A Call To Shamans

One of the main tasks of the shaman is to act as psychopomp, to escort the souls of those who have died into their afterlife.

Usually when someone dies they find a soul escort of their own faith to help them on their way.

In times of war, many people may die suddenly, resulting in a shortage of same-faith psychopomps.

Since the beginning of the attack on Iraq, many shamans have encountered wandering souls with no guides to help them. Most of these are Iraqi and of the Moslem faith. Considering the circumstances, it is no surprise that few of these wanderers want to be guided by non-Moslems.

To help ease the rush of wandering souls, I have created a Moslem "paradise garden" Inworld. Even if you are not an "official" shaman, your paradise will be just as restful and welcoming to a soul seeking refuge.

I started by erecting a circular wall of alabaster stone set with an amber gate. On the gate I laid charms and spells so all of good will may pass through, but those with harmful intent may not. I also called on guardian animals – bear, tiger, and lion – to guard the gate.

Inside, I caused a cool spring to flow, a crystal pool with a fountain, then laid a greensward of soft grass all about. Next came the fruit trees – pomegranate, fig, orange, and pear, and stately date palms all about inside the wall.

Then I set a pavilion, with tented hangings, in the midst of the garden. In the pavilion, I arranged comfortable couches, piled high with cushions, and set small tables of inlaid ivory near the couches and made sure there were iced drinks, fruit juices, wines (I think Moslems can enjoy wine in Paradise), and added plates of candied fruits, figs, dates, and other tasty delights.

I called the birds of peace, the dove, nightingale, and lark to go and seek out wandering souls, to bring them into the garden so they may rest for a time, until they are ready to go on. I called on guardian birds, falcon, hawk and eagle to protect them and escort all safely back to the garden.

I invited all spirits of good will to serve the wayfarers and make them comfortable during their sojourn. And finally, I set about the enclosure enchantments of song and laughter, so that all who enter there shall be refreshed.

There are too many for me, or for anyone, to escort on their own. This must be a cooperative effort, and the first line of escort is going to be Moslem helpers helping Moslems. That is as it should be. I think our response as Western shamans should be in the role of support services. The Moslem psychopomps will be able to enter the garden and prepare the souls of their fellow religionists for they journey in a more relaxed way than otherwise, and the Moslems passing into their Paradise will feel more secure and be rested for the journey. As psychopomps we must do our best to help and support the wandering souls, not frighten them and cause them more confusion. This is one way we may work for the greater good.

A Call To Shamans, copyright © 2003 by Tira Brandon-Evans, all rights reserved. Used with permission.

By Tira Brandon-Evans