What is Shamanism?
Shamanism is known to have been and is still present in Indigenous cultures all over the world. The Shamans were considered the “Medicine People” of groups and tribes. Their job has been to be able to “journey” to the spiritual realms to bring back messages, answers, healing, and other information for individuals or the tribe itself. the Shamans, and the tribal members carried a deep understanding that the spirit world is as natural as the world we live in day to day. This world is vast, and the many various locations therein have inhabitants of many kinds: animals, mythical creatures, Ascended Masters (not as in owner, but as in spirits that have lived many lifetimes in service and now no longer need to return to human existence), Ancestors, Spirit guides, Teachers, Fairies, Angels, Elves–the list is endless.
Shamanism is a practice of using a drum, rattles, bells, or other instrument to bring or sound to allow one to be able to travel to these various realms to find out the source of an ailment and to bring back a cure, to speak to the Ancestors for guidance and/or protection, to connect to plants to understand their uses…truly, their are endless sources of connection in these realms for any number of needs or purposes.
The Shaman “Journeys” by way of the rattle and drum, entering into an altered state, where they are able to hear, see, feel, other beings, or guides, who will be asked for the needed information, which will be shared by way of symbols, messages, pictures, stories, course of action or other, sometimes subtle, means. The Shaman then returns with the information to the seeker(s), and interpretations, are offered, questions are answered, for the seeker.
As I see it, and has been working for me, “Journeying” is a valid spiritual means to find answers to questions about life and its complexities, to receive relief from the trauma and turmoil of living life in this world today, as well as to help to heal intergenerational and ancestral pain, and wounding by working directly with the Ancestors. For myself, and those I have worked with, there is a deep form of relief that can be found when one comes to understand that there are whole of realms available with beings who are there to love, support, protect and guide us.
My Teachers
Over a span of 30 years, I have worked with 3, previously, now 4 different teachers.
Gary “Moonhawk” Butler, my first teacher, was a Healer beyond anyone I’ve ever met. He was the Grandson of a Hopi medicine man, and a Celtic Witch. These two, very different parts of his ancestral lineage, gave him a unique perspective on healing. He taught me much about the use of symbols, he taught me Reiki, and other forms of hands-on healing as well as how to read the life force of a person, and their various energy bodies as a way of knowing what they need for their healing. MoonHawk departed this life, yet, I am lucky enough to still have him as a teacher during my journeys to other realms. His depth of wisdom and understanding continues to be of great value to me.
I met my second teacher, Terry Keepers, a retired Jungian Analyst, through a class I took while I was a Counseling Psychology student at Naropa University in Boulder. After the class, Terry sought me out to work with him one on one as his drummer and special assistant, when he performed the rituals of soul retrieval and other kinds of healing. Those who came, were hoping to reclaim some lost part of themselves. He mentored me in the particulars of this practice of helping people to find the “lost” parts of themselves due to mental, emotional, physical or spiritual trauma, accidents, abuse, or some other life experience that was injurious to the person’s soul. Again, he too shows up for me as a continuing teacher, and I’m grateful to still see him.
My third teacher, and the only one of the three still alive was Renna Shesso, who taught Psychopomp work, which is the work of helping souls to cross over after death. In this exploration of “the other side” I have gained helpful understanding as to what needs to be known and considered as one has died, or is preparing to. When one has already crossed over, there may be fer or confusion, and a need for assistance as they leave this place and go to the land of the ancestors. For those preparing for death, there are often insights and pieces of information that can be helpful in alleviating fear and hesitation in the dying process.
As of Fall 2023, I have been taking classes from Puma Fredy Quispe Singona who lives in Cusco, Peru. This new work centers on the teachings of Animal Spirit Medicine. This work has been and continues to be deeply enriching.
If what I have said here has stirred something within you, I would hope that you will be in touch with me. I am dedicated to offering these practices to as many people as possible, in order to bring forth more healing, more hope, more understanding and more love into our very troubled world. As we heal ourselves, that healing ripples out to others, creating a wave, a current that touches all of humanity, all beings of all realms, and of course, Mother Earth, who holds us to her always. Do you hear that call? If so, here are some possibilities of heeding it. Either way, please be in touch, I’d love to hear from you.
Shamanic Practices–The Work
I offer two approaches to Shamanic work–I do the work for you, or you spend a year working with me to learn this ancient practice for yourself so that you may experience phenomenal personal growth, and be of service to others.
Shamanic Healing Sessions
If you have something going on in your life and want to have it addressed through Shamanic work, I offer a package of 3 sessions for this work to be done by me, for you. In the first session, if you do not live nearby me, or don’t wish to travel, we meet via Zoom. This session is for us to talk, get to know each other a little, and figure out what questions you may want answered or some kind healing you feel you might need.
The second session is where I journey for you to gain the answers you need. I may be given specific instructions of things you might need to do, places you may need to go, or rituals you may need to perform. Instructions for what you need to do will be given to you during our third session.
At our third session, usually a couple of days after the Journey, I will share with you what transpired, and pass along any information or instructions that may have come from the Journey itself, or other ways that spirit deems. You will have time to ask questions, share your own thoughts, and gain any further insights you might need, which I am happy to provide.
Lessons in Shamanic Practices
If, after what you’ve read here, you feel a calling to this work, and if you are willing to commit to at least a year of your time, I am willing to help you learn how to journey for yourself, and/or to gain the skills to journey for others. I do not take on just anyone, as my time and energy as an Elder are very important. It is my preference to work with BIPOC, as there are many White Bodied practitioners out there for you to choose from, sparse few who are culturally aware enough to work with BIPOC respectfully, and to offer fair prices, which is why I am here.
You must first set an hour consultation session with me, for which I ask that you pay what you can, and bring whatever questions you may have. We will meet via Zoom, as I need to be able to see you and connect with your level of sincerity. During this session, if I decide to work with you, we will work out the details of our time together going forward, to include supplies you will need, scheduling, and what you will be able to pay. Again, your level of sincerity is key here. It’s not about what you can pay monetarily, but what you bring to this work, and the sincere calling you have felt to embark on this path.
Pricing
This work is hard to quantify. I have a deep and enduring commitment to insuring that those who are in need of healing and wisdom during the course of their journey through life should have access to it, and money should not be a hinderance. Spiritual work with a teacher is about reciprocity. An amount that is a somewhat of a sacrifice is what spirit asks of you as part of your spiritual progress. I trust that you will be honest, as well as holding within, a mindfulness that I give generously of my time and life force to this work with/for you. I usually ask $50-100 per session. If your financial situation is tenuous, and that doesn’t work for you, be in touch anyway, and we’ll come up with something that will be workable for us both. I am dedicated to insuring access to this important spiritual work, especially for BIPOC–you will not be turned away due to lack of funds.
Scheduling
My calendar program link is below for you to set up an initial 1 hour consult. My phone number is 720-436-9992. If you can’t find a workable time, text me, and again, we will work something out.
Find me on Instagram at #shamanismdecolonized