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Lefty Mark's avatar

I really don't have any problem with what the shaman is planning to do. What's the harm? As Dok pointed out, we're all basically on the same page here. I am not a believer, but even so I choose to view and accept this as a symbolic act of protest. It can be seen as a response that is commensurate to the Bishop's symbolic action. Meet metaphysical invocation with metaphysical counterinvocation, basically.

I happen to be friends with another American shaman. (His shamanistic practice is purely coincidental to our friendship.) From what I can tell, North American shamans concentrate on healing and counteracting negative or evil influences of a metaphysical, spiritual nature. Their approach is positive and non-violent. They do not promote or participate in acts of warfare or retribution and they do not advocate any deed or process that is intended to cause harm, from what I have seen. Many also engage in concrete activities in the observable world (i.e., what you and I regard as real) to promote peace and harmony, including working to counteract bigotry, social injustice and poverty. All in all, they aren't bad people to have on your side.

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Bezoar's avatar

There's also a Medina just outside of Seattle. Maybe Bill Gates lives there?

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