Shamanic journeying – how to start.

Shamanism is one of the oldest forms of spiritual practices known to humans. It has recently been introduced into modern, western societies since the 1970’s. This increasing interest in indigenous spiritual practices were brought forth by professors and anthropoligists that studied and published books on these topics. Michael Harner, who wrote “The Shamans Way” (1990), was an anthropologist who lived and learned from indigenous cultures from South and North American tribes. Learning from indigenous shamanic healers, influenced Harner to establish the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, a contemporary approach to shamanic practices. Sandra Ingerman, a student of Harner, further contributed to the expanding shamanism by offering workshops and classes. She has written books to capture a wider audience and make the practice of shamanic journeying accessible for anyone interested. Ingerman founded the Shift Network, and wrote several books. Her book, Shamanic Journeying a Beginner’s Guide (2006), is a great resource for anyone starting out and new to the practice of journeying. The book comes with an audio CD, with recorded drumming tracks, to make it easy to journey.

Since the initial pioneering efforts of Harner and Ingerman, there have been several shamanic schools and practitioners that continue to keep the flame of shamanic practices burning.

If you’ve ventured onto this page, you’re probably interested in this spiritual practice, and it might seem strange or challenging. Here are some tips to begin your journey.

• Purchase, or borrow from your public library, Sandra Ingerman’s book, The Beginner’s Guide to Shamanic Journeying.
• Read and learn about journeying to the different worlds.
• Choose a clear intention for your journey. Ingerman suggests journeying to the lower world to meet your power animal. This is a great journey to begin your practice.
• Choose a natural element for your entry portal, this could be a tree in your yard, a lake or cave that you’re familiar.
• Find a comfortable, quiet place to lay down, and you will not be interrupted. Turn off your phone and any other distractions.
• Use a bandana or eye covering to darken your vision.
• Put on the drumming CD and begin your journey with your chosen intention.
• When the drumming has changed rhythm, that is the signal to come back from your journey. Retrace your steps in your minds-eye, and bring yourself back through the entry portal, and into your body in your space.
• Journal about your experience, discoveries, and messages from your journey.

Happy Journeying!