Shamanism is our original spirituality
There is evidence of Shamanic practices dating back as far as 100,000 years! This ancient spirituality is based on the premise that we are first spiritual beings having a physical experience here in this Earth classroom. Deep in my heart I know that we came here to evolve our souls and grow in consciousness. And though the journey is challenging, there is no greater gift we can give ourselves than our own healing.
Once I stepped onto this path, I knew there was no going back. As a result of my commitment to myself and my own healing, I was able to leave a toxic marriage, set and maintain good, solid boundaries, let go of deeply rooted shame and childhood trauma, and create a life filled with peace and harmony, grace, abundant blessings, good health, gratitude — even joy! If I can do it, so can you!
Shamanism is grounded in the concept that everything is alive, and that all of life is connected as energy. Some people think of Shamanic healing as energy medicine. The Shaman is someone who is able to walk in two worlds – both the physical world and the world of Spirit. In my practice, I connect your higher essential self with those helping, healing compassionate spirits who are always ready and willing to help us heal.
In my practice I am deeply respectful of the various indigenous cultures from which these ancient techniques were born, honed and continue to be practiced. I was taught “core Shamanism” by the exceptional staff at the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Shamanic practices throughout the world. Core Shamanism refers to only those common techniques used by Shamans and Shamanic practitioners all over the planet, thereby avoiding cultural appropriation.
Specific services I Offer:
- Clearing toxic energies from your light body. We are spiritual beings having a physical experience, and each of us has an energetic field or light body that extends out beyond our physical bodies. This energetic field picks up other energies all the time as we go about our daily lives. Sometimes this field becomes sluggish from the build-up of energies; some positive, some negative. So just as we cleanse our physical bodies, we need to do the same for the energetic body. Also, traumas, whether physical, emotional, intellectual or spiritual, often leave behind an energetic “imprint” which can lead to physical illness and even chronic disease. In this work, I remove any energies that are no longer serving my client’s highest and best good, then rebalance the energetic body and offer techniques for navigating this earthly plane, and staying in balance and harmony.
- Journeying to find your power animal. In the Shamanic tradition, it is said that we are born with a power animal sent to guide us through our lives, with whom we can develop a relationship for guidance and protection. I can either journey on your behalf to find your power or spirit animal, or lead you on your own journey of discovery!
- Soul retrieval. It is said that when we experience trauma or difficult experiences a part of our soul — our psychic energy — leaves us. With soul retrieval, I work with your higher essential self and my guides to recover this soul fragment for your increased health, energy and overall well-being.
- Liquid and crystalized energy extractions. Sometimes we pick up energies that either don’t belong to us, or are a result of emotional pain or even a physical trauma, such as a car accident or other physical event. This energy can become stuck and manifest as physical pain, illness and chronic disease. The sooner such energies are removed, the better!
- Spiritual depossession. There are instances when individuals may appear to be possessed or under the influence of negative energies. Sometimes dark energies or spirits can become attached to living people, causing emotional, spiritual and even psychological and physical problems. The Shaman removes these unwanted energies from the client’s energetic body, and offers continued support as they return to their normal state of well-being. Some people are extra sensitive to energies, and need support and techniques for protecting their energetic bodies and staying healthy, balanced and at peace.
- Shamanic journeying for wisdom and guidance. I can either guide you or journey on your behalf to ask specific questions. Journeying is the key, common practice among Shamanic practitioners all over the world. We use this practice to receive information directly from our guides in the unseen world.
- Space clearing and blessing. Maybe you’re moving into a new home or have just purchased land, or perhaps your business feels static or in a bit of a slump. Negative energies could be the problem! We don’t often know the history of the spaces where we spend the bulk of our time – our homes, land and businesses. I believe it’s always best to clear and bless a home before moving into it, as well as the land that it sits upon. I then teach the homeowner or business owner how to keep the space clear and welcoming.
