Native American Shamanism 201
Instructor: BlackSerpent Nightshade
Email: blackserpent@sbcglobal.net
blackserpent@thepagancampus.net
Course Description
Shamanism is not something that can be learned in 5 easy classes. To follow the path of the Shaman takes a lot of work and requires you to make changes in your life. Shamanism is not a religion; it is a mystical path, a way of life. Students will begin their studies with meditation, visualization, and rhythmic breathing exercises which are the fundamentals required to attain an altered state of consciousness. The Altered State of Consciousness must be attained in order to journey into the three Otherworlds. You will learn how to control your mind and body which is required before you can safely embark on journey, vision quest, or healing work.
This course will take a lot of work. Your progress depends upon the amount of time you devote to your exercises. If you are looking to get off easy, you want instant success and spirituality, then do not take this course. If you are not afraid of working towards a goal, you enjoy learning new things, want to have fun while you learn, and are not afraid to ask questions, then this course is for you.
Helpful Resources
 -- The Medicine Wheel: Earth Astrology by Sun Bear and Wabun |
 -- Dancing with the Wheel: The Medicine Wheel Workbook by Sun Bear, Wabun Wind, and Crysalis Mulligan |
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 -- Animals Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great & Small by Ted Andrews |
 -- Earth Medicine: Revealing Hidden Teachings of the Native American Medicine Wheel by Kenneth Meadows |
 -- Rainbow Medicine: A Visionary Guide to Native American Shamanism by Wolf Moondance |
 -- Medicine of the Cherokee: The Way of Right Relationship by J.T. and Michael Garrett |
Supplies
- You will be asked to gather approximately 40 stones, be prepared
- There will be miscellaneous items that you have the option of making. These will be your tools, but are not required.
Class Participation & Attendance
Normally we would have chats, but due to having so many conflicting time zones, as well as many people not being able to make it at the times that I am able to have class, it will be run via the classroom boards. All materials will be posted and there will be numerous assignments that will require interaction between you and I beyond more than the assignment. Further correspondences will be done via email and if needed, I may give my phone number, depending on the circumstances. It does require a lot of in depth “chatting” and we can talk on messengers when needed, one on one. I prefer this really so that I can give each of you the attention you deserve.
Informal Writing Assignments
There will be many assignments done in this course. These are all very personal, in depth to YOU, and are also kept private. Your homework is a must to complete. There will also be tests given throughout the class.
Research Project
There will not be any “one” research project in this course. You will have many things to research on your own during this course. All research is about truth and honesty, so I want to see your own work. You may use any resource, but the best answers come from within.
Grading
I use a points system. All assignments are assigned a certain amount of points. Now, these assignments will be graded on content and personal thought. These assignments can be very personal and are NOT shared with anyone but myself.
The number of correct points that you have is divided by the total number of points possible to give you a final grade in percent form.
- A 100-94
- A- 93-92
- B+ 91-89
- B 88-85
- B- 84-83
- C+ 82-80
- C 79-76
- C- 75-74
- D+ 73-71
- D 70-67
- D- 66-65
- F 64-0
Libraries
You can visit your local library and look for information, or try online sites. Also use the helpful resources listed. There are not many online resources for this subject, but there are a few. Find what you can. I will have reading posted on the Moodle board for you.
Tutorial Services
I am available for assistance.
Disabilities
Anyone who has access to a computer, can type or use a voice activated device or has another person who will type for them, and do the assignments is welcome. I DO NOT discriminate in my class and WILL NOT tolerate it either. Do not assume I know you have a disability, TELL ME. This way I know if you need extra time or help with something. I will work with you so you can participate and complete the course.
Outline of the Course
Lesson 1: What is Shamanism?
Description: Getting to know what Shamanism is.
Lesson 2: Making a Medicine Wheel
Description: Clearing your sacred space, consecrating and dedicating your altar, finding the directional order for your Spirit Stones
Lesson 3: Speaking and listening with your Spirit Stones
Description: Talking about what you have learned so far with your Stones and Medicine Wheel
Lesson 4: Meditation and Visualization
Description: Rhythmic breathing exercises which are the fundamentals required to attain an altered state of consciousness.
Lesson 5: Chakras
Description: What are the Chakras? Chakra healing
Lesson 6: Auras
Description: What are auras? Aura cleansing
Lesson 7: Plant Element
Description: Learning to work with the Plant People, to cleanse your space and smudge
Lesson 8: Animal Element
Description: Learning to work with animals, finding your birth totem and totem animals
Lesson 9: Journey & Vision Quest
Description: Exercise in Journeying and seeing yourself
Lesson 10: The Spirit, Death and Rebirth
Working with the Underworld and Upperworlds
Description: Describing spirits and spiritual death; what they Underworld and Upperworlds are
Lesson 11: Is This Your Path??
Description: This is a test of Shamanic calling to see if this path is right for you. After, await test results to see if you go on to the next level.
© July 2005 BlackSerpent Nightshade
(Revised December 2006, January 2007)
