The Shaman of Bad Dürrenberg
This is a woman who was buried approximately 9,000 years ago. Based on the overall situation and the grave goods found, scientists have identified her as a shaman, and she is referred to as such.
The grave of the ›Shaman‹
The grave of the 'Shaman' from Bad Dürrenberg is one of the oldest burials in Central Germany. An infant was buried with her. Analysis of the woman's skeleton revealed that her two uppermost cervical vertebrae were malformed, and that blood vessels in the lower skull may have been restricted. This malformation may have made her a special person. Anthropologists suspect that she was able to pinch off a blood vessel by holding her head in a certain position. This may have led to an involuntary eye movement, known as nystagmus. The abundant inventory of grave goods testifies to the deceased's special social role. Also remarkable is the enormous variety of animal species represented in the grave; not all of them were intended solely as food supplies for the afterlife. Special grave goods also played an important role in interpreting this burial as the grave of a shaman.
(Source/Image and text): State Museum of Prehistory (Halle/Saale).
Interesting facts about (classical?!) shamanism:
Originally, anchored in many (or all?!) cultures: the three worlds. Shamanism itself, too. Strictly speaking, cultures developed/developed from the origins of shamanism and, at the same time, in connection with it. The elements and all the forces of what we call nature are the origin of and part of the same greater whole.
In Buffalo Woman Shamanism, it's about recognizing one's place/our place within it and taking it. Recognizing and living one's true human nature. Making room for it, both individually and collectively.
Then as now, the shaman accompanies the individual and/or a group/collective or even the collective/humanity.
Often even before the birth of the individual, through the process of being born, growing up and becoming an adult, at weddings and anniversaries, in everyday life, with advice and action, right up to the passing away/dying process and accompanying the person into the afterlife/escorting into the other worlds.
In Buffalo Woman Shamanism also build bridges and create peace.
Thus, the shamanic practitioner had to and was allowed to know, learn, and be able to do many things. But also to accept them with humility and be grateful.
The Buffalo Woman Shamanism is rooted in the power of the white buffalo/wisent, which brought the connection to the white buffalo woman. Through the power of the white buffalo, work/activity together with power animals, helper animals, and helping spirits is also possible.
The White Buffalo Womanin Buffalo Woman Shamanism:
As Viola, people recognized and named me as a shaman when they tried to categorize what I do and how I live. I don't care about being called that myself. Neither shaman nor white buffalo woman.
As a human being, I am aware of the obligation of this name. It is a great honor to bear this name. Thus, I fulfill the tasks assigned to me as a transcendent being and empathetic human being.
Viola Flambé, too, was specifically chosen for this work. It is the name that carries the energy and power of THE WHITE BUFFALO WOMAN. She herself chose/gave this name. Deep GRATITUDE.
Other good spirits also speak or work through me when I open a sacred space through prayer and ceremony.
The power of our true nature and the laws of nature are at work. I don't work with spirit beings, but rather the spirit beings work/work with me. THANK YOU for that!
Shaman drum
Shaman drum building
Buffalo Woman Shamanism
