Plants, Spirits, And Healing

Part I of Essay
A man lies on the ground screaming in pain. Others around him get the shaman or medicine man. The shaman calmly walks up to the man with a few things in his arm. Among them are needles made from thorns, threads from vines to sew up the man's wounds, and the last thing br ....

Part II of Essay
.... affairs of the heart. Amulets are believed to have traditional magical powers, and are used to protect the wearer from evil and illness. Some can be made of various items including teeth or bone. Masks are used in ceremonies. The medicine man usually wears the mask to inspire fear and belief. Australian Aboriginal groups have initiation rites, that can involve pulling teeth, bloodletting, or burning and scaring of the body. Then, ointments and balms made from herbs and other substances would be applied after the ceremony. The sh ....