What is shamanism?

Although much more widely heard in western countries these days, this term can still feel quite unknown & unclear. As a Shamanic Practitioner, I would like to offer some ideas to briefly clarify my understanding so that it feels more accessible if you wanted to come for a session with me.

Shamanism is an umbrella term for what are seen as the most ancient spiritual traditions across the world. Similar to many religions, there have been & are many types, interpretations & practices of shamanism in different countries at different times, including more modern varieties.

Traditional shamanism was our tribal ancestors’ way of exploring, understanding & working with the forces around them, including interacting with different spirit worlds. Therefore, it is rooted in the belief that the physical & spiritual worlds are interconnected.

Shamanic practices are a way of relating to the unseen world & seeking to bring balance & harmony to both realms of consciousness. Whilst this can be done for a variety of healing or guidance purposes, it is often done through trance states of consciousness (which means using different parts of our brain like when we’re in meditation or asleep).

For me, shamanism is about connecting with our hearts, souls, nature & spirit beings. It is also about bringing back what is sacred & mystical into our lives. It is possible to see why it has become so popular in the western world in recent years when we’ve seen rising levels of mental ill health, a disconnection from & destruction of the natural world & a separation from our communities.

Through the many practices that it offers, it can enrich your life hugely: bringing in meaning, purpose, spirituality & enabling you to feel whole & connected to a larger consciousness in the world.

My experience of receiving & giving shamanic treatments is that they don’t feel scary or unknown, they feel natural, intuitive, creative, gentle & powerful & can help you feel deeply at home in yourself.  

I will do another blog post soon about the different practices on offer.