WEEK 4: Jennifer Agcanas

WEEK 4  (Jennifer Agcanas)
ASA189B




In Week's 4 suggested reading " 'We Are Not Alone' The Shamans Of The World Tell Us", it explores the idea of how spirits (such as ancestral spirits) surround us to provide all creatures on Earth with knowledge and wisdom intended to help guide the mysterious workings of the natural world. The concept of "spirit realm" now is generally seen as bogus due to it not being scientifically driven. However, this articles states that scientific theories/fixes are useful and but it is necessary to also consider nonscientific alternatives such as the integration of shaman practices to "maintain or restore a harmonious balance between humans and the rest of nature".

It also delves into the idea of how we all derived from shaman ancestors and we should all acknowledge the foundation they built for us and thus further the practice of shamanism into modern society as a way to reconnect with nature. Every living thing are connected as one with the help of spirits but since modern society has chosen to ignore this idea, there's an imbalance in unity, wisdom, and interconnectedness. I wholeheartedly agree in that the mystery and beauty of "the unknowable" should be explored. I think looking towards nonscientific alternatives in use with scientific approaches will thus cause more of a balance and the mysteries of the natural world can thus be answered. As this week's theme is labeled "Spirits Spirits Everywhere: Animism and Modern Interpretations" there are indeed spirits everywhere as seen through our ancestors, shaman practices, and even the spirit encounters several people talked about in class.