The Stages of Shamanic Trance

The shamanic trance, of all a shaman does, is mostdetachment occurs. There may be visual illusions and
often discussed and is frequently viewed as theyou will be aware you are in a trance.
ultimate experience in shamanism. The shamanicThe third level brings full recognition that you are in a
trance is not something that can be achieved with onetrance. Here you may actually choose a part of your
lesson from some site on the internet or can it bebody to not feel pain. There is a greater sensitivity to
thoroughly learned from a seminar or internet course.temperature changes as well as to atmospheric
Practice makes perfect is the credo.pressure. There will be loss of voluntary motion and
Generally speaking there are four basic levels of areaction of external stimuli.
shamanic trance. Stages might be more appropriate. ItThe fourth and final stage or level of the shamanic
is not the intent or is it the suggestion that a shamantrance your eyes may be opened and cause no ill
goes through each of these levels each time he oreffect in the trance. Control over several body
she goes into a trance. Well practiced shaman mayfunctions such as heart beat, blood pressure, and body
very well go directly to the fourth level or stage in thetemperature become possible. Memories will be
trance.recalled and age regression may come into play.
The first level is common among beginners. One has aThere will be a feeling of lightness, of floating or flying.
sense of being physically relaxed; even drowsy. ThereVisual and auditory hallucinations are possible while at
is a tendency to just stare off into space, unseeing.this level of the trance. The shaman who is in this
The pulse rate slows. The second level produces astage travels into dreamtime and there receives his or
feeling that the whole body is heavy; a sense ofher instruction.