The Shaman

Crow Medicine Man

 Shamans dedicate their lives to their vocation. They sacrifice themselves for their people and spend many years acquiring knowledge and skills that take even longer to comprehend.  

The word “Shaman” comes from the tradition of the Tingus tribe of Siberia, and means: 

"a healer and a magician."  

He or she recognizes that the spirits of the mountains, the rivers, the ancestors, and all of the other spirits who share our world are available to us here and now.

Shamans study the ways of the “old people” and of those who have gone before us, and finds ways to communicate with the spirits all around them. They learn to travel among the spirits by entering into a trance state. They ask the spirits for help with healing, and learn to understand and assist the dance of life, the great dance of which we are all part.

Hupa Medicine Woman

Nina Dovuu, Tuvan Shaman

The Ancient World View

In ancient times the peoples of the world shared common beliefs based on the understanding that all things are alive. The trees, flowers, animals, air, clouds, mud, rain, sun, moon, their homes, their tools, all things possess a spirit that requires nurturing and honoring. How they honored living things and the exact nature of their ceremonies, beliefs and rituals may have varied, but their core beliefs were very similar.

Core Shamanism is what I practice. It draws on the traditions, customs and practices of ancient peoples from around the world. It is not focused on one specific tribal belief or tradition, but is a more eclectic approach to shamanism that allows for flexibility in working with clients who come from varied spiritual and cultural traditions. 

Sandra Ingerman, American Shaman

The Ancient Becomes Modern

In our modern culture a shamanic practitioner, or shaman, is consulted for many purposes but primarily for:

• addressing and healing the spiritual aspect of illness or disease
• performing Soul Retrievals
• divining information,
• helping the spirits of the deceased cross over
• performing a variety of ceremonies.

As in ancient times, shamanism is as applicable to adults, children and animals, as well as land, homes and businesses.

Nan Moss and David Corbin, American Shamans

I am always happy to talk with you and put you in touch with one or more of my clients with whom you might consult. It is important that you, as a potential client, feel comfortable with me and with the nature of the work. 

Indigenous Shaman

I have adapted the nature of the ancient work so that it applies to our modern expectations. For that reason, you won’t see me greet you at the door in a wolf or bear costume. Likely, you’ll see me in ordinary casual dress with a smile and a welcome. My healing space is very warm and inviting and a safe harbor for clients with varied spiritual and cultural backgrounds.

For additional background information about shamanism, you might want to read the following books:

• The Way of the Shaman by Michael Harner
• Shamanic Journeying, A Beginner’s Guide by Sandra Ingerman
• Soul Retrieval by Sandra Ingerman