Kat Lang is a remote member of GRI and is a sensitive and writer who brings research, history and articles about tradition to our visitors. We felt that the discussion of shape-shifters and Indian traditions added an interesting dimension to discussions about the paranormal. Some of the topical matter may be seen as controversial, especially the use of peyote. We present the article, not as an endorsement of Peyote use, but to educate and inform the reader. -- Tomcat
The Dictionary and Science defines Lycanthropy as someone changing into a werewolf, or a wolf. In reality, Lycanthropy is a very private, closed off ceremony for the high priests and Medicine Men of Indian tribes, and the shape shifter himself. Indians have spirit guides..whether it be an eagle, bear or wolf. There are many spirit guides including salmon, and hawks. In order for the Indians to get in touch with these guides for their guidance and path they should take in life, they must become their guide.
Peyote Buttons grow in the tempered, and dry air in the desert regions of the United States. Peyote Buttons are horrible tasting, dry mushroom type plants that are similar to an LSD high..Lots of people have died from ingesting too much of them. However, under the supervision of an experienced shaman, they can put the individual in touch with a spirit guide, and, as stated before, the ceremony is quite private. Not all Indian tribes subscribe to Lycanthropy; however, not many Indians will dispute the existence of shape shifting.
The ceremony itself begins with the intended shape shifter declaring his spirit guide, and that he wishes to become one with the guide. He will take a small bite of Peyote, and the drum beats begin, along with the chanting to call forth the guide. This ceremony can take hours, and the intention is for the shape shifter to gain knowledge from the guide; he can take the form of the guide for a short time. There is indeed more speculation as to this ceremony then there is actual fact. Again, these are intensely private ceremonies. It doesn't matter to these tribes what the white man, or anyone else believes about this practice; it is the Indians heritage, it is their belief.
From talking to my Indian friends about this phenomenon, it is clear that shape shifters do not run around tearing people to shreds, or terrorizing villages. It is a higher knowledge type ceremony, but the shifter DOES turn into the spirit guide. The Peyote lifts them to a higher conscience, and it is a ceremony that is steeped in history. Some of the tribes that participate in this ceremony are: The Apache, The Navajo, The Blackfoot, and the Sioux...The list goes on. It is primarily the Midwest-Southwest tribes that practice this tradition.
Back in the day, Warriors were selected when they were children, and trained to be fierce. They frequently were in touch with their guides and yes, most of them had wolves for spirit guides. Some had multiple guides, but the wolf was prevalent. When Warriors died, they were burned ceremoniously with a wolf hide, an eagle feather, or a bear hide..whatever their spirit guides were.
This, the Indians believed, cemented the bond between the Warrior and his spirit guide for eternity. The Indians believed in reincarnation, and it was beneficial for the Warrior to come back as say, a wolf, for another young Warrior to gain strength from. These spirit guides protected the tribes, and were a strong focal point for the Medicine Men, and High Chiefs. The Indians believed these spirit guides were around to guide them through their day, and they still believe it today.