WORKSHOPS (ONLINE)
- Shamanic cleaning Family and Ancestral Karma
- Shamanic Protection - connection with Umai Spirit / Mother Earth
- Four Wolves Ritual - connection with four big Spirits: Erlik, Umai, Ulgen and Tengri
About the Facilitator
Ahamkara is a Siberian shaman from Altai. He is a spiritual healer and founder of the shamanic school. He dedicated his life to practicing and teaching the wisdom of indigenous Siberian shamanism. His mission is to apply this ancient knowledge to the present day.
Ahamkara specializes in traditional shamanic rituals, healing rituals, medicinal herbs, shamanic journeys and healing journeys.
He was born and raised in the Altai Mountains of Siberia. Since he was a child, he was taught about medicinal herbs and plants by his grandmother, who was a famous healer herself. Many people turned to her for help and advice. She became Ahamkara’s first teacher. He later studied with the Siberian Shaman Arzjana, and was educated in the ways of indigenous Siberian shamanism. His knowledge of the Spirits and Gods comes directly from the indigenous people of Siberia.
Ahamkara has been offering a variety of courses both for individuals and for groups for more than twenty years. The Focus of the classes is to help people grow, transform and heal their lives.
Ahamkara lives in Russia with his beloved wife and two children.
He runs the Siberian Retreat Center Zhivo Center near Yekaterinburg in Siberia.
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The center is located in the forest, which aids peoples connection with nature, as well as with cleansing the spirit, soul and body. People are able to heal and sched unhealthy attachements. The courses are offered in summer.
In winter he usually travels offering workshops in Europe.
Over the past twenty years, Ahamkara has developed and taught many workshops and classes; in his native language as well as in English. His school of shamanism has educated more than 600 participants.
Online School of Shamanism: https://ahamkara.teachable.com
SPIRITUAL MESSAGE:
"There are too many sleeping healers in the world. It's time to wake them up." — Ahamkara
"I want to bring healing to the world. To teach people to find a way out of complicated life situations, illnesses and problems."
SIBERIAN SHAMANISM – A MYSTICAL LAND OF SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Ahamkara’s text
"Siberian Shamanism is a deep ancient tradition with a fascinating world of spiritual practice and beliefs. A central figure to this mystical path is the shaman, who plays a vital role in guiding people on their spiritual journeys.
At the core of Siberian shamanism are shamanic tools, each with unique characteristics and purpose. From the ceremonial shamanic drum, which produces rhythmic beats that induce altered states of consciousness, to various talismans and sacred plants. These tools are essential for aiding shamanic healing, divination, and transformation.
Siberian shamanic practices include a wide variety of rituals and ceremonies. One such practice is the Shamanic Journey, during which the shaman enters an altered state of consciousness to explore the spiritual realms, receive guidance, and gain important information. Through this profound experience, people who come to him can experience healing,gain knowledge, and spiritual growth.
For those who follow the Shaman's Path, there are various opportunities to learn and grow. Siberian shamanism trainings and courses provide a platform for many people to deepen their understanding of ancient wisdom and master the skills necessary to practice shamanism. These courses often cover topics such as connecting with spirits, energy healing techniques, and the art of Shamanic Journeys.
Becoming a shaman is a transformational journey that requires dedication, openness, and respect for the spiritual world. Under the guidance of experienced practicing shamans, one can embark on a path of self-discovery, healing, and service to one's community.
Siberian shamanism is a deep and profound practice that has captivated and inspired countless people. Through its shamanic practices, rituals, and tools, this ancient tradition offers a unique path to spiritual growth, healing, and connection to the divine’
[Ahamkara]
HISTORY OF SIBERIAN SHAMANISM
Siberian shamanism is considered by many researchers to be proto-shamanism, or primitive shamanism, and Siberia is recognized as the heart of shamanism. A large minority of people in North Asia, particularly in Siberia, follow the religio-cultural practices of shamanism. Siberia is a vast geographical land in northern Asia between the Ural Mountains in the west, the mountain ranges in the east, the Arctic Sea in the north, and the steppes of Central Asia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia in the south. There are various ethnic groups in Siberia – Buryats, Evenks, Yakuts, Chukchi, Nenets, Khants, Samoyeds. The word "shaman" (siaman, saman) means "one who knows" and comes from the language of the East Siberian Evenks from the root "sha" meaning knowledge.
