Where is Shamanism Practiced
Anthropologists are unclear about the origins of shamanic practice. Did it emerge independently within different cultures at various times, or is there a common Paleolithic origin shared by all human cultures?
I’m not an anthropologist, but I’ve long held that shamanic or shamanistic practices are so universal that they must have a common origin or be archetypal to humans. Biologically, we all share the capacity for trance. But barring culturally specific interpretations and practices, the commonalities between so many cultures are interesting
Here are some of the places around the world known to have shamanic practice:
SIBERIA & CENTRAL ASIA - the birthplace of the term
This is the anchor point linguistically and anthropologically. The term "Shaman" comes to European ears through the Tungusic-speaking Evenki/Ewenki. Still, the practice is widely shared across the region.
Historic & current practitioners:
Evenki (Tungus)
Yakut (Sakha)
Buryat
Chukchi
Nenets
Khanty and Mansi
Tuvan and Altai Turkic peoples
Mongols (including court shamans alongside Buddhism)
Kyrgyz, Kazakh, Uzbek groups (pre-Islamic traditions; some revival)
Shamanic specialists commonly employ drum-led trance, soul flight, healing, and psychopomp work here—patterns that strongly parallel those discussed in global anthropology.
EAST ASIA
Shamanic traditions in East Asia are ancient and persistent.
Korea (historic and modern):
Mudang, predominantly women, practice possession, communication with ancestors, ecstatic dance, and healing rituals. Korea maintains one of the world's most visible surviving shamanisms.
China:
Ancient Wu 巫 were ecstatic mediums and ritual specialists.
Southern and minority groups (Yi, Miao, Tujia, Zhuang) preserve strong shamanic systems.
Japan:
Miko priestesses initially performed possession and divination; modern Shinto retains fragments of these practices.
Ainu shamans perform trance and bear-spirit rituals.
SOUTH ASIA
The region is a mosaic of trance and spirit-medium traditions.
India & Nepal:
Ojha, Bhumia, Devarā, and Jhankri (Nepal) serve as healers, exorcists, and oracular mediums.
Himalayan traditions often involve drum-induced trance and soul-journey motifs.
Sri Lanka:
Yakadura and Bali ritualists work with gods and demons through possession, dance, and healing drama.
Many scholars have drawn parallels between these roles and Central Asian shamanism. However, the word "śramaṇa" (wandering ascetic) represents a distinct lineage.
SOUTHEAST ASIA
This region has some of the most elaborate shamanic systems in the world.
Examples:
Dayak (Borneo)
Penan, Orang Asli (Malaysia)
Hmong (Vietnam/Laos/Thailand)
Ifugao, Kankanaey, Mandaya (Philippines)
Indonesian spirit-mediumship traditions from Bali to Sulawesi
Trance possession, ancestor communication, illness-soul recovery, and dreamwork are standard features of this practice.
OCEANIA & AUSTRALIA
Papua New Guinea & Melanesia:
Diverse groups with ecstatic healing and ancestor communication.
Australia (Aboriginal peoples):
Specialists known as "clever men/women" use dream travel, spirit allies, and healing.
This is one of the oldest continuous shamanic systems on Earth.
THE AMERICAS (NORTH, CENTRAL, SOUTH)
This is where modern people often first encounter shamanism, primarily due to contemporary plant-medicine tourism; however, every region has deep roots.
North America
Inuit angakkuq
Plains medicine people (Lakota, Cheyenne, Arapaho, etc.)
Northwest Coast shamans
Navajo hataali (singers) have a complex ceremonial system that blends and transcends shamanic categories
Coast Salish and other groups used soul-recovery and trance techniques
Central & South America
Some of the world's most iconic shamanic traditions come from here:
Amazonian ayahuasqueros (Shipibo, Ashaninka, Mestizo curanderos)
Q'ero and other Andean paqos
Huichol mara'akame (Mexico)
Mazatec curanderos (psilocybin veladas)
Mapuche machi (Chile)
Practices often center on diet, plant spirits, healing songs (icaros), and soul flight.
THE MIDDLE EAST & ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN
These areas aren't usually listed under "shamanism," but they absolutely have comparable specialists.
Ancient Near East:
Sumerian šangû and ecstatic prophets
Hittite ritualists
Hebrew nevi'im (ecstatic prophets)
Persia:
Zoroastrian ecstatic priests preserved fragments of earlier Iranian spirit-mediary traditions.
Turkey/Central Anatolia:
Pre-Islamic Turkic populations practiced a form of Siberian-style shamanism.
AFRICA
African traditions don't use the word "shaman," but the functional roles line up remarkably.
Sangomas and Inyangas (Southern Africa): divination, ancestor channeling, healing through trance.
Yoruba babalawo and iyanifa priests: divination and possession (Òrìṣà traditions).
Ethiopian zar cult possession mediums.
Sahelian spirit-mediums in Niger, Mali, and Chad.
EUROPE
Even Europe has deep shamanic strata if you look before Christianization.
Historic:
Sámi noaiddit (classic drum-flying shamans; still practiced today)
Pre-Christian Norse seiðr (ecstatic trance, spirit journey, prophecy)
Baltic and Slavic animistic traditions with ecstatic healers and spirit-workers
Greek mantis and oracular trance traditions
Celtic "vates" with ecstatic prophecy
Modern:
Revivalist movements, neo-shamanic practitioners, and traditional healers (especially in Northern Europe).
IS SHAMANISM UNIVERSAL?
Pretty much. Human beings seem to have independently developed ways to:
enter altered states,
meet spirits or ancestors,
heal and divine,
protect communities,
and communicate with the spirit world.
Anthropologists refer to this as a "cross-cultural pattern," not proof of a common origin, but it's a striking human constant. Personally, I believe the practices predate existing cultures, going back to the Paleolithic
Exploring the Invisible: Understanding Your Etheric Energy Body
The etheric or energy body is an essential part of our spiritual makeup. Closely aligned to the physical body, it is the body’s interface to the spirit. Thoughts, emotions, and illness are all reflected in the energetic body. Understanding the etheric body is critical for our wellness.
In the vast expanse of personal development and spiritual growth, a subtle yet profoundly influential aspect of ourselves is often left unexplored—the etheric or energy body. As we journey through the landscapes of mindfulness and wellness, understanding this invisible counterpart becomes crucial for those seeking more profound transformation and healing.
Understanding the Etheric Body
What is the Etheric Body?
The etheric body, also known as the energy body, is a vital energy layer alongside our physical body. This invisible yet essential field is believed to be the blueprint for our physical existence, influencing our health and emotional and spiritual well-being.
If you know about the aura or chakras - these are components of the etheric body.
The Etheric Body and Your Health
Our etheric body is more than just a passive field of energy; it's actively involved in maintaining our overall health. Imbalances or blockages within this energy layer can manifest as physical ailments or emotional disturbances, highlighting the interconnectedness of our etheric and physical selves.
The Layers of the Aura
Surrounding our body is the aura, a multilayered sheath of energy reflecting our mental, emotional, and spiritual states. The aura and the etheric body are intimately connected, with the aura acting as a mirror for the vibrational frequencies of our inner energy.
Those who can see or feel auras know that they can be used to diagnose physical, spiritual and emotional issues.
The Importance of Energy Work
Basics of Energy Work
Energy work encompasses various practices to balance and harmonize the body's energy fields. Techniques such as meditation, Reiki, and qigong can significantly enhance the vitality of the etheric body, fostering better health and well-being.
Techniques to Strengthen Your Etheric Body
Simple daily practices can strengthen your etheric body, including mindfulness meditation, grounding exercises, and energy-cleansing routines. By regularly engaging in energy work, you can enhance your aura's brightness and promote a deeper sense of spiritual connection.
