
One of the things I appreciate most about the sacred drumbeat that we use in shamanic journey work is how it enables us to descend from the head to the heart to enter into the imaginal realm beyond words, opening the door of communication between us and the more-than-human world.
Animism is the practice of relating well to the living and ensouled beings that we in the West consider to be “inanimate.” Recovering a sense of the animacy of all “things,” learning to communicate and relate consciously to our plant, stone, weather, and animal kin is a skill set vital to the spiritual and political journey before us in these times: remembering how to live in balance with Gaia once again.
When we are surrounded by “things” rather than “beings,” we feel free to take without asking and plunder without limit. It is efficient–liberating, even–to cut, build, mine, fly, and eat whatever we wish without making prayers, offerings, or otherwise observing the limits that flow naturally from being in a reciprocal relationship with the more-than-human world.
After generations of forgetfulness about old ways which taught us how to relate well to the beings we depend upon for survival, our ability to communicate in the language beyond words has atrophied, as has the health of our peoples and lands.
This is where the sacred drumbeat comes in. With practice, prayer, and intention, the sacred drumbeat can help us open the door to the heart and restore the language beyond words to memory.
We are connected–family even–to the beings to whom we have presumed ourselves superior for millennia. The sacred center of your heart remains ever in contact with the sacred center alive in each being. This is the basis of our hope for a world remade in beauty.
This week in circle, you are invited to choose a more-than-human being you would like to get to know better: drum, tree, spiritual being, or sacred object.
Before we meet in the circle this week, take some time to formally introduce yourself to this being, perhaps make an offering, and feel-listen for a response.
In our journey circle this week, we will ask to meet the spirit of these beings, should they wish to meet us, to begin the process of reanimating our world, one being at a time.
RSVP
I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, October 19, from 4-6 pm PDT/7-9 pm EDT
Feel free to email me at anna “at” gaiashamanism “dot” com for this week’s zoom invitation. All skill levels are welcome.