Until the beginning of the twentieth century Shamanism (along with Lamaism, Tengrism, and animism) was widely practiced by indigenous people of Siberia. However, after the October Revolution in 1917, in accordance with the new policy, the mass extermination of shamans began, which resulted in the destruction of old beliefs and customs.
From 1920 shamanism was officially banned by the Soviet authorities. Many rituals and traditions were lost. Shamanism was practiced secretly only in the most inaccessible regions of the country, and survived only among the tribes from the Lake Baikal, Transbaikal, Tuva and Altai regions.
Until 1980s shamanism was officially forbidden in the USSR; all activities, meetings and publications were banned. With the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990 the possibility of openly practicing shamanism returned. Significant political and social changes took place in the territories of historical Siberia. Five Siberian republics have been established: Sakha (Yakutia), Buryatia, Tuva, Altai and Khakassia. They have now the status of independent states.
Shamanism has recently experienced a revival. Modern shamans can now practise legally and shamanic schools are being established. There are about 4,000 shamans in today's Russia and their number is constantly growing. In 2018, the First All-Russian Congress of Shamans was held in Kyzyle, the capital of the autonomous Republic of Tuva. The Supreme Shaman of Russia Kara-ool Dopchun-ool, who until now had been the head of the local shamanic organization "Adyg-Eeren" (Spirit of the Bear), was elected.
A request to formally recognize Shamanism as one of the ‘traditional religions’ of Russia has been made in 2021 during the Third Congress. It was attanded by dozens of representatives of shamanistic organizations from Siberia.
SIBERIAN SHAMANISM – BELIEVE SYSTEM
THREE WORLDS
According to Siberian Shamanism, the Universe is divided into three worlds: the Upper World, the Middle World, and the Lower World. They are connected by a cosmic axis called by the Buryats in the Baikal region the Golden Pillar. It is considered to be the center of the universe and the place where individual worlds interpenetrate. The Upper World is inhabited by gods, spirits and higher powers; the Lower World – by demons, evil spirits and spirits of the dead; and the Middle World by the people. There are also Abaasies – spirits that can live in all three worlds. Shamans can interact and communicate with spirits from all the worlds.
Ancestor worship is an extremely important element of the Siberian Shamanism. According to their beliefs, the Ancestors live in the Upper World. Shamans are able to contact them in order to receive advice or solutions to problems.
Mount Belukha is an ancient place of worship. It is the highest peak of the mountain range in Siberia and a sacred mountain inhabited by Spirits. Only a select few can approach it. The natives still avoid this sacred zone. The border point is a meteorological station at Lake Akkem, at the foot of Belukha. In the past, only shamans were allowed to visit this lake, from where they set off to the East
THE ROLE OF THE SHAMAN, SHAMANIC DISEASE,
HEALING AND DRUMS
Siberian shamans are travelers between three worlds – Upper, Lower and Middle. They act as intermediaries between humans and the Spirits and are extremely important and respected in the community. They are healers, guides, and seers with profound knowledge of spirits, rituals, ecstatic trance techniques, dreams, and visions. They help people in crises that are believed to be caused by ghosts, in the treatment of diseases as well as in case of crop failures.
They act as intermediaries between the Middle, Lower and Upper World, accompanying the soul in the journeys or taking it out of the realm of the Spirits.
What distinguishes Siberian Shamanism is its emphasis on healing, often without herbs or plants, but with the help of trance, drum and Kamlan during the Shamanic Journey.
