extends beyond the areas covered by the core series or goes into areas not covered in the core series at all.  In my time in these workshops I have gained a very good foundation of shamanism.  So, I am satisfied with the experience.  Did these workshops make me a shaman?  No, only my spirit guides can provide me with the tools to practice shamanism.  Could I have done the same without the workshops?  Maybe.  But there are things that I believe I would have been extremely difficult, if not impossible to get elsewhere.  In the workshops I experienced, the instructors presented extensive historical/archeological data from different cultures showing the extensive overlap between these groups.  I found this to be valuable in my understanding of the basic precepts of my craft.  In addition, I personally found the group energy and live drumming to enhance my journeying experience.  But perhaps the best part was the ability to meet and share the weekend with others of similar interest.  Many of the participants traveled hundreds, or even thousands of miles to attend.  I could feel the energy in the room, and the group drumming was amazing.  So, what is the down side?  The cost?  Personally, I find $225 for about 16 hours of workshop to be quite reasonable.  Should we expect these practitioners to present the workshops for free?  This is in many cases their sole source of livelihood.  These people often spend as much time away from home each year as they spend at home.  In putting their faith in the meager income from presenting workshops, they are allowing themselves the time to immerse themselves in the craft, thus benefiting the workshop participants.  They also usually have to pay for the space where the workshop is being held.  Is the idea of "core" shamanism bothersome?  I personally think it is showing respect for the indigenous cultures to not copy their specific ceremonies.  I think it also gives credence to the validity of the "art" to limit experience to the basic technique, thus providing me with the ability to "flesh out" my ceremony to that provided by my guides.  I readily admit I would love to have the good fortune to have a mentor, but if one is not available, what?  Are we expected to abandon the quest for lack of a mentor near our place of residence?  I know it is said that when the time is right, the teacher will come.  Maybe my teacher at this time is through a workshop.  Am I to pick and choose what is the "correct" way to knowledge?  Maybe my workshop experience is preparing me for my teacher; maybe even providing me with the ability to recognize him/her when they present themselves.  Who knows?  Many of us, myself included, live in more rural areas.  Getting involved in a drum circle is often of insurmountable difficulty.  For example, I would love to be involved in a sweat lodge, but the nearest one is over two hours from my house.  I for one am grateful for the opportunity to have the experience of these workshops, and for the camaraderie they provide.  If a path of learning is not ones' chosen method, that's fine.  I have no problem with whatever path a seeker takes as long as it's one of the white light.  I do have a problem with some people belittling others methods of learning.  If this is not a method of choice for you, that's fine.  Just don't try to justify your position by fragmenting the overall cause.  Remember, many paths lead to the same destination.  We all must choose our own.