i have been reading a book called Dead Names: the dark history of the Necronomicon, it is a book written by Simon, who was behind th translation and publication of the first edition of teh Necronomicon. i have learned quite alot from that book, includining it's origins, as well as clear links between various cultures and religions. it also introduced me to a piece of modern history i hadn't known before but was apparrently already old news.

in any case, the most important and fundamental thing i larned there as it pertains to this thread is the concept that the only way to attain the power of Wisdom and Knowledge required by this ancient Sumerian form of Shamanism is to sacrifice your own Sanity to attain it. this definition of Sanity is simply what society deems a normal functioning mind. we hae to alienate ourselves from our communities socially in order to provide them with the important things they need from us that we know about. the secrets of the True universe -- and beyond it. to protect them from dark forces, to let them live comfortably we give up our own comfort. we choose whether to be blissfully ignorant sheep or the spiritual warrior protecting them. and the most ironic part about this selfless choice is that the sheep don't understand us at all, and consider us lunatics to be made fun of.

i guess it all just goes to show that Shamans realy are warriors. i'm glad to be one, no matter the many times that i allow myself to sulk and mourn. i'm proud of my choice, and i will never regret it. if anyone wishes to be a Shaman, i would suggest reading Dead Names at leats, and considering reading the Necronomicon. but only when you feel ready.

Interesting, but in our case I believe that is abandoning what society considers "The Norm" or their level of "Sanity". After all, I'd be declared clinically insane with all that I believe and I know several of the different diagnosis they would give me. I think all energy workers and individuals like us who work to protect the world and strive to bridge the gap between the spiritual, divine, and the mortal world are already considered insane when we decide not to follow the path of the "Mundane," the "Sheep," etc. I was branded that way since I was a child (an Outcast) so it is a state I am used to and I'm happy being just as I am.

i guess that's kind of my point. ^_^

And I'm just supporting as well as verifying it.

indeed.