What is shamanism?

 Shamanism is an ancient healing tradition and also a way of life. It is a sacred way to connect with nature and all of creation. 

The word "shaman” originates from the Siberian Tungus tribe. And it means “spiritual healer,” or, “one who sees in the dark.” However, the practice of shamanism arose organically all over the world, all throughout history. It can be traced back to every continent, from times well before our current technologies of communication existed. 

And thus shamanic healers have also existed in nearly all cultures across the globe. Their exact customs and practices may vary, but the essence of what they do remains the same. They act as a sort of “hollow bone,” or an intermediary, by entering an altered state of consciousness that allows them to connect with the spirit realm and helping spirits to bring through their energies, guidance, and wisdom, in order to aid in the healing of themselves, their communities, and the planet.

During a shamanic healing session, the practitioner enters into a shamanic journey to retrieve this energy and information — this is the core of a healing session. A shamanic journey is always performed in a ceremonial context, with deep reverence and respect, as these realms are not to be taken lightly. Collective helping spirits seek to diagnose the cause (since they are spirit, they can easily see all that is happening on the spiritual level) of an illness, give insight, and then help to facilitate treatment for healing.  

 Shamans also act as great teachers, for they teach that everything is spirited. They teach that all things are interconnected and alive, including (but certainly not limited to) the Earth itself, the stars in the sky, and even the wind in the air. For this, it is also the shaman’s role in a community to demonstrate and maintain the harmonious balance of humankind, nature, and spirit.

Spirit guides can be gods and goddesses, angels, and benevolent ancestors just to name a few. They communicate with us in altered states of consciousness. They help shamans/shamanic practitioners safely navigate unfamiliar realms and retrieve the information they need to bring forth healing.

Think of them as teachers, protectors, companions, and spiritual helpers.

Everyone has helping spirits, and as a practitioner I can help you awaken to or deepen your relationship with your own personal divine support team.

According to shamanic wisdom, every person is born with the spirit of one or more animals, which remain with us throughout our lives to guide and protect us. You can have one or more power animals during a lifetime. 

As you move through life, you can let go of old and acquire new power animals, depending on the guidance you need. 

These allies support you as you navigate the challenges of life. If you also do work in the spirit world, a power animal is literally a guide, keeping you safe from attachments and unhealthy spiritual situations.  Power animals often have messages to pass along to you. It can be anything from your role on this earth, information about past lives, Power Animals are a reassuring presence and each are unique and dedicated to your well being. Your Power Animal may or may not have special meaning to you and you will learn how to develop a supportive relationship with this helping spirit.

There are a myriad of ways you can be supported by the energetic realms. Such as restoring and removing energetic pathways, and blocks, finding answers to life’s challenges, discovering the spiritual aspects of ailments, illness, and imbalances, and to receive higher wisdom, and guidance, especially when things get hard. You may have a loss, breakup, job change, move, or sudden transition. All of these things can be reasons why you seek support. 

There is not a whole lot you need to do, but the following will be supportive:

1. Set your intent for the session, and come with an open heart and mind. You intent may be more broad, such as  "May  I receive exactly what I need, in a powerful, yet gentle way." Or it may be more specific if you wish. The helping spirits divine intelligence knows exactly what healing is needed at the time of the session, so it is important to stay open and consider what is being offered even if it looks a little different than your intention.
2. Take notice of dreams and synchronicities that may be presenting themselves as your approach your session. By scheduling a session, you signaling to the spirits that you are ready so you may begin to receive healing and guidance before your session even begins! This is an incredible part of shamanic healing. If you’ve experienced dreams or signs, we can discuss them at your session.
3. The day of your session, make sure you’ve cleared time in your calendar so that you are not rushing from or back to work. A clear state of mind is important. You will want to have space after the healing to be alone (or with loved ones); this will help the energy to integrate, and help you process the healing mentally and emotionally.
4. For the session itself, you want to be dressed in whatever supports your comfort, and to be a place where there will not be any disturbances.

I will ask you about your specific situation, concerns or problems then journey to the helpers in the spirit worlds to seek information and guidance about what is needed.. The information obtained will be discussed and after receiving permission from you to proceed, I will then facilitate the work or healing prescribed.