The Shamanic Path – What is a Shaman?

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

Throughout history, Shamanism appears in every culture. In today’s world, people are seeking a healthier and ,more in-depth understanding of balance within themselves, others, and Mother Earth through more natural and traditional methods.

Shamanism is a way of life. That means living and working from a heart-centered existence, reaching beyond dogma, religion, or any prescribed beliefs and viewing a broader perspective of All that is. It understands that all things in the Circle of Life are alive and have Spirit. Walking the Shamanic path is giving honor and respect to all things and learning to listen to what they must tell us. It is having communication with All that is, or in the words of the Lakota Sioux, “Mitakuye Oyasis,” meaning 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 we are connected to all aspects of Creation and share a common kinship in the Circle of Life.

A Shaman is known to be a healer, teacher, counselor, and a soul doctor. This is a person who has chosen to walk between the worlds of reality and the spirit realms for guidance and/or healing. The Shaman acts as an interpreter for the spiritual realm, through the act of journeying and working with spirit guides. The Shaman can receive guidance for their client and remove or extract unwanted inclusions, and/or unnecessary attachments. Shamans are also able to retrieve missing soul pieces. This is the Shamanic healing modality known as Soul Recovery or Soul Retrieval.