Shamans summon and conjure Spirits through the so-called kamlan (from the Turkish word "kam" meaning shaman and divination in the Tuvan and Altai languages) – that is, ritual chanting, dancing and actions performed by them in order to fall into a trance. In this state, shamans can travel between the worlds and contact the souls of the Ancestors, Spirits, and supernatural beings. In the course of this Shamanic Journey ("magical flight") they reach the dwelling place of the Spirits and conjure them by supplication.
The kamlan ritual includes a whole complex set of ritual gestures, ecstatic dancing, rhythmic beating of the drum, and verbal singing invocation and conjuration of the Spirits.
Kamlan usually involves a shaman's journey to the other worlds to retrieve someone’s lost soul. It can also refer to the shaman's journey to the world of the Spirits in order to gain the necessary knowledge and share it with the community. Sometimes it is an action when a Spirit from another world penetrates our world, incarnates as a human being, and has to be sent back to the afterlife by the shaman. Exceptionally, it can also include bringing certain qualities from the human world to the spirits.
During rituals, shamans use repetitive, rhythmic sounds of drums that bring on an altered state of consciousness. The drums were prepared by the shamans themselves,they were made under the instruction of the spirits. It was believed that there were 5 to 9 drums per shaman. With the death of the shaman, his drum also "died".
One becomes a shaman at the command of Abaasa Spirits. They kidnap the chosen one's "kut" (the equivalent of "soul") and raise them in one of the worlds. It usually happens during the childhood, between the ages of 15 and 18.
This time is called "shamanic illness" and is manifested by an acute personal crisis and symptoms of illness. The chosen felt the burning heat and fragmentation of the body, consumed by the disease of the body and soul. It was believed that this was due to the spirits of the ancestors choosing a worthy successor. Resisting the call could lead to incurable illness and death.
Shamanic rituals in Siberia mainly involve healing, cleansing and divination. When performing these rituals, shamans dress in special robes, play drums, perform ritual dances, and sing (sometimes using the so-called throat singing). In special situations, they use plant-based intoxicants and alcohol as means to accelerate the achievement of ecstasy. It is common to offer sacrifices to Mother Earth, Spirits, and Gods during rituals. Healing is associated with getting rid of the evil spirit that causes illness. The shaman acts on behalf of spirits and deities – expelling the "evil spirit" from the human body and restoring the soul previously stolen by these spirits.
Most Siberian tribal peoples were divided into clans and sustained themselves through hunting animals and reindeer breeding. Shamans had to be related to the clan by blood ties and served as its main guardians. Sometimes, they became the leaders of the entire clan. Among their duties was maintaining contact between the living and deceased members of the clan and conducting rituals, such as hunting rituals (during which they received the souls of the animals hunted from the guardian of a particular species in the afterlife).
Shamans helped individual clan members by curing diseases and infertility, prophesying, and preventing disasters caused by spirits. They were the defenders of their clan and possessed knowledge of the mythical clan river leading to another world. There was a common belief that a shaman should not cut their hair because it was the dwelling place of the souls of clan members.
The division of shamans into black and white, found among both the Yakuts and the Altai peoples, indicates the nature of the spirits with whom the shaman is in contact. White represented the color of the sky, black the earth. According to shamanic tradition, the nature and rank of the shaman were determined by the initiating Spirits.
DEITIES OF SIBERIAN SHAMANISM
ULGEN (Ulgan, Ülgen)
The supreme deity in shamanism, equivalent to the creator god, the Spirit of the Sky, and the future. He is a thunder god, wielding thunderbolts, with a human form, emanating brilliance from his head. According to ancient beliefs, he resides in the east, on the ninth layer of Heaven, where the Golden Mountain (Altyn-tuu) is located. He dwells in a golden palace with golden gates and sits on a golden throne.
Ülgen became the creator of the world with the help of the Sacred White Mother (Ak-Ene), and the act of creation lasted six days. Ulgan created the entire world from a lump of earth brought to him by Erlik. He created the Earth, the Sky, the Sun, the Moon, the rainbow, thunder, fire, stones, plants, and also the first human, whose bones were made of reeds, and body from clay. Before the flood, he ordered Namie to build a raft and instructed all animals to board it.
