Introduction to Shamanism

Shamanism is a Path of Aloha - or Love

Shamanic practices offer a unique path to spiritual growth and healing. 

These ancient traditions, rooted in various cultures, provide tools for: 

• Self-discovery 

• Guidance 

• Healing 

• Transformation 

• Re-empowerment 

What is Shamanism? 

• Shamanism is a spiritual practice that dates back thousands of years. 

• Involves a shaman, who acts as a mediator between the physical world and the spirit world. 

• Shamans use various techniques to enter altered states of consciousness: 

• Drumming 

• Chanting 

• Meditation 

• Psychedelics or Plant Medicine (e.g., Peyote, Ayahuasca, Magic Mushrooms in certain countries) 

• In these states, shamans can: 

• Connect with spirits 

• Seek guidance 

• Heal individuals or communities 

• Shamanism is not tied to any specific religion, making it accessible to anyone. 

• Modern knowledge allows for diverse shamanic practices, medicine wheels, animals, cultural heroes, myths and rituals from different cultures. 

The Role of the Shaman 

• Shamans are healers, guides, and teachers.  

• You do not choose to become a shaman the spirits choose you.  

• Shamans are Wounded-Healers chosen by Spirits due to their own personal experiences of illness, tests, and healing. 

• Their work involves: 

• Healing: physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments (herbal remedies, energy work, spirit journeys). 

• Guidance: insights and guidance through spirit world connection. 

• Empowerment: recovering lost power through trauma, self-doubt, and soul-loss (Soul Retrieval). 

• Community: healing collective wounds and fostering harmony. 

 

Benefits of Shamanic Practices 

• Emotional Healing: relief from trauma, grief, anxiety. 

• Spiritual Growth: self-exploration, personal growth, connection with inner self and universe. 

• Connection to Nature: appreciation for environment, sense of belonging. 

• Enhanced Intuition: heightened intuition and awareness, better decision-making, deeper self-understanding. 

The Purpose and Philosophy of Shamanism 

• Shamanism is fundamentally about restoring lost power, energy, and soul to people. 

• All shamans are healers and dreamers, but not all dreamers are healers or shamans. 

  
  

  This is whey you find a lot of crossovers on this Website between categories articles, Invocations, and Journeys.

  
  

• Illness is seen as “Soul Loss”: 

o   Energy loss 

o   Blocks 

o   Negative energy attachments from others 

• Shamans can remove these attachments and rebalance the body: 

o   Energetically 

o   Emotionally 

o   Mentally 

o   Physically 

o   Spiritually 

• Western medicine views these illnesses as stemming from stress, psychological imbalance, and trauma. 

• Eastern medicine is more familiar with the energy body and practices to rebalance and heal it. 

All systems of medicine and psychotherapy can work together. 

Dr Hank Wesselman’s advice: “When someone has an arrow in their leg, it is not the time to get out the rattle! First you take out the arrow and triage the blood flow. Later you may utilise shamanic healing practices. A good shaman must know what modalities to use when.” 

• Shamans help clients find the original source of energy/soul loss and imbalance. 

• Shamans work with different energy bodies for healing and re-empowerment. 

• Modern shamanic journeying allows people to do their own “divination” or travel into relaxed/altered states for guidance, healing, and empowerment. 

Shamanism Today 

Mircea Eliade’s Influence on Modern Shamanism Studies 

1. Foundational Scholarship 

• Mircea Eliade’s book, Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy (1951/1964), is considered the seminal academic work on shamanism. It systematically compared shamanic practices across cultures, arguing that shamanism was humanity’s original spiritual tradition and that techniques like trance and soul flight are universal features.  

  
  

2. Key Concepts Introduced 

• Trance Theory & Soul Flight: Eliade popularized the idea that shamanic trance involves “soul flight”—the shaman’s journey to supernatural realms for healing and guidance. This concept became central to later anthropological and psychological studies of shamanism.  

