This seems to have been erroneously posted on a discussion thread--

RangerKen says--

"It is always sad to see any board become quiet. And since the most active forums get the most attention from the moderating crew, particularly the three, senior, all board moderators...and since we actually have 'lives' and can never see and catch everything... things tend to get missed.

This forum is specifically for discussion between believers in this paticular faith, or belief system. It is NOT the forum for debate, nor for intrusion by those who do not share this faith.

 This is, in fact, clearly stated in one of the 'sticky posts' above. Not being a 'believer' in this faith myself I'm certainly not going to get involved in any discussion here.

 BUT, if there is anything I can do by way of hosting, or taking care of inappropriate posts, all any member needs to do is to let me know. All three senior moderators have some 'quiet boards' sort off under our wings, to look at and be available to help as may be requested by members, or by a forum host when there is one.

 This forum is, as of now, under my 'wing'...not to run...no way... just to be available if needed. I'll drop in once a week or so just to look around. A favorite cliche of mine goes, "the definition of a stupid question is the one you did not ask." Do enjoy your forum and if in doubt, e-mail me with anything you think of imterest and/or important from a moderating point of view. Please do not e-mail me with questions about Shamanism...I know NOTHING . "

Rangerken, Beliefnet Community Moderator

I believe lack of definition has been a major contributer to the tensions on this thread. So many "actual faiths" or belief systems all together attempting to give their point of view will lead to conflict, will it not? or at least debate. Having no definition also shows a lack of boundaries or respect for other "Traditional Practices" I have at times learned valuable insight from People who post here, and I have been offended by many here that seemed to believe that the lable Shamanism gave them some right to claim Native American and other practices as being Shamanistic. which is not the case. Native American practice does have guild lines and does have great oversight from Elders and Medicine Men.
I believe that the People here have every right to practice and speak about anything they like. I further believe that those truly interested in learning about holistic practice will have great respect for those cultures that do not want to be labeled as Shaman. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Because this has long been at the heart of debate,
and to separate this shamanism learning discussion board 
from the shamanism debate board,
the issues brought up by RangerKen's post
concerning shamanism as a faith
were/are addressed in the first two threads ...

click here
and 
click here

to access above-mentioned threads
and more detailed information that may clear up any questions.

NHT
Shamanism
host

Halito, Tenlionz - Ya ko kae, anakfi - Achukma hoke.