ONGOD OROOD

The way I naturally relate to the spirit world, when I am 'working', is through embodiment. For me, this has more power than the usual way of journeying, where one lies still. Perhaps it is because the spirits also have the power of the body, and are therefore more present in this reality. It is the normal way of working in Mongolian Shamanism, where it is called Ongod Orood. But it doesn't seem to be on offer in our society. I have no reason to doubt the ancient British would have worked in a similar way too, as it seems quite natural.

I'm interested in exploring this way with other people. If this intrigues you, and you want to come and see me in Moretonhampstead in Devon, UK, please let me know and we can try and sort something. I work in an informal, let's-see-what-happens kind of way.

Meanwhile, here is an excerpt from the book Chosen by the Spirits, by Sarangerel, a Mongolian Shamaness who also has European ancestry:

Sarangerel

"The state is called Ongod Orood, meaning the state of having the ongon spirits inside the body. While you are Ongod Orood, you retain awareness of your surroundings, but your senses are heightened through your merging with the spirits. You will be able to see spiritual beings and forces, something that you will need for your shamanic work. You may have the sensation that you are working in two realities at once: the physical reality of your body and the ritual space and the ecstatic reality of spirit.

While you are embodying the spirits, you are in perfect safety; the spirits will not allow any harm to come to your body while they are in it. You may find yourself singing songs you have never heard, doing ritual actions you have never learned, dancing dances you have never seen. This is because your udha (spirit helper) is working directly through you and teaching you the techniques that have passed down through the sunsnii mur, the stream of shamanic experiences and techniques from the lives of all the shamans your udha has partnered with before. Just relax, release all expectation, observe, and learn."