• Axis Mundi & Hierophany: He introduced terms like “axis mundi” (the world’s spiritual center) and “hierophany” (manifestation of the sacred), which are now standard in religious studies. 

  
  

3. Comparative and Phenomenological Approach 

• Eliade’s comparative method and phenomenological perspective shifted the study of shamanism from mere ethnography to a broader analysis of myth, ritual, and symbolism. He argued that shamanic practices reflect a universal human longing for the sacred and transcendence. 

• His distinction between the sacred and the profane—the idea that traditional societies divide reality into sacred (mythic, ritual) and profane (ordinary) realms—has shaped how scholars interpret religious experience and ritual. 

  
  

4. Influence on Neoshamanism and Psychology 

• Eliade’s work inspired the Neoshamanic movement in the West, especially from the 1960s onward, as spiritual seekers and practitioners adopted his ideas about ecstatic techniques and spiritual journeys.  

• His theories have influenced transpersonal psychology, psychotherapy, and the integration of spiritual perspectives into healing practices.  

  
  

5. Critique and Legacy 

While Eliade’s universalist claims have been debated and refined by later anthropologists, his framework remains a touchstone for anyone studying shamanism, myth, and religious experience. His emphasis on myth, symbol, and ritual continues to inform comparative religion, anthropology, and psychology. 

6. In summary: Mircea Eliade transformed shamanism studies by providing a global, comparative, and symbolic framework that still shapes academic and practical approaches to shamanic traditions today. 

 

Cultural Variations in Shamanism 

Native American Shamanism 

• Well-known and accessible in the USA and spread throughout the world through Michael Harner’s Foundation for Shamanic Studies and Teachers who teach worldwide. 

  
  

Jamie Sams

• Jamie Sams was of Iroquois and Cherokee descent, a respected medicine teacher and author on Native American Spirituality. 

• Jamie Sams’s work bridges indigenous wisdom with contemporary spiritual practice, focusing on harmony, balance, and honoring both shadow and light on the spiritual path. 

• The teachings often use symbols like the spiral to represent growth and cycles, and the Medicine Wheel to guide self-discovery and healing. 

• Jamie Sams’ teachings are on The Medicine Wheel, Invocations, and Card Decks on The Medicine Wheel and Power Animals. 

Dr Lewis Mehl-Madrona 

• Lewis Mehl-Madrona is a physician, author, and teacher known for integrating Native American healing traditions with modern medicine and psychology. With roots in Lakota and Cherokee heritage, Mehl-Madrona emphasizes the power of story, ritual, and community in healing. 

• Key Points 

• Combines Western medicine, psychiatry, and Indigenous wisdom. 

• Focuses on narrative medicine—using stories for healing and transformation. 

• Teaches about the importance of ceremony, ancestral connection, and holistic well-being. 

  
  

Modern and Western Shamanism 

• Evolved through Michael Harner’s “The Foundation for Shamanic Studies.” 

• Modern drumming and journeying akin to Native American Indians. 

Michael Harner 

Dr Michael Harner (1929–2018) was an American anthropologist and a pioneering figure in the study and practice of shamanism. He is best known for developing “core shamanism,” a system that distills universal shamanic techniques from indigenous traditions worldwide, making them accessible to people from any background. Harner founded the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, which has trained thousands in shamanic journeying, healing, and spiritual practice. 

Key Points 

• Anthropologist: Harner conducted extensive fieldwork among indigenous peoples in South America, especially the Jivaro (Shuar) in the Amazon. 

• Core Shamanism: He synthesized shamanic practices from various cultures into a practical system for modern seekers, emphasizing direct experience, drumming, and journeying. 

• Teacher & Author: His workshops and writings have influenced the global revival of shamanic practice. 

Michael Harner’s work remains central to contemporary shamanic practice, offering practical tools and deep insights into spiritual healing and transformation. 

Harner taught Hank Wesselman, Sandra Ingerman, and Robert Moss who all became key teachers and authors. 