Etheric Double: The Link Between the Physical and Spiritual
The concept of the etheric double suggests that we possess an energetic duplicate of our physical body, serving as a bridge to the spiritual realm. This double is vital for energy transfer and spiritual communication, acting as a conduit for the life force that sustains us.
Transforming Through the Etheric Body
Spiritual Energy for Personal Development
Harnessing the spiritual energy flowing through our etheric body can unlock new avenues for personal growth and self-discovery. By tuning into this vibrant energy, we can embark on a transformation journey, shedding limiting beliefs and embracing our true potential.
Transformation Through the Etheric Body
Understanding and working with our etheric body opens the door to profound transformation. It allows us to cleanse negative energies, elevate our vibrational frequency, and step into a more empowered and enlightened version of ourselves.
Energy Body Alchemy: A Path to Mastery
I'm excited to introduce "Energy Body Alchemy," a 28-day course starting on February 26th, 2024, designed to guide you through mastering and transforming your energy body using principles of spiritual alchemy.
The Alchemy of Transformation
This course will teach you how to harness your spiritual energy for healing, growth, and transformation. Through a blend of ancient wisdom and modern practices, you'll learn to transmute lower vibrations into higher energies, leading to profound changes in your life and well-being.
What You Will Learn
Participants will explore the nature of the etheric body, learn techniques for energy cleansing and balancing, and discover how to use their energy for healing and manifestation. By the end of the course, you'll have the tools and knowledge to maintain a vibrant and healthy energy body.
Course Details and How to Enroll
Spaces are limited for this transformative journey, so I encourage you to sign up soon. For more details on how to enroll and what to expect, please click here. Embark on this exciting path to mastering your etheric energy body and unlock a new level of spiritual empowerment.
Conclusion
Exploring the etheric or energy body offers a fascinating glimpse into the unseen forces that shape our existence. Understanding and working with this vital aspect of ourselves opens the door to deeper healing, spiritual growth, and personal transformation.
Sign up
Are you ready to delve deeper into your spiritual journey and transform your energy body? Click here to register.
Shamanic Healing Training: A Comprehensive Guide for Those Interested in Becoming Healers
So, you want to become a shamanic healer? What do you need to know about shamanic healing training before you start seeing clients?
So, you want to become a shamanic healer? What do you need to know about the training involved?
Embarking on a journey into shamanic healing requires more than just an interest; it's a deep commitment to understanding the spiritual and energetic world surrounding us. Through shamanic training, you'll explore ancient practices that connect deeply with the natural world and the unseen forces that influence our lives. Not everyone who starts this path will become a healer, but for those who feel called, finding the right training program is crucial to embracing the healing powers that shamanism offers.
The Foundations of Shamanic Healing
At the heart of shamanic training lies the understanding that our world is profoundly interconnected. This foundational belief is crucial as you begin your journey, guiding you toward a training program that teaches techniques and immerses you in the philosophy and ethics of shamanic practice. It's about cultivating a relationship with the world rooted in respect, balance, and harmony.
Understanding Core Shamanism
Core shamanism encompasses the universal, near-universal, and standard features of shamanism globally. It involves learning to journey to non-ordinary reality, connecting with helping spirits and mastering the altered states of consciousness necessary for shamanic work. This aspect of shamanic training is foundational, providing the tools and insights to navigate the unseen world effectively.
Unless you are training with an indigenous teacher in that culture’s form of shamanism, yo will most likely focus on core shamanic practices.
The Essence and Ethos of Shamanic Practice
Shamanism is deeply rooted in the understanding that illness and suffering often have spiritual dimensions. By addressing these aspects, shamanic practice offers a path to holistic healing. It’s a journey of restoring balance, not just within the individual, but within the wider community and the natural world.
The Role of Shamanic Healing in Today’s World
In a time where modern life often disconnects us from our spiritual and natural roots, shamanic healing offers a bridge back to those essential connections. It provides tools for personal healing, community building, and environmental stewardship, reflecting the timeless relevance of shamanic wisdom.
Bridging Ancient Wisdom with Modern Life
Shamanic practices offer profound insights into the nature of health and well-being, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all elements of human life. By integrating ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding, shamanism offers a unique perspective on healing and living harmoniously in our modern world.
Key Shamanic Healing Techniques Explored
Shamanic healing encompasses a variety of techniques, each harnessing the forces of nature and the power of the spirit world to facilitate healing. From divination and soul retrieval to extraction and ceremony, these practices enable practitioners to address the spiritual aspects of illness and imbalance.
Shamanic Divination: Guidance from the Spirit World
Shamanic divination is a pivotal practice within shamanism, offering insights and guidance from the spirit world. Through this technique, practitioners gain clarity on the underlying spiritual aspects of a situation, enabling them to provide more effective healing.
Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self
Michael Harner, a prominent figure in shamanism, highlights soul retrieval as a critical practice for healing soul loss, often resulting from trauma. This technique aims to restore the wholeness of the individual by retrieving lost parts of the soul, facilitating deep healing and recovery.
Extraction Medicine: Removing Spiritual Intrusions
Extraction ceremonies involves the removal of spiritual intrusions that may cause illness or imbalance. This ancient healing technique is a fundamental aspect of shamanic practice, aiming to cleanse and restore the spiritual purity of the individual.
Ceremony & Ritual: The Power of Sacred Practices
Shamanic cultures worldwide have long understood the transformative power of ceremony and ritual. These sacred practices serve to realign individuals with the spiritual and natural forces, fostering healing, community cohesion, and a deep sense of belonging across cultures worldwide.
Applied Shamanism: Practical Applications
Engaging with shamanism extends beyond personal growth to embrace a broader healing mission. Through practical applications, individuals can deepen their understanding and refine their skills, ultimately serving as healing channels in their communities.
Some institutions and schools may offer certifications in shamanic healing, but there is no real central authority or licensing body. We must practice integrity and ethics because that’s what the spirit demands.
Shamanic Healing in Practice
At its core, shamanic healing treats the spiritual roots of disease. By addressing these underlying causes, practitioners can facilitate profound and lasting healing, reflecting the holistic nature of shamanic wisdom and its practical relevance in healing work.
Deepening Understanding
You can deepen your understanding as a healer in several ways.
Reviewing session transcripts
Participating in shamanism retreats or drum circles
Reading ad taking additional classes
Connecting with a shamanic community
Plant Medicine in Shamanism
While I don't teach plant medicine, it's essential to acknowledge its significant role in many shamanic cultures. Plant medicine involves psychedelic plants and fungi to assist with spiritual and healing work. It’s legality and safety should be considered,
Shamanic counseling often incorporates plant medicine in healing ceremonies, reflecting its influential role in facilitating spiritual and physical healing. As a healer, I am often called upon by those who have tried plant medicine and need help integrating or who have been unable to get the healing needed. It is important that I can sit and hold sacred space for all of my clients.
Healing Circles: Collective Healing Energy
Healing circles are a core part of shamanic practices, drawing on the collective energy of participants to foster healing. In these gatherings, everyone's intentions and spirits unite in a powerful way, creating a supportive environment for emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. Engaging in healing circles can deeply enhance your connection to the community and the unseen world, making it an essential practice for those on a shamanism training path.
Advanced Shamanic Practices
As you delve deeper into your shamanic path, you'll encounter advanced practices that require a solid foundation in the basics. These practices expand your abilities and understanding, allowing for more profound healing and exploration of the spiritual realms. It's a journey of continuous learning and personal growth, pushing the boundaries of what you thought possible in your shamanic practice.
Working with the Ancestral Realms
Connecting with the ancestral realms involves the medicine wheel, a powerful tool in shamanic practice. This work allows you to heal ancestral wounds and learn from the wisdom of those who came before you. By engaging with your ancestors, you gain insights and guidance, enhancing your spiritual growth and strengthening your practice. It's a profound way to honor your lineage and carry forward their legacy.
