Journey to Siberia...

by Lucian Kragiel

On June 7^th, Sam and Aaron and I headed off on a two week adventure to visit and learn from Shamans (medicine people) in the far off land of Siberia.  There were 12 of us in our group, led by a facilitator from “Dreamchange Coalition” and one from “Sacred Earth Network”.  It was a very unique experience in many ways. 

This is the river where we camped in yurts that were set up for us by our villager hosts.

After several days of travel, we arrived in Kyzyl, the capitol of Tuva, a republic in southern Siberia just north of Mongolia.  We visited the shamans that evening, and were treated to a concert of Tuvan throat singing in which a singer produces several different tones at the same time.  While we visited with the shamans (one man and three women) in the ceremonial yurt, a dark and powerful storm blew outside.  This was a good thing, as it had not rained in 2 weeks and it was becoming very dry.  We went outside to witness the most intense full double rainbow that any of us had ever seen.  It was perceived as a  very good sign  having to do with our arrival. 

Immediately following we took part in the first of what was to be many practices of ceremony, which is an hour (or several hours) of chanting, drumming, praying, movement, offerings, and sometimes fire.  It is a way of honoring the land and the spirits, and of bringing one’s wishes into reality.

The next morning we took a long drive to the village where we were to stay.  We had come there in the midst of the driest weather and the worst forest fires in memory, and  the shamans put us right to work performing ceremony and praying for rain at sacred sites along the way.  On several occasions we began with clear blue skies and finished with winds whipping in dark clouds and sprinkles of rain.  They felt that our group had power, and that we could help the land.  The rain never came in a big way while we were there, but the day after we left it rained for a week straight and all the fires were put out.  This is something that we will never forget.

We arrived at the village of Moren, whose people had never before had American visitors.  We felt quite honored, but apparently not as honored as they felt to have us there.  They had set up a camp by a river for us, with five yurts and a dining tent.  They greeted us with song and dance and celebration.  They fed us and took care of all our needs.  We were showered with food, gifts, and hospitality everywhere we went. 

 

This is a typical yurt covered with felt and canvas (formerly animal skins were used instead of canvas).  It is about 16 feet in diameter and can be set up by two people in about two hours.

Despite the physical demands and lack of sleep, the whole experience in Siberia was somewhat magical and transformative.  The best part for me was the bond that was made with my sons, as well as the other wonderful souls who accompanied us.  I never would have thought that we would go on a journey like this, but now I am almost ready for the next one.  

Love, Lucian, (Aaron and Sam)

 

 

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