Shamanism and Paganism

Long ago the ancestors of the Greeks, Romans, and Hindus were one people living on the Eurasian steppes. At the core of their religion was the andquot;shamanic trance,andquot; a natural state but one in which consciousness achieves a profound level of inner awareness. Over the course of millennia, the Indo-Europeans divided and migrated into Europe and the Indian subcontinent.

Connect to nature more deeply—through the elements of earth, fire, water, and air—and hear the messages that the spirits in the trees, rivers, stones, and animals long to share. This oracle provides an easy way to receive direct guidance from the spirits of nature, allowing us to commune with the beings of the natural world to receive insights and healing.

There are few areas of our world where shamanic traditions have been preserved in their original context and form. Nepal is one of these rare and special places. In the shadow of the Himalayas, Nepalese shamans, known as dhamis or jhankris, are still consulted for healing and divination, as well as for providing comfort and maintaining harmony.

Exploring the history and creation of a “witch's familiar,” also known as a spirit double or guardian spirit, Maja D'Aoust shows how there is much more to these supernatural servant spirits and guardians than meets the eye.