The Elements & Shamanic Clans: Their Powers in Shamanism

Debbie Irvine
Nov 7
8 min read

Shamanic traditions around the world recognize the fundamental powers of the natural elements—Earth, Fire, Air, and Water—as well as the unique energies of the Stone Clan and Nature Clan.

Each element and clan carry its own wisdom, healing qualities, and spiritual lessons.

These are 100 times more powerful than Power Animals according to Hank Wesselman.

Nicki Scully teaches “Alchemical Healing” using these Elements and Akasha as Spirit or Consciousness.

I have trained in Nicki’s Alchemical Healing in Retreat, as well as Hank’s Clans and Journeys.

Earth

Grounding and Stability: Earth represents the foundation, strength, and support in our lives. It is associated with physical health, abundance, and the ability to manifest intentions.
Healing: Earth energy is nurturing and restorative, helping to heal the body and mind, and providing a sense of safety and belonging.
Connection: Working with Earth connects you to ancestors, traditions, and the cycles of nature.

Fire

Transformation and Purification: Fire is the element of change, passion, and creativity. It burns away what no longer serves, making space for new growth.
Empowerment: Fire brings courage, motivation, and the drive to take action.
Spiritual Illumination: Fire is often used in rituals to invoke clarity, inspiration, and spiritual awakening.

Air

Communication and Intellect: Air governs thoughts, ideas, and the breath of life. It is linked to wisdom, learning, and the ability to see things from a higher perspective.
Movement and Freedom: Air energy helps release stagnant patterns and encourages adaptability and openness.
Vision: Air supports intuition, imagination, and the ability to receive messages from spirit.

Water

Emotional Healing: Water is the element of feelings, intuition, and the subconscious. It soothes, cleanses, and restores emotional balance.
Flow and Adaptability: Water teaches flexibility, acceptance, and the ability to move gracefully through life’s changes.
Connection to Spirit: Water is often used in rituals for purification, dreamwork, and connecting with the deeper mysteries of the soul.

The Stone Clan

Ancient Wisdom: Stones and crystals are seen as the oldest beings on Earth, holding the memory of the planet and the wisdom of ages.
Protection and Strength: The Stone Clan offers grounding, stability, and energetic protection.
Healing Energies: Stones are used in shamanic healing to balance energy, clear blockages, and amplify intentions.

The Nature Clan

Vitality and Growth: The Nature Clan includes plants, trees, and all living green things. They embody the life force, renewal, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Healing and Nourishment: Nature spirits offer medicine, nourishment, and guidance for physical and spiritual well-being.
Connection to Cycles: The Nature Clan teaches about the cycles of growth, death, and rebirth, and the importance of living in harmony with the environment.
The Animal Clan
Element: Animal
Key Aspects: Instinct, protection, guidance, power, connection to animal spirits.
Meditation Focus: Call upon your power animal or animal guides. Ask for protection, guidance, and the ability to act with instinct and courage.

In shamanic practice, working with these elements and clans can help you restore balance, deepen your connection to the natural world, and access powerful sources of healing and wisdom.

Sample Meditation Structure

You can use the following as a template for a journey or meditation:

Set your intention (e.g., “I seek to connect with the wisdom of the clans and elements.”)
Ground yourself (visualize roots, breath, or a sacred space).
Journey through each clan/element:
Pause with each, sense its energy, and ask for its gift or message.
You might visualize moving from earth to water, fire, air, mineral, plant, and animal realms.
Or focus on one Element or Clan at a time.
Notice what feels strongest or shows itself clearly to you.
Work with what shows up!
Receive guidance, healing, or empowerment from each clan.
Return and integrate (thank the clans/elements, reflect, journal).

Guided Meditation: The Stone Clan and Nature Clan

This guided meditation is inspired by the teachings of Hank Wesselman and is designed to help you connect with the wisdom and healing energies of the Stone Clan and the Nature Clan. You will journey through a sacred landscape, encountering the elements of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air, and receiving guidance and healing from the ancient spirits of stone and nature.

1. Preparation

Find a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be disturbed. You may wish to play soft drumming or nature sounds. Sit or lie down, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths.

2. Setting Your Intention

Silently set your intention for this journey. For example:

“I open myself to the wisdom and healing of the Stone Clan

and the Nature Clan.”

3. Entering the Sacred Landscape

Visualize yourself standing at the edge of a beautiful natural landscape. The air is fresh and clean, filled with the scent of pine and wildflowers. A gentle breeze brushes your skin. The sun shines warmly above, or perhaps the moon glows softly in the sky. Nearby, a clear stream flows gently into a serene lake, its waters sparkling in the light. You feel safe, grounded, and connected to the Earth.

4. Meeting the Stone Clan

Walk slowly until you come to a circle of ancient stones or a large boulder. Approach with reverence. Place your hands on the stone and feel its cool, solid surface. Sense the deep time, the endurance, and the ancient memory held within. Ask the Stone Clan to share their strength, resilience, and wisdom with you. Be open to any sensations, images, or messages that arise.

5. Meeting the Nature Clan

Move gently into a lush grove filled with vibrant plants, flowers, and towering trees. Sit or stand among them. Feel the life force pulsing around you. Breathe in the fresh, oxygen-rich air. Hear the rustle of leaves and the song of birds. Ask the Nature Clan to share their healing, growth, and renewal with you. Receive their gifts with gratitude.

