Introduction to Shamanism

Shamanism is an ancient form of spiritual practice. Some form of it has existed on our planet for at least 40,000 years. The shamanic worldview accepts that other realities exist simultaneously with our physical one, that all beings have a spirit, and that everything is interconnected in a great web of life.

A shaman is a practitioner (female or male) who enters a non-ordinary state of consciousness (called a shamanic journey) to effect healing on behalf of others. They often use some form of percussive stimulus (from the rhythmic beat of a drum or rattle) to access the shamanic journey and travel into other realities to meet with helping spirits and power animals. They use the shamanic journey to access direct revelation, spiritual guidance and healing experiences.

During Autumn 2007 to Summer 2009, Sheila is on sabbatical from the introductory Weavers in the Web program. Check this website in late 2008 for program dates for 2009-2010.

OTHER SHAMANIC EVENTS:

Wilderness Spirit Quest for Women and Men in Eastern Washington

co-facilitated with Anne Hayden

For Men and Women:
Saturday, June 21 to Sunday, June 29, 2008
Orientation: Wednesday, May 7, 2008 in Seattle

Tuition: $695
Application and interview required for participation
Email us for information and to apply.

A life-shifting journey into wild lands to uncover and retrieve the passion and wisdom of your heart, and the nature of the gift that is uniquely yours to bring to the world. This wilderness quest is a contemporary re-enactment of the cross-cultural vision quest and includes three days and nights of solitude with an optional fast. The seasoned guides offer assistance on all levels, from spiritual preparation to help with backpacking equipment to ceremonial options.

The quest takes place in a canyon in Eastern Washington where the basalt cliffs offer high vistas and the year-round creek attracts wildlife from a wide area. Sagebrush, desert flowers and old-growth fir and pines provide the outer landscape to mirror your inner journey.

Though this quest involves a 2-3 mile backpack, you don’t need to have previous experience in backpacking or camping. You will need to be willing to prepare yourself physically, emotionally and spiritually in the weeks and months before the journey.

>>> ADVANCED SHAMANIC TRAININGS