In most Native American traditional cultures, it is crucial to establish a direct link with the world of the gods and spirits. This connection is achieved through the process of “visionary search”, which consists of a process of fasting and prayer alone in a remote place, in which a person tries to obtain the vision of a guardian spirit, which usually appears in the form of an animal or natural element.
Those who experience this visionary experience more naturally could ascend to the position of shamans, healing priests and intermediaries between society and the sacred world. Although there are many people who are able to acquire the power of guardian spirits and visionary experiences, only the most powerful shamans can become complete. Those who do not possess all the attributes of the shaman are called "doctors". The path to the state of shaman usually begins when the person (usually a man) falls ill at an early age and experiences a visionary death and resurrection, during which he meets with the spirits and acquires sacred knowledge.
The account of the first encounter with the spirits becomes the personal myth of the shaman because of the relationship that exists between the Shaman and the spirit world. The relevance of this myth lies in the accreditation of the shaman's skills to the tribe, which allow him to locate the hunt, locate lost objects and, above all, heal the sick.
The shaman has the ability to enter a state of trance at his will and to head to the sacred world, where the dead are found. The visible representations of spirits are found in their "medication burden", which includes a number of objects of spiritual significance used in healing rituals. In addition, spirits are also represented in clothes and personal objects and rituals.
Native American Cultures: Myths and magic
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This book challenges deep-seated stereotypes and offers an enriching perspective that contributes to a more comprehensive and respectful appreciation of the indigenous peoples of North America. Through an understanding of their myths and beliefs, we are taking an important step toward cultural reconciliation and the recognition of the diversity that has enriched the history of this continent.
These mythical stories, many of them linked to the literary genre of fantasy, reveal a world where the divine and the human intertwine in narratives that explain the cosmic order, creation, and the fundamental structure of the universe. Discover how these sacred tales bear witness to the deep connection of the natives with nature and spirituality.
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