In the broadest sweep of the definition, Shamanic Wicca is a denomination of Wicca. It is Wiccan philosophy and practice combined with Shamanic techniques and wisdom. So what does that really mean, anyway?
Wicca is a religion that has many different denominations, just as many other world religions do. No one simple definition will suffice. However, it is fundamentally a religion of personal relationship to Divinity. It allows an individual to express themselves as a reflection of the larger order of the world. Wicca identifies Deity as both masculine and feminine, and therefore honors both God and Goddess. Wiccans believe in their ability to attune themselves to the energy of the universe, to reach and direct the flow of this energy, in order to effect changes in their lives. This is called Magick, and the use of this energy is governed by the Wiccan Rede, which enjoins us to “harm none”. Wiccans revere the Earth as our sacred home, and follow a seasonal rhythm of celebrations, called Sabbats.
Shamanism, although mostly thought of as only a Native American phenomenon in the United States, is actully a term used to describe a specific type of Spiritual practice. Shamanic practices can be seen in every culture that believes in a spiritual “other world”. Shamanism seeks to link the practitioner to the Spirit Worlds, however they are conceived. Shamanic practice relys heavily on meditation and trance work, and the different methods and techniques of attaining different levels of awareness. Depending on the culture in which the Shamanic practice has arisen, these practices will take different forms and expressions. However, Shamanism has a universal quality that allows the one term to encompass all forms.
In it's most fundamental aspects, and the way in which I use the term, Shamanism means a person who allows their Spirit to travel to deeper levels of reality, in order to heal and gain wisdom, expressly to bring that wisdom and healing back into this world for personal and global awareness. There is an obligation of return service involved in Shamanic practice. For all of the benefits received by the Shaman, s/he is expected to return the service. Shaman is often a “job description” of one in spiritual service to the needs of the community. The world needs Shamans, because the Shamans are the Dreamers who show us alternatives from the path we are globally walking.
So how does Shamanism fit into Wiccan practice? Nicely, in fact. As a Wiccan, I honor the Divine Presence, which I often call the Universal Life Force. I often personally refer to this encompassing Awe as God and Goddess, because it is a helpful way for me to identify with this enormous energy I have felt. But as Shaman, and traveling the Spirit trails, I know that my own definitions are incredibly limited by my own meager understanding. Any definition I attempt to place on Divinity will be blown clear out of the water sooner or later. My Shamanic practice forces me to broaden my understanding beyond what I might otherwise be comfortable with. But this has proved to be exactly what I needed whenever I've been stuck in a rut.
My understanding and practice of Wicca is deepened by the wisdom shared with me in the Spirit Worlds. My daily practice of meditation has strengthened my connection to God and Goddess, and guides me on the path of my higher purpose. My practice of Shamanic Wicca has helped me to expand my definitions of myself, and broaden my awareness of the world around me. My definition might be different than other definitions you will see. This is the term I use to describe myself, and the religion I practice as it was taught to me.
~Flame RavenHawk
November 30, 2002