Services
Below you’ll find general descriptions of some services I provide. Rituals and Ceremonies are tailor made for each client based on consultations with the gods, traditionally done through Shinjum. The descriptions below are meant to help you understand what Mudang do, but they are by no means an exhaustive list of all the many things Mudang can do for their communities.
신점 Shinjum Session
Shinjum sessions are traditionally where every client starts. They can be seen as a blend of divination, spiritual wisdom sharing, ancestral channeling, deity channeling and ritual/ceremony consultation. All of these things may occur throughout the session, or just one of these may occur. It really depends on a client’s specific situation and needs. We traditionally do not commission rituals or ceremonies without some form of Shinjum, as it is important to consult the gods and their guidance first.
기도 Prayer Candle Ritual
In this most simple and earnest ritual offering, a lit candle is offered on the shrine as the Mudang petitions their gods for the fulfillment of specific wishes. Prayer candle rituals can go for 30 days, but can also go for longer depending on what the gods instructed. This ritual can be done for things such as general spiritual alignment, successful exam taking, smoothing relational tensions, general blessings and protection.
치성 Abundant Offerings Ritual
This ritual requires the offering of fruits and a variety of food dishes for the fulfillment of specific wishes. Whereas Prayer Candle Rituals take place over weeks and months as the offered candle slowly burns down, the Abundant Offerings Ritual takes place within a day. Though the specifics of each ritual will vary depending on the gods’ instructions, in general, fruits are washed and thoughtfully arranged, while various food dishes are cooked and prepared and then offered at the shrine. Then, incense is lit and prayers are made to fulfill the prayer or wishes being made on behalf of the client. From groceries, to cooking, praying and all the way through to cleaning-up, an Abundant Offerings Ritual typically takes hours of careful preparation and thoughtful planning.
고사 - 제 - 굿 Other Rituals & Grand Ceremonies
There are a vast number of Rituals and Grand Ceremonies Mudang may provide for their clients. General categories might include blessing of vehicles or buildings, protection, banishing, exorcisms, healing, and ancestral work. Not all Mudang are capable of doing every single type of Ritual and Grand Ceremony, and each Mudang will typically have a specialization or primary focus. The services that a Mudang provides can depend on their specialization, pantheon and lineage style, so it’s important to remember no two Mudang are exactly alike. For Grand Ceremonies, you will often see us teaming-up with other Mudang. This can help divide the labor, but more importantly, helps us gather as a community to help support the client with each of our unique skills and perspectives!
As an apprentice, I assist with Grand Ceremonies, but do not lead them. It takes many years and a lot of learning and experience to be ready to lead a Grand Ceremony!
All Rituals and Ceremonies, no matter how simple or elaborate, are custom tailored to each client’s specific situation.This is the folk way of Mu.