About Shamanism and Shamanic Healing…

Shamanism is one of the most ancient healing methods known to humankind, focusing on the realms of spirit to effect change and healing.  The shaman/practitioner seeks to connect with compassionate helping spirits to elicit their assistance in healing and restoring balance and power (energy/vitality) to the individual.  This is accomplished by entering an altered state of consciousness and journeying into non-ordinary reality where they connect with their spirit allies, who will in turn work on behalf of the individual to reconnect them with their own helping spirits and restore their personal power.

Core Shamanism

Core shamanism speaks to the universal practices that commonly exist despite diverse cultural dogma, religion, mythology and tradition.  The methods of core shamanism have been studied and developed by internationally renowned anthropologist Michael Harner, PhD, Founder and President of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies.  These fundamental teachings have been presented in a consistent format by the Foundation’s teachers throughout the world and are accepted and practiced by many modern day shamanic healers and teachers.

Methods & Techniques

Though many shamanic healing methods exist, some of the most commonly used terms and techniques are:

To learn more about core shamanism and basic shamanic practices, I would recommend the following books:

“The Way of the Shaman”

by Michael Harner

“Shamanism:  As a Spiritual Practice for Daily Life”

by Tom Cowan

“Soul Retrieval:  Mending the Fragmented Self Through Shamanic Practice”

by Sandra Ingerman

“Shaking Out the Spirits:  A Psychotherapist’s Entry

into the Healing Mysteries of Global Shamanism”

by Bradford Keeney