It was Ülgen who created kam (shamans) to protect the world from Erlik and endowed people with the gift of shamanism. He determines whether a person can become a shaman, designates spirits to assist the future shaman, and indicates how the shamanic drum should be made.
ERLIK
The Ruler of the Lower/Underworld, the god of the underworld and the past, the highest ruler of the realm of the dead, associated with transformation and purification. Considered a co-participant in the creation of humanity, the eternal rival of Ulgen. According to ancient beliefs, Erlik has black, long hair, black mustache, and a long beard. He dresses in seven bear skins. His sword is made of green iron, and his cup is made from a human skull. Erlik's mount is a powerful black bull, and he holds a crescent-shaped axe or a whip made of a black snake in his hand.
Erlik's underworld is located in the west, and the entrance to it is through a hole in the ground. According to some beliefs, this world consists of nine layers or levels, on which the sons of Erlik live. In the Lower World, there is also the Sun and the Moon, but they shine weakly, so perpetual twilight reigns there. At the entrance to the lower world, there is a black stump and a cauldron with boiling water. There are extensive swamps, a lake full of people's tears, a red lake formed from the blood of the killed or those who died in accidents, and also thise who commited suicide. Further on, there is a black bottomless lake with a bridge made of a single horsehair. Behind the black lake is the region for the deceased ancestors. Erlik resides in a palace made of black mud or iron on the banks of the Toybodym River, formed from human tears. Monsters and guards protect him.
Erlik has the same power as Ülgen and actively participated in the creation of the world. In shamanic invocations, shamans address Erlik as the father "Adam Erlik". It was from Erlik that people received the invaluable gift of penetrating into other worlds. And the first kam (shaman) received his gift and shamanic drum from his hands.
TENGRI (TENGERI)
The Main Deity, the Supreme Spirit, the Creator of the Universe and all principles and laws. The term Tengri, meaning "god" and "sky," was used from China to southern Russia and from Kamchatka to the Sea of Marmara to refer to the Main Deity but also as "tengri" – the entire group of gods. According to Buryat beliefs, tengri gods created humanity, on whom evil demons brought misfortune.
Tengri established order in the universe and determined the fates of people. Every ruler, before taking office, had to obtain the deity's acceptance and became Tengri's earthly emissary, ensuring the smooth functioning of his cult.
Tengrism as a religion combines elements of shamanism, animism, totemism, polytheism, Ancestor worship, and the worship of the "Great Heaven."
UMAI
Mother Earth, Mother Goddess, the embodiment of the Divine Feminine element, the Goddess of fertility, the patroness of the hearth, and children. She protects in difficult life situations.
The word "Umai" means womb and uterus.
Venerated as the embodiment of the creative beginning of nature, the source of its fertility and abundance – "...the goddess Umay united heaven and the abyss, childhood and old age, birth and death."
The surface of the Earth is identified with Umai's body, and therefore she was shown great respect and it was forbidden to harm her, for example, digging the earth with sharp objects. According to beliefs, she is described as wearing 60 golden braids, representing the sun's rays.
WORKSHOPS (ONLINE)
1. Shamanic cleaning Family and Ancestral Karma
- Cleaning the family tree
- Helping deceased family members
- Ritual with the ancestors
- Family protection
- Family Spirit
2. Shamanic Protection - connection with Umai Spirit / Mother Earth
- How to strengthen the connection with Umai
- How to be and feel safe
- Protection and cleansing with salt
- Deep contact with Umai
UMAI
Mother Earth, Mother Goddess, the embodiment of the Divine Feminine element, the Goddess of fertility, the patroness of the hearth, and children. She protects in difficult life situations. The word "Umai" means womb and uterus. Venerated as the embodiment of the creative beginning of nature, the source of its fertility and abundance – "...the goddess Umay united heaven and the abyss, childhood and old age, birth and death."
