That sounds very interesting indeed!
So the Dene don't do the Tea Dance or the game anymore?
Did you get to talk to any Dene or even see them do anything like shape-shifting?
Hi Moontingle,
Glad you enjoyed your trip. Sound's like it was worth putting up with the cold for it.
This is GREAT stuff! I've always believed that since the industrial age, western man has palced more and more reliance on technology and the sciences to explain this world we live in. Sure there have been great benefits, but there has also been great losses, as superstitions and mysticism have been forced out of our way of thinking. We have lost instinct to deductive reasoning, intuition to logic. What can't be measured or reliably observed mustn't really exist.
I love the fact that the Dean people, and many other tribal societies have not lost to technology the ability to understand and embrace the unmeasurable.
Thanks for sharing this with us.
[:)]
James.
Yes, Sunrise, they still make the Tea Dance, but it's rare nowadays and with everyone not in the same frame of mind that they used to be in. So many things have happened, just as to the world's many Aboriginal people, to destroy cultural beliefs, by the church and government. So, it is only the old people who still believe in the metaphysical things and who can still do them. And you must take much time and care to befriend them before they will let you in on their secrets. I am getting to know my aunt better -- didn't know her well before this trip because she lives so far away -- so that she might share her knowledge with me someday.
James, you hit it on the head. Technology is great, but at what cost? I've been researching the fur trade here in Canada which had a huge influence on our Aboriginal people. You have people hunting to subsist, and then all of a sudden you are killing hundreds of wolves, beaver etc. to trade for metal pots and guns that make your life so much easier. And you forget the rule of life that states "take only what you need".
People used to be so psychic, they had to be, in order to exist. They used to know when someone was coming to visit them -- but why develop that capacity now when we have telephones? Those abilities we had atrophy with disuse.
Anyway, I am going to find the old ways as much as I can and use them to empower my people to find their old strength again. As much as possible. Sadly, the town I was in up north has much alcoholism. In fact, I learned 90 percent of the kids in the school there are affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, because their mothers drank when they were growing in the womb. Their brains are like swiss cheese and many faculties we take for granted are impossible for them to use. I don't know what things will be like when these youngsters become adults. Many of them end up in jail because they have no reasoning of cause and effect. If I steal this, I will get into trouble -- this doesn't occur to them and they just pull the crime. Sometimes, I think we'll need a miracle.
Ever optimistic,
Moontingle
Hi Moontingle I have read afew of your posts befor and some of the things you mention have intrested me. Im not a shapeshifter but I would like to be one!
Have you ever witnessed anyone change shape?
Do you have any techniques?
I have heard the storys of things like this but I myself have never seen anything.
-Aries
Moontingle,
The alcohol problem you mention amongst the aboriginal people there is just the same here in Aus. Entire communities of Koori people (the name of our mainland aboriginals) are afflicted by alcohol and petty thefts, where offenders, even juveniles, are thrown straight into jail. Mandatory sentencing is one of the big Human Rights problems in Aus where our federal government seems to have a blind spot. The suicide rate amoung young Kooris who have been thrown into jail for minor offences is horrific.
They're given government welfare and communities to live in, but they're not given any real hope of either proper integration into our western communities, or being allowed to fully go back to living the way of their ancestors. One of those sad European "we know what's best for them" problems. They're bored, dispossessed people who have no tolerance for, but gain terrible addictions to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms.
Sorry to be so depressing with my post, but it seems like our western ideals have a long way to go before we can learn to treat these ancient living races with any real respect.
James.
<----VERY skeptical. I think that the belief in magic came from that spiritual part of our psychy that wants to know more then just what we can see and touch. However, we are bound by laws of the dimension we exist in, and to change ones body (shape, hair placement, circulatory system, organs) from it's origional state is definately against the unbreakable laws that govern the physical dimension. What about animals that have 4 stomachs, or animals 10 times larger than humans. Do they grow extra stomachs, or magically create tons of extra material to shift into say, an elephant? Can shapeshifters manipulate all these factors?
This may be an odd example of shapeshifting. For a few years I had a little flower garden. I discovered a dog spirit sitting next to me whenever I was digging in this garden spot. I got use to it after a while. Each year this dog would sit and watch me work. I got away from my garden after so many years. The last year I planted something there, the dog changed from dog to a bird,I could hear it in the tree right next to the garden. It made the same sound long enough for me to know it was him.I never saw either, only heard the sound. I wondered why, and I wondered if this was a bird or a dog. I also wondered if I had only imagined it all. I have discovered since then, dogs and birds guard me in spirit, and also send me messages. It's pretty cool, and very real.