Hank Wesselman

Dr Hank Wesselman was an influential American anthropologist, author, and shamanic teacher. With a PhD in anthropology, Wesselman spent much of his career studying indigenous cultures in Africa and Polynesia, focusing on spiritual practices and healing traditions. He became widely known for his work in shamanism, blending scientific understanding with experiential wisdom. 

Key Points 

• Anthropologist & Author: Wesselman conducted fieldwork in Africa, particularly among the Dagara people, and later in Hawaii. His research explored the intersection of science and spirituality. 

• Shamanic Teacher: He trained under Michael Harner and taught shamanic journeying, soul retrieval, and healing practices. Wesselman emphasized the importance of direct experience and personal empowerment in spiritual growth. 

• His works combine personal narrative, anthropological insight, and practical guidance for spiritual seekers. 

• Legacy: Wesselman’s teachings continue to inspire those interested in shamanic practice, ancestral wisdom, and holistic healing. His workshops, books, and audio programs remainpopular resources for learning about shamanism and spiritual transformation.  

• Hank Wesselman in Hawaiian Shamanism (Kahuna mentor Hale Makua) taught:

• The Oversoul (births the Soul into the body, mostly remains in Spirit World) 

• The “Lono” (Mental and Creative egoic soul) 

• The “Ku” (Emotional and Physical Body) 

  
  

Sandra Ingerman

Background, Transmutation, and Earth Healing 

Sandra Ingerman is a respected shamanic teacher and author, internationally known for her work in soul retrieval, spiritual transmutation, and environmental healing. She trained under Michael Harner and with Hank Wesselman. Her teachings blend ancient shamanic wisdom with practical tools for personal and planetary transformation. 

Background 

• Sandra Ingerman has trained thousands of practitioners in shamanic journeying, soul retrieval, and healing practices. 

• She emphasizes direct spiritual experience, personal empowerment, and the importance of ceremony and ritual. 

• Her books and workshops are widely used by those seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and contribute to healing in their communities. 

Transmutation Work 

• Ingerman developed accessible practices for spiritual transmutation, teaching how to shift negative thoughts, emotions, and energies into positive, healing forces. 

• In How to Heal Toxic Thoughts: Simple Tools for Personal Transformation, she offers practical exercises for cleansing and uplifting one’s inner and outer world. 

• Her approach uses intention, visualization, and ceremony to transmute negativity and restore balance. 

Healing the Earth 

• In Medicine for the Earth: How to Transform Personal and Environmental Toxins, Ingerman shares shamanic techniques for healing the planet. 

• She teaches that by working with spiritual light, intention, and ritual, individuals can help purify environmental toxins and support the earth’s well-being. 

• Her work empowers people to become agents of positive change, blending ancient wisdom with modern ecological awareness. 

Robert Moss 

Robert Moss is an internationally recognized author, teacher, and dreamwork pioneer. He is known for developing “Active Dreaming,” a synthesis of shamanic journeying and dreamwork that empowers people to use dreams for healing, guidance, and spiritual growth. 

Key Points 

• Moss also trained with Michael Harner and blends shamanic practices with dreamwork, encouraging direct experience and personal empowerment. 

• He teaches techniques for conscious dreaming, journeying, and connecting with spiritual guides through dreams. 

• His books have many Guided Meditations and Shamanic Journeys. 

• His workshops and books have inspired many to explore the deeper dimensions of consciousness and imagination. 

• I have referenced his work and books in DreamWork or Active Dreaming as he has termed his combination of Shamanic Journeying and Dream-work on this Website under DreamWork. 

  
  

José Luis Stevens 

José Luis Stevens is a shamanic teacher, author, and co-founder of The Power Path School of Shamanism. He is known for integrating ancient shamanic wisdom with practical tools for personal transformation and spiritual growth. 

Key Points 

• Stevens teaches shamanic practices from various traditions, from Native American, south American Peruvian, and Modern Shamanism focusing on empowerment, healing, and awakening the inner shaman. 

• He offers workshops, books, and online courses on topics such as power animals, rituals, and energy work. 

