The Power of The Sacred: A Guide To The Mystical & Natural
For the uninitiated, or for those who don’t spend a lot of time in shamanic meditations, consciousness exploration, religious sects, new-age spirituality or otherwise, the eyes might glaze over when one references “the sacred”.
Expand on that and throw in a “sacred medicine” and you might get a head tilt or two. Might seem strange to those in the know, but I’ve had a few blank stares in my time.
Over the years, it had me thinking…
How do I best try and describe this phrase to someone that has little-to-no exposure within this world, as simply yet meaningfully as possible?
Unpacking the two words separately gave me a bit more insight, which helped to crystallize my own comprehension when I first started exploring the world of shamanism and spirituality, all those many moons ago.
DEFINING SACRED: THE MYSTICAL & THE NATURAL
The word "sacred" is often used to describe objects, places, people or rituals that hold a special significance or importance. It’s a word that indicates a connection to the most holy of holies; the most profound of spiritual or religious experiences; a concept or actualization that we might define as connection to the divine; the mystical; to god; to something much larger than our ordinary sense of self.
There are many angles to take here when exploring the sacred.
From a naturalists perspective, for example, the concept of the sacred could be seen as an appreciation for the interconnectedness and interdependence of all living things. In this sense, nature itself can be considered sacred, as it’s the source of all life and the foundation of our existence. When we acknowledge this interconnectivity and honor the natural world, we are paying tribute to the sacredness of life itself.
Shamanism, on another hand, might take another bound forward into the realms of the mystical, defining the sacred as something beyond the physical realm, to the unseen world of spirits and energies that exist beyond our ordinary perception. In shamanic practices, the sacred might be accessed through altered states of consciousness, such as meditative practices or the use of plant medicines, connecting us with realms beyond the norm to access wisdom, guidance, and healing powers.
Whatever thread we pull on, the idea of the sacred is connected to the same tapestry: the recognition of the profound mystery and wonder of the universe, and our place within it.
TAKING ACTION WITH AYNI: SACRED RECIPROCITY
When we view the world through a lens of sacredness, we see everything as interconnected and imbued with meaning. We recognize the inherent value and beauty in all things, from the smallest grain of sand to the most majestic mountain peak. We understand that our actions have consequences and that we are responsible for maintaining the delicate balance of life on this planet.
This perspective can be particularly powerful in times of crisis or difficulty. When we are faced with the challenges and complexities of life, we can draw on the wisdom of the sacred to guide us through. We can seek guidance from the natural world, whether through the physical or spiritual, and whether through prayer, meditation, or shamanic practices.
One might suggest that it’s important to remember that the concept of the sacred is not just a passive acknowledgement of the universe's wonder and beauty. It also requires us to take action to honour and protect that which we hold sacred.
If indeed we do view nature as sacred, we ought to be compelled to act in ways that honour and protect the environment. This may mean reducing our consumption, advocating for environmental policies, supporting conservation efforts, or really just trying to do the best with what we’ve got and live from a place of what the Andean Q’ero might call “Ayni” - Sacred Reciprocity.
Always ask before we take, always give back, keep the balance in check.
We may feel called to participate in ceremonies or rituals that honour the natural world and its cycles. Ceremonies and rituals that facilitate this connection to the sacred have been undertaken for thousands of years by countless cultures, with traditions and practices still present in their archaic form, and those which have evolved for our modern times, many of which contain elements that help to elicit some sense of the profound, or to evoke feelings of grandeur, awe, veneration, or ineffability.
Something being sacred certainly alludes to a deep sense of reverence or worship, whether within the context of a ceremonial practice, or as simple as personal outlooks (and inlooks) and behaviours towards daily life.
SACRED WISDOM: SEEING THE PARADOX
You could say that the concept of the sacred is not just an abstract idea, but a call to action. It asks us to take responsibility for our place in the world and to act in ways that honour the interconnectedness of all things.