I know it's beyond belief, but old Tibetans and First Nations people have multiple stories about people who shape-shift and their spirits are able to take on different physical bodies. I've never met anyone who could do it, but have it on good authority that a certain old man on a local reservation could change himself into a black dog when he needed to get somewhere fast. There are Skin-Walkers in the Navajo society who change into animals, and in the Chippewa Nation, there are multiple stories of people who can change into antelope.
If you've ever seen a movie called "Thunderheart" with Val Kilmer, a wanted man "Jimmy" hides in a trailer and the policepepper it with bullits; a deer jumps over the fence and runs away. His friends tell the police Jimmy can shape-shift. It's talked about all over Indian country, with such intensity, that I'm sure it's possible. And, do you remember the movie in which a princess changes into a falcon by day, and her lover changes into a wolf by night, so they can never be together. Can't recall the title of the movie ...
Anyway, it's something I'm looking into with my friends and I should have more info on it in a while. But in the meantime, I haven't a clue how shape-shifting and I agree with a past-poster that it is no easy feat. It is definitely high magic and only extremely advanced adepts undertake it.
Moontingle
I loved that movie. And great music too.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089457/
Tsk. Tsk. I'm pecking away at this message with one hand. The wrist of my other is black & blue with a bad sprain. There I was yesterday -- total blue sky, mountain ranges towering on either side of me, and beams of sunlight laser-ing through the pine trees. A glorious day for cross-country skiing. Everything is great, except I keep losing my balance on these skinny skis and wiping out HARD. I want to quit, but I rally to the sound of my husband's insistence that I'll never learn to ski if I quit now. He says it's only fear that is making me give up and go home. He even tells me if I ever want to be a good astral-traveller, I need to overcome my fears.
Halfway around the track, shaking with fatigue & fear, I place my skis in the ruts of the track-set trail and let 'er rip down a steep hill. My brother waits at the bottom of the hill to catch me in case I wipe out at a corner and hit a tree. Big Mistake!!! Sure enough, I
lose control big time, plow into my brother, take him out at the knees, and he falls on my outstretched hand which I'm trying to shield myself with. I end up laughing, then crying, cause I'm cold & it hurts, then I start the two-mile trek back to the lodge, leaving them to deal with my skis and poles. Moral of story: if you're a fledgling at anything, don't let other pro's talk you into trying too hard at something that is way over your head.
Hmmm. Maybe this is another thread. I'm thinking: sometimes, if I wasn't pushed into something, I'd never have tried it and would have lost out on a great experience. Other times, this little voice of intuition inside tells me not to do something, but I ignore it & go along with whatever it is, feeling strong & devil-dareish, only to be met with utter disaster. Know what I mean - fear - It's a big test all right. And, isn't it often annoyingly humbling to be the only beginner amidst a group of experts. Like reading about astralpulse island & wondering if you'll ever get there!!!
Anyway, back to shapeshifting. Wisp, that's a great story of the dog/bird. I love both. I really hope to fly with the birds some day. I met someone from New York - Birdwoman - She had huge wings - one gigantic tatoo, that started at her backbone, spread down her shoulders, with feathers ending at her knuckles. She told of incredible experiences she'd had with birds.
[/quote]This is GREAT stuff! I've always believed that since the industrial age, western man has palced more and more reliance on technology and the sciences to explain this world we live in. Sure there have been great benefits, but there has also been great losses, as superstitions and mysticism have been forced out of our way of thinking. We have lost instinct to deductive reasoning, intuition to logic. What can't be measured or reliably observed mustn't really exist.
James, you hit the nail on the head. We rely on technology too much. Why check up on someone psychically, when you can pick up the phone and talk to them. But, perhaps the present interest in all things metaphysical is the final great journey, the journey within to the greatest truth about our true nature & capacities, that leads us away from the arrogant, detached technological society we have created. Still, not to slam technology, we wouldn't be communicating globally like this if not for technology, but can we find the middle road?
Just some thoughts.
In Spirit, Moontingle
I think that man decided to follow the path of Technology rather than the Spiritual path. Which is better for some then others. I personally would have choosen the Spiritual path.
I think that shapeshifting is real, how ever it may be lost for the most part today.
If its possible to project into the astral plane, or cast magic or summon spirits then why wouldnt it be possible to change ones shape?