• His approach blends indigenous wisdom with modern psychology and spirituality. 

Egyptian Shamanism 

Nicki Scully

Nicki Scully is a respected author, teacher, and healer known for her work in shamanic healing, alchemical healing, and Egyptian spirituality. She has trained with Native American and Egyptian spiritual teachers, blending ancient wisdom with practical healing techniques. 

• All Egyptian Gods and Goddesses are expressions of Nature and Divine Cosmic Consciousnessand are easily accessible through Shamanic Journeying. 

• Nicki’s husband Mark Hallert (visionary capacity, co-authored shamanic journeys). 

• Normandi Ellis worked with Nicki to synthesise Nicki’s etheric energies, the Egyptian Neteru, into a mystical/religious/shamanic practice. 

  
  

  Key Points 

• Scully teaches “Alchemical Healing,” a system that integrates shamanic practices with the transformative powers of the elements and spiritual consciousness. 

• Her work emphasizes guided journeys, ritual, and working with the energies of nature, stones, and Egyptian deities. 

• She is recognized for making complex spiritual concepts accessible and practical for personal transformation and healing. 

• Her books have many Shamanic Journey Meditations and scripts. 

• Related Website articles: “The Goddess, The Divine Feminine, The Great Mother,” “Egyptian Goddess Festivals.” 

Normandi Ellis

Normandi Ellis worked with Nicki to synthesise Nicki’s etheric energies, the Egyptian Neteru, into a mystical/religious/shamanic practice. 

Normandi's own extensive body of work offers deep spiritual connections through Shamanic Journeys as well as through metaphysical reflective enquiry and the deep understanding an knowledge of Egyptian Spirituality which is the original form of Shamanism -- where Nature and The Divine/the Gods and Goddesses are one.

• Normandi offers Shamanic Journeys in her books and workshops.

• As a High Priestess of The Isis Fellowship and a Spiritualist Minister Normandi offers experiences and classesin Rituals, Astrology, Numerology, The Kabalah, And Hieroglyphs. All are aspects of Shamanism.

Zahra Indigo Ronlov

Indigo offers Workshops and Books on Shamanic Journeys with the Egyptian Gods and Goddess and with Nature.

• Specialist in Ma'at

• Qualified in Ecopsychology and Transpersonal Psychology.

Danielle Rama Hoffman

Specialist in Egyptian Spirituality and Shamanic Journeys described in her books.

A teacher of ritual and ceremony in wholeness of Shamanic Nature and Spiritual Consciousness.

South American Shamanism 

Differs from Native American Shamanism in animals, elements, and directions. 

Don Oscar Miro-Quesada:

 Don Oscar is a respected Peruvian shaman, psychologist, and ethno-psychologist, known for his teachings in cross-cultural shamanism and the Pachakuti Mesa tradition. He is the founder of the “THOTH—The Heart of the Healer” organization, which offers training in Peruvian shamanic wisdom and ceremonial practice. 

Key Points 

• Miro-Quesada bridges indigenous Peruvian wisdom with contemporary spiritual practice, emphasizing ritual, healing, and personal transformation. 

• He teaches the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition, a system of shamanic healing and ceremony rooted in Peruvian cosmology. 

• His work focuses on the importance of sacred relationship with nature, community, and spirit. 

Alberto Villoldo: The Four Winds Society 

• Dr Alberto Villoldo is a medical anthropologist, author, and shamanic teacher known for his work in energy medicine and the spiritual traditions of the Andes and Amazon. He founded The Four Winds Society, which trains people in shamanic healing and personal transformation. 

  
  

  Key Points 

• Villoldo studied the healing practices of indigenous shamans in South America, especially the Q’eroshamans of Peru. 

• He teaches techniques for energy healing, soul retrieval, and personal empowerment, blending ancient wisdom with modern science. 

• His approach emphasizes the power of intention, ritual, and working with the luminous energy field for healing and transformation. 