Psychopomp Work: Assisting the Dying and Departed
Psychopomp work is a compassionate aspect of shamanism, guiding souls of the deceased to transition peacefully. This practice requires a deep understanding of the spiritual journey after death, offering solace to both the departing souls and their grieving loved ones. It's a profound service, embodying the healer's role as a bridge between the worlds.
Past Life and Parallel Life Healing
Exploring past and parallel lives can unveil the root causes of present issues, offering transformative insights. This practice taps into the continuity of the human life, revealing patterns and lessons that span beyond our current existence. It's a powerful tool for healing and understanding, providing clarity and resolution that can profoundly impact your current life journey.
The Shamanic Lifestyle
Embracing a shamanic lifestyle means integrating the spiritual aspects of your practice into everyday life. It's about living in harmony with the natural environment and deepening your connection with nature. This holistic approach enriches your practice, enhances your well-being, and fosters a profound respect for all living beings and the Earth.
Shamanism
Earth Skills & Time in Nature: Reconnecting with Our Roots
Spending time in nature and developing earth skills are fundamental to reconnecting with our roots. These practices foster a deep connection with the natural world, enhancing our understanding of the spiritual aspects of life. Whether it's through gardening, hiking, or simply being still in a natural setting, these experiences remind us of our intrinsic bond with the Earth and all its creatures.
Art, Music & Dance: Expressions of Shamanic Joy and Healing
For a shamanic practitioner, art, music, and dance are not just hobbies; they are expressions of spiritual joy and paths to healing. These creative outlets allow us to connect with the divine, express our innermost feelings, and celebrate the beauty of life. They are vital practices that enrich our spiritual journey, bringing color and vibrancy to our shamanic path.
Embarking on Your Shamanic Healing Journey
Beginning your journey into shamanic healing is an exciting step towardpersonal and spiritual growth. It's a path filled with discovery, healing, and the deepening of your connection to the spiritual world.
Choosing the Right Training Program for You
Finding the right shamanic path for your training is crucial. Whether it's through apprenticeship, mentorship, or online classes, each method offers unique insights and experiences. Consider what aligns best with your lifestyle, learning preferences, and spiritual goals. A well-chosen path will support your growth and deepen your understanding of shamanic healing.
If you’re interested in mentorship and want to speak with me, you can click here to get in touch.
Basic Training in Shamanism
Starting with basic training in shamanism lays the foundation for your practice. It introduces you to core shamanic principles, techniques, and the ethos of shamanic healing. This initial phase is essential, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate your journey safely and effectively. Embrace this stage with an open heart and a willing spirit, as it shapes the healer you will become.
The Importance of Personal and Professional Development in Shamanic Practice
As you embark on the path of shamanism, understand that both personal and professional growth are crucial. Starting with a basic workshop, you'll lay the foundation for your practice of shamanism, but that's just the beginning. The journey ahead requires continuous learning and self-reflection to deepen your mental and spiritual capacities. Engaging in shamanic practice is not just about mastering techniques; it's about evolving as a person and as a healer. By committing to both your personal and professional development, you ensure that your practice remains vibrant, effective, and deeply connected to the spirit world.
Navigating the Path Ahead: Your Journey in Shamanic Healing Awaits
Your journey into shamanic healing is a path of profound transformation and discovery. As you explore the realms of shamanism and shamanic healing, you'll encounter the powerful practice of soul retrieval, where the fragmented parts of the self are lovingly called back to wholeness. Extraction healing, another cornerstone, meticulously removes spiritual intrusions, clearing the way for effective shamanic healing. Engaging in advanced shamanic healing techniques, such as power animal retrieval, will deepen your connection with your guiding spirits and enhance your shamanic tools, vital for your growth.
Remember, embarking on a shamanic path transforms your soul. As you step forward, let your heart lead the way, embracing the wisdom and healing that shamanic practice offers.
Why Shadow Work is Essential to Spiritual Development
We all have a shadow - that hidden part of ourselves that holds are secret fears, desires, and pain. That shadow part can be an enemy or an ally. For those doing spiritual development work, neglecting shadow work is ignoring a part of yourself that holds great power.
There is a powerful tool called shadow work in spiritual development. From a psychological standpoint influenced by Carl Jung and a shamanic perspective deeply rooted in ancient practices, shadow work is an essential component on the path to self-discovery and growth. This exploration delves into the hidden aspects of our psyche, unearthing the suppressed emotions, traumas, and fears we often bury deep within ourselves.
By neglecting this crucial work, both psychological and spiritual implications can arise, hindering our ability to evolve and reach our highest potential fully. Even renowned spiritual leaders, who may have achieved extraordinary spiritual attainment and seemingly supernatural powers, have fallen short in their development due to neglecting shadow work.
However, from a shamanic standpoint, shadow work is an opportunity to embrace and integrate all aspects of ourselves, recognizing our shadow as a valuable ally on our journey.
Understanding Shadow Work and Its Importance
Defining Shadow Work from the Jungian Perspective
Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung defines shadow work as exploring the darker, unconscious parts of our psyche that we often deny or ignore—the shadow self. This shadow self houses our repressed feelings, desires, and past experiences that are not aligned with our conscious values and societal norms.
Engaging in shadow work means acknowledging and confronting these hidden aspects to achieve psychological integration and wholeness. It's about bringing to light what has been hidden in darkness to understand ourselves better and foster personal growth. By doing so, we often unlock new levels of creativity and authenticity as we begin to accept and integrate every part of our being into our conscious lives.
This alignment is crucial for anyone on a path of spiritual development, as it allows for a more honest and profound connection with the self.
Spirituality and Shadow Work: The Shamanic Perspective
From the shamanic viewpoint, shadow work is a sacred journey that involves embracing the totality of our experiences, including those that are painful or challenging.
Shamans understand that the parts of ourselves we often view as weaknesses or flaws hold immense power for transformation and healing. In shamanism, engaging with the shadow is not seen as a frightening task but as an opportunity to learn from the darkness and to bring balance and healing to our spirit.
By acknowledging and understanding our shadow, we can gain insight into our deeper truths and the universal human experience. This acknowledgment leads to a sense of wholeness and spiritual maturity as we integrate all parts of ourselves, including the shadow, into our conscious lives. By doing so, we can live more authentically and fully, in harmony with the seen and unseen worlds.
Implications of Neglecting Shadow Work
Ignoring shadow work can have significant consequences on both psychological and spiritual levels.
When we deny or suppress parts of our psyche, these elements can unintentionally strengthen and influence our behavior. We might find ourselves acting out in anger, engaging in self-sabotage, or feeling inexplicably drawn to harmful situations or relationships.
Psychologically, this can lead to a fragmented self-image and emotional distress. Spiritually, it is a blockage that impairs our growth and connection to the divine.
Without facing our shadows, we remain stuck in old patterns and miss out on the fullness of our spiritual potential. It's essential to confront these buried aspects to achieve authentic spiritual development. Integrating our shadow can lead to a more profound understanding of ourselves, greater compassion towards others, and a more balanced approach to life.
The Paradox of Spiritual Leaders and Shadow Work
High Spiritual Attainment with Hidden Shadows
It's a common misconception that spiritual leaders are immune from the shadows that lurk within. In reality, many individuals who have reached high levels of spiritual attainment may still harbor hidden shadows.
These leaders often deeply understand spiritual principles and have developed strong practices that support their spiritual lives. However, the very nature of their position can sometimes lead to the neglect of personal shadow work. The admiration and reverence from followers can unintentionally create a persona that the leader feels compelled to maintain, pushing their shadows deeper into the unconscious.
This can result in a disconnect between their inner world and the spiritual teachings they espouse, potentially leading to incongruent behavior. Recognizing and addressing these hidden parts is essential, as it ensures that their spiritual practice is rooted in authenticity and integrity, allowing them to serve as actual examples of holistic spiritual development.
