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4 A Journal of Contemporary Shamanism VOLUME 8 ISSUE 1 SPRINGSUMMER 2015 myself. Certainly I have had competent massages from therapists without any knowledge of shamanism. But when I look for mas- sage therapists and other bodyworkers I watch for those who are intuitive who are sensitive and best who are shamanic. What happens in those sessions may not be shamanism but is always enriched by that deeper connection that occurs. When I think of shamanic practitioners I know today more of us are combining various practices than not. I know shamanic prac- titioners who are also bodyworkers dreamworkers who include a variety of divination practices like runes and the ogham who work with channeling and mediumship who use henna or tattoos as part of their shamanic work. Is there a way we can explore these things together There are rich topics for conversation here things to be shared and learned. Its not about broadening the definition of shamanism so far that everything possible is included but of allowing ourselves to admit that our lives and work include other things and over time these things interweave in ways that become essential to who we are. Shamanic practice is at its core based in our ongoing rela- tionships with trusted allies and listening to their guidance. This inevitably leads us in different directions and it may not be helpful to be too exclusive in setting limits on what can and cannot be discussed and shared. Astrology for example is not shamanism but how might it be shamanic How has my work in astrology been affected by my shamanic practice and vice versa I would love to find like-minded others with whom to explore these topics and I suspect Im not alone. Can we make our tent big enough to allow these kinds of con- versations to happen And we must also allow for the very real possibility that the shamanic tent may get far bigger than we can imagine. At a time in the worlds history when many paths are crossing combining and coming together we may want to keep open minds and hearts about where our allies send us. We might find many practices fold- ing into and becoming shamanic. In the world of improv performance actors must learn to Yes and When a partner tosses out the unexpected and youre on stage together you cant say no you have to build on whats there Yes and. My life feels more like improv the farther I go. This does not mean I lack skills. In fact good improv performers are some of the most skilled actors around. What it means is that I can or try to roll with what comes my way and build on it. I guess I am moving into a form of shamanic practice that also says yes and I think thats what my allies are asking of me. Mary Pat Lynch threecauldrons.com 24th September 2014 was a day of sorrow. Ailo Gaup left this world passing into a place we can only imagine. He was a dear friend of mine for 34 years. I met him the first time in the beginning of the eighties. I was just seventeen when he turned up at my par- ents house asking if I would join a the- atre group he was starting up. I followed him to Kautokeino in north Norway. We worked in theatre for many years he wrote scripts and I directed. Besides that we started on our spiritual journey. I remember we invented methods to train intuition sitting everyday trying to read each others thoughts interpret- ing dreams and removing ourselves to other realities. Ailo had a big heart and a great laugh and his skills in shamanism were incredible. He came to a hospital where I was with my mother who was very ill with cancer. Ailo did what he could do. Afterwards he said Sorry the disease has gone too far we can only end her suffering. Three days later she died. I know that many Sami people sought help from Ailo even though the people of the church condemned it. The younger generation especially had great faith in his work. We must not forget the books he wrote nor his magic poetry that contains many mythical secrets. His book The Shamanic Zone has become a must-read among Sami people. When I first heard about that book I was wondering how I could get hold of it which bookstores might have it. A few minutes after thinking that thought the telephone rang. Of course it was Ailo wondering where he could send a copy of the book. Such was my relation- ship with Ailo just thinking of him made him respond immediately. In March 2014 I was going through a hard time my heart was full of fear and tears were running down my cheeks. I was wondering what to do how to end this suffering. My telephone beeped and a text message arrived from Ailo asking what he could do for me. He has helped me many times and every time I have thought that this is a real shaman. Maybe the last real Sami shaman. The final indication of that was at his own funeral. When we said goodbye to him and saw the car drive away with his coffin an immense thunderstorm started. It lasted the entire afternoon and night. I am sure he rode the thunder to the other side. -- Do not move faster than the speed of your protecting angel Contact sa Simma at Tel 4670 2705770 Day of Sorrow by sa Simma