African Shamanism  

Malidoma Somé  

Dr Malidoma Patrice Somé was a renowned teacher, author, and initiated elder of the Dagara people of Burkina Faso, West Africa. His name means “be friends with the stranger,” reflecting his life’s work of bridging traditional African wisdom and Western culture. 

Key Teachings 

• Initiation & Ritual: Malidoma Somé emphasized the importance of initiation, ritual, and community in healing and personal transformation. He taught that ritual reconnects individuals to their ancestors, nature, and spiritual purpose. 

• Elemental Cosmology: Dagara cosmology centers around five elements—Water, Earth, Fire, Mineral, and Nature—each representing different aspects of life and spiritual energy. 

• Healing & Divination: Malidoma Somé practiced and taught traditional African healing methods, including divination, ancestral connection, and spirit communication. 

John Lockley 

John Lockley is a fully initiated sangoma (traditional healer and shaman) in the Xhosa and Swazi lineages of South Africa. His journey is unique—he is one of the first modern white men to be initiated as a senior sangoma after Apartheid. His Xhosa name, Ucingolweendaba, means “the messenger or bridge between cultures.” Lockley’s work is about reconciliation, healing ancestral wounds, and helping people reconnect with their own spirits, ancestors, and the natural world. 

Key Teachings

• Training: Lockley also trained in Zen meditation under Zen Master Su Bong in South Korea and holds an honors degree in Clinical Psychology.  

• Philosophy: His work bridges modern Western psychology and traditional African healing, focusing on Ubuntu (shared humanity), dreamwork, animal medicine, and connecting to nature. 

Celtic Shamanism and Druidry 

• Newly created practice (no written record or continual lineage). 

• Celtic Medicine Wheel with emotional healing properties and Ancestral Beings for each direction. 

Concept of “The Three Cauldrons”: 

• Emotional Well-Being 

• Physical Well-Being 

• Spiritual Well-Being 

Practitioners:

• John and Caitlin Matthews England 

• Jaime Meyer’s school: Drumming the soul awake. 

• Phillip Carr-Gorman

• Danu Forest

• Kris Kristopherson

• Peter Knight

  
  

The Sidhe

Known predominantly in Irish and Celtic folklore. They are often referred to as the "Fairy Folk" but say they are more cousins to us humans from ancient times.

Their name means "People of the Peace." Known throughout history, through myths and by writers such as Tolkein, W.B. Yeats and AE Russell they are making contact with more people around the world to help heal our planet.

Practitioners:

• David Spangler

• Jeremy Berg

• John Matthews

• Soren Hauge

Mongolian Shamanism 

Kevin Turner is an author, shamanic practitioner, and teacher who has spent decades studying and practicing shamanism across Asia, including Mongolia, Nepal, Tibet, Indonesia, and more. Kevin Turner is the Director for Asia & Oceania at the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, working closely with indigenous shamans and teaching core shamanism in multiple countries. Kevin Turner has lived in Asia for over 30 years and is based in Bali, Indonesia. Their background includes study with yogis, monks, and lamas, as well as training in Kriya Yoga and Tibetan Buddhism. 

My Personal Teachers

• Dr Hank Wesselman, Robert Moss, Sandra Ingerman who all trained under Michael Harner in these techniques. 

• Robert Moss’s Active Dreamwork: a synthesis of shamanic journeying and dreaming. 

• Dr Lewis Mehl-Madrona 

• Jaime Myer Celtic Shamanism and Shamanic Tour of Ireland 2024 with him. 

• Egyptian Shamanic Training and Alchemical Healing with Nicki Scully 

• Sandra Ingerman 2017-2019 online studies. 

• John Lockley 2023 Online Studies 

• Don Oscar Miro-Quesada  

• My Essay, “My Shamanic Healing” in published in Shamanism: Personal Quests of Communion with Nature and Creation, authored by Don Oscar Miro-Quesada and published by Sacred Stories Publishing.  Original essay under "Read" 0n this Website.

Website Resources Page will provide a more detailed list of Books andWebsites for all the Types of Shamanism and Practitioners.