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Using Power Objects and Working Magic

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The unconscious and the spirit speak in symbolic language. When a therapist or shaman discovers and uses an image that vibrates with our unconscious neurological trance – it seems like magic. We are all likely to have had this kind of experience where, almost inexplicably, suddenly we lose all our power … or we find powers beyond our usual capacity.

Certain symbols and images affect us at this deeper level. They reach areas where the more controlling mind cannot go. If we leave this to a guru, therapist or shaman then we are in their hands … which may help us or be more of a 'mixed blessing'. We know that all gurus and therapists have their own hurts and interests, so we can use them consciously and sparingly, like any other drug we use from time to time.

We must explore our own neurotic construction to understand the symbols associated with both our empowerment and limitations. In this way we become aware of the fears which are often the cause of our dependence and mental slavery. The fears, the early traumas and also the possible solutions are stored deeply unconscious in our neurological wiring. Our day to day experiences, relationships, illnesses, dreams etc will be continually giving us opportunities to explore who we are and the nature of our personal unconscious trance. When an image emerges from the unconscious it can seem like magic.

In Shamanic Spiritual Counselling there are almost infinite ways we can begin to work simple magic with ourselves, using symbolism to explore our own process towards freedom. The help of our therapist and training support group is essential to help us listen to our deep nature, define our image and the ritual to use around it, but the responsibility is yours.


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Power objects already working in our lives

Our lives are already full of symbols and Power Objects ... firstly symbols of our trance or neurosis ... and then also symbols of our liberation. If we actually observe the traditional indigenous shamanic cultures that we like to copy, we will see that they all used simple images, songs and objects from their own culture and environment, those they grew up with all their lives. We need to do the same. Our power objects are not feathers, dream catchers or stones bought in the esoteric shop. Things that have most power both to trap us and to free us are those that relate closely to our early childhood trance. As we pay attention to these 'normal' repeated aspects in our lives, some symbols and 'stories' will appear. For example:
  • the body, illnesses, tics, … our habits, unconscious routines …. especially around the body, eating, toilet, sex, …
  • relationships, our typical roles and difficulties in relationships
  • phrases we use all the time, styles of speaking, gestures that our parents used, that we repeat, …
  • The normal given beliefs we live by about ourselves, our culture, family and the world, our dreams
  • objects in our living space … the vase our mother in law gave us, our wedding ring, the old shirt we like so much, our favourite chair or cup, ... smart-phone
  • some songs from our childhood and bits of music from our youth that allow us to cry … or shout with rebellion, ….
  • The emotions we both express and avoid habitually … roots of this in your early family

We can explore these mundane aspects of our infantile neurotic trance to find how it is held in place by a range of these kind of power symbols. There is no need to dwell in these painful places, but we do have to see them clearly and allow a symbol or story to emerge. Small changes in these mundane habits can bring great changes in your life. When working with the Medicine Wheel it is often useful to bring along an object to work with that represents either our inner slavery or liberation based on this early symbolism.

  • Human Nature
    • Natural Life Cycles
    • Modern Shamanism
    • The Modern World and Context
    • Medicine Wheel
    • Links to psychotherapy, religion and medicine
    • Altered States of Consciousness
  • Creative Bodywork
    • The Inner Child
    • Deep in the body
    • Dance for your Life
    • Shaking Medicine
    • Working Magic
    • Working with Power Objects
    • Shamanic Arts
    • Aikido
  • Community & Relationships
    • Adolescence and the Modern World
    • Community and Individuality
    • Celebrate the Ancestors
    • Rites of Passage
    • Communication and Relationships
    • Women's & Men's Work
    • Men in Movement
    • Parenting
  • Walk your talk
    • Heroes Journey
    • Training
    • Training Process and Evaluation
    • Aberdeen Training
    • Aberdeen Workshops
  • No Way
    • The Shamanic Elder
    • Dying for a Change
    • Consciousness & Love >
      • I Love You
      • Love and Oneness
    • Norman Duncan >
      • Apprentice
    • Value and costs
    • Resources and Links
    • Contact