-Aries
About shape-shifting. Try reading "Called By The Spirits" by Serengel, a Siberian Shamaness. Very simply, she tells you how to call in a principal spirit who will then assist you in attracting an animal spirit. As your relationship with this animal evolves in a loving and creative way, the animal spirit may move in to protect you at times, or do a piece of work for you. Serengel has many stories of seeing Mongolian or Siberian shamans changing into the animal needed for a certain healing.
Study your animal, learn about it, leave it gifts, make a totem (small replica of it for your altar or medicine bag) and dance it's dance. Respect it and feel what it would be like running like a wolf. One day, you will be, perhaps, dancing around a fire like you think a wolf would, losing yourself in its nature, and suddenly you are wolf, leaving your footprints in the snow.
The symbiotic relationship with an animal must be one of respect, and being a shaman means working to restore balance to all of life. The spirit will leave you if you work from ego and for self-reward.
I highly recommend Serengel's book.
In Spirit, Moontingle
Can you help me find my Animal Totem? Please? I have always been very fond of wolfes, and have seen afew in the wild (alaskan raised!) but I am not sure what it would be.
-Aries
Dear all,
Im a new member and recently posted this query on the OBE site but feel that maybe you guys may have an insight into the following. I know that its not shape shifting but could possibly be a link to understanding or discovering my totem?
Hello everyone,
Im a new member and would greatly appreciate it if anyone could explain the following experience to me or provide me with any insights with which to understand the symbolism behind this recent experience. I was walking beside a river and had a strange tingling and felt as though my state of reality was altering, i rushed home and sat in my room and began to drum on some bongos which a friend had left lying around (Not something I have ever used before). Suddenly I was aware that i had changed into a small boy with orangeish skin and dark thick roughly chopped hair, I felt that this boy was frightened and apprehensive. (I was still aware of being myself and in my room but it was though there was a movie screen in front of me and i could see and feel that two, as if there were two seperate realities merging into one. The boy -(Myself) was in a lush rainforest and a shadowy spirit like figure of an older man passed me an animal skin which I did not want around me - (Probably something to do with being a veggie in the here and now) The animal skin was feline and very dark and as it fell upon me i could feel the sensation of it merging with my body and my heart beat increaswed, my vision and hearing also heightened. I slowly merged with the animal skin and felt myself moving as if on all fours, then curiosuly i was walking with two large paws in front of me, the strange thing is that i was also druming and fully aware of that reality too, as i drummed in one reality the animal me walked in perfect unison with the rythm of the drumming. I felt a total and complete oneness with both parts of myself and the sensation of becoming the animal was very vivid I could feel, hear, see and smell as though i was that animal. Eventually I felt light headed and the animal reality ceased and I was left very dazed and feeling very close to the ground, and heavy as if I had been astral travelling. The animal was very dark almost black with spots like a jaguar. Now all of this happened in a waking state and has puzzled me for some time as it was not a visulisation or meditation as it commenced whilst I was out in the sunshne enjoying a walk in the countryside.
Anyway apologies for the lenghty account and I hope that someone would be kind enough to maybe help me to understand the bizzare experience.
Kindest Regards
Love and light
Natural Mystic
Hi Natural Mystic,
That's a very interesting experience. I just came here to post again, I would love to look it over and see if I get any ideas from your experience.
Aries,
I've read a little about totem animals. I've learned that you can have more than one. I've also learned that sometimes it's an animal you are a afraid of, or even an animal which has brought trouble your way. The fact you are attracted to the wolf is also quite significant too. There are many people more qualified than me on this subject, hopefully one will come forward to help you. I know of a web site or two about this. I will post them when I get a chance.
Moontingle is probably well read on the subject.
I thought I would share something interesting that happened the morning after my spirit dog turned bird story (in this thread). As I was waking up the next morning I was doing what I usually do, trying to recall my last dream, as well as any other dreams I had the night before. Suddenly there was a strong and determined knock on my window next to my bed. I was a little startled because it sounded urgent, and maybe a little angry.I thought of anger because it sounded like a fist instead of knuckles doing the knock. I sat up, pulled the drape back, the only thing there were a mass of birds flying a few feet from my window.They looked like sparrows (small birds),I didn't have my glasses on. When I opened the curtain, they flew away toward the nearest tree as if they were rushing from me.
