Throughout the history of the world, most cultures have had a tradition of shamanism.  Healers and holy men were a vital part of the community.

Getting guidance from their spirit guides, shaman were important for the health and well-being of the tribe.  They worked with the people in the community as well as the plants, animals and even the weather on which the tribe were dependent.

Their goal was to help establish balance and harmony between all things.

When the Western Europeans moved into the North American continent, they did not bring a shamanic tradition with them.  Those of us who were drawn into shamanic practice have had to define what a shamanic tradition for our culture might look like.

A contemporary shaman has similar goals; the health and harmony of the tribe.  They make use of tools from all over, many cultures, many disciplines, to achieve their goal.

A contemporary shaman may use the knowledge and tools of Western medicine, Eastern philosophies, alternative medicine and practices as well as many other disciplines when working with people.  Often there is an intuitive element in the shaman's work that allows them to "feel" what might work best for the person.

While the tools are different, the motivation and spiritual guidance of a contemporary shaman are the same as their traditional counterparts.