Ultimately, it is a deeply personal and subjective experience. We may find that we are called to different expressions of the sacred depending on our cultural background, personal beliefs, and life experiences.
For some, the sacred may be found in religious or spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, or ritual. For others, it may be found in the beauty of the natural world, in art, music, or literature, or in the relationships we have with others. Regardless of the form it takes, the concept of the sacred is a reminder of the profound mystery and beauty of the universe.
From a birds-eye view, this energy is not limited to the things we consider beautiful or awe-inspiring; it’s present in everything, including the mundane and seemingly insignificant. It’s one of the great paradoxes; the sacred in the profane, and the profane in the sacred.
This perspective invites us to approach life with reverence, curiosity, and humility, recognizing the interconnectedness and inherent value of all beings and things.
DEFINING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN “MEDICINE” & “MEDICATION”
It’s only in recent years that the mainstream paradigm has started becoming more attuned to more traditional and indigenous wisdom, which not only includes looking at health and illness from the physical and mental, but from the emotional, energetic and spiritual aspects of being.
From this context, the word “medicine” is not something that just treats surface levels symptoms, but something that helps treat the root cause of an illness and helps bring balance and harmony to all aspects of our human existence.
When you present to a doctor or general practitioner with physical symptoms of some sort, how often do they ask about your diet, your environment, your relationships, your beliefs, your values, your emotional health, or your connection to something greater than your sense of self?
These are all pieces of the puzzle when it comes to holistic health and wellness. And from a traditional, alternative, or holistic standpoint, “medicine” is something that helps align and integrate these puzzle pieces for us.
In the traditional medical paradigm, the word "medicine" is often associated with pharmaceutical drugs prescribed by a doctor to treat physical or mental health conditions. This narrow view fails to recognize that these symptoms are often just surface-level manifestations of deeper issues. Prescribing drugs to alleviate these symptoms is akin to putting a band-aid on a bullet wound.
In this context, it's important to differentiate between "medicine" and "medication." Medication, from this perspective, treats surface-level symptoms without addressing the root cause of an illness, while “medicine” is something that promotes holistic healing.
Heart medicine. Soul medicine. Spirit medicine.
From shamanic worldviews, the root cause of dis-ease begins in the world of spirit, and then manifests more clearly into the physical. Thought first; form second. Mind first; body second.
When seeking holistic healing through "sacred medicine" we are working with something, whether a practice or a substance, that facilitates overall healing and wellness. This practice could be some form of meditation, breathwork, or ceremonial ritual, while the substance may be a plant, mushroom, or other natural material; some of which certainly potentiate a rapid shift in consciousness and reorientation towards the medicine of soul and spirit.
Due to the power and potency of such natural materials and substances, developing a healthy relationship with “sacred medicines” may involve approaching a substance with reverence and respect and recognizing its spiritual and energetic properties.
This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of all aspects of our being and the importance of setting intentions and creating a safe and sacred space for such a connection to occur.
SUCCINT & SACRED SUMMARIES
Has too much been said?
Perhaps so, and with that, let’s distil it down.
“Sacred medicines include certain substances that help encourage health and wellness on a holistic level. Typically used in a ceremonial and ritualistic manner for thousands of years, they can facilitate self-discovery, personal growth, physical healing, psychological well-being, emotional maturity, alongside profound feelings of awe. reverence, connection and care towards the natural world.”
Perhaps that could’ve been the article. But that wouldn’t have been much of a journey now, would it?
Taking a final step back, “the sacred” is a multifaceted concept that can be difficult to define, but at its core, it’s a recognition of the interconnectedness and inherent value of all beings and things.
It’s an invitation to approach life with reverence, curiosity, and humility, recognizing the divine energy present in everything.
It’s a reminder that we are not separate from nature or from each other, but rather a part of a greater whole.
It’s a call to live in harmony with the natural world and to honour this sacredness of all that exists.