I have birds do this to me quite often (sometimes one, sometimes more than one at a time). This was the first time I've experienced them create the sound of a human hand knocking at the window. I know there is a reason or message for this. I only hope one day I will learn more what they are trying to convey.
I have another strange story that happened when I was 10 years old. I will write it up. It's not about a bird, but about a strange non human creation which walked into the room I was in one night. The reason I think of shapeshifting with this experience is because I believe this creature or thing came from one of my grandparents while either he or she were sleeping in the next room. The object was made of wood! This strange thing happened while I was very much awake.
quote:
Originally posted by wisp
This may be an odd example of shapeshifting. For a few years I had a little flower garden. I discovered a dog spirit sitting next to me whenever I was digging in this garden spot. I got use to it after a while. Each year this dog would sit and watch me work. I got away from my garden after so many years. The last year I planted something there, the dog changed from dog to a bird,I could hear it in the tree right next to the garden. It made the same sound long enough for me to know it was him.I never saw either, only heard the sound. I wondered why, and I wondered if this was a bird or a dog. I also wondered if I had only imagined it all. I have discovered since then, dogs and birds guard me in spirit, and also send me messages. It's pretty cool, and very real.
I've experienced something similar with a bird when I lived in a bog and worked in my flower garden. The bird spirit would sing to me like a cedar wax wing but extra twills. My husband told me it sounded like it was twilling, "I love you." For awhile we thought it was some person hiding in the woods watching us. We would search and fond nothing. Not even a bird in the places the twill came from.
I never witnessed physical shape changing but in astral form I sometimes travel as a cat.
Moontingle your experience sounds well worth the cold weather. Thanks for sharing it.
The Bard,
Interesting! Your experience does sound like mine. I had the impression the spirit dog turned into a Dove. I couldn't see the bird, the sound after the dog sounds, it seemed to turned into what a Dove might sound like. I have no idea what a Dove sounds like, it made a breathy kind of sound.
I've heard that being an animal in a dream, is in part,shape- shifting.
I want to correct something from my last post on this thread. This object I saw, took place in a room I had often slept in,I was not asleep on this particular night while seeing this creature. Here is my experience that night:
My family spent weekends at the grandparent's house when I was growing up. My mother's parents were the to bed early, up early type of people. My sister and I this night went to bed a little earlier than usual too. When we visited, we slept in this double bed in a room adjacent to the grandparents. My sister went right off to sleep, usually we talk a little before going to sleep, I was surprised how fast she went to sleep. I wasn't sleepy at all, but thought I might as well get some sleep too. Just then, I heard one of my grandparents get out of bed. I thought how unusual, once they go to bed, they stay asleep all night. Then I thought, maybe one of them got up to use the bathroom. The bathroom was in the same room I was in. I watched to see which one was getting up to the bathroom. I waited, no footsteps heard from the next room. The two rooms were separated by this dark red curtain across the door. I listened, but could not hear this person not make anymore sounds, not even the sound of getting back into bed.It was beginning to be a challenge to me now. I was determined to wait patiently to see which grandparent got out of bed, and why. Minutes passed, maybe even 10 minutes passed, I still waited. Finally the curtain began to part open.I looked intently at the curtain. Minutes more passed, why is this person standing at the curtain as if to come through, but doesn't? Then the curtain opened more, all I could see was this piece of wood about 5 feet off the floor sticking through the curtain.More minutes passed. Then the curtained open up, through curtain came this walking wood thing. I was shocked and frightened. It's hard to discribe this thing. It was like a mass of thin wood slats piled together. The thing walked into my room. I could see it clearly because there was a light coming from the bathroom window. I was basically frozen with fear. It continued past the foot of my bed. It kept moving forward into a shadow area caused by the open bathroom door. Past the shadow area it would have to continue on through a door which lead out to this enclosed sun porch. It didn't make a sound. I hoped it would keep on moving. I watched but couldn't see anything in the dark area. I was too scared to get out of bed. The object wasn't scary, it's just I had never seen such a thing in my life! I must have become tired trying to see in the dark, I fell asleep at some time. I can't remember if I had mentioned the incident the next day, but I never forgot the weirdness. And, I have always wondered what this thing could be.Through the years, I think of it as walking sticks.
Happy 2004 Everyone! Doesn't this year already seem auspicious? Four is such a good, balanced number. 2004 rolls off the tongue nicely and it just feels good saying it. It's the year of the monkey in Chinese astrology, and I love monkeys, they are so agile and fun-loving. Went to the zoo over the holidays and watched the monkeys for a long time. Esp. the spider monkeys who swung by their tails and chased each other around the trees having a blast.
