The term shamanism comes from the Manchu-Tungus word šaman. The noun is formed from the verb ša- ‘to know’; thus, a shaman is literally “one who knows.” The term “Shaman” is now an umbrella term used to describe a vast collection of practices and beliefs, many of which have to do with divination or healings via communication with Divine Beings and the in-dwelling Sprit or Life Force energy of all things .

In many current non-indigenous melting-pot cultures, shamanism is studied and practiced by those who are being called to this healing path by Spirit. Despite having been separated from one’s cultural or ancestral shamanic heritage, a choice is made to heed this call and serve the needs of others. This commitment is taken very seriously and becomes one’s Life Path.

According to Christina Pratt in The Encyclopedia of Shamanism:

‘A shaman is a healing practitioner who has gained mastery of:

- Altered states of consciousness, possessing the ability to enter alternated states at will, and maintaining control while moving in and out of those states.

- Mediating between the needs of the spirit world and those of the physical world in a way that can be understood and used by the [individual and]community.

- Serving the needs of [individuals and] the community that cannot be met by practitioners of other disciplines, such as physicians, psychiatrists, priests, and leaders’.

A Shamanic Practitioner is therefore a very specific type of healer who uses a self-induced dream-like state of consciousness to navigate the invisible realms that play a role in all levels of our waking lives. These healers work in relationship with the unseen realm of Spirit to create transformation that manifests within the physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological realities.

Practitioners ‘seek to be in relationship with the spirit in all things’. They seek to use information and guidance from non-ordinary reality to intentionally support the needs of their clients, families, communities and the environment at large.

Shamanism is the spiritual practice of receiving guidance and information from non-physical intelligence with the intention of spiritual healing. This is accomplished by means of a deep on-going relationship with the the realms of Spirit and Nature.

Shamanism is a spiritual healing tradition found within a variety of different cultures from around the world for over 40,000 years. Many formalized religions, such as Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism were drawn form ancient shamanic roots and still connect to the sacred belief that Divinity dwells within all things.

The basic premise of shamanism is that everything is imbued with Spirit. Offering service in partnership with this primal life-force energy initiates profound shifts in healing for individuals, families, ancestral lines, communities, and the natural world.

A Shamanic Practitioner employs the shamanic arts of identifying and addressing energetic illness. These illnesses generally result from a loss of sovereignty within relationship to ourselves or with others.

Shamanic work can address symptoms like:

- Long term physical & emotional discomfort

- Feeling as if a piece of yourself is ‘missing’ or has been ‘lost’

- Prolonged suffering in mind and spirit

- Feeling stuck - lacking the insight, energy or will to move forward

- Unhealthy or dysfunctional relationships or family patterns

- Limiting beliefs

- Self-destructive behavior

- Violated or lack of boundaries; Loss of sovereignty

- Fear of death & dying; Preparation for the end of life transition

- Negative or troublesome energy within home or workplace

- Paranormal activity

Healings Offered For Spiritual Wellbeing:

Soul Retrieval: Remedy for ‘Soul Loss’ (a very common occurrence). Soul Loss is when a soul fragments during prolonged or intense illness, emotional or physical trauma, or shocking events (like an auto accident or surgery). These pieces separate and can become lost to us, reducing the amount of Life Force energy accessible for healing.

Cord Cuttings: Severs emotional ties (chords) with other humans, places, beliefs or objects. This healing releases old energy ties that may be holding us back, thus allowing us to heal from past relationships and move forward. Chords that no longer serve us are energetic links that can drain our energy and inhibit our well-being or personal growth.

Healings for the Land and Built Environment: Clearing and cleansing unhealthy or foreign energies and conditions from homes, offices, or property; Heal and establish a respectful symbiotic relationship with the Spirits of the Land.

Energetic Entanglement Release: (often the result of Soul or Power Loss) the removal of foreign energies that inhibit access to your life force. Methods include:

Energetic Extractions: “Nature abhors a vacuum”. The voids created by a fractured spirit create space that can allow intrusive energies. These energies are removed in a compassionate process, promoting the healing and restoration of lifeforce & boundaries.

Past Life / Light-Line healings: Past life healing remedies; a variety of remedies including the release of old vows, contracts or agreements that negatively impact this life experience.

Power Retrieval: Remedy for ‘Power Loss’ by restoring the personal power (our inherent life force energy) which may have been lost through the violation of our boundaries or given away through sacrifice.

Divination Journeys: Taking a client’s query to the Helping Spirits in order to receive guidance. This is not ‘fortune telling’, but rather a method used to receive meaningful information which can offer a perspective not previously considered.

Psychopomp Work: Compassionately helping the deceased who have ‘lost their way’ cross- over into the afterlife.

Curse Unravelling: Curses are binding, restrictive energies placed upon individuals or objects; Curses can be unraveled in compassionate ways so as to avoid any unintended consequences, often restoring vitality, positivity and fostering growth.