Sound-Shaman

THE WAY OF A VOICE SHAMAN

People frequently ask me to explain what I am, what I do and when it all began. These are not easy questions to answer, except possibly the last. Shamans come in several varieties, and the phenomenon is ubiquitous throughout all native peoples, in every country on the globe and with traditions that go back thousands of years. Essentially they were (and still are), the psychic, mystical healers for the tribe and used specific and personal gifts and sometimes crystals, herbs and other sacred objects that had been imbued with power by frequent use and intention. One shamanic ability is that of ‘journeying’ – the power to alter consciousness and enter other dimensions with the purpose of rescuing, releasing or healing.

I class myself as a Western urban shaman and in addition to using sound, I am an empath; that is: when working, I often feel and directly experience in my own body, the sensations, emotions and mental states of others. This guides me to ask certain questions and to put my attention on particular areas of their body and Life Field. After aligning with someone else’s Field (or the group energy of a roomful of people), I receive information that then translates through me as sounds, tones, speech and song (often in languages unfamiliar to me and in both male and female voices). Although in an altered state, I am fully aware at all times allowing the process to unfold. Yet this is only part of what happens. As to how and when it all began? – I will explain with a story from my youth:

“We have a Singer unto the Lord here…stand up and sing!!”

All ears attended to the Preacher’s extraordinary words. The meeting hall was packed yet hushed, while the song of cicadas drifted through the wide open windows. Although evening, the heat of the Australian summer day lingered. I sat fanning myself with a hymnal in the midst of some out-of-town visitors. The silence in the room deepened, but no one stood. After a few moments the statement was repeated, this time louder.

“There’s a Singer unto the Lord here…stand up and SING!!”

Heads began to turn and ripples of whispering broke out. “What does he mean?”, “Who is it, do you think?”, “What’s happening?” The room buzzed with questions as the Preacher stood quietly in front of us – waiting. For no apparent reason my heart started pounding and my breathing became alarmingly erratic, a strong throbbing pulsed through my chest – and then I heard it – a single clear note rang out and sustained itself.

“Where did that come from?” I wondered through my discomfort; then it rang clear again, high and sweet. “Oh my God?” I realized in disbelief, “It’s in my head, it must be me!” Gripping the back of the chair in front for support, I pulled myself up unsteadily – I could hardly stand, yet was totally unable to remain seated! Meanwhile, unchecked by the hymnal, the perspiration gathered on my face and scalp. I began to drip. The now silent roomful of people regarded me expectantly and the Preacher looked triumphant. A smile widened his face, but I felt acutely embarrassed. The energy from my chest now rose into my throat and the one pure note still sang in my head.

“Don’t be afraid,” his voice spoke kindly. “Let it come out, trust – just open your mouth and sing!”

The power filling me became overwhelming; I stopped resisting and surrendered to it. Sound came soaring out of my throat like a bird freed from its cage! Other notes followed, cascading in unbelievable tones. All pressure gone, I sang like one transported, oblivious to everything but the joy of hearing – of being the sound. From those opening notes a beautiful song followed in a language unfamiliar to my outer mind, yet strangely known to my heart. When the song finally died away, I sat down, astounded! From that moment, my life changed forever. Unwittingly, I had been initiated into the realm of a Voice Shaman, although in that belief-system it was not recognized or developed as such. It took many years in the future to find out what really happened – my Throat Chakra had been opened!

I want to fill you with desire, the desire to sing and sound – to activate your Sound Body and reclaim your secret vocal powers. Then, we can begin re-tuning the earth and the people of the earth to their ancient resonance and balance…and eventually restore our Light Being bodies through the power of higher Sound.

Barbara-Joy Weston, Sound Shaman….updated Jan.8th 2011 on this new blog websight.