"Oral Traditions in a Virtual World" on Nov. 2 "Why Shamanism Now?" Radio Show with Christina Pratt

RHINEBACK, NY October 31, 2010 (Press-News.org) Streaming live on the Co-Creator Radio Network on Tuesday, November 2, at 11 a.m. Pacific time/2 p.m. Eastern time, on her show "Why Shamanism Now?: A Practical Path to Authenticity," shaman and founder of the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing Christina Pratt talks about how, in an oral tradition, no reproduction of the teaching is allowed in any form -- not written, recorded, filmed, texted or put up on YouTube. This is unimaginable today, yet some things remain inaccessible to us unless we are willing to engage in the old ways. "Traditionally," Pratt explains, "the form served the teachings. Today the student expects the form to serve him and that it be fast, convenient, and cheap." In an oral tradition the student must be present to learn and willing to be present again and again, to repeat the experience until the teachings are mastered. The U.S. military found that experiential teaching is the most profound way to shape and transform the core of an individual. This is true in large part because the mind doesn't distinguish clearly between visual realities, and thus learns deeply in physical, virtual, and dream state realities.

In this episode of "Why Shamanism Now?" titled "Oral Traditions in a Virtual World," Pratt asks and explores the following questions: Is listening to a concert on CD or watching it on DVD the same experience as witnessing a live performance? Can the virtual world replace the power of experiential, oral traditions? Or does the actual physical experience matter? And -- does the teacher matter? What does the virtual world have to give back to the soul of the student?

Christina Pratt is an authentic, non-traditional contemporary shaman. In practice since 1990, she specializes in mending the soul and transforming the parts of life that feel impossible. A teacher of exceptional clarity, humor, and inspiration, Pratt brings the power of shamanism into the practical grasp of anyone willing to take responsibility for improving the quality of their life. Her well-received book, An Encyclopedia of Shamanism (Rosen), is an 800-page, two-volume set with over 750 in-depth entries that clearly discuss the basic concepts of shamanism, methods, and traditions of over 50 different shamanic peoples. Pratt is the founder of the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing in Portland, OR, and New York, NY, creator of the original Foundations of Shamanism and Shamanic Healing course at the University of Minnesota, and a frequent and honored speaker for the American Holistic Medical Association.

"Why Shamanism Now?", a live internet talk radio with host Christina Pratt, airs Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Pacific time/2 p.m. Eastern time http://www.co-creatornetwork.com/hosts/shamanism/host_bio.htm. Listeners can ask questions by calling (512) 772-1938 or via Skype. Prior episodes from "Why Shamanism Now" can be downloaded for free from the iTunes library. Pratt also talks about Shamanic Healing on You Tube.

For more information on Christina Pratt, the Last Mask Center for Shamanic Healing, and workshops and classes with Pratt, or to order An Encyclopedia of Shamanism at a special discounted rate, visit http://www.lastmaskcenter.org. For additional information or to arrange an interview with Pratt, please contact Linda Woznicki, 845-417-8811, lwoz@frontiernet.net.