Barbara A. Haas, MA Education
In 1991 I began a series of workshops from the Foundation of Shamanic Studies. The first was from Michael Harner, author of The Way of the Shaman, and I was totally enthralled. I told a friend about the workshop and visibly shocked, she exclaimed, “You talked to spirits?”
Actually, I’d been talking to spirits since childhood. My Catholic upbringing and schooling from Kindergarten through 9th grade encouraged communication with a lot of spirits. I prayed to my guardian angels, made altars for my favorite saints, loved the smell of frankincense, and felt uplifted, more whole, when singing in the choir. When I got older my mom introduced me to psychic readings with Gladys Jones. My spiritual readings went from the Lives of the Saints to Gibran’s The Prophet, Ram Dass’ Be Here Now, and Casteneda’s Tales of Power, then Sukov’s Seat of the Soul.
Since 1992 I have continued to learn, teach, and practice shamanism mentored by Sandra Ingerman, and organized gatherings and ceremonies with our local channeler, Linda/Lee throughout the years. My education profession, with a focus on Brain-based Learning, led me to work with Clifford Duncan, Northern Ute elder, and Augustin, a Quechua shaman in Ecuador. My love of dance led me to study Afro-Brazilian orixas with Rosangela Silvestre, which pulled me to Bahia to experience “candomble” ceremonies and “buzios” readings. That pulled me to learning Sacred Objects Divination with Gogo Gretchen Crilly McKay, as well as looking for leprechauns and exploring dolmens in Ireland with Celtic shamanism teacher, Tom Cowan. The ancient priestesses called me to Layne Redmond and the frame drumming world, and my own ancient ancestors drew me to Norse shamanism with Imelda Almqvist. I am also learning about the messages in rock art through Carol Patterson and the traditional marimba and mbira music of Zimbabwe calling in the ancestors. The spiritual path has been wondrous and the shamanic path has been fulfilling on the deepest levels.
My shamanic path was separate from my 23 year elementary teacher career. I recently published a children’s book for toddlers to teens, parents, teachers and counselors called Flustered Without Mustard: Finding Calm When Angry or Frustrated, that was inspired by Spirit, a combination of these two worlds. (You can get it on Amazon.)
Finding our own unique voice, our own way in the world, is an amazing process. The global community of shamanic practitioners and teachers connect throughout the year, discuss new understandings of this good work, and enjoy the inspiration from each other. Marianne Williamson says we all have highly individualized curriculums. I wholeheartedly agree! Follow the breadcrumbs of what brings you joy. Spirit is calling!
Many blessings,
Barbara
ShamanicSOULutions is dedicated to providing shamanic information to help you along your own path of healing, insight, and wisdom.
For upcoming workshops, gatherings, & private session appointments:
Email Barbara: ShamanicSOULutions@gmail.com