Finding our Way Into the Sun of Consciousness with Dwayne Edward Rourke
Shamanism Through the Lens of José Argüelles
by Dwayne Edward Rourke and chatGPT.
José Argüelles, a visionary thinker, artist, and scholar, profoundly explored the spiritual practices and cosmology of ancient cultures, particularly the Maya. While not a traditional shaman, Argüelles integrated shamanic principles into his broader teachings on time, consciousness, and human evolution. His writings, notably in The Mayan Factor and Time and the Technosphere, reflect an understanding of shamanism as a pathway to cosmic harmony and spiritual awakening.
Shamanism and Cosmic Time
A central theme in Argüelles’ teachings is humanity’s disconnection from natural rhythms and the resulting consequences of living by mechanized time. He critiqued the 12-month Gregorian calendar and 60-minute clock, arguing that these systems sever humanity’s connection to the sacred rhythms of the cosmos. Shamanic traditions, particularly those of the Maya, preserved an understanding of natural time cycles. Through tools like the Tzolkin, the Mayan sacred calendar, shamans accessed a cosmic order, aligning human consciousness with the harmonic flow of the universe.
In this context, Argüelles saw shamans as timekeepers and mediators. They restore humanity’s connection to the sacred rhythm of life by helping individuals and communities align with these natural cycles.
Earth Ascending. Map 14: The Holonomic Model of Knowledge
The Role of the Shaman as a Galactic Mediator
According to Argüelles, shamans are intermediaries not only between the physical and spiritual worlds but also between Earth and the greater galactic mind. In The Mayan Factor, he proposed that the Maya were "galactic shamans," who used rituals, symbols, and sacred mathematics to attune human civilization to higher cosmic frequencies. Through their practices, they served as conduits for galactic consciousness, helping humanity remember its origins and spiritual purpose.
Argüelles’ vision expanded the role of shamanism, framing it as a tool for accessing galactic wisdom and understanding humanity’s place within the larger cosmic ecosystem.
Visionary Experience and the Shamanic Journey
Argüelles’ personal mystical experiences, such as his epiphany atop the Pyramid of the Sun in Teotihuacan, mirror the shamanic journey. This transformative interaction with spiritual dimensions aligns with traditional shamanic practices of entering altered states of consciousness to receive higher knowledge. These visionary experiences often carried messages about healing the Earth, understanding multidimensional reality, and preparing for shifts in human consciousness.
In this light, Argüelles saw the shamanic journey as a gateway to unlocking higher truths, emphasizing the importance of direct spiritual experience in achieving cosmic harmony.
The Shaman as Artist and Healer
Radiant Man, Radiant Woman by Jose and Miriam Arguelles
Argüelles described shamans as artists of the soul, capable of channeling archetypal energies to transform consciousness. This idea aligns with his concept of art as a harmonic resonance, where creativity becomes a sacred act. For Argüelles, art, healing, and shamanism are deeply interconnected, with shamans restoring balance not only to individuals but also to communities and the Earth itself.
In their role as healers, shamans address physical, emotional, and spiritual imbalances, paralleling Argüelles’ idea of rebalancing humanity’s relationship with nature and time.
Shamanism and the Harmonic Convergence
One of Argüelles’ most significant contributions was the Harmonic Convergence of 1987, a global spiritual event he described as a call to awaken humanity’s dormant shamanic potential. He believed it marked the beginning of a 26-year purification cycle culminating in 2012, the end of the Mayan Long Count calendar.
The Harmonic Convergence exemplified Argüelles’ belief in collective shamanic awakening. This event functioned as a planetary-scale shamanic ritual, inviting participants to reconnect with the Earth, honor sacred time, and act as spiritual stewards.
The Role of Shamanism in the Shift of the Ages
In Argüelles’ vision, shamans play a crucial role in humanity’s transition into a new era of spiritual consciousness. This shift involves transcending ego, aligning with the galactic mind, and rediscovering the sacred dimensions of time and space. He described shamans as agents of transformation, guiding humanity through an evolutionary leap into a more harmonious and spiritually attuned future.
The Mayan Code and Shamanic Resonance
Argüelles explored the resonance between the Tzolkin’s mathematical structure and the natural rhythms of the cosmos. He likened the shaman’s ability to interpret these patterns to the work of Mayan daykeepers, custodians of spiritual and temporal knowledge. Shamans, as interpreters of sacred patterns, use this wisdom for the benefit of all.
Earth Ascending. Map 34: The Holonomic Field Pattern
Argüelles’ Writings
José Argüelles was a prolific author whose works spanned various subjects, including art, spirituality, and the study of time. Below is a comprehensive list of his publications:
Books
Mandala (1972)
The Transformative Vision: Reflections on the Nature and History of Human Expression (1975)
The Mayan Factor: Path Beyond Technology (1987)
Earth Ascending: An Illustrated Treatise on Law Governing Whole Systems (1988)
Surfers of the Zuvuya: Tales of Interdimensional Travel (1988)
The Arcturus Probe: Tales and Reports of an Ongoing Investigation (1996)
Time and the Technosphere: The Law of Time in Human Affairs (2002)
Manifesto for the Noosphere: The Next Stage in the Evolution of Human Consciousness (2011)
Collaborative Works
Mandala (with Miriam Argüelles) (1972)
Dreamspell: The Journey of Timeship Earth 2013 (with Lloydine Argüelles) (1991)
The Discovery of the Law of Time (with Lloydine Argüelles) (1997)
Cosmic History Chronicles Series (co-authored with Stephanie South)
Book of the Throne (2002)
Book of the Avatar (2004)
Book of the Mystery (2007)
Book of the Initiation (2008)
Book of the Timespace (2009)
Book of the Transcendence (2010)
Book of the Cube (2011)
This list reflects Argüelles’ extensive contributions to the fields of art, spirituality, and the understanding of time, demonstrating his commitment to exploring the deeper dimensions of human consciousness and cosmic harmony.
Conclusion
Argüelles’ teachings elevate shamanism from a localized cultural practice to a universal path of cosmic integration and planetary healing. For him, shamans are timekeepers, healers, and artists who help humanity realign with the sacred rhythms of the cosmos. Their practices, when understood through the lens of Argüelles’ visionary framework, offer a profound pathway for personal and collective evolution. Through shamanic principles, humanity can rediscover its galactic heritage, restore balance, and harmonize with the greater cosmic order.
Mandala by Jose Arguelles