The Fall of Many Spiritual Leaders
The history of spirituality is dotted with stories of spiritual leaders who have fallen from grace. Often, this downfall is linked to unaddressed shadow aspects that eventually surface in ways that contradict their teachings or harm others. We can all remember spiritual leaders who abused their followers or wound up chemically addicted.
When spiritual leaders fail to engage in shadow work, they risk becoming trapped by the ego they teach others to transcend. This can manifest in abuses of power, sexual misconduct, financial improprieties, or simply in the incongruence between their public persona and private actions.
These downfalls are stark reminders of the tendency to ignore uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the peril of placing anyone on a pedestal. Shadow work is not just a practice for personal growth; it is a safeguard against the pitfalls of spiritual leadership, reinforcing the importance of humility, accountability, and the continuous pursuit of self-awareness and integrity.
Embracing the Shadow: A Shamanic Approach
Turning Our Shadow Parts into Our Allies
In shamanism, the shadow is not an adversary but a potential ally. Shamans teach that our shadow parts contain valuable insights and untapped strengths to be harnessed for our growth and healing.
By turning towards our shadows with curiosity and compassion, we can begin to understand the lessons they offer. Instead of fighting these parts of ourselves, we invite them into the light of consciousness, where they can be transformed. This transformation is not about eliminating our shadows but about integrating them in a way that serves our whole being. For example, anger can catalyze change when adequately understood and channeled.
Fear can evolve into caution and wisdom. In this way, every aspect of our shadow can contribute to our spiritual development, giving us a fuller, more resilient self capable of navigating life's complexities with grace and authenticity.
How Shadow Work Deepens Spiritual Development
Shadow work is integral to deepening spiritual development by embracing every aspect of our being.
When we actively engage in this work, we are not just addressing the parts of ourselves that are easy to accept but also acknowledging and integrating the elements that we have hidden away. This holistic approach leads to greater self-awareness and authenticity, foundational for spiritual growth. We learn to see beyond our illusions by facing our shadows and connecting more deeply with our true nature.
This process often leads to releasing blocked energies and healing old wounds, allowing for a more profound connection with the spiritual realm.
As we reconcile these inner conflicts, we become more present. We can experience a sense of inner peace and unity that radiates outward, influencing our interactions with others and our approach to life's challenges.
Shamanic Tools for Manifesting and Abundance: Bridging The Spiritual and Physical Worlds
Shamanism predates the understanding of the law of attraction by tens of thousands of years. Shamanism offers amazing tools for living a life of abundance where you manifest your soul’s deepest desires.
Are you ready to bridge the spiritual and physical worlds and unlock the secrets to abundance and manifestation? Shamanic Manifestation and Abundance is an online course specifically designed for people who already know how to do a shamanic journey.
Building upon your knowledge of shamanic journeying, this course takes you beyond the surface level of the law of attraction, offering a unique approach that works with spirit to clear the blocks that keep you from abundance. Imagine a spiritual practice that is not only deeply rooted in ancient wisdom but also seamlessly integrated into your everyday life.
With 25 video lessons that can be accessed at any time, this course will provide you with the tools and guidance you need to recognize your soul's deepest desires and align with them for true manifestation. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your life. Find out more about the Shamanic Manifestation and Abundance course.
Understanding Shamanism and Abundance
The Role of Shamans in Ancient Societies
Shamans have been pivotal in ancient societies, serving as the bridge between the physical world and the spiritual realm. They were the healers, the storytellers, and the spiritual guides who helped their communities navigate the challenges of life.
In times of scarcity, it was the shaman who performed rituals to call forth abundance from the unseen world. They worked with the spirits of nature to ensure bountiful harvests, to protect the community, and to heal the sick. The shaman's deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all things made them essential to the survival and prosperity of their tribe. Their role was not just about addressing the immediate needs but also about maintaining a harmonious balance with the spiritual forces that influence the physical world.
This ancient wisdom holds timeless relevance, as it teaches us that true abundance comes from a deep connection with both the seen and unseen forces that shape our reality.
Shamanism: The Original Law of Attraction?
Long before the law of attraction became a mainstream concept, shamanism practiced the principles of manifestation and abundance. The foundational belief of shamanism is that everything is interconnected, and by aligning with the energies of the universe, one can attract positive outcomes.
Shamans understood the power of intention and focus, using rituals and journeys to set clear objectives for the well-being of their community. They believed in the ability to influence the physical world through spiritual practices, which is essentially what the law of attraction teaches. However, shamanism goes a step further by emphasizing the importance of balance and respect for all living beings.
It's not just about individual gain but about collective harmony. This holistic approach to attracting abundance is deeply rooted in the spiritual wisdom that shamans have passed down through generations.
Provision and Abundance in Tribal Life
In tribal societies, provision and abundance were not merely about material wealth; they encompassed well-being, health, community cohesion, and the environment. Shamans played a crucial role in maintaining this abundance by working closely with the spirit world to ensure that the tribe's needs were met.
They conducted ceremonies to honor the spirits of the land and the ancestors, asking for their blessings and guidance. These practices reinforced a culture of reciprocity between humans and nature, creating a flow of give-and-take that sustained the tribe. The community looked to the shaman to understand the cycles of nature and to know when to plant, harvest, hunt, and fish, ensuring that resources were used sustainably. This deep respect for natural cycles and the spiritual stewardship by shamans helped tribal communities thrive in harmony with their surroundings.
The Relevance of Shamanism in Modern Times
Shamanic Practitioners: Bridging Worlds
Today's shamanic practitioners continue to serve as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds, much like their ancient counterparts. They hold space for individuals to explore deeper realms of consciousness and facilitate healing by addressing the spiritual aspects of life's challenges.
Modern shamans use ancient techniques like drumming, chanting, and journeying to traverse into non-ordinary reality where transformation can occur. This practice can lead to profound insights and shifts in perception, enabling people to live more harmoniously and purposefully.
In a world where many feel disconnected from their inner selves and the environment, shamanic practitioners offer a path back to wholeness and connection. They help individuals reclaim their personal power, align with their true purpose, and manifest a life of abundance. By bridging worlds, shamans help us navigate the complexities of modern life with ancient wisdom.
A Practical Approach to Spirituality
Shamanism offers a practical approach to spirituality that applies to everyday living. It's about finding balance and harmony in all aspects of life—physical, emotional, and spiritual.
Shamanic rituals empower people to clear negative energies, set intentions, and cultivate a sense of gratitude and presence. Unlike some spiritual practices that may seem esoteric or inaccessible, shamanism encourages direct experience and personal revelation. It teaches that everyone has access to spiritual guidance and the power to shape their reality. By adopting shamanic principles, individuals can lead more fulfilling lives, make conscious choices, and manifest positive changes that align with their deepest values and desires.
Harnessing Shamanic Tools for Manifestation
Unlocking Your Soul's Desires
Utilizing shamanic tools to unlock your soul's desires is a transformative process that delves into the deepest parts of your being.
It involves journeying into the spiritual realm to discover what your soul is truly longing for, beyond the superficial wants of the ego. Through shamanic practices, you're able to communicate with your higher self and helping spirits, receiving insights and clarity about your life's path. This inner exploration helps you to identify and release any blockages that may be preventing you from achieving your goals.
The shamanic journey can reveal your true passions and purpose, aligning you with your soul's desires. Once revealed, you can set focused intentions to manifest these desires in the physical world. By tapping into this ancient wisdom, you are empowered to create a life that resonates with your soul's deepest callings.
Embracing Abundance and Manifestation
Embracing abundance and manifestation through shamanic practice is about recognizing that you are a co-creator of your reality. Abundance is not just about wealth or material possessions; it's a state of mind where you appreciate the fullness of life and feel grateful for the blessings around you.
