Page 22 - Demo

22One of the early signs that the boy, Kan%u00e1, was special, was that on the night of his birth, the stars performed the rare %u2018celestial dance%u2019. This event hardly ever happens and is witnessed as an alignment of planets. Village elders interpreted the night%u2019s stars an omen of great significance. As a mark of distinction, Kan%u00e1 was subsequently named after the jaguar, the Carijona%u2019s most powerful spirit animal. From early age, Kan%u00e1 showed signs of being a natural leader as well being intelligent and empathetic. He always seemed to have a special connection to the mystical forces of the jungle. Guided by visions and omens, the village elders recognized in him a future shaman, a keeper of sacred knowledge who would one day bridge the realms of the earthly and the divine. Jaguars are respected as powerful guardians of the people, blessed with strength, agility and grace. And it is only shamans who possess the %u2018Spirit of the Jaguar%u2019. They are the only ones with the knowledge and ability to lead the journey between the physical and spiritual dimensions, using the jaguar spirit as the messenger for them.The Chief Shaman, Tuma, the other shamans and the village elders, have watched and waited Kan%u00e1 his whole life. He has surreptitiously been tasked and challenges for years without knowing it. He has become physically strong and mature enough to begin the rigorous training required to become an official shaman%u2019s apprentice. Everyonw agrees: Kan%u00e1 is ready to proceed onto the next phase of his journey: His RITE OF PASSAGE - which will officiate him as a formal Jaguar%u2019s Apprentice. This particular celebratory transition is an important ritual for the Carijona and preparations will begin straight away.Kan%u00e1 is excited and nervous. This will be the first time Kan%u00e1 will drink a sacred tea. Even more overwhelming, is the fact that Kan%u00e1 will be required to prepare the specific shamanic brew all by himself. This special potion is mixed for the specific purpose of connecting his spirit with the THE CHOSEN ONE