Common Myths and Misperceptions of Shamanic Healing*
- Shamanism is a form of witchcraft. Not true! Both practices do require a deep connection to spiritual realms, but these practices are fundamentally very different. Shamans are people who are able to “walk between” both the seen and unseen worlds, and are trained to navigate these realms for healing, wisdom and guidance. Witches, on the other hand, manipulate natural forces, often for personal gain or to influence others. Shamanism works with nature and the physical and spiritual realms, for harmony, wellness and balance, and is never used for negative purposes.
- Shamans are supernatural. Also not true! If I can become a Shamanic practitioner, then anyone with true desire, clear guidance and a willingness to go through rigorous training can achieve the same. I will say that it is important to learn about a practitioner’s path to Shamanism. Unfortunately too many people perhaps attend a weekend workshop, then feel they are qualified to begin practicing on others. If someone calls themselves a Shaman, beware! In my training I experienced profound initiations into the Spirit world, and continue to be blessed, protected, guided and inspired by my friends in the unseen world. I am truly grateful that I was called to this path, and only wish to share this blessing with others for their highest and best good, and for that of our beautiful planet home – Pachamama!
- Shamanic healing is a magical, “quick fix.” No way! This is one of the most important misconceptions and something that I often deal with in my practice. You cannot expect anyone to simply erase the effects of decades of trauma in a few sessions. Directly from realitypathing.com: “Shamanic healing involves a deep exploration of personal issues, ancestral patterns, and spiritual imbalances that may take time to resolve. It may include multiple sessions over weeks or months, alongside integrating the insights gained into daily life. Clients are encouraged to engage in self-reflection and personal responsibility throughout this process. Healing is often described as a journey rather than a destination—one that requires commitment and openness to change.” So true! I used to think healing was a destination. No, it’s a lifelong journey, which requires steadfastness, personal commitment, hard work, dedication and devotion. To me the ultimate destination is self-love, and it’s so worth it!
- Shamanism is only about spirituality. It is true that Shamanism sees us first as Spiritual beings having a human experience, but the practices and healings focus on all aspects of health – physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological. Unlike allopathic medicine which tends to treat individual parts of the body rather than the whole being, Shamanic healing is a complementary healing modality in which a trained practitioner helps people to heal all aspects of themselves, coming into harmony and balance with all of our relations. In my practice and throughout my own healing journey, I encourage my clients to use many different tools and techniques for healing, especially good nutrition, mental health counseling as needed, yoga practices, meditation, herbal and plant remedies, breath work and healing time in Nature. All of us are connected in a beautiful web of life. Shamanic healing does not mean that a person does not continue to engage in the physical world. To the contrary, the Shaman helps their clients and community – indeed all of our relations – to live more fully and effectively as spiritual beings experiencing this physical classroom called Planet Earth!
- Special tools and rituals are required. Anyone can learn to tune into energy and the world of Spirit, but it is my strong belief that not everyone should treat others without training and direct guidance from Shamans or seasoned Shamanic practitioners. In my work, I use a Peruvian medicine rattle, a drum, crystals, plant medicines and medicine rocks or “kuyas” that I have energized through my personal practice for many years. They hold power. Elaborate rituals and ceremonies are sometimes necessary to achieve specific outcomes.
- Shamanism should only be used by indigenous people. Shamanism is our original Spirituality, and has become more widely embraced by contemporary society, though it’s origins are Indigenous, and must be respected as such. Shamans from the Andes, specifically the Q’eucha people, have said that it is imperative that Shamanism becomes more widely embraced, not only for the healing of individuals and communities, but for the wellbeing and healing of our Planet Home! We say, “When I heal myself, I heal my World.” With respect and love for our ancestors and those who’ve brought these powerful tools and techniques into our modern world, today we are all blessed to use them for our healing, and to recognize the true nature of who we are: powerful, multi-dimensional beings living in the physical world, but not of it.
*This list of misperceptions is taken from the website, realitypathing.com, and I thank them for inspiring me to include my version here.