January/February 2024 Alchemical Voice

Alchemical Voice - L2M - Issue 24
Non-Ordinary Reality is where we encounter spirits,
power animals, teachers and advisors from the spirit
world. Here, the laws of physics do not apply.
Anybody’s understanding of Non-Ordinary Reality is
highly individual. There is no need for consensus. Two
practitioners of Shamanism who visit the spirit world,
with the same intention, might very well return with
different information.
The interface between Ordinary Reality and Non-
Ordinary Reality is to some extent a reflection of the
qualities and current situation of the person who travels
between worlds. A teacher – in human form - of
Shamanism can give guidelines and general advice. Yet,
for the practitioner who encounters beings and features
of the spirit world, of Non-Ordinary Reality, it is vital to
understand how the pre-defined intention with the work
will influence the outcome. It is also of utmost
importance to establish rapport with benevolent spirits
who can assist with guidance, advice, protection and
also help interpret information gathered by the
practitioner.
The interface between Ordinary Reality and Non-
Ordinary Reality as experienced in Shamanic work can
be quite diffuse and unclear.
Reality or not?
Consider the risk of confusion in the play of words.
A photograph is a representation of reality, no more or
no less. Keep in mind that it does not necessarily show
the subject as it is. It may not convey the true nature of
the subject. Does a photograph gain meaning by
representing its subject? Or maybe it is the other way
around? We are back with the chicken and the egg, and
indeed what the interface between them really is?
Life on a seesaw
The painter Paul Cezanne said “if I think, all is lost”.
I invite the reader to explore and meditate on the
various forms of “betwixt & between” they can
define in their life.
Never mind about the conundrum of chicken ‘n’
egg or egg ‘n’ chicken. As we have seen, there is
always a flow of esoteric energy between worlds.
Do not think too much. Use your emotions, your
intuition, and your spirit when you explore the
different realities.
The extended version of life is a seesaw, with you
sitting on both ends at the same time....
The question of reality is an age old question, asked by
many philosophers throughout history, from Plato’s
shadows on a cave wall to Einstein who allegedly said
that “reality is merely an illusion, albeit a persistent
one”.
It is easy to get tripped up by semantics and a common
understanding of the meaning of words.
John Sjovik
Shaman Healer
www.shamaqi.com
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