Shamanic tools such as connecting with helping spirits can help you to cultivate this mindset. When you operate from a place of abundance, you naturally attract more positivity and opportunities into your life. Manifestation becomes a matter of aligning your intentions with your actions and trusting in the support of the universe.
Shamanism teaches that everything is spiriiit and has energy and by raising your vibrational frequency, you can draw in what you seek. By embracing these principles, you can move beyond limiting beliefs and open yourself to the flow of abundance in all its forms.
Embracing the Shamanic Path for Spiritual Fulfilment
Shamanic Manifestation and Abundance: A New Course
The Shamanic Manifestation and Abundance course is my newest offering that guides you through the ancient art of shamanic practice to achieve spiritual and material fulfillment. This course is designed for those who are ready to deepen their spiritual journey and harness the power of shamanism to manifest their desires.
With 25 comprehensive video lessons, you will explore how to work with spiritual energies to remove blockages and attract abundance. You will learn to identify your soul's desires, align your actions with your intentions, and create a life of richness on all levels.
The course offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises. It's a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and profound transformation, opening the door to a life aligned with your highest potential.
Start Your Shamanic Journey to Abundance
Beginning your shamanic journey to abundance is a step toward living a more fulfilled and intentional life. By starting today, you can tap into the wealth of wisdom that shamanism has to offer.
This path is not just about acquiring more—it's about becoming more. More connected to your inner self, more in tune with the natural world, and more aligned with your true purpose. T
he Shamanic Manifestation and Abundance course is the perfect starting point for this transformative adventure. It provides the tools, teachings, and support you need to explore the depths of your being and to bring into reality the life you envision for yourself. Don't wait for the perfect moment; the time to act is now. Embrace the journey, and watch as the seeds of your deepest desires take root and begin to flourish. Find out more about the online Shamanic Manifestation and Abundance course at: https://www.sacredbowl.com/p/shamanic-manifestation-and-abundance.
Supporting Your Spiritual Awakening - Personalized Spiritual Coaching
What is spiritual awakening, and what are some common questions about navigating a spiritual awakening? Explore with international shamanic teacher, John Moore.
As we journey through life, some moments can only be described as spiritually transformative, challenging our perceptions and bringing us into a new realm of consciousness. Often referred to as a "spiritual awakening," these experiences can be profound yet confusing and overwhelming. The road to spiritual awakening is as unique as each of us. It is filled with personal lessons, growth, and revelations that shape our perception of the world and our place within it.
Common Questions I get from people going through spiritual awakening:
I think I’m having a spiritual awakening experience; how can I be sure?
I have profound spiritual experiences, but then they go away, how do i stabilize or deepen my experiences?
How do I know the right spiritual path for me?
Why is the experience so rough? Am I losing my mind?
How do I continue to lead my normal life after enlightenment?
My own journey of spiritual awakening began many years ago, ignited by a deep sense of curiosity and longing for connection. I found myself yearning for a spiritual truth beyond the physical world. This desire led me down a path of exploration and discovery to pursue a more profound understanding of life, consciousness, and existence.
However, the path of spiritual awakening is only sometimes smooth. We may uncover our buried parts as we perceive a more profound reality. These "shadows" can be disorienting, causing disturbances that distract us from our journey. Hence, navigating our spiritual awakening with compassion, understanding, and wise guidance becomes crucial.
This is where I step in as your spiritual guide, not as a guru, but as a supportive companion who has traversed similar paths and can provide valuable insights. My online coaching program, specially tailored to the modern woman seeking to deepen her spiritual journey, offers personalized guidance through the complexities of spiritual awakening.
Understanding Spiritual Awakening
Spiritual awakening is a profound shift in consciousness, where one begins to see life from a broader perspective beyond the physical realm. It often involves understanding our interconnectedness with all life and realizing the metaphysical nature of our existence. However, these experiences can be unsettling, causing confusion and internal conflict as our old paradigms crumble.
Through the coaching program, we explore your unique spiritual experiences, understand their meanings, and help you integrate this newfound wisdom into your everyday life.
Deepening and Stabilizing the Awakening Experience
As your guide, I'll support you in deepening your awakening experience. We'll explore tools like meditation, mindfulness, and contemplative practices, which can bring stability and clarity during this transformative journey. We'll also discuss the teachings of renowned thought leaders like Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Brene Brown, and Deepak Chopra, whose wisdom can illuminate further.
Shadow Work and Avoiding Spiritual Pitfalls
When embarking on the spiritual awakening journey, our shadows—the unconscious, repressed aspects of ourselves—often come to light. Although confronting these parts can be uncomfortable, it is necessary for holistic growth and healing.
In the coaching program, we engage in compassionate and non-judgmental shadow work. We work to acknowledge, understand, and heal these aspects, reducing disturbances in your awakening process and bringing you closer to a state of inner peace and self-acceptance.
Your Personalized Spiritual Evolution
Ultimately, spiritual awakening is about personal evolution. It's about embracing a holistic view of life that aligns with your most profound truths. Through this coaching program, I aim to support you on this unique journey, helping you evolve at your own pace and in your own way.
You can explore your spiritual path in a safe, nurturing environment through one-on-one coaching sessions and with the optional support of like-minded individuals in a group setting. Whether you're in the early stages of awakening or seeking to deepen your existing journey, this program offers a guiding light.
Your Journey Awaits
Embarking on a spiritual awakening is a beautiful journey, but it doesn't have to be solitary. As your spiritual guide, I'm here to provide supportive, personalized guidance. If you're a woman seeking to deepen her spiritual journey, resonate with the wisdom of thought leaders, and passionate about personal evolution, I invite you to join me on this transformative journey.
Reach out today, and let's discover the unique path that awaits you in your spiritual awakening. Your journey toward inner peace, self-understanding, and spiritual evolution is just a conversation away.
Understanding the Energy Body: Exploring the Spiritual Essence Within
Take a deep dive into the energy body, also called the etheric body. How do shamans view and work with the energy body? What is the aura? How do you begin to do energy body work.
In this post, we will delve into the concept of the energy body, also known as the etheric body, and its importance in spiritual practices. We will explore different perspectives on the energy body and its connection to the aura and other terms used to describe it, such as the Norse hamr. The energy body is a vital component of our spiritual selves, closely intertwined with our physical bodies. From a shamanic point of view, it is seen as a middle-world element that is active during our lifetime. Throughout this post, we will also provide pointers for those interested in energy bodywork, offering insights and techniques to enhance their understanding and connection to this profound aspect of our being. Get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery as we navigate the depths of the energy body and unlock the spiritual essence that lies within.
Understanding Your Energy Body
Why is the Energy Body Important?
The concept of the energy body is foundational in many spiritual traditions. It's considered the blueprint for our physical form, a layer of existence that holds vital life force or qi. This subtle energy field interacts with our physical body, influencing our health, emotions, and spiritual well-being. Understanding and working with the energy body can promote healing, balance, and personal growth.
The importance of the energy body lies in its role as a communicator between our inner and outer worlds. It is a bridge that connects our conscious and subconscious minds, impacting how we perceive and respond to reality. Energy body work, therefore, can be a powerful tool for transformation, providing pathways to deeper self-awareness and an enhanced sense of connection with the universe. By nurturing our energy body, we lay the groundwork for a harmonious physical and spiritual life.
Different Names for the Energy Body
The energy body is known by various names across different cultures and spiritual practices, each reflecting a unique understanding of this subtle entity. In yoga, it is often called the "pranamaya kosha," which translates to the sheath made of life force energy. In traditional Chinese medicine, it's associated with "qi" or "chi," the vital force that flows through the meridians.
Amongst those who follow shamanism, the energy body might be called the "luminous energy field," signifying its radiant quality. In Norse tradition, it is known as "harm," a concept that signifies an individual's overall health and spiritual aura. These diverse terms highlight the universal recognition of the energy body's significance and the common belief in its influence on our health and spiritual journey. Understanding the various names and concepts deepens our appreciation for the energy body's role in our holistic well-being.
