Deep shamanistic roots in Iceland
Valgerður H Bjarnadóttir says, "I think that there is an awakening in western civilizations to awaken the shamanistic way of thinking," she says and adds that there are memories of the shamanistic tradition in our cultural roots. " Árni Sæberg
Sociologist Valgerður H.Bjarnadóttir teaches shamanism in Iceland and next week she hosts a special workshop focusing on the ancient shamanistic traditions of Iceland. She says that shamanism is alive in the world's indiginous cultures and a part of the Icelandic Norse and Celtic heritage.
The art of magic lives in the old Icelandic traditions
Valgerður, who has a BA in dream studies and an MA in feminist religious studies from CIIS in San Francisco has attended courses with both Lynn Andrews and Carlos Castaneda and believes that shamaism has been an important part of daily life, and the culture and traditions of men and women since the beginning of humanity. "I think that there is an awakening in western civilizations to awaken the shamanistic way of thinking," she says and adds that there are memories of the shamanistic tradition in our cultural roots.
Shamanism isn't a religion
"In this course that I will be teaching next week we will learn a little about the shamanism that is alive today and its history in Iceland. The main emphasis will be on projects connecting us to nature and reality. We learn about the three worlds and their beings, spirit animals, we go on dream journeys, we create and have discussions to wake up the sorceress or sorcer inside of us to awaken the magic."
Valgerður explains that she has always been interested in shamanism which she says exists in all cultures and all religions and unites them. "Shamanism isn't a religion, it's the certain knowledge that all living beings and their surroundings are connected by physical energy. You can be interested in shamanism even if you are an atheist. It's all about committing to a certain lifestyle and a search for knowledge."
Odin and Freyja are shamanic gods
Valgerður explains that she wanted to connect shamanism to her Icelandic roots. "Most of the time when people think of shamanism they think of the native Americans, Australian aboriginees and Africans but that same way of thinking existed in Iceland. It still lives in figures of speech in Icealnd and in our many tales of the ancient norse gods or even our tales of elves. "The story of Freyja fetching the Brísingamen necklace is particularly shamanic, as are folk tales of elves, when humans visited people living in rocks and mountains and often received symbolic gifts."
Dream journeys without hallucinogenics
Jungs psychological theories of the collective unconscious are a great topic of interest to Valgerður who explains that shamanism works with dreams and dream journeys. "Shamanism is about all kinds of combatting forces, not only good and evil but the web of life itself, the universe and our responsability for our planet. It's about respecting humanity, nature and every living being. " Part of her course deals with going on dream journeys accompanied by a firm and changeable drumbeat which helps our brain to achieve a dream-like state. "It's a bit like meditation, we are led on a journey inwards to meet our protectors and our spirit animals and other beings. Spirit animals are important and are part of our old traditions, look at our norse god Odin who was always accompanied by ravens, or Freyja, the goddess of fertility who was accompanied by cats.
Valgerður does not use peyote or other hallucinogenics which are often used in Native American ceremonies. "We only burn certain herbs to purify the air. I'm not against peyote trips, but they are pretty challenging and can be dangerous and you need to be in a very safe environment with very experienced people. "
The course in shamanism begins in Reykjavík next week and those interested can register via email: vanadis@vanadis.is
Shamanism isn't a religion, it's the certain knowledge that all living beings and their surroundings are connected by physical energy. Photo/ Árni Sæberg
Photo/ Árni Sæberg
"The story of Freyja fetching the Brísingamen necklace is particularly shamanic, as are folk tales of elves, when humans visited people living in rocks and mountains and often received symbolic gifts." Photo/ Árni Sæberg
