Neo-shamanism as an Alternative Contemporary Worldview

Abstract

This chapter is twofold in that it (1) explores the lifeworlds of the Neo-shamanic practitioners participating in the 2017 study and (2) discusses the benefits they reportedly experienced as a result of their Neo-shamanic practice. It examines the worldviews of the six study participants based on their responses to the questionnaires and the verbatim transcript of their interviews and recorded journeys. These provide an intimate look at the Dasein and personal identities of the participants, and how their personal histories, beliefs, and spiritual orientations are integrated and reflected in their Neo-shamanic practice and journey experiences. The chapter proceeds to examine the beneficial effects of Neo-shamanic practice reported by the participants, specifically elevated well-being, enhanced identity and Dasein, expanded consciousness, and integration of the mystic and the mundane realms of being.

Appendix: Neo-shamanic Practice and Well-Being Questionnaire

Please answer the following questions on a scale of 1–5 as follows:

• 1 = Strongly Agree,

• 2 = Agree,

• 3 = Neither agree nor disagree,

• 4 = Disagree, and

• 5 = Strongly Disagree.

Please preface each statement with the phrase SINCE I HAVE BEGUN STUDYING AND/OR PRACTICING NEO-SHAMANISM I HAVE EXPERIENCED…

• ( ) A strong, profound connection to nature.

• ( ) An increased awareness and memory of my dreams.

• ( ) More vivid and lucid dreams.

• ( ) A sense of connection to the natural world.

• ( ) An awareness of the sentience in all living things.

• ( ) An ability to perceive messages from other living things and the elements.

• ( ) An enhanced sense of the sacred in all things.

• ( ) An awareness of my own divinity.

• ( ) Living more creatively in everyday life.

• ( ) Sensed the protection of the spirit world around me.

• ( ) Have perceived more anomalous phenomena.

• ( ) Incorporating journeying as part of my routine spiritual practice.

• ( ) Have noticed increased empathy with other people and living things.

• ( ) Have retained my ability to function in the material world.

• ( ) Have discovered an affinity with one or more of the fundamental elements.

• ( ) Have felt teachers and animal spirits around me.

• ( ) Have communicated with my ancestors.

• ( ) Have found that I have re-evaluated death.

• ( ) Have found that I have changed my perception of who I am.

• ( ) Have discovered a clearer sense of purpose in being here at this time.

• ( ) Have had glimpses of oneness and connection with other living things.

• ( ) Have ceased to make as strong a delineation between myself and “other.”

• ( ) Have reassessed my identity.

• ( ) Have found myself interacting differently in the world.

• ( ) Been able to perform healing work for others at their request.

• ( ) Have noticed myself being kinder to others.

• ( ) Have experienced an increased sense of well-being.

• ( ) Have felt the divine present in all living things.

• ( ) Believe that other living things are sentient.

• ( ) Do not take things as personally as before I started my study/practice.

• ( ) Have modified many of my priorities.

• ( ) Have found myself less invested in the outcomes of particular situations.

• ( ) Have found myself living more authentically to who I truly am.

• ( ) Have perceived a shift in the world around me.

• ( ) Have experienced and observed synchronicities between the spirit world and the material world.

• ( ) Have found myself living more fully and more harmoniously with my inner sense of self.

• ( ) Have changed my perception of who I am.

• ( ) Have changed my sense of purpose and reason for being here.

• ( ) Have experienced an elevated sense of well-being.

• ( ) Have felt happier than before I started my study/practice.

• ( ) Have experienced improvements to my physical health.

• ( ) Have a rekindled sense of wonder.

• ( ) Have a heightened awareness of magic.

• ( ) Have an elevated sense of gratitude.

• ( ) Have a heightened appreciation of everyday things.

List the 3 most important changes this practice has made in your life:

1.

2.

3.

I give Dr. Karel James Bouse and the Institute of Esoteric Psychology to use the information provided by me in this questionnaire as a database for quantitative (statistical) analysis. I understand that my name will not be used, my anonymity will be maintained, and that this material is protected by the rules and ethics governing confidentiality prescribed by the US National Institutes of Health. I am over 18 years of age.

Date:

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Signature:

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