Aries, start to work with Wolf -- it sounds like you resonate with wolf spirit. If you feel it's right in your heart, study the true nature of wolf. I have been told that each species of animal shares one spirit, so if you see a wolf in the physical and decide to talk to it, remember, you are not praying to the animal, you are praying to the spirit of wolf, that which is the animating force behind the animal that has the aspects of the entity we have named "wolf" in the english language. Pray to have the spirit of guardianship, ritual, and loyalty. You represent the true spirit of the free and unspoiled wilderness. Be smart, friendly, family-oriented (or clan/community oriented which I think would translate as giving back to your family or community).
Wolves are so highly misunderstood as cold-blooded killers. Yet, their sense of family is strong and they live by carefully defined rules and rituals. Each animal in wolf society hierarchy has its place and function. There is an "alpha" male and an "alpha female".
Wolves rarely fight - a glance, posture or growl often ends any contention. They don't have to demonstrate their power, but they are capable of wielding it if it comes down to it. Wolf teaches you to know who you are and to develop strength, confidence and surety in what you do so that you don't have to demonstrate and prove yourself.
Wolf is reminding you to keep your spirit alive. It has keen senses, especially smell and hearing. Listen to your inner thoughts and words. As you develop wolf spirit, you develop capacity for making quick and firm decisions, and secure your emotional attachments. Learn to trust your own insights. Wolf can help you to hear the inner voice, and guard you from inappropriate actions. When wolf shows up, maybe it's time to find a new path, take a new journey, take control of your life. You are the governor of your life. You create it and direct it. Do so with harmony and discipline, and then you will know the true spirit of freedom. This info about wolf comes from Animal-Speak by Ted Andrews.
Wisp, while you were describing your "wood" apparition, a thought came. A friend of mind found himself fetching water by himself on a windless morning, at about 5 am. He was just dipping his pail into the lake when an old man rose up out of the water and moved toward him. My friend screamed, dropped the pail, and ran to his mom (he was about five at the time). When he got to his mom, she shook her head and said his grandfather was trying to give him his medicine power. Because George became afraid, the power turned away.
It's a strange form your grandparent took, but maybe they were trying to pass along a gift and were testing your bravery? Just a thought. Maybe with one stick you can't do much, but with many you can make mass and form something of it, even an entity that moves. With little practice or few people, not as much can be done as with practice and many people of one heart working together.
In Spirit, Moontingle
My dog Ozzy is half wolf and the small town I live in blames him everytime dogs slaughter the chickens around here. So yes wolves are very misunderstood. I got so mad at him today when he ran off on my daughter (while she walked him) and I had to look for them. I'd been bed ridden for a few days in pain from head to toe. When I got out to chase the dog I realized I felt better. All I needed was some fresh air. Wolves are very healing spirits. I just can't let him have run of the town because everyone wants to shoot him.
Ozzy can open doors and when I was sleeping one day he got out by openning the door. A neighbor took him to a pound 20 miles away. We found him and a few days after he zoomed out of our yard grabbed her rabbit and dropped the poor scared ball of fluff in our yard with the girl who took him to the pound chasing after him and yelling at the top of her lungs. The rabbit was fine. He was just picking on the girl for taking him to the pound.
Here's a picture of Ozzy. How could anyone want to shoot this cool fellow?
(http://i.xanga.com/Sceherazade/shades.jpg)
Ozzy is very cool! And what a personality. Like, he still has that streak of "wildness" in him, but what a gentleman. Carrying that rabbit away in his jaws, but dropping it unharmed.
Something interesting: my husband has seen 3 lynx since Dec. 1. Lynx medicine is kind of like having X-ray vision, knowing the inner workings of people and things. With lynx, you have to have concern about sharing secrets, since it can have consequences. Last week, my husband shared one of my "secrets" -- my interest in posting on astralpulse (too much, in his opinion) and astral travel -- with my family. My mother sat me down (something she's never done) and told me she's worried about this, and that I'm neglecting my responsibilities, namely, my family. I'm feeling a little scorched over that one.
On the brighter side, this conversation about shape-shifting has awakened my love for animals and I'd like to volunteer at our local SPCA, or take in wounded animals. BTW, we have three dogs and two cats, the latest cat came to us before Christmas and has taken over our house. He's such a rogue!