6. Integration

Allow the energies of the Stone Clan and Nature Clan to blend within you. Feel the grounding strength of stone and the vibrant healing of nature. Let these energies support and nourish you.

7. Return

When you are ready, thank the spirits and the landscape for their guidance. Slowly bring your awareness back to your breath and your body. Wiggle your fingers and toes. Open your eyes.

8. Reflection

Take a few moments to journal about your experience. What did you see, feel, or learn? How do you feel now? What messages or insights did you receive?

Journal Prompts for Reflection

After completing your meditation with the Stone Clan and Nature Clan, take time to reflect on your experience. Use the following journal prompts to explore your insights, feelings, and any messages you received:

What did you feel when you connected with the Stone Clan?
Describe the sensations, images, or messages you received.
What qualities or wisdom did the stones share with you?
How did the energy of the Nature Clan feel? What plants or trees stood out to you?
Did you receive any healing, guidance, or symbols during your journey?
What emotions surfaced during the meditation? How did you respond to them?
What message or insight are you taking with you from this experience?
How can you integrate the gifts of the Stone and Nature Clans into your daily life?
Did the presence of water, sun/moon, or air influence your journey? In what ways?
What surprised you most about this meditation?
What would you like to explore further in your next journey?

Guided Meditation: Journey Through the 7 Shamanic Clans & Elements

Preparation: Find a quiet, comfortable space. You may wish to play gentle drumming or nature sounds. Sit or lie down, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths.

1. Setting Your Intention

Silently set your intention for this journey: “I open myself to the wisdom and healing of the Clans and Elements.”

2. Grounding

Feel your body relax with each breath. Imagine roots growing from your feet or spine, reaching deep into the earth. Sense the support and stability of the Earth Clan.

Repeat: “I am deeply rooted and supported by the Earth. I draw strength and wisdom from my ancestors.”

3. Entering the Sacred Landscape

Visualize yourself standing in a beautiful natural landscape. Notice the sights, sounds, and sensations around you.

4. Meeting the Clans & Elements

Earth Clan

Feel the solid ground beneath you. Sense the nurturing energy of the earth. Receive grounding, stability, and ancestral wisdom.

Repeat:

“I am deeply rooted and supported by the Earth. I draw strength and wisdom from my ancestors.”

Water Clan

Imagine a gentle stream or lake nearby. Feel the flow of water, cleansing and soothing you. Receive emotional healing and intuition.

Repeat: “I allow my emotions to flow and cleanse me. I trust my intuition and move with life’s currents.”

Fire Clan

See a sacred fire burning safely. Feel its warmth and energy. Receive transformation, passion, and creative inspiration.

Repeat: “I embrace transformation and ignite my creative power. I release what no longer serves me.”

Wind/Air Clan

Feel a gentle breeze or the rhythm of your breath. Sense clarity and movement in your mind and spirit.

Repeat: “I breathe deeply and invite clarity. My thoughts and words are clear and inspired.”

Stone/Mineral Clan

Notice stones or crystals in the landscape. Touch one and feel its ancient wisdom and endurance.

Repeat: “I am resilient and strong. I access the ancient wisdom held within the stones.”

Nature/Plant Clan

Walk among vibrant plants, flowers, or trees. Feel their healing, growth, and renewal.

Repeat: “I grow and heal with the cycles of nature. I am nourished and renewed.”

Animal Clan

Sense the presence of animals—real or spirit. Feel their protection, guidance, and instinct.

Repeat: “I trust my instincts and accept guidance from my animal allies. I am protected and empowered.”

5. Receiving Guidance

Pause and ask: “What do I need to know or heal at this time?” Be open to any images, sensations, or messages that arise.

6. Integration

Thank each clan and element for their gifts. Feel their energies blending within you—grounding, cleansing, inspiring, clarifying, strengthening, nourishing, and empowering.

7. Return

Slowly bring your awareness back to your breath and your body. Wiggle your fingers and toes. Open your eyes when you’re ready.

8. Reflection

Take a few moments to journal about your experience:

What did you see, feel, or learn?
Which clan’s energy felt strongest?
What messages or insights did you receive?
How can you integrate these gifts into your daily life?

Tip: You can repeat this meditation as often as you like, focusing on one clan or moving through all seven. Adapt the journey to suit your needs.

Affirmations for each of the 7 Shamanic Clans & Elements:

Ready for meditation, journaling, or daily reflection:

1. Earth Clan

“I am deeply rooted and supported by the Earth. I draw strength and wisdom from my ancestors.”

2. Water Clan

“I allow my emotions to flow and cleanse me. I trust my intuition and move with life’s currents.”

3. Fire Clan

“I embrace transformation and ignite my creative power. I release what no longer serves me.”

4. Wind/Air Clan

“I breathe deeply and invite clarity. My thoughts and words are clear and inspired.”

5. Stone/Mineral Clan

“I am resilient and strong. I access the ancient wisdom held within the stones.”

6. Nature Clan

“I grow and heal with the cycles of nature. I am nourished and renewed.”

7. Animal Clan

“I trust my instincts and accept guidance from my animal allies. I am protected and empowered.”

You can use these affirmations as part of your meditation, journeywork, or simply as daily reminders to connect with the qualities of each clan and element.