I don’t know where I first heard the term urban shaman and/or what it really even means, but recently I’ve been on this new kick to become one.
Maybe it arose after watching Lord of the Rings for the first time? Or maybe it’s from the new ‘Mystical Journey’ iPhone Application I have been imaging – (just think, a mobile phone program that helps you on your vision quest! [MORE ON THIS LATER]). I guess I have been sorta thinking about using the technological background I’ve been able to cultivate over the past couple of years and put it towards a more metaphysical purpose. I have spent a long time wrestling with ways in which to express personal or religious ideas that don’t simultaneously make me wanna puke; and a part of me thinks that if I start messing around in this area and have fun with it I might be able to find something that I feel comfortable with.
The funny thing is, just hinting at this stuff on twitter and around friends has brought up some interesting responses in people. Amber half-joked that she thought I was ‘losing it’. Someone else sent me this video because they said it reminded them of me. I realize everyone’s just ‘teasing’, but it’s interesting nonetheless.
I will be attempting to chronicle my adventures into this world here on the blog which I have left pretty barren the past couple of months. Right now I am slowly acquiring different ‘artifacts’ into my arsenal (certain herbs, pouches, modern amulets, etc.) and I suppose it might be fun to keep track of that here. One thing that Amber brought up that I think is interesting and true is that perhaps this whole ‘becoming an urban shaman’ is just an excuse to shop. I think I need to keep that in mind and pay attention to finding things that I already have and reimagining them and/or *making* things that I want.
Here’s my current wishlist:
1. Subtle pouch/fannypack/quiver to carry ‘inventory’. Ideally, I’d like this needs to be pretty discrete.
2. Limestone. (I’ve heard some stuff about how limestone is involved with paranormal activity). Maybe I can attach it to a wand?
3. Speakjet – I am wanting to build one of these:
4. Beads for hair. These have been acquired, now I just need to put them in.
Any suggestions for things I should start to gather?
I think you should include some found objects in your arsenal, things that seem meaningful when you come across them.
G- Do you have a creation story to draw inspiration from? The metaphys goes hand in hand with the “whence we came” notion.
Yeah, I think you’re absolutely right. I was cleaning up my basement so I could start playing music in it and we were hanging this plywood stuff on the ceiling to block off the exposed insulation. We had to pull out all these old random nails and pieces of metal, one of which seemed like this ancient hook thing. For some reason I felt compelled to keep it (not sure why) – I will take a picture and post it soon. I just found it interesting that it was there in the first place – what person had put it there and for what purpose?
If you would like some reading on the subject of what it means to be an urban shaman you might like to check out my blog at http://www.wildreiki.wordpress.com or my website.
Charles de Lint is a fantasy writer who kind of created a subgenre in fiction called “urban shamanism,” and I think you might enjoy reading his books if you have not discovered him already, especially his Newford stories.
Best wishes to you on your journey. May it be filled with wondrous experiences!
Collect feathers whilst out walking, if they are in yourn path they are for you!
Thanks for the tip Alexia – I have actually been noticing a lot of folks in the city here wearing feathers in their hats.
Thank you Rose for the link to your blog – it was weird, I actually saw on your website a video about two dogs. That was the same day this youtube video got spread around concerning two stray dogs somewhere in South America (i think). After one of the dogs got hit by a car in traffic, the other ran out and dragged him out of the street. It’s actually a pretty gruesome video so I wont’ link it here.
My pleasure! Hope we chat some more.
Walk in peace
Alexia
http://www.leicestershirehypnotherapy.co.uk