Maya Ts'aak Akum
~ The story of Deer Shaman ~
Hi dear/deer friend,
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Who am I? An energetic and loving soul from the Universe; current residence: Earth. I am a mix of the earthy go getter Taurus, practical Capricorn and the passionated and adventurous spirit of the Aries. A "look at the beautiful moon!" person that has too many (creative) hobbies and not enough time to do them all, with a deep love and fascination for spirituality, philosophy and phsychology.
In a slightly bigger nutshell: I love nature, I love to write, sing, dance, paint, read, create music, crafts, make candles and soaps, play D&D, watch (fantasy, thriller and more) movies, hiking..you get the idea! I'm 31 years old, live with my partner in Rotterdam and am a catmom of 4 mischievous furbabies.
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I'd like to share the transformative journey that has led me to the path of Shamanism and creating Deershaman.
Connection
From the earliest moments of my childhood, I felt a deep connection with nature and the spirit world. This bond was so much more than just an affinity for the outdoors; it called out to me and led me to my spirit guides. I felt a yearning and was on the search for something more than this busy, everyday existence. They showed me my past lives and the red thread between all of them: healing, spirit communication and divination.
Learning to trust my intuition, I was guided every step of my journey as I was piecing every piece of my puzzle together. From the structured religion and traditional churches of my upbringing, to the wild, soulful embrace of nature-spirited beliefs, and finally to the ancient, rhythmic heartbeat of shamanism, each phase was a stepping stone, a dance of discovery leading me deeper into the realms of spiritual truth and connection.
Vision Quest
My pathway to shamanism began with a magical, almost magnetic pull — a call from my guides that was impossible to ignore. A major shift in my journey happened during one of my daily meditations, deeper than any I had experienced before. In this trance, I found myself wandering through a lush rainforest, following a winding path that led to a mysterious cave. Inside, dimly lit and welcoming, I was greeted by a kind, wise old shamanic woman.
She handed over a small wooden cup, inside of it was a red kind of liquid that echoed the essence of ayahuasca. She told me my name: Maya Ts'aak Akum, 'My Medicine Mother.' This vision, an awakening guided by Mother Aya, marked my initiation into the world of shamanism. I felt a complete, wholesome connection to All and everything. It was there I first attuned to the cosmic snake's powerful energy and saw the healing Mesa I would later craft and connect with - a sacred symbol and tool for my healing. Embracing the wisdom and lessons of this deep meditation I received an initiation into shamanism and the Shaman Mesa Reiki healing method.
Was the kind, wise old shamanic woman one of my guides? Or perhaps my future self, stepping inside the present timeline to kickstart the journey that needed to be taken? I don't know, but I am grateful that it happened and I still think back to it often.
The Deer Spirit
In my journey, I was blessed to craft my own shaman drum in the sacred, warm space created by Shaman Sukawaka, a gift from my partner, which marked another important chapter in my spiritual journey. I was tasked with selecting a pelt that resonated with me, I was drawn to the fur of a bambi deer, feeling an innate connection to this gentle creature.
During the workshop, a guided meditation helped me deepen this bond. In the meditation, I encountered the deer by a river, peacefully drinking. As our eyes met, a mutual understanding allowed me to draw near. In a moment of serene connection, we touched foreheads, our souls merging into one. I became the deer, roaming the vast expanse of the spirit realms, the Cosmic. There, amidst the beauty and sadness, I encountered lost soul fragments yearning for return.
This profound experience ignited a surge of energy within me and a clear sense of purpose. Answering to the call to be a shaman, a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms. Embracing the deer spirit as my ally, I understood my path was to bring healing, to reconnect the lost pieces, and to walk in harmony with Mother Earth, the All, guided by the spiritual wisdom of the deer.
Sacred plant medicine
In the aftermath of a toxic relationship and at the dawn of a healthier chapter, sacred truffles had found their way into my life. I've heard friends talk about their positive experiences with them, further igniting my curiosity and leading me to delve into the world of these mystical fungi. Armed with knowledge and prior experiences with substances, I embarked on my first truffle journey. The journey that followed opened doors of perception I never knew existed.
The experience was nothing short of miraculous. It was as though I had stepped through a portal into a realm where every fiber of my being resonated with the heartbeat of Mother Earth and the All's cosmic rhythm. Love enveloped me, unbounded and pure, for every entity and element. My living room transformed into a sanctuary where colors danced and music held deeper meanings, where the very walls seemed to breathe, nurturing and protecting me. I had tears of joy, laughkicks and I was a child once more, exploring the wondrous beauty of life with fresh eyes.
Life lessons unfolded, about the self, others, and the intricate tapestry of Universal truths. Truffles were a key to unlocking new dimensions of consciousness and joy. This was not just a singular journey; it was the first of many. Cacao and other sacred plant medicines too became guides along my path, each experience a step deeper into wisdom, healing, and growth.
My Mission
Now, as a facilitator of these sacred ceremonies, my purpose is to offer others the same opportunity for connection, love, and transformation. My commitment lies in creating a safe, sacred space where laughter and tears, your own voice, finds a home. In the warm embrace of these sessions, every individual can embark on their own unique journey, discovering the boundless potential for healing and growth that lies within.