Day 6: Shamanism

Kay. . .I don't think I'm going to have a whole lot to say on today's exercise. The book talks about shamanism, and lists some hallmarks of the shamanistic experience. These include a close relationship with nature, a traumatic experience (near-death, lucid dreams, or near-psychotic breaks), and the ability to receive messages from both seen and unseen sources. Next, the book talks about the madman, and the difference between a shaman and a madman. Basically, the shaman can return from the otherworld and function effectively in both mundane and spiritual contexts. After this information, the book has a couple questions for me.

Describe in writing your own "calling" to the Wiccan path. Take note of which of the shamanic hallmarks describe your experience.
I don't know, I just kind of felt drawn to it. I like that it's a nature-based religion. Should I put a check mark next to "close relationship with nature"? That's about it really. I don't think any of the other shaman things fit me.

We all have characteristics of both the shaman and the madman. In what ways are you a shaman? In what ways are you a madman?
I feel close to nature, I guess. That's part of the shaman thing. My anxiety might be a madman thing. It gets pretty close to consuming me at times. I don't really know how to answer this question.

In conclusion, I don't feel like I got a whole lot out of today's "exercise." Oh well. Not entirely sure what this one was trying to teach me. Any ideas?

I don't think this is the shaman they were thinking of, but this is who I picture.