Michael Berman

use of hypnosis for healing purposes can be traced back to the trance work practised by shamans.

Europe has the oldest evidence – animal skulls and bones believed to be shamanic ritual offerings found at sites inhabited between 50,000 and 30,000 BC.

Tungusic language of Siberia, one of the areas in which the classical form of shamanism is found.

Although shamanic practice obviously varies from culture to culture, there are certain core elements that are universal

The Lower World is where the shaman ‘journeys’ to meet Power Animals or Helpers who often have healing powers. The Upper World is where the shaman meets Sacred Teachers who can help with philosophical questions.

The Middle World is where the Shaman ‘journeys’ to see our reality in its non-ordinary reality form.

There are also shamanic journeys to the Land of the Dead to contact people who have passed on or to help the dying pass on.

The following descriptions of the Upper and Lower Worlds are taken from Soul Retrieval by Sandra Ingerman.

colours can go from blinding light to soft pastels, to grey, to complete darkness.

the Upper World I know that I am standing on something but am