ABORIGINAL SPIRITISM

Aboriginal Spiritualism is found all around the world especially where the
native peoples must hunt animals in order to survive. Their beliefs and practices
form an integral and seamless part of their society and/or culture. Religious
traditions of aboriginal peoples around the world tend heavily influenced by their
methods of acquiring food, whether it be by the hunting of wild animals or by
agriculture. Their rituals and beliefs show a blending of interest in promoting and
preserving their hunting and agriculture.
All the Aboriginal Spiritualism has involved with it the use of Psychedelic
Roots and Herbs from many sources such as “Peyote”. On the medicinal side of
their use of plants and herbs there are over 200 drugs available to all societies
today because of the Aboriginal use of Roots, Herbs and Plants which includes
the original oral contraceptive. The word “Shaman” is an original Siberian word.
There is a common concept that DEITY is a dual Divinity.
A Creator: who is recognized in religious prayers and ritual as the one
responsible for the creation of the world. He is found in every portion of
Creation and is the Spirit of that portion. The Spirit of man is in
communion with all the other spirits whether earthly or heavenly..
A Mythical individual, a hero or trickster, who teaches culture, proper
behavior and provides substance for the people. He is also the one
who brings much hardship and death.
As far as creation is concerned most tribal peoples have many different
versions of the beginning. Many mythologies have the earth firstly populated by
many people with many being transformed into various animals. These people
feel a close bond with animals because of the belief of their shared human
ancestry. Many of their rituals especially in dances and chanting; animal
behavior is simulated.
What happens after death? Many believe in reincarnation with the person
being reborn either as a human or an animal, others believe that humans return
as ghosts, or that people go to an other world, other simply put it as one’s fate
after this life not giving credence to anything. Combinations of beliefs are
common.
In Aboriginal Spiritualism Cosmology is a Mythology that varies all over
the place. The shape of their dwelling places whether it be on plains, cliffs or
forests all represent some form or model of the cosmos. It is showing their quest
to find their place in the universe. Encased in the spiritual worship is that of
honoring and sacrificing to not only Cosmos Mythical beings but also the 5
elements of the earth; wind, water, land and mountains, rain and sky.
 Vision Quests are common. It is where a young male is sent into the
forest, mountain or desert alone. He must seek to have a Spirit give him a vision,
that vision will provide for him his survival and remain with him as a supportive
guardian during his lifetime. Women are not part of this ritual.
SIN; There is an acknowledgment of sin; but it is very veiled. This is
where such structures as “Sweat Lodges” (like a huge Sauna) are necessary.
Those who enter sit for hours eating peyote or some other psychedelic
substance. As they sit and sweat meditating upon whatever, they are suppose to
cleansed of all impurities such as sin.
Their religions are grounded in the belief “Anua” (souls) exist in all people
and animals, some even carry it on into trees and plant life. Individuals, families
and tribes must avoid certain taboos to assure that crops will grow and animals
will make themselves available to the hunters to assure success.
There is an array of gods and goddesses who release either land animals
or fish and sea mammals, and they observe how closely the tribe observes the
taboos, thus releasing the animals etc. accordingly. These are Keepers or
Masters, one for each species.
Most Aboriginal Peoples have no Sacred texts. All their rituals and beliefs
are passed down through story telling, dance or song; usually by the Shaman or
the Chief. Many times the Chief and Shaman are one and the same.
The “Anhakut” or “Shaman” is the Spiritual Leader. He is to interpret the
cause of sickness or lack of hunting or agricultural success. He is suppose to be
able to determine the individual or family, responsible for the dilemma isolating
the broken taboo. How does he do all this? He enters a trance with the aid of
drum beating and chanting. This allows his soul to leave his body and traverse
great distances to determine the cause of the problem. In many instances the
Shaman will also use stones. Bone and other so called charms to cast spells and
heal etc.
These peoples look at Christianity, New Age and many Middle and
Eastern Religions as hindrances to their beliefs yet it is not uncommon the find
crossovers from one religion to another.