The surface of the Earth is identified with Umai's body, and therefore she was shown great respect and it was forbidden to harm her, for example, digging the earth with sharp objects. According to beliefs, she is described as wearing 60 golden braids, representing the sun's rays.
3. Four Wolves Ritual - connection with four big Spirits: Erlik, Umai, Ulgen and Tengri
This ritual represents connection with 4 big spirits: Erlik, Umai, Ulgen and Tengri. All this spirits are very important for us, they have big power, but it’s difficult to make direct connection with them. In this ceremony you have 4 Wolves, which help you to connect with 4 big spirits. They are like conductors between you and 4 big spirits! Connection with wolves is more clear and more easy to manage.
We do this ceremony in special kind of landscape: for each wolf you travel to the different landscape and also different time of day. We start our travel early in the morning from the beginning point. Then you are standing there you see a steppe in front of you, forest is on your right side, lake – on your left side and mountains – behind you.
You start your travelling early in the morning before sunrise. You go to the steppe to meet with the first Wolf. You go far away in steppe and you stay in the middle of this steppe: you see clear horizon line, you see sunrise and you are calling a White Wolf. He is coming to connect with you and give you first gift: happiness! This is a young wolf, teenager, he is very happy and joyful!
After receiving happiness you have opportunity to send message to the Spirit of the sky – Ulgen. In steppe you can see very clear connection between sky and earth, horizon line. White wolf can come to this place and send you message to the sky! You send message about your future: What would you like for your future? What do you need for future? What are you waiting for? You can wish whatever you want and think about others, too.
Then you come back to the beginning point and turn to the forest! Then you go inside the forest and it will be already noon time, midday! You are walking in the shadow of the trees, you enjoy trees and flowers around you! You come to this forest to connect with Mother Wolf, she has grey color and she carries a special gift for you: beautiful healing energy. You come to a small open place, where the trees are making like a couple shape, very pleasant and safe place. You come there and call Mother Wolf, she comes and gives you healing as a gift! For every person this healing is individual and different. After healing you can send with Mother Wolf you message to Mother Nature, Umai! You can send message about what you already have and are thankful for in your life: your family, friends, business, work, beautiful nature around. To send this message you have to create a clear image of things, that you are thankful for, in your head.
Then you are coming back to the beginning point and turn to the mountains. It’s time of sunset coming! You start climbing to one of the hills, you are coming up and stand on the top of this hill and you are looking at beautiful sunset! Then you call a Red Wolf. The Red Wolf is a big strong male wolf. Red Wolf is coming and he gives opportunity to clean yourself and your life from things you don’t need anymore: fears, pain, heavy responsibilities, all heavy things. Red Wolf is very hungry and he is waiting for the offers from you, which he can eat. And you offer him all those heavy things you don’t want to carry anymore on your shoulders. Create images of all those things and imagine you let them go. Then you can send a message to Erlik about what you want to change and transform in your life. To send this message you have to look directly into the eyes of the Red Wolf, to make a contact: you trust the animal and animal trusts you. Then you thank to the Wolf.
It’s coming full moon time. You are coming back to beginning point and turn to the direction of the lake. Full moon is rising up. You are coming to the lake, you see the moon is shining and you see reflections of the stars in the lake. In silent night you are sitting on the lake shore and Black Wolf ids there too. Black Wolf is a Grandfather Wolf, he carries wisdom of all wolves family. You want to get all wisdom from this Wolf. You have a chance to get initiation from Grandfather Wolf: you become a part of wolves family, that means you turn into the wolf. This is very, very deep transformation. If you are ready for that, you ask for initiation from the Black Wolf. Black Wolf will ask you: are you ready or not. Then, if you are ready you are looking deep into his eyes, get transformation and becoming a wolf. The rest of this full moon night you stay as a wolf and try to experience your new body, your senses, your new feelings. Then you find a place for the night sleep, you are sleeping. When you wake up the ceremony is finished.
