What is Shamanism?

“Shamanism represents the most widespread and ancient methodological system of mind-body healing known to humanity” (Michael Harner, The Way of the Shaman.)

Shamanism, in some form, is found in every culture during it’s history. Shamanism still exists in many cultures today and is returning as more and more people are changing back to the “old ways” to gain a deeper understanding and balance with nature, Mother Earth and themselves. It is through this understanding that we can heal ourselves, others and the Earth.

A shaman is a visionary, a healer, a teacher, a counselor and a soul doctor. He/she is a person who chooses to “walk between the worlds” of everyday reality and the spirit realms for guidance or healing. The shaman acts as an interpreter for the spiritual realm. Through his or her “journey”, and working with spiritual guides, the shaman is able to enter another’s reality to retrieve parts the their life force or “soul pieces”, receive guidance for them and remove or extract unwanted inclusions and/or attachments from that person. When the shaman retrieves “soul pieces”, this healing modality is known as Soul Recovery or Soul Retrieval.

Shamanism is a way of life. It reaches beyond dogma, religion or any prescribed beliefs and offers a wide picture of “All that is”. A shaman’s life is a way of walking one’s talk, of living a heart centered existence.

The shaman understands that all things in the Circle of Life are alive and have spirit. Walking a shamanic path is a way of living giving honor and respect to all things and learning what they have to tell us. It is communication with “All that is”.In the words of the Lakota Sioux, “Mitakuye Oyasin” – All My Relations. This is a prayer of oneness and harmony with all forms of life — two footed, four footed, winged, finned, insects, trees, plants and rocks. It is a reminder that we are connected to all aspects of Creation and share a common kinship in the Circle of Life.