“There is a door to Spirit, and it only has one doorknob.
The doorknob is on our side, so we are the only ones who can open it.
Spirit lives in a world of non-interference, and they cannot help without our asking, not just thinking about it, but outloud and with much intention.
Singing helps too.”
– Clifford Duncan, Northern Ute elder
What is Shamanism?
Shamanism is the spiritual foundation of many cultures around the world, a belief system at least 10,000 years old, that everything in life has energy. It includes a knowing that we are all connected, as well as an understanding that the world is a reflection of our own selves. There are many spiritual paths and shamanism is a specific spiritual path. Lighting candles, burning incense, connecting to nature is spiritual. Shamanism is a relationship with Spirit and includes communication going back and forth.
Shamanism is not a religion, yet it coexists alongside Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, and others. Indigenous cultures interact with the spirits of the mountains, rivers, and trees on a daily basis. Talking to the plants and animals is basic, normal, and natural to them. The forces of nature, elements, rocks, and weather are also sentient beings with wisdom to share. Understanding this is key to human and planetary health and well-being.
Who is a Shaman?
A shaman is one who has the knowledge, experience, and discipline to expand their perception into this larger world of spirit or consciousness. This spirit world is also called non-ordinary reality. The shaman is the intermediary bringing messages from Spirit to earth.
Indigenous cultures have a variety of signs, preparations, and initiations for someone to become a shaman. Many who are not indigenous that are doing shamanic work call themselves shamanic practitioners to make a distinction from the ancient traditions, as well as to honor the ancient cultures. Regardless of the name, it is Spirit that heals. The shaman or shamanic practitioner is the messenger.
From a shamanic perspective, great pain, stress, and trauma bring a loss of essence, a loss of soul. The physical world is full of much joy, yet there are many challenges that affect us individually and collectively. Shamanic healing works to bring insight, guidance, and wholeness on energetic and physical levels, enabling more potential.
What is Shamanic Journeying?
Shamanic journeying is a technique to communicate with Spirit. It is a way to open the door to Helping Spirits for wisdom, guidance, healing, and inspiration. This method reconnects you to your “godspark,” your True Self. You are then able to restore personal power and engage more fully in life.
Percussive sounds, like drumming or didgeridoo, are used to access the spirit worlds. Science has now proven that these rhythmic beats access the theta state, which awakens tuition, reduces stress, increases creativity, and enhances learning.
Shamanic journeying affects spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical layers of energy. When you ask a question, Spirit answers with messages that register deep within your soul, and Spirit’s love for you is profoundly felt as well as wholeheartedly understood. It feels like being healed from the inside out.
For Lengthy Abstracts on Shamanism & Other Shamanic Topics:
https://www.sandraingerman.com/sandrasarticles/abstractonshamanism.html
Varieties of Journeying:
Privates
– Healing sessions:
Barbara journeys for you to get answers to your questions
– Counseling sessions:
Barbara guides you in journeying for your own self
Groups
– Workshops:
Learn and experience various journeying topics and themes
– Gatherings:
Practice journeying skills on various topics for oneself
– Partnering:
Participants journey for each other to practice their shamanic healing skills