Exploring the Spiritual Side
The Energy Body and Our Physical Connection
The energy body is more than a spiritual concept; it has a tangible connection to our physical presence. It is the intermediary between our material form and our spiritual essence. The health of our energy body directly influences our physical condition, as blockages or imbalances can manifest as illness or discomfort.
By aligning and harmonizing our energy body through meditation, breathwork, or energy body work, we can often see a positive effect on our physical health. This connection is recognized in the holistic approach to healing, where the goal is to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. Understanding this connection can empower individuals to take an active role in their wellness journey, fostering a sense of agency over their physical and spiritual well-being. It is a symbiotic relationship, where nurturing one aspect benefits the other.
Different Views on the Energy Body and Aura
Although closely related, the energy body and the aura are viewed differently across spiritual traditions. Some see the aura as a colorful emanation of the energy body, a visual representation of one's spiritual and emotional states. Others regard the aura as a separate yet interrelated field that surrounds and protects the energy body.
In modern metaphysical thought, the aura is often understood as a multi-layered sphere of energy that reflects the complexity of human consciousness. It contains colors and patterns that can be interpreted to reveal insights about an individual's personality, health, and spiritual development. Energy body work is believed to affect the aura, potentially cleaning, strengthening, and harmonizing its appearance. These varying perspectives underscore the multifaceted nature of our spiritual anatomy and encourage an open-minded approach to understanding the subtle realms of our existence.
Shamanic Interpretation of the Energy Body
The Middle-World Component: Shamanic Insights
In shamanism, the energy body is often viewed as a critical component of the middle world, the realm that bridges the upper and lower spiritual worlds with our earthly existence. This differs from the soul body, which carries our consciousness across different planes of existence. It is both a receiver and transmitter of spiritual energy, playing a key role in rituals and healing practices.
Shamans work with the energy body to facilitate healing, restore balance, and remove energetic blockages. They gain insights into an individual's energy body through journeying, drumming, and other shamanic practices. This knowledge allows them to guide healing energy where it's needed most. For shamans, the health of the energy body is pivotal for maintaining a harmonious connection between the physical world and the spiritual realms, ensuring overall well-being.
Bringing Spirituality Closer to Home
Shamanic practices regarding the energy body are not just ancient traditions but are also relevant to our modern lives. They bring spirituality into the personal realm, making it accessible and practical. By acknowledging the energy body, individuals can experience life more fully, with a deeper sense of connection to both the physical and spiritual worlds.
Shamanic teachings offer tools and rituals that anyone can integrate into their daily routine to maintain the wellness of their energy body. Simple practices such as grounding, setting intentions, and using visualization techniques can help strengthen one's spiritual connection. This makes the profound benefits of shamanism more attainable for those who may not have the time or resources to engage in more intensive study or retreats. Ultimately, shamanism invites us to recognize that the sacred is all around us, and by nurturing our energy body, we bring a sense of the divine into our everyday lives.
Energy Bodywork For Beginners
The Basics of Energy Body work
Energy body work is a practice that involves engaging with the body’s subtle energy systems to promote healing and balance. For beginners, understanding the basics is essential. It starts with recognizing the presence of the energy body and its points of interaction with the physical body, often aligned with chakra or meridian systems.
An introductory practice might include learning to sense or visualize the energy body. This can be done through meditation, focusing on energy flow within and around the physical form. Another basic technique is grounding, which helps to stabilize your energy by connecting with the earth's energy.
Breathwork is also fundamental to energy body work, as conscious breathing can help control energy flow and clear blockages. These practices lay the foundation for more advanced techniques, as a starting point for anyone looking to explore the benefits of energy body work.
Practical Pointers for Energy Body work
When embarking on the path of energy body work, there are practical pointers that can ease the journey for beginners. First, consistency is key. Daily practices, even if brief, can significantly impact the energy body's health and your overall sense of well-being. Allocate a few minutes daily to meditation or breathwork to maintain and balance your energy levels.
Secondly, cultivate an environment that supports relaxation and focus. This could be a special corner in your home with items that promote peace, such as candles, incense, or calming images. Thirdly, hydration is crucial; water is a conductor of energy, and staying hydrated helps facilitate energy flow through the body.
Finally, keep a journal to note any sensations, emotions, or experiences during your energy work. This helps track progress and patterns, providing insights into your energy body's language. Remember, patience and gentleness with yourself are important as you learn and grow in your practice.
Different Terms For Spiritual Energy and Power
The concept of spiritual energy is common across cultures. Here are some of the various names and descriptions of spiritual energy from different cultures.
As a nerdy shamanic teacher, I love research. One of the things that fascinates me is how different cultures, separated by time and geography, can represent similar spiritual ideas. For example, the practice of shamanism goes back tens of thousands of years and has been practiced by cultures worldwide.
Recently, I was asked about spiritual energy. It seems that many different cultures have very similar concepts regarding spiritual energy. So, I thought I would share just a few terms for spiritual energy from different cultures.
Different Terms For Spiritual Energy
Mana - In Polynesian culture, particularly among the Maori of New Zealand, "Mana" refers to a supernatural force in a person, place, or object. It's often seen as a spiritual energy or power.
Prana - In Sanskrit, originating from Hinduism and also used in Buddhism, "Prana" is the life force or vital energy that permeates reality on all levels, including inanimate objects.
Chi (or Qi) - In Chinese culture, "Chi" is the fundamental life force or energy that flows through all living things. It's central to traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts.
Ond - In Norse mythology and culture, "Ond" refers to a divine force or breath, believed to be the essence of life.
Ruach - In Hebrew, "Ruach" means "breath" or "spirit" and is often used in Jewish texts to describe the spirit of God, or a divine wind or breath.
Chakra - Originating from Sanskrit and found in Hinduism and Buddhism, "Chakra" refers to the various focal points in the subtle body used in a variety of ancient meditation practices, each thought to be a center of spiritual power or energy.
Kundalini - In Hinduism, "Kundalini" is a form of divine energy believed to be located at the base of the spine. It's often depicted as a coiled serpent and is associated with spiritual awakening.
Vitalism - In various Western philosophies, "Vitalism" refers to the belief in a life force outside the jurisdiction of physical and chemical laws.
Baraka - In Islamic and African cultures, "Baraka" is a concept of spiritual presence or charisma. It's often thought of as a blessing or divine grace.
Ki - In Japanese culture, "Ki" is conceptually similar to "Chi" in Chinese culture, referring to the universal energy or life force.
Lüng - In Tibetan Buddhism, "Lüng" refers to the concept of wind or breath and is associated with the flow of energy in the body.
Ankh - In ancient Egyptian culture, the "Ankh" symbol represents the key of life or the breath of life, often interpreted as a kind of spiritual energy.
Numen - In ancient Roman religion, "Numen" refers to a divine power or force, often associated with specific places, objects, or phenomena, considered as the manifestation of a deity's will.
Wakan Tanka - In Lakota Sioux Native American culture, "Wakan Tanka" is the term for the sacred or the divine. It is often translated as "The Great Mystery" and refers to the power or the sacredness that resides in everything.
Mana’o - In Hawaiian culture, "Mana’o" refers to thought or belief, often seen as a form of mental or spiritual energy that can influence the physical world.
Sekhem - In ancient Egyptian culture, "Sekhem" is a type of spiritual energy or power, sometimes linked to the form of the lioness goddess Sekhmet, representing the destructive and regenerative powers of the sun.
Prakṛti - In Hinduism and Indian philosophy, "Prakṛti" refers to the basic nature or material substance of everything in the universe, including the spiritual energy.
