Week 2 - Michelle Nguyen

Modern science often overshadows healing through the unknown. Perhaps because these techniques can’t be explained. With the development of new technology and a society that relies so heavily on evidence and hard facts, it’s unfortunate that shamanism and other spirit healers have gained a negative connotation from skeptics. The articles from week 2 touch upon the fact that spirit healing does follow its own set of rules; spirit healing isn’t just boundless magic. For example, becoming a medium has roots in the family and not everyone has this gift; there are steps to follow in becoming a medium and people who do become mediums might reach this conclusion in different ways (Fjelstad, Maiffret). Becoming a medium seems very much like finding a job you feel passionate about and realizing that is what you want to do. My question is: how much power do mediums regard spirits to have? Are spirits all powerful beings? Or are they human-like and only somewhat powerful? In the article “Gifts from the Spirits”, people are shown to ask spirits for help whom in turn possess them (Fjelstad, Maiffret). It appears spirits are regarded as all-powerful since they can heal wounds medicine couldn’t; however, they also have human personas with flaws, like Cau Be (Fjelstad, Maiffret). I guess it’s also difficult for me to understand that people put their faith and trust into these fickle beings. Regardless of whether science supports the powers of shamanism and other spirit healers, it’s evident many people still seek out these services regardless of the skepticism and negative connotation. Though I prefer science and understand the hesitation of believing in these unexplained powers, I empathize with Lor’s words that if people feel better after seeking out these services, why condemn them as fake medicine? (Pa Lor). If something works, it works.

References
Fjelstad, K., Maiffret, L. "Gifts from the Spirits: Spirit Possession and Personal Transformation among Silicon Valley Spirit Mediums"

Lor, Pa. "The Pa Lor Story - The Journey between two Worlds". Txhawb - California Asian Directory, 2009


Media
https://www.shamanism.com/programs/new-year-shamanic-retreat-expanding-light