Schizophrenia, as said in the last post, is often viewed as a spiritual manifestation of growth, rather than a physical condition of the brain.
According to Sam's web site, Schizophrenia and Shamanism, some cultures believe that the condition is a shamanic intitiation.
So let's look into this a little bit.
What is Shamanism?
Shamanism is a magically oriented religion practiced in ancient times. Today, many occultists and anthropologists have revived the interest in this practice. According to this FAQ page, the practice of Shamanism is ecstatic and hallucinatory in nature. Shamans experience an ecstatic state, during which they communicate with spirit helpers. This all occurs while control is maintained over the consciousness.
When an initiate experiences the ecstatic state, he or she has no control over the condition. Cultures that focus on these beliefs then place the initiate under an experienced Shaman's care to learn to control the consciousness while in the ecstatic state.
This "ecstatic" state with its often associated hallucinations is then what is referred to as schizophrenia in the mainstream Western world. The patient's consciousness is controlled with any number of mind-numbing and unsatisfactory drugs.
Occultists and academics who have made the connection between schizophrenia and spirituality have however begun to suggest other ways of dealing with the illness.
A look at the ways offered by Shaminism will be considered next.
Cathi
posted by Cathi @ 1:09 AM
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