Aether - In ancient Greek philosophy and science, "Aether" is the material that fills the region of the universe above the terrestrial sphere, often associated with the divine or the heavenly.
Ashe - In Yoruba culture, "Ashe" represents the spiritual and creative power. It is a concept that signifies the power to make things happen and produce change.
Orenda - In the spiritual beliefs of the Iroquois and Huron peoples of North America, "Orenda" is the inherent spiritual energy in people and their environment, believed to be a powerful force that can be harnessed.
Pneuma - In ancient Greek philosophy, "Pneuma" means "breath," and is seen as a sort of vital spirit, soul, or creative force of a person.
Tao - In Taoism, a Chinese philosophical tradition, "Tao" refers to the fundamental nature of the universe, the source and guiding principle of everything in existence. It's often seen as the flow of the universe, or a force that flows through all life.
Awen - In Welsh and Cornish spiritual tradition, "Awen" is a concept similar to inspiration, referring to the divine inspiration or the flowing spirit.
Sila - In Inuit spirituality, "Sila" is a term that describes the primary component of the universe, often equated with weather, the atmosphere, or the breath of life.
Logos - In ancient Greek philosophy and early Christian theology, "Logos" is a term meaning "word," "speech," "account," or "reason," and is used to describe the principle of order and knowledge, often considered a universal, divine force.
Elán Vital - A concept introduced by French philosopher Henri Bergson, referring to a hypothetical life force that drives the evolutionary process in a creative direction.
Vril - A term from the 19th-century novel "The Coming Race" by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, and later adopted by some occultists, referring to a powerful, unknown energy or life force.
Aether - In various mythological, religious, and philosophical traditions, "Aether" is often seen as a physical substance or energy that fills the universe. In some Greek mythology, it is the pure, fresh air that the gods breathe, as opposed to the regular, polluted air breathed by mortals.
Great Spirit - In several Native American religions, "Great Spirit" is a concept of a life force or supreme being, characterized as a powerful, creative, and caring force.
Qi (Jing-Qi-Shen) - In traditional Chinese culture, "Qi" is often thought of as a vital force forming part of any living entity. "Jing-Qi-Shen" is a compound term denoting "essence-vitality-spirit" – a key concept in Chinese medicine and martial arts.
Ether - In various esoteric traditions, "Ether" is considered the fifth element (quintessence) in addition to air, fire, water, and earth. It is sometimes equated with the concept of the spirit.
Megen – In Norse magic and spirituality, Megin is spiritual power or strength.
These represent just some terms I’ve collected over the years.
Shamanic Sexual Healing
Most shamans regard sexuality as sacred. Shamanism provides many tools to address the spiritual aspects of healing sexual issues, trauma, and shame.
I have previously written a post touching on the intersection of shamanism and sexuality, where I briefly touched upon shamanic healing for issues of sexual origin or nature. I intend to expand upon that to address healing more directly.
First, I shall explain that spiritual healing does not replace medical care or professional therapy. Shamanic healing addresses the underlying spiritual causes of issues.
Healing Sexual Trauma
Psychological and spiritual trauma happens any time someone has a deeply disturbing or threatening experience. As a shamanic healer, I see sexual trauma as more common in our culture than many people think. We know that sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse are underreported crimes.
There are many encounters where people don’t think they “should be” traumatized, and so may not seek healing. I was sexually assaulted by a coworker and didn’t recognize as such for over two decades because “I’m a man, and she was a woman.” Even though I felt a deep sense of violation and humiliation that stuck with me.
We often block out memories of sexual abuse - particularly in childhood. This is a protective mechanism, but not remembering a trauma doesn’t mean you aren’t affected by it. The good news is that you also don’t have to remember or relive a trauma to heal from it.
Shamanic healing can play a profound role in the journey toward healing from the wounds of sexual trauma. With its roots in ancient wisdom and connection to the spiritual realm, shamanic practices offer a unique approach to addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of sexual trauma.
From a shamanic perspective, trauma, sexual or otherwise, can lead to a condition called “soul loss.” This is a fragmenting of the self that doesn’t resolve itself. Through a tool called shamanic soul retrieval, shamans retrieve lost soul fragments and help the client re-integrate them. I have seen and experienced profound healing from soul retrieval.
Common Symptoms of Soul Loss Related to Sexual Trauma
Here are some of the most common symptoms seen by shamans concerning soul loss. It’s important to note that many of these symptoms may have organic causes, so seeking medical advice should be done before and in concert with shamanic healing.
Feeling Incomplete or Disconnected: A pervasive sense of something missing within oneself or a disconnection from one's emotions, body, or life.
Chronic Emotional Issues: Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, anger, or numbness that seem resistant to typical therapeutic approaches.
Memory Gaps: Unexplained lapses in memory, especially around the time of the trauma.
Dissociation: A feeling of detachment from oneself, one's body, or the surrounding environment, often as a coping mechanism for overwhelming experiences.
Difficulty in Relationships: Challenges with intimacy, trust, and establishing or maintaining healthy relationships, possibly stemming from the trauma.
Low Self-Esteem: Persistent feelings of unworthiness or shame may be directly linked to the traumatic experience.
Chronic Physical Illnesses: Unexplained physical ailments or chronic conditions that don't respond well to conventional medical treatments.
Recurring Nightmares or Flashbacks: Re-experiencing the trauma through nightmares or flashbacks, a common symptom of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Loss of Vitality or Passion: Feeling a lack of enthusiasm, passion, or purpose in life.
Self-Sabotaging Behaviors: Engaging in harmful or counterproductive behaviors, often unconsciously, which might relate to feelings of guilt or unworthiness.
Sexual Dysfunction: This can include hyperactive libido or complete lack of libido, risky compulsive behavior, or unhealthy paraphilia.
Shamanic healing can provide a safe and transformative space for survivors to embark on healing, self-discovery, and reclaiming their innate sense of wholeness and vitality.
Healing Sexual Shame
Shame is the feeling or belief that you're mistaken, broken, or flawed. Shame is a toxic psycho-spiritual complex that prevents us from living life fully and can lead to mental and physical illness.
Shame often comes from our culture, education, or upbringing and is internalized. Look at all the terms for sexual shaming we have - “slut-shaming,” “kink-shaming,” and “body-shaming.” Social creatures depend on others for survival, so the pressure to fit in with society is immense.
In my opinion, shame is a hidden epidemic. Shame makes us keep parts of ourselves hidden away. It is the most significant contributor to our shadow.
And it’s hard not to feel shame when our culture sends us such mixed messages about sex. There are religious messages such as "sex outside of marriage being a sin that will get you tortured in hell for eternity. Some advertisements and media use sex as a sales tool. There is easy access to pornography. There are the sexual attitudes of our families and our spirituality.
Many of our cultural and religious rules about sex are deeply rooted in patriarchy, property rights, and control of the masses. They are not there to help us live fulfilling lives and feel good about ourselves. The message is that if our desires or preferences don’t fit within accepted norms, something is wrong with us.
I should add that while shame is toxic, there are things we should never do because they are harmful to others. Consent is the key. Any consensual activity between adults is wonderful.
How do Shamanic Healers Help With Sexual Shame?
A good shamanic healer creates a safe, non-judgemental container for clients to explore the source of their shame about sex. It begins with a comfortable, confidential conversation where clients feel free to express themselves. A good shaman knows how to “hold space” and speak to clients using “medicine language.” This simple conversation is incredibly healing.
Beyond that, there are several healing tools that a shamanic practitioner can bring to bear. Some tools may include ancestral healing, clearing toxic emotional energy or thought forms, and actions to heal the energy body. Shame is often stored in the lower part of the energy body.
Healing Sexual Dysfunction
As a shamanic healer, I want my clients to live whole and happy lives. Many people desire a fulfilling sex life, but it may be prevented by sexual dysfunction. Shamanic healing may help with sexual dysfunction, though medical advice and diagnosis should always be sought first. I always tell clients that shamanic healing addresses the spiritual sources of ailments.
