Exploring Shamanism
Shamanism is a term used today for a wide range of spirit-based practices involving direct relationship with the unseen, altered or non-ordinary states of consciousness, healing, ceremony, divination, and connection to the natural world. It offers another way of relating to ourselves, Spirit, and the world around us- one rooted in relationship, journey, ceremony, and direct spiritual experience.
The word Shaman itself came into the English language through a Russian translation of a Tungusic word used among peoples of Siberia. It's rough translation becomes “one who sees in the dark.” Over the years, the term Shaman was later adopted more broadly by scholars and practitioners to describe spiritually similar practices found across the globe. Some scholars use the word strictly for its Siberian context, while most others use it more broadly. Today, the term generally references the broad scope of Shamanic-style practices across the globe- recognizing that individual traditions grouped beneath the word have their own histories, cosmologies, names, and ways of practicing.
Practices we now describe as shamanic have very old roots. Scholars have connected elements of shamanic practice with prehistoric ritual and Paleolithic imagery- relationships with spirits, altered states, healing, ceremony, divination, and the natural world which have taken many forms across human cultures for centuries.
A Living, Spirited World
One of the foundational teachings within shamanic practice is that we live in relationship with a world that is alive with consciousness and Spirit. The Earth is not simply the backdrop to human life- every plant, animal, river, mountain, land, and element can be approached as beings and forces with which we are in relationship.
Shamanism invites us to experience the world as something we are part of- not something separate from us. That relationship can extend into the unseen as well. Spirit Guides, ancestors, spiritual allies, and the places encountered in journey are approached through connection and reciprocity rather than control.
Over time, this way of relating can change how we move through the world. We may become more attentive to what surrounds us, more aware of what carries meaning, and more willing to notice the ways Spirit can meet us through nature, symbols, intuition, and direct experiences.
At its heart, shamanic practice is relational: with Spirit, with the Earth, with the unseen, and with ourselves.
Journeying Into
the Unseen
Shamanic journeying is another foundational teaching of Shamanism. Through repetitive drumming, focused intention, and an altered state of awareness (similar to a deep meditation), we enter what is often called non-ordinary reality-the unseen or spirit world.
Within journey, we may encounter Spirit Guides, animal allies, ancestors, landscapes, symbols, messages, or experiences that offer healing, perspective, or understanding. Not every journey looks the same. Some people experience vivid imagery, while others receive information through sensation, emotion, sound, words, or a strong sense of simply knowing. There isn’t one “right” way for the journey to unfold.
Generally, non-ordinary reality is often described through three realms- the Lower World, Middle World, and Upper World- each with its own landscapes, qualities, and ways of working. These aren’t places we visit simply for curiosity; journeying is approached with intention, relationship, and respect.
Sometimes I journey on behalf of a client. In other work, I guide someone into journey themselves. Either way, the purpose is similar:
to step beyond our ordinary way of seeing, listen to what meets us there, and return with something that may deepen healing, understanding, or connection.
How Does
Shamanic Healing Work?
Healing- as it relates to Shamanic work and various other energy healing modalities- is often understood as a process of restoring relationship, balance, vitality, and connection. A practitioner may journey on someone’s behalf to seek guidance from helping spirits, understand what kind of support is being called for, and carry out healing work within non-ordinary reality.
The exact work can vary from session to session, however, we always begin with what is present. From there, we allow the journey, the helping spirits, and the teachings of the practice to guide what happens next.
A Shamanic Healing May Include
Depending on what emerges, shamanic healing may include:
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Soul retrieval + reconnection: Supporting the return of qualities, vitality, or parts of the soul that had become distant.
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Energetic clearing + extraction: Tending to energy that is perceived as heavy, intrusive, stagnant, or no longer belonging.
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Power + helping spirit work: Strengthening relationship with spiritual allies, ancestors, protection work, guidance, or sources of support.
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Ceremony + ritual: Creating intentional space to honour change, release, transition, grief, healing, or what has been revealed through the work.
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Messages + spiritual insight: Bringing back imagery, symbols, teachings, or perspectives received through journey.
We Journey Beyond the Ordinary
So We Can Return to It With New yes.
Who Is This Work FOr?
People come to shamanic work for many different reasons. Sometimes there is something specific they want support with; other times, they simply know they feel different from themselves and want another way of exploring what may be happening underneath.
You might come during:
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A major transition, ending, loss, or beginning
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A period of feeling disconnected from yourself, your intuition, or Spirit
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A pattern or experience that keeps resurfacing
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A season of grief, uncertainty, or change
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A time when you feel energetically heavy, depleted, or unsettled
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A spiritual opening, curiosity, or desire to deepen your connection
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A moment when you’ve done a lot of thinking and talking, but feel called to approach the experience from somewhere different
And sometimes, you don’t come because anything is “wrong” at all.
Shamanic Healing can also be a way of tending your spiritual life, strengthening relationship with helping spirits, reconnecting with yourself, or simply making intentional space to listen more deeply.
Not every difficult experience has a spiritual cause. Shamanic practice simply gives us another lens through which to explore what we’re experiencing- alongside the physical, emotional, relational, and practical parts of being human.
Ready to Experience Shamanic Healing?
$120 | 1-hour
Optional 30-minute Psychic Reading add-on | $66
(For those who prefer a more traditional approach, Reiki energy healing is available upon request as part of your Shamanic Healing session)
My work is rooted in the shamanic teachings and techniques I’ve been trained in, with intuition working alongside those practices rather than replacing them. Whatever emerges through the unseen, we always bring the work back to your understanding, your choices, and the life you’re actually living.