I am sure there are those out there that get to those states with meditation, is that what you are referring to?

Illness comes to mind..
An early death...
Or even a late birth...

Drumming, dreaming, dancing, fasting, meditation, movements, sweating and other tools have been used for shamanistic ends throughout the world. Drugs not necessary.

Hi Bianca. Shamans or whatever you prefer to call them all have different talents just like everybody else. Generally speaking they have the ability to communicate with plants but, may not specialize in plant medicine. Sometimes the plants come to them in dreams. When they get together they often share their knowledge so whatever they are learning is circumstantial. It seems that a crisis is often needed to precipitate insight into a plant's use. Our group uses the Bach Flower remedies because we found them to work. We also use the Hawaiian Ti plant to fight against evil spirits so it's benefits are mostly spiritual. Holding a fresh leaf over a painful spot on the body usually reduces the pain as well. Good topic. Aloha, Kahuna Lamaku.

Since we are on the topic I thought I'd throw in a little story. My Kahuna was called out to do a house blessing and exorcism for a boy who got involved with a cult doing black magic. He went through the property and found it to be mostly clean of evil influences. However, he found that something had been buried in the lawn outside that reeked of evil. He took a small ti plant, placed it over the area and asked the plant to do what it could for the situation. The plant's leaves pulled up toward the sky and began to shake. A moment later it stopped and returned to it's normal position. Lani again checked for the evil and it had dissipated. We also use ti leaves to make amulets of protection. As the amulets come into actual use the ti leaves, which have been mummified, begin to fall apart in small areas until the amulet is useless. Hawaiian ti plants kick ass. Aloha and a happy 4th, Kahuna Lamaku.