Anh Pham- Week 3

There are uncountable types of spiritual healers, but all of them have been grouped given a common name, Shaman. It does not present the fact that all spiritual healers hold the same functions, but rather unique ways of healers. Shamans are mediators between the living and the dead. They come into the spirit world while hidden behind the dark veils worn during shaman ceremonies. My grandmother is a strong believer in life after death, and spirits who walk the Earth. She’s told me multiple stories and experiences she’s had, which makes me believe it too. I remember when I was 7 years old, my grandmother invited a Shaman to our home. The Shaman told my grandmother everything she saw. One of them was the death of my great grandfather,  and how he was sitting on the sofa listening to their conversation.

      In “The Pa Lor Story ­ The Journey between two Worlds”, Lor shared her journey of becoming a Shaman. She is in contact with spirit helpers who guide her into the spirit world and teach her about its rules. Specifically, Lor’s main spirit helper has a strong influence on Lor who speaks Chinese when performing shaman ceremonies as well as some Thai, Laotian and Khmer. As mentioned, Shaman customs and rituals are not something that could be learned, the individual just knows when it happens. In present day, acceptance of shamanism as a form of spiritual care and a tool for healing is luckily becoming more popular.


So how do spirits decide when to appear and which living individual can see them?

Works cited: “Home.” Txhawb, txhawb.com/?site=stories&read=2.

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