Dreamtime Consulting

In many unexpected ways within our society, Shamanic wisdom appears from the depths of our unconscious in which sleeps the legacy of our ancestors. A legacy rich in wisdom and which touches us so deeply, we can not but help respond.

One of the many manifestations of how strongly the Shaman's of old have influenced us, can be seen in a central concept of totems and the influence they have upon our life. In bringing ourselves into accord with the natural world, we must open ourselves to the voices of its inhabitants. One way to do this is to realize the animals of the Shaman are the same who speak to us today if we listen.

One form in which we can see the legacies come alive are in what is called community service organizations. These are organizations who, although seemingly modern in existence,(and even to the founders who were most likely unaware of the deeper connections) the societies were modern constructs to somehow improve society, on a much deeper level.

One of the community organizations started out with the name, "The Jolly Corkers". Initially started by an actor, important in itself as we shall soon see. Before this grew into a well known community organization, it started out as a community for fellowship. It soon developed a ritual life, one which took on the trickster in nature and an initiation in the process, for once engaged in the ritual(unsuspecting)the person became part of the fellowship. This ritual is still practiced today, although in many cases it is being forgotten and left by the wayside.

Another important characteristic of this organization was that the founder was an artist(actor). Important in itself for as society grew from it's shamanic ties, the artists and poets took on the role of Shaman. Thus by the very profession of the founder, the establishing of a ritual(s), an organization took on Shamanic qualities. At one point in the development of this organization, controversy over membership reserved for the artist became a concern. But as is normal in such instances, for the shamanic traditions are not to be kept concealed but the knowledge shared with the community, membership opened up to a broader population.

The organization grew in membership, the shamanic roots drank deeply and in the tradition of all Shamanic experience, went through a transformation not only in nature but in name as well. After much debate and searching, this organization became "The Benevolent Paternal Order of the Elk". The choosing was very totemic in nature, and it is interesting to see the organization choosing an animal described as noble and protective in many of the literatures. Although the societies are not secretive and are very open about their origins, rules and roles in the community, like all shamanic communities the rituals and customs can only be fully understood in the context of that particular community.

The Order of the Elks is not unique in sharing totemic membership. There are lodges of Moose, Eagle Aries and Lion's clubs all across the nation. All whose purpose is similar, all with deep ties to the community and all, not by chance, bearing the totems of the ancient world. Each organization works in tandem with the other, and has drawn recognition from more ancient lodges such as the Masons. The evolution of such organizations echos the smae changes in shamanic traditions: The Changing of names, the addition and revision of ritual, changes in membership and changes in focus. These, and many others tell us the Shamanic ties are dynamic in nature, bending with change and promoting growth. Too much rigidity will break the community, and in several phases the Elks problem solved to promote the growth of the community to prevent it from snapping.

As in many instances, once the shamanic roots are drawn upon, the society or organization begins to take on a life on its own. The wisdom of our ancient ancestors still thrives deep within the wells of our unconscious, and is waiting to be touched by those who are open to it.