Only a licensed medical professional can diagnose medical conditions.
Here are some forms of sexual dysfunction that some individuals might seek to address through shamanic healing:
Low Libido: A decreased interest in sexual activity, which might be seen as a loss of vital energy or spirit.
Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulties in achieving or maintaining an erection, potentially viewed as a blockage of energetic pathways.
Premature Ejaculation: Challenges with control over ejaculation, which could be interpreted as an imbalance in emotional or energetic regulation.
Delayed Ejaculation: Difficulty in achieving ejaculation, possibly perceived as a disruption in the flow of energy.
Anorgasmia: The inability to reach orgasm, which might be approached as a sign of disconnectedness from one's body or emotions. This could indicate soul loss as well.
Painful Intercourse (Dyspareunia): Experiencing pain during intercourse, which could be seen as a manifestation of physical or emotional trauma.
Vaginismus: Involuntary spasms of the vaginal muscles that prevent penetration, potentially linked to psychological or emotional factors.
Sexual Aversion Disorder: A strong aversion to or avoidance of sexual contact, often related to past trauma or anxiety.
Lack of Sexual Confidence: Feelings of inadequacy or nervousness regarding sexual performance or desirability.
Psychological Impact of Infertility: Emotional and spiritual distress related to infertility issues.
In shamanic practice, these dysfunctions might be treated through soul retrieval, energy cleansing, spirit animal guidance, herbal remedies, and rituals to restore balance and harmony. The focus is often on healing the whole person—emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
If you are interested in shamanic healing, please get in touch with me.
Is Bigfoot a Paranormal Phenomenon - A Shamanic View
Bigfoot, Sasquatch, and similar cryptids are recognized as real beings by many indigenous cultures. Perhaps there is an otherworldly or spiritual quality to the legends and the reality. This post examines the Bigfoot legends from a shamanic perspective.
I have been fascinated by the legend of Bigfoot since I was a boy and saw the 6 Million dollar Man episode where Andre the Giant played the creature. I will say upfront that I have never had a bigfoot encounter, and I am not 100% sure they exist. What I do know is that there is a lot of anomalous evidence.
Bigfoot Sightings
Like UFO sightings, I believe many bigfoot sightings can be explained away. I think a lot of times, people are seeing bears or hunters from a distance. I also think there certainly have been hoaxes.
But not everything; every photo, video, footprint, hair sample, anomalous DNA sample can be easily explained away.
Bigfoot Lore and Cultural Phenomena
It would be easy to dismiss stories of bigfoot as a modern cultural phenomenon. However, stores of large hominids permeate cultures worldwide - from the Americas to Asia to Australia. This tells me that large hominids have lived alongside humans for tens of thousands of years or are a feature of the collective unconscious.
Below are just some of the names for bigfoot from different cultures:
Skookum: A term used by the Chinook people of the Pacific Northwest, meaning "strong" or "powerful."
Ts’emekwes: The Lummi people, also from the Pacific Northwest, refer to a similar creature by this name.
Dzunuk’wa: The Kwakwaka’wakw tribe of British Columbia have this name for a giant, humanoid creature in their mythology.
Tso’apittse: From the Shoshone tribe, this name refers to a cannibalistic giant, which parallels the Bigfoot legend.
Chiye-tanka: A name the Sioux uses, meaning "big elder brother."
Stiyaha or Kwi-kwiyai: The Yakama and the Klamath tribes of the Pacific Northwest have these names for a creature resembling Bigfoot.
Yahyahaas: The name used by the Yakama tribe, referring to a similar creature.
Boqs: Bella Coola people of British Columbia have this name for their version of Bigfoot.
Oh-Mah: This name comes from the Hoopa tribe in California. It refers to a creature similar to Bigfoot found in their local folklore.
Bukwas: Among the Kwakiutl tribe of the Pacific Northwest, this name refers to a wild man of the woods.
Nuk-luk: This term is used by the Dogrib tribe in the Northwest Territories of Canada.
Rugaru: This name, found among the Cree people, is sometimes associated with a creature similar to Bigfoot.
Amayi-yok'op is from the Choctaw tribe and refers to a forest-dwelling giant.
Saskehavis: A term used by the Halkomelem-speaking peoples in the Pacific Northwest.
Yeren: Though not from North American tribes, this term is used in China and is sometimes compared to the Bigfoot/Sasquatch legends.
Yowie: Similarly, this is an Australian Aboriginal term for a creature resembling Bigfoot, included here for its parallel in indigenous folklore.
Gitxsan: Used by the Gitxsan people of British Columbia, this name refers to a large, hairy, man-like creature in their folklore.
Kecleh-Kudleh: This name from the Cherokee translates to "hairy savage" and resembles the Bigfoot legend.
Xing-xing: A term from the Catawba people, similar in description to Bigfoot.
Na'in: This term comes from the Gwich'in people of the Northern United States and Canada.
Loo poo oi'yes: This is a term used by the Paiute tribe, referring to a Bigfoot-like creature.
Madukarahat: From the Karuk tribe of California, this term refers to a large, nocturnal creature.
Nantiinaq: The Dena'ina people of Alaska use this term for a large, hairy creature resembling Bigfoot.
Siatco: A term used by the Coast Salish people, particularly in the area of what is now known as British Columbia and Washington state.
Nyalmo: This term, used by the Beothuk people of Newfoundland, refers to a large, hairy man-like creature.
And I’m sure there are hundreds more. So, why would all of these different cultures have names and lore surrounding these creatures?
The Evidence Against The Existence of Bigfoot
Scientifically, you can’t prove that something doesn’t exist, but you can show that evidence is weak or debunked. You can say that evidence is not strong enough to support a hypothesis.
For many people, the existence of a massive hairy hominid will not be confirmed with a body or a live specimen. This is understandable, given the hype, misinformation, and hoaxes.
Healthy skepticism does leave one open to possibilities, but reserving belief until something has been satisfactorily proven. Believers and non-believers on both sides suffer from cognitive biases and will place more weight on evidence that confirms what they already believe.
It is not for me to tell you, in this post, whether Sasquatch is real, but to present an idea about the phenomenon from a shamanic perspective.
One Shamanic View of Bigfoot
Lately, I’ve been watching the show Expedition Bigfoot on Max. This is a reality TV show where investigators, including a primatologist, look for evidence of Bigfoot using high-tech equipment. In the episodes I’ve seen, the investigators will frequently get large hits of some upright-walking creature on thermal cameras, which then just seem to disappear.
In some cultures’ lore, these creatures can camouflage themselves, turn invisible, or disappear.
In practicing shamanism, I often encounter what we call nature spirits. These are the non-human people different cultures call fairies, pixies, elves, gnomes, hobgoblins, etc. These “mythical” creatures are or were very real spiritual beings in almost every culture on the planet.
Many years ago, before practicing shamanism, I had a number of experiences with these beings that were witnessed by others. I tend to discount things where I am the only observer, as my eyes can play tricks on me, too. From a shamanic perspective, some nature spirits can cross into our physical world and interact with it.
If your ideas about the fae come only from media like Tinkerbell movies, you may think such beings always appear small. This has not been my experience. I have witnessed enormous spiritual beings in the pine barrens of New Jersey, the woods of Maine, and the Anza Borrego desert.
From my perspective, bigfoot may be a natural spirit capable of walking between worlds. Indeed, this would fit with much indigenous lore. And it would explain why the creature is so elusive and can seem to disappear at will. Some indigenous people associate bigfoot with opening portals between worlds.
As for “paranormal phenomena,” I think this is a blanket term for things we can’t yet explain. To a shaman, these things - ghosts, nature spirits, alternate times, are normal - not paranormal.
Someday I hope we will learn more.