Through out the world there are people that have learned to walk the path
of the Shaman. The Medicine of the Shaman addresses not only the physical
ailments of the patient, but also the spiritual ailments. They have
learned to slip the bonds of this reality and journey into other dimensions.
Every early earth oriented society had their hermits, shamans, mystic warriors, wizards, witches and medicine people. These children of the light lived in isolation, but they interacted with their village or tribe for the betterment of the people. IOW they were distant from everyday life but connected to the great mystery of creation and used that knowledge for the people. It was and still is a symbiotic relationship. Each sharing their power for the betterment of both.
Even today these children of the light exist, they are the urban shamans, the new age spiritualist, they are the ones that you meet on a wilderness trail with the look of bliss on their face. They are the ones that can look into your soul past the masks that you wear. They are the ones that have learned acceptance of their gifts and refuse to hide their light.
From Wakan-Tanka, the Great Mystery, comes all power. It is from Wakan-Tanka that the holy man has wisdom and the power to heal and make holy charms. Man knows that all healing plants are given by Wakan-Tanka, therefore they are holy. So too is the buffalo holy, because it is the gift of Wakan-Tanka.-- Flat-Iron (Maza Blaska) Oglala Sioux Chief