First, a skilful creative state of mind is developed: By means of attunement exercises & sharing of current personal issues, problems, goals, directions or dreams.
Artistic creativity is facilitated by a guided meditation or drumming a Shamanic Journey
In order to access unconscious inner resources to guide the art therapy
A personal lone journey is then made into nature to connect intuitively to the materials to be used .
Certain materials and directions of walking will attract us.
Making a Personal Medicine Shield , Talking stick, or Totem
An opportunity to make a shield, dream-weaver, totem pole, Shaman's rattle, Healer's staff, aura duster, fetish pot (a "fetish" is an object with magical power to protect or aid), prayer stick or other symbolic, self-expressive, self-protective or self-healing construction out of natural materials such as twigs, leaves, vines, feathers, bones, leather, cotton, fur, wool or animal skin. Making symbolic items like these provides an excellent opportunity to express personal core values, qualities or aspirations.
Naturecraft items: Journey staff (above)
Below (L to R): Prayer Sticks (2), Fetish Pots with Prayer Sticks (2), Feathered Aura Dusters (2)
These pictures come from the Shaman's manual "Animal Speak"
A medicine shield or dreamweaver is traditionally made out of material stretched over a wooden hoop with other items hung around the edges. were attached feathers, fringes, and sometimes other dangling objects. May have personal emblems, symbols or power animals painted on it. The colours used may also symbolise particular energies, qualities or have colour-healing properties.
Beautiful shamanic art film: "Animal Spirit Totems"...
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Very technical shamanic medicine shields may reflect aspects of the Native American medicine wheel Shaman's Nature Arts & Spiritual Tradition - Manual: Shamanic Experience - Kenneth Meadows Shamanic Art - Natural Therapy Popular Resources Amazon USA
Shamans and their Symbols - prayer altar outside sweat lodge (L), Mercury totem in stones (R)
(continuously updated lists opening in new browser window)
Natural & Spiritual Creative Arts: Stress Management & Healing Workshops UK
Nature Art Therapy Classes: Healer Training Course - Cambridge UK
More Healing & Therapy Skills Resources: Path of Healing
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