In Spirit, Moontingle
I didnt read through all of this but I'm pretty sure it wasnt posted. Every living organism has 2 bodies a physical body and a spiritual one. Both are connected. The physical body cannot operate without the spirtiual. Which is why cryogenics does not work. But the spiritual body can operate without the physical. One example is a spirit. So my conclusion in that is that the spirtual body must be stronger the the physcial.
So maybe the way you shape shift is sort of a super fast Biokinesis. After generating so much energy the body proballiy could change under the will of the spirit.
quote:
So maybe the way you shape shift is sort of a super fast Biokinesis. After generating so much energy the body proballiy could change under the will of the spirit
That's it, Clow! I mean, all we hear about is of the mind/body connection and we can heal ourselves through our thoughts. There's a saint in India who once was fat, and she was tormented by her mother-in-law about it. She meditated/prayed and now she lives on a miniscule amount of food and water. We can cure nasal conjestion by seeing it as a logjam and visualize it being blown up in our minds.
So, since we are SPIRIT first, why couldn't we assume another body at will. Of course it likely takes superhuman focus and concentration, but the most complicated metaphysical feats do. I also think we must be working in cooperation with the spirit of the animal, too, to shape-shift into a particular animal and also have knowledge of, say, flying, before we try donning an eagle body.
Make sense?
Makes perfect Sense. Glad I could help.[|)]
Thank you for the Wolf info Moony, but how do I find out what my Totems are? Because I think it may be a Wolf, but thats my own insight, I dont actually have a reason for thinking that...
-Aries
Okay, Aries, now I understand you're wondering what your totems are ... there are two ways as far as I know. If you have a guide you've been working with, you can ask them in your meditations. Or, years ago, I tried the shamanic method and found a horse was one of my animals. First, find a drumming tape or the "Alpha Sound" tape, just rapid beats that will put your mind into trance, or even better, have someone drum for you. After about five minutes they should hit the drum slowly for four beats, this signals you to end your journey and come back to waking consciousness. Go into the earth through a tree or a hole in the ground that you have seen at some time in your life. A pleasant hole, if possible, as opposed to a manhole or something like that, maybe a geyser hole or one made by an animal. Anyway, visualize going down this hole, or down through the roots of the tree, and sliding down a tube into earth, when you finally exit the tube, you will be in the underworld, and an animal will come forth. Talk with it, interact with it, ask it what gifts it has to give you, ask for something you can bring back into the physical world with you. When you hear the four slow beats, come out of your visualization, and back into waking consciousness. Write down what you've learned about your animal.
This complete method of journeying to find your animal is written in Michael Harner's book "Way of the Shaman" - the book's been around forever. Lots of other books about working with animal spirits, too.
You can have many totems, or just one. Animals want to be our helpers naturally. Just begin building some kind of relationship and ask them to come to you. I think wolf resonates with you, so start to invite wolf spirit in. Even if you wonder that it didn't come into this world with you as a guardian spirit, ask it to join you now, anyway.
Hope this helps...
How does your Totem "choose" you? Is it based off your personality and life? Or do they choose you? Does anyone know?
-Aries
Hi,
I'm back from the frozen north. Man! I rode on a dogsled up the Mackenzie River. If you check your atlas - I think it's the biggest river in Canada up in the Northwest Territories. Almost froze my face off, though.
I learned from my aunt we are capable of so much [:)], based on what her Dene (a certain nation of Aboriginal people) can do regarding shape-shifting. Of course, it does take a strong mind, and spirit help, she says.
She told me a story: a hundred years back, the Dene would meet periodically to celebrate some great thing, and they would dance the Tea Dance. Picture a huge central fire lighting up the night sky, and drummers chanting, people dancing around the fire with the beat. After three or four days of this, the energy is really heightened, because the medicine people urge everyone to dance and pray, and think good thoughts as they dance.
Usually on the fourth day, the people with powers would start a game. They would perform magical feats and try to outdo each other. One man might change into a hawk and fly across the river, and in his human body, he would call to the others from the other side of the water. A woman might change into an elk and trumpet her song. So, it seems they were easily able to shift bodies and the people could see them.
Power songs seem to figure heavily in the Dene world of magic. My aunt's grandmother used to travel large distances across the mountains while she sang her medicine song. If you saw her, it would look like she was skiing above the snow, moving fast.
It seems every living thing has a sacred song except human beings.
Interesting, eh?
I'd love to hear comments from the shape-shifters (and wannabe's) out there.
Moontingle