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The way of the shaman is ancient. For thousands of years our ancestors used this way of healing and problem solving known as shamanism. The shaman of a tribe was considered the priest, psychotherapist and physician for the community they served. For today, core shamanism is learning to journey to the upper world or lower world seeking answers and/or healing from a Teacher in non-ordinary reality ~ entering the shamanic level of consciousness. Shamanism is not a faith based system. It is an experience based system that works for everyone of all faiths and religions. I don't call myself a shaman, only the community one serves can bestow that title upon a person. I have never met a shaman who states "I am a shaman." They lead by example and then through their given service they are recognized.
Shamanism is rooted in an ancient worldview that everything has life, or spirit or a spiritual dimension. Although not like human consciousness a rock, a tree, the wind all have spirit and consciousness as they operate at a different vibration. In journeying we learn how to meet that consciousness, to meet that vibration for healing and problem solving from the compassionate spirits.
Humans have a natural connection with the consciousness around us and by deepening that connection we grow in power and joy. In shamanic belief no one makes it alone. If you have survived this far spiritual help has flowed through your connections with the web of life. Whether you are aware of it or not.
Even though we are all connected you have your own sacred circle, with certain animals, trees, stones and places which you have a deep spiritual kinship. These are called power animals and helping allies~our Teachers. Over time you can also find special plant helpers and spirit teachers, connect with ancestors for wisdom and problem solving. In a shamanic practice we deepen our relationship to those special connections as we learn how to walk consciously with them. It is a reawakening and re-membering that builds spiritual muscles within so we become more present for ourselves, our family and the community we serve. This is the joy of embracing a shamanic path.
To explore these connections one learns how to go into a different state of being, to alter your consciousness so you can experience the universe differently. Methods used to go into a shamanic state of consciousness are drumming, chanting, singing, and dancing. No Drugs are used to alter one's consciousness in core shamanism. The shamanic journey seeks to honor the Spirit within the Greater Self and the Spirit in all living things; this is accomplished through the sound of repetitive drumming or rattling which allows the brain to move into a higher state of consciousness. Through shamanic counseling techniques I teach your how to journey so the practice becomes a tool for your own self empowerment and healing. Joining our drumming circle provides community support in working with shamanic practices in your everyday life.
 For those who are in need of healing and facing greater life challenges, I journey to my Teachers on your behalf seeking healing and guidance to your current life issue or crisis. At the end of our time together you receive a taped copy of our dialog together with a healing ritual or creative art project that Spirit has requested you to do. This is a collaborative effort as we work together to restore your power and vitality. A shamanic healing session might include soul retrieval, extraction healing, breathwork/rebirth, ritual and art. You are an active participant in your own healing and growth.
Healing Sessions are also undertaken at group gatherings and drumming circles where the community holds sacred space for you. At these times I encourage you to invite to the circle those special people in your life- allow them to express the power of their love by their very presence in your sacred circle.
While the shamanic path offers no quick fixes. I witness miracles in people's lives. Our time together becomes a unique expression of the life your Soul wants to create.
As this new millennium dawns, Spirit is asking all of us to become more mindful, to make a place in our lives for the unknown. To listen to our hearts and follow with courage the path to reclaim our power; to be grounded in our soul's knowing and awaken to our divinity within. This is what the shamanic way has given me.
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