“Is Shamanism a Path to Enlightenment?” on March 10 “Why Shamanism Now?” Radio Show

Portland, OR, March 10, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Streaming live on the Voice America Network (www.voiceamerica.com) on Wednesday, March 10, at 2 p.m. Pacific time/5 p.m. Eastern time, on her show "Why Shamanism Now?: A Practical Path to Authenticity,” shaman and founder of the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing Christina Pratt shares the words of Michael Harner of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. According to Harner: "The shamanic path is not a path traditionally intended to achieve enlightenment. It has been a path followed because people…wanted to help (others) through healing and alleviating their suffering. In following that path, gifts were then given them that were totally unexpected… This then changes them, and they are never the same again; they are indeed enlightened. But that was not the intention; it was just a result.” In essence, shamanism both is and isn’t a path of transformation and enlightenment.

In this episode of “Why Shamanism Now?” titled “Is Shamanism a Path to Enlightenment?”, Pratt explores this interesting state of affairs. Pratt says that shamanic trance states are task-oriented; they are not focused on gaining enlightenment. However, an ongoing working relationship with Spirit is one of the most efficient and effective paths of transformation, waking up, and growing up for both shamans and for lay people alike. Listeners will discover all the side benefits -- like enlightenment -- of becoming a spiritual adult Christina Pratt is an authentic, non-traditional contemporary shaman. In practice since 1990, she specializes in mending the soul and transforming the parts of life that feel impossible. A teacher of exceptional clarity, humor, and inspiration, Pratt brings the power of shamanism into the practical grasp of anyone willing to take responsibility for improving the quality of their life. Her well-received book, An Encyclopedia of Shamanism (Rosen), is an 800-page, two-volume set with over 750 in-depth entries that clearly discuss the basic concepts of shamanism, methods, and traditions of over 50 different shamanic peoples. Pratt is the founder of the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing in Portland, OR, and New York, NY, creator of the original Foundations of Shamanism and Shamanic Healing course at the University of Minnesota, and a frequent and honored speaker for the American Holistic Medical Association.

"Why Shamanism Now?", a live internet talk radio with host Christina Pratt, airs every Wednesday afternoon at 2-3 pm Pacific time/5–6 pm Eastern time on http://www.voiceamerica.com/voiceAmerica/vshow.aspx?sid=1457. Prior episodes from "Why Shamanism Now" can be downloaded for free from the iTunes library (www.iTunes.com). Christina also talks about Shamanic Healing on You Tube: Part 1 — What It Is, How It Works, What It Will Do or You: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXihz047CVc Part 2 — Discussion with the participant after a healing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjowXTpxIio.

For more information on Christina Pratt, the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing, and workshops and classes with Pratt, or to order An Encyclopedia of Shamanism at a special discounted rate, visit www.lastmaskcenter.org. For additional information or to arrange an interview with Pratt, please contact Linda Woznicki, 845-417-8811, lwoz@frontiernet.net.

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