This sounds pretty incredible to the average reader. How can shapeshifting be real? Isn't that just something in stories and myth? I'll tell you of its roots in shamanism and about the different creatures associated with shapeshifting. I'm sure you'll find it quite fascinating.
Shapeshifting was most traditionally studied by psychopomp shamans. It was the art of imitating. They believed by acting like beasts and mythical creatures they would become them, and gain their powers and wisdom. This was also believed in middle America, and they worshipped the Jaguar, believing that it was a creature associated with shapeshifting. Nearly all of the Native Americans have stories and tales of animals changing into humans and vice-versa. One of the most notable is perhaps werewolves or lycanthropes, which came from Druidism. The men of oak, as they call druids, were men of philosophy, medical study, and nature. They were rumored to be able to summon animals to fight for them and were said to be able to change into bears and wolves. These men, the druids of the British Isles and the surrounding areas, including Eire (Ireland) did not write anything down. Their traditions were passed down solely from ovates, or those who teach from spoken word alone. These druids lived amongst trees, in groves, and many of them took to hermetical study. There is no doubt in my mind these men were one of the original shapeshifters.
Berserkers of Norse myth were rumored to be like shapeshifters, being able to transform themselves into barbaric men of extreme strength and combat skills, enraged like wild frenzied animals. Many said they ingested drugs to send themselves into a blind rage. They were the most feared men on Earth because of this. Additionally, vampires are a legendary creature able to shapeshift. They are most defined as raised corpses returned to terrorize their former cities. They had powers over hypnosis, strength, necromancy, and could, in most legends, take the form of rats, bats, wolves, and mist. They used their abilities to deceive humans so they could easily seduce them and drink their blood and lifeforce. Also, Wendigos, an alien wolf creature, is said to be able to change its appearance, as well various other mythical creatures. In many tales, gods take the appearance of different people to do their will and deliver messages.
How can shapeshifting be possible? One would have to have the belief or the ability to change into another shape. In a more general sense, people like actors put on clothes and costumes to play different roles which is a form of imitation or shifiting. Can others take the shape of another? Consider this. A person who is a shaman can be inhabited by many supernatural creatures. If the shaman is able to have a spirit enter his body, he may channel the voice, mannerisms, and appearance of the spirit. Anything is possible, or at least they say. The central belief of shamanism is animism, and in animism, there is a belief that all things have a spirit, be them a table, tree, or waterfall. Want to know more about all this, and so much more, for free with no signup? Try http://www.sacred-texts.com There you will find all sorts of information on religion, magick, witchcraft, philosophy, and so much more.
I hope you enjoyed this. The belief in shapeshifting for supernatural creatures is one thing but a human is another. Will you become a passionate vampire or a beautiful diva tonight? Or maybe a helpful muse? Perhaps you want to be an alpha werewolf. The possibilities are endless. Until next time, ciao!
Comments
Post a Comment