Recently, I received an inbox comment asking me to stop calling myself a shaman and to stop "appropriating" and "stealing" Native American spirituality. Further, it was stated in the comment that a true shaman would not charge for healing services rendered. I thought it would be good to make the reply public:

Date:   9/1/2011 7:47:18 PM ( 13 y ago)

It would be wise to do some research before
jumping off into opinions and assumptions.

On the issue of being called a shaman:
There is nothing that can be "stolen".
Every indigenous culture around the globe has had
their "shamans", medicine people or healers.
The shamanic practice does not "belong" to
Native Americans (or anyone else).

Further, direction, information and revelation
that comes from Spirit belongs only to the one
to whom it is given.
It has nothing to do with background.

In the tribal times, the tribe would support the shaman.
The tribe would make sure they had shelter, food, etc.
However, in modern times, this is not the case.
Everyone needs to provide these things without tribal help.
While ceremonies, healings, etc, are not charged for,
time and travel are charged for. Everyone understands that
living expenses need to be covered.

I recommend this informative online article
on the subject of shamans and shamanism:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamanism

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