Indigenous Wisdom From Arctic Siberia: Animal Spirits, Shamanism & Healing Music | Snow Raven

Added: Nov 1, 2023

Snow Raven was born in a small village with only 600 people, where the winters can reach temperatures as low as -96 degrees Fahrenheit and the summers can go above 100 degrees. Despite the harsh conditions, her people lived a traditional lifestyle, relying on fireplaces and the warmth of cattle to survive. She describes her childhood as comfortable, even though they didn't have modern amenities like running water or refrigerators.

When Snow Raven moved to the United States five years ago, she experienced culture shock, but she also found creativity in the new environment. She realized that the heartbeat of the Earth and nature can be felt even in big cities, and she carries the wisdom of her ancestors wherever she goes.

Snow Raven explains that shamanism, which is deeply rooted in her culture, is about connecting with nature and the cosmos. Shamanism involves understanding and navigating the three realms: the lower world, the middle world, and the higher world. By learning to dance between these realms, shamans can access wisdom and communicate with spirits and deities.

She shares that her grandmother taught her how to sing traditional songs and use singing as a way to connect with spirits. She also learned to mimic bird and animal sounds, which she considers a form of communication rather than mere imitation. Snow Raven believes that silence is essential for hearing the sounds of the environment and expressing oneself to connect with nature.

Snow Raven discusses the various tools used in shamanism to enter altered states of consciousness. These tools include singing, dancing, playing instruments, storytelling, and mimicking bird and animal sounds. She explains that these forms of art help shamans embody the energy of their totem animals and awaken ancestral wisdom within themselves.

The guest demonstrates several animal sounds, such as the owl, bear, arctic wolf, and reindeer breath. She explains that these sounds can elevate one's energy and mood, and they serve as a way to connect with nature and the animal kingdom. Snow Raven also introduces the mouth harp, a sacred instrument that connects with the bones and cells of the body, providing sound healing.

Snow Raven emphasizes that shamanism is about downloading wisdom from the web of life, rather than relying on smartphones and the internet. Shamans can bring important messages and guidance to their communities by accessing this unlimited source of knowledge.

She also discusses the concept of death and how it is viewed in her culture. Snow Raven explains that death is seen as a part of the cycle of life and compares it to the process of birth. She believes that reconnecting with ancestors and their wisdom is crucial in today's world, as it helps us tap into our hidden gifts and resilience. She mentions the importance of facing fears and addressing ancestral trauma to access this wisdom.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of indigenous wisdom and its relevance in modern times. Snow Raven highlights the need for safe spaces where indigenous people can share their knowledge and wisdom with the Western world. She believes that indigenous communities hold valuable knowledge about how to live in harmony with the Earth and each other. She emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with nature and becoming stewards of the Earth, as it brings a sense of peace and belonging.

Snow Raven also discusses the destruction of the Earth's forests and the urgency to address climate change. She believes that by learning from indigenous cultures and their relationship with nature, we can find solutions to these pressing issues. She encourages the creation of platforms where indigenous wisdom can be shared and integrated into modern technologies and lifestyles.

Throughout the podcast, Snow Raven shares her own experiences and insights, including her deep connection to her ancestral roots and the power of music in connecting with her ancestors. She demonstrates various singing techniques and shares a traditional song from her culture called "Aala." She believes that music and sound have healing purposes and can help us tap into our ancestral wisdom.