tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289485095492783741.post2074878980037047105..comments2013-02-11T05:47:04.225-08:00Comments on Shaman of the Streets: Unhappy Medium: Why I'm Not An Initiate in Any Possessory TraditionsR. L. Lloydhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10577562795014837385noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289485095492783741.post-58366822596611446782013-02-11T05:47:04.225-08:002013-02-11T05:47:04.225-08:00A big THANK YOU for pointing out that there's ...A big THANK YOU for pointing out that there's no obligation of initiation in order to work with the Spirits. Years of study and practice are much more helpful (and trustful) than those "money-lover Elders" or "lying-smiling Elders". <br /> <br />The topic of traditional vs non-traditional practice (i.e. the "right" way of initiated pratitioners vs the "wrong" way of non-initiated practitioners) is a burning issue here in Western Europe and I totally understand your point of you. <br /> <br />I'm sorry to read about your terrible experience in that Umbanda House. We see so many people manipulating others around us, and everywhere! Not only in the spiritual community. -_-Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289485095492783741.post-7543944389223913062012-11-18T08:53:09.416-08:002012-11-18T08:53:09.416-08:00Thank you so much for writing this and sharing you...Thank you so much for writing this and sharing your experience with us. For anyone to think they have the only path to the divine is shockingly moronic. Please keep doing what you are doing. You are making the world a better place for it.Sephrenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14820983134408109023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289485095492783741.post-90992895371970173772012-11-12T11:18:17.713-08:002012-11-12T11:18:17.713-08:00Only stifled minds still limited by 3rd dimensiona...Only stifled minds still limited by 3rd dimensional Ego blocks hold others to their same beliefs as being the only right way...<br />New paradigm denotes we each stand within our own uniqueness as individual exponentially expanding expressions of the One~All That IS<br />aKuna Kumarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14514557492410282681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289485095492783741.post-1938051384152578282012-10-25T20:38:22.090-07:002012-10-25T20:38:22.090-07:00Ahoy...I discovered this bit o' treasure (yer ...Ahoy...I discovered this bit o' treasure (yer blog) via me good mate Pauline (HooDooQ, etc.) - and I'm glad I did. Yer thoughts and path are familiar - very similar to my own path and teachings. Some experiences, of course, are very different (and very personal)...I have seen and been near to others who have had similar harsh experiences in the name o' "advancing" or becoming "initiated" in some way. It heartens me to see ye rise above and share yer knowledge and experience - hopefully others will learn and be enlightened by it.<br /><br />As for those who get bent out o' shape over yer use o' the word "Shaman" (BTW, I think "Urban Shaman" is a brilliant designation)...ye might inform them that ye follow the TRUE meaning o' the word. <> It does NOT say, "One who knows EVERYTHING", but simply, "One who knows" - and you, mate, are THAT.<br /><br />I would be honoured if ye'd get in touch via a less public method, we might share some knowledge from time to time. Feel free to use Pauline as a reference.<br /><br />Fair winds, following seas & full tankards,<br />Capt. John Swallow<br />Buccaneer & ShamanCapt. John Swallowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06143131721521384174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4289485095492783741.post-8418587221035692942012-03-15T11:55:15.717-07:002012-03-15T11:55:15.717-07:00I've had my fair share of reading about this t...I've had my fair share of reading about this this week (me and my partner have tried to help people in dangerous situations with spirits before, only to be ignored because we were not 'high priestesses and apparently that makes us a) not know our shit and b) assumes a high priestess would know her shit) and frankly it bothers me. It's as though people forget other people initiate you into a tradition. It's the same as thinking only a priest can talk to the catholic god because he was initiated by other people. We're humans initiating humans. Get the fuck over it. The Spirits initiate whoever they want, wherever they want.<br /><br />In regards to your assault, I'm deeply sorry and have fears of this happening a lot more often than is reported. Rape and assault are still rape and assault even if you claim to be possessed or whatever else. It sickens me that even in the pagan community women are shamed and nothing is done. We have a long way to go still.Duskenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12937898685528321315noreply@blogger.com