I used to discuss the shamanic worldview. The aspect of this world view requires further explanation. This is a shamanic attitude towards Columna Cerului.
Often called the Tree of Life, or the Tree of Knowledge found in Judaism and Christianity, or it can be the central axis of the cosmos or Kolamn Tserlui. Whatever it is called, it is the center of what is and as such, it is important in many ancient cultures. The idea, however, has existed in most cultures since humanity began to accultur. Probably the earliest known record of the concept comes to us from the history of the ancient Egyptians of Osiris.
In modern times, actually carrying over from medieval Europe, it is considered as a symbol used for the medical profession, the state of Asclepius.
In shamanism, it is the character of the shaman who represents Kolamna Tserlui, and he is used to unite the three kingdoms of the world: the Highest World, the Middle World and the third, the Lower World.
For the shaman, the Higher World is the world of the invisible, in which there is a potential waiting to manifest. The middle world is the spiritual aspect of the material world and is more like an ordinary reality. In the Lower World there are animal spirits, spiritual guides, and, of course, the human spirit after leaving the physical body.
Since the staff is a representative of Columna Cerului, he is a power tool that is in great respect and is treated with care. For the shaman, this concept creates a certain paradox. For the shaman, the center of the world is everywhere. In his altered state of consciousness, the shaman physically remains firmly planted in the ordinary world, but spiritually travels in an unusual reality. In this state of trance, Columna Cerului becomes the spot on which the shaman stands or sits and thus becomes the center of the universe.
Norman Wilson, Ph.D.