DEITIES OF SIBERIAN SHAMANISM
ULGEN (Ulgan, Ülgen)
The supreme deity in shamanism, equivalent to the creator god, the Spirit of the Sky, and the future. He is a thunder god, wielding thunderbolts, with a human form, emanating brilliance from his head. According to ancient beliefs, he resides in the east, on the ninth layer of Heaven, where the Golden Mountain (Altyn-tuu) is located. He dwells in a golden palace with golden gates and sits on a golden throne.
Ülgen became the creator of the world with the help of the Sacred White Mother (Ak-Ene), and the act of creation lasted six days. Ulgan created the entire world from a lump of earth brought to him by Erlik. He created the Earth, the Sky, the Sun, the Moon, the rainbow, thunder, fire, stones, plants, and also the first human, whose bones were made of reeds, and body from clay. Before the flood, he ordered Namie to build a raft and instructed all animals to board it.
It was Ülgen who created kam (shamans) to protect the world from Erlik and endowed people with the gift of shamanism. He determines whether a person can become a shaman, designates spirits to assist the future shaman, and indicates how the shamanic drum should be made.
ERLIK
The Ruler of the Lower/Underworld, the god of the underworld and the past, the highest ruler of the realm of the dead, associated with transformation and purification. Considered a co-participant in the creation of humanity, the eternal rival of Ulgen. According to ancient beliefs, Erlik has black, long hair, black mustache, and a long beard. He dresses in seven bear skins. His sword is made of green iron, and his cup is made from a human skull. Erlik's mount is a powerful black bull, and he holds a crescent-shaped axe or a whip made of a black snake in his hand.
Erlik's underworld is located in the west, and the entrance to it is through a hole in the ground. According to some beliefs, this world consists of nine layers or levels, on which the sons of Erlik live. In the Lower World, there is also the Sun and the Moon, but they shine weakly, so perpetual twilight reigns there. At the entrance to the lower world, there is a black stump and a cauldron with boiling water. There are extensive swamps, a lake full of people's tears, a red lake formed from the blood of the killed or those who died in accidents, and also thise who commited suicide. Further on, there is a black bottomless lake with a bridge made of a single horsehair. Behind the black lake is the region for the deceased ancestors. Erlik resides in a palace made of black mud or iron on the banks of the Toybodym River, formed from human tears. Monsters and guards protect him.
Erlik has the same power as Ülgen and actively participated in the creation of the world. In shamanic invocations, shamans address Erlik as the father "Adam Erlik". It was from Erlik that people received the invaluable gift of penetrating into other worlds. And the first kam (shaman) received his gift and shamanic drum from his hands.
TENGRI (TENGERI)
The Main Deity, the Supreme Spirit, the Creator of the Universe and all principles and laws. The term Tengri, meaning "god" and "sky," was used from China to southern Russia and from Kamchatka to the Sea of Marmara to refer to the Main Deity but also as "tengri" – the entire group of gods. According to Buryat beliefs, tengri gods created humanity, on whom evil demons brought misfortune.
Tengri established order in the universe and determined the fates of people. Every ruler, before taking office, had to obtain the deity's acceptance and became Tengri's earthly emissary, ensuring the smooth functioning of his cult.
Tengrism as a religion combines elements of shamanism, animism, totemism, polytheism, Ancestor worship, and the worship of the "Great Heaven."
UMAI
Mother Earth, Mother Goddess, the embodiment of the Divine Feminine element, the Goddess of fertility, the patroness of the hearth, and children. She protects in difficult life situations. The word "Umai" means womb and uterus. Venerated as the embodiment of the creative beginning of nature, the source of its fertility and abundance – "...the goddess Umay united heaven and the abyss, childhood and old age, birth and death."
The surface of the Earth is identified with Umai's body, and therefore she was shown great respect and it was forbidden to harm her, for example, digging the earth with sharp objects. According to beliefs, she is described as wearing 60 golden braids, representing the sun's rays.