NOTE
The term “Astroshamanism” was used for many years by Franco Santoro as a provisional definition for a path of symbolic, contemplative, and interspiritual research. Over time, however, this expression revealed limitations and possibilities for misunderstanding, proving insufficient to describe the broader nature of the work developed throughout the years.
For this reason, the author no longer commonly employs this term as the primary definition of his path, while still maintaining continuity with many of the original intuitions and with several aspects of the research carried out over time.
The materials contained in this section reflect different phases in the development of the project and are preserved here as testimony to an ongoing and evolving body of work. The use of astrology, where present, is intended in a symbolic, archetypal, and anthropological sense, and not as a predictive or deterministic system.
The following text therefore describes the way Astroshamanism is formulated within this particular phase of the journey.
For many decades the term Astroshamanism has been used as a provisional definition for a path of awareness and inner research. Over time it becomes evident that this expression generates misunderstandings, both religious and cultural. For this reason, the author gradually begins to use it less and less, although many of his students continue to do so.
While retaining memory of its origins, this path presents itself as a journey of spiritual integration and inner discernment, rooted in a unified vision of the human being and open to dialogue with different religious traditions. It represents an attempt to encourage a balanced expansion of perception and awareness, integrating symbolic and contemplative elements from various cultures together with a use of astrology understood in an anthropological, archetypal, and wisdom-oriented sense.
The perspective underlying this work places at its center the unity of creation, the dignity of the person, the primacy of conscience, and openness to the action of the Spirit, while seeking to avoid syncretism and maintaining respect for religious identities. The holistic vision characterizing it recognizes the interconnection between physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions, in dialogue both with contemplative traditions and with certain perspectives of contemporary science.
An essential characteristic of the astroshamanic method lies in its explicitly provisional nature. Symbolic tools, contemplative practices, and cosmological representations are regarded as pedagogical means and operational languages rather than dogmatic truths. The aim is to foster a personal encounter with mystery, with one’s inner self, and with surrounding reality. Direct experience and inner discernment are regarded as fundamental criteria.
The stated intention is to support individuals and communities in processes of inner healing, reconciliation, and unity, encouraging the overcoming of perceptions of separation and promoting greater harmony with oneself, with others, and with creation. This work originates from research initiated by the author in 1976, developed also within international communal contexts and enriched by the contribution of many people and spiritual traditions.
Many religious traditions recognize that deep prayer, silence, and meditation may lead to expanded states of awareness in which the individual perceives more clearly his or her vocation and the presence of divine mystery. Such experiences also belong to Christian mysticism, monastic tradition, lectio divina, and numerous contemplative paths.
Since ancient times, the starry sky has represented a source of contemplation. Numerous spiritual traditions view the stars as symbols of the relationship between the human being and the cosmos. Within Astroshamanism, astrology is primarily used as a symbolic, archetypal, and anthropological language, not as a predictive or deterministic instrument. The central reference remains the freedom of the individual and inner discernment.
Symbolic tools and inner processes are regarded as useful only insofar as they are oriented toward truth, awareness, and communion. They may illuminate the path or confuse it, depending on the intention with which they are employed. The method encourages distinguishing between means and ends, recognizing personal responsibility within one’s own journey.
Many traditions speak of a light accompanying every person along the earthly path. This symbol recalls an original spiritual dimension inscribed within human experience. Modern science also reminds us of our cosmic belonging: the elements composing the human body originate from the stars.
Remembering our cosmic genealogy means, within this path, recognizing within creation a reflection of origin and an invitation to realize one’s deepest vocation. The starry sky is thus contemplated as a symbol of the inner journey and the search for unity, awareness, reconciliation, and discernment.
It is important to clarify that what is described here represents only a preliminary synthesis of what Astroshamanism seeks to explore. It does not constitute a definitive formulation or a closed system. The author considers this work part of an ongoing research process, open to further redefinitions, developments, and transformations of language.
This text is intended especially for those who have encountered this path or who, at certain stages of their lives, have drawn inspiration from it. The materials gathered here belong to different moments in the project’s development and should be read while taking into account their experimental, symbolic, and progressively transformative character.
The current intention is to encourage an increasingly authentic, mature, and responsible clarification, offering tools for reflection that may support personal discernment without claiming to impose absolute visions or definitive systems.
In the future, new texts and formulations may emerge aimed at further developing an integrated vision of the relationship between symbol, spiritual experience, consciousness, imagination, contemplation, and interspiritual dialogue.
Blessings.
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