Shamanism is an ancient practice that allows us to connect to the world beyond the physical.

This practice is animistic and non-religious, understanding through felt experience that everything has a spirit, or energy, and that we are all connected.  There is no separation. 

The shamanically inclined use the form of a 'shamanic journey' to a drum, or other methods such as medicine walks or vision fasts, to shift their awareness to allow for connection, conversations and relationships with the spirit of the land, the spirit of animals, and the spirit of non-physical guides and helpers for help, healing and advice on ordinary living.  Through clear intention, the help or power we bring back from this realm is aimed at helping to improve our practical lives - physical, emotional, mental - and deepen our spiritual connection.  It is not a form of ecstatic escapism - although ecstasy is the terrain of some shamanic experiences!

The shaman is a bridge between the spirit world and his or her community, bringing back spirit power in the form of healing or wisdom to those that are asking for help.  However, building a relationship with our own, personal spirit helpers is something we can all do, without having to become a 'shaman'.

Most of us have access to this way of working. 

Joanna teaches a very grounded, 'core' shamanic practice which means it fits within most cultural and religious beliefs.  You will not be required to wear animal skins - but if you choose to, of ocurse, that's up to you!  And ethnogenic plants (medicine plants such as the well known ayahuasca or peyote) are not used in this form of practice as the drum and rattle, with the help of our spirits, work just fine without.

That's wonderful!  All are welcome from committed relgious practitioners - ministers and laypeopl - to agnostics and even atheists. 

Shamanism is not a religion.  It is a practice.  There is a fundamental understanding, through felt experience, that everything has a spirit, energy or consciousness.  

Joanna has worked with people with diverse beliefs, from buddhists to hindhus, agnostics to christians of many denominations.  All gained a deeper understanding of spirit within their own belief system, or found new ways to greater harmony across several systems.  Great Spirit, Great Mystery, God, the divine, the Goddess, the Universe... Whatever the term you use, it is this energy that comes through in spirit form.  Through shamanism we can learn to engage with this with reciprocity and two way communication.

In fact, it is fascinating how this weaves into the individual's relgious experiences in a supportive and empowering way.

Joanna teaches and practices a form of shamanism known as 'core' shamanism.  This means that you work with the rattle and the drum to help you shift into a very light altered state of consciousness. In fact, the shamanic drum or rattle rhythym helps you shift from the alpha to theta brain wave state which helps you to experience a deeper connection to spirit.  If you were interrupted you would be straight back into everyday alpha state.

Joanna believes plant spirit medicines should only be used in ceremony, with knowledgeable and authentic indigenous shamans who have spent many years working with and developing a strong relationship with that plant spirit.  This is not the realm of her work, and she is not trained nor indigenous to such plants.

However, you may work spiritually with plant spirit medicine in her workshops - such as a shamanic journey to meet the spirit of a plant that wants to work with you in healing work.  This does not mean ingesting the plant - unless it is something like nettle or chamomile of course, and then it is entirely up to you!

We are often drawn to wilderness, to large swathes of land or sea that connect us to our true selves.  This is rather like having a wise friend, or great teacher, to show us the way.

We also live amongst neighbours and family.  The land around us is often more like this.  In a way it's our true community.  Wildness is reassuringly connecting, but our local yard, patch of grass, rooftop terrace or park may form the 'land community' we live within.

We can deepen our relationship with this land, the nature around it, even if it's covered with buildings, tarmac or shopping centres.  And wherever we are, we still have the chance to spot the sun, the moon, the sky and breathe the air gifted to us by plants, trees and leaves of nature.  We are always connected. 

And of course, you may wish to travel to fill yourself up with wild, wild nature. And that is wonderful too.

We never want you to be unhappy. 

Programmes are designed to provide a strong and heart-centred container for you to learn and explore the shamanic realms step by step.

Joanna does everything she can to enable you to have a deep yet grounded experience, with opportunities for your unique personality, learning style and expression to come to the fore.  It is high touch, with lots of contact time, and space for connection, questions and participant centred training.

However, if after the session of a course you don't feel it's for you then simply email Joanna before the next class to let her know you're not satisfied and you'll recieve a full refund.

So far... no one has done so!  

Each course, programme or offering will have full instructions on how to prepare.

However, if you can create time to walk in nature, really focusing on being present and noticing nature around you, this can help us prepare for shamanic work.  See if you can experiment with feeling your connection to nature around you - to a tree, a plant, a bird.  Just notice what you notice without judgement.  It is not a test, but a chance to let go of the constraints of ordinary busy living and to settle deeper into remembering your connection to all things and your own natural, wilder self.

Well, in short, nothing!

If you've never tried shamanism before then the way to find out if it's for you is to try.  You can read about the subject but it's not the same as your personal experience.

Imagine you wanted to describe chocolate to someone who'd never tasted it.  You could use words, show them some written descriptions or a photograph, but offering them the chance to experience it themselves through their own senses of touch, smell and taste is what will let them know if it's for them or not.

The felt experience of learning to connect with your own spirit helpers - in animal or other form - is the only way to know for sure if shamanism is for you.

But be warned.  You may love it. 

It may just change your life!

That's easy!  

Enrol for a course that is in season, or sign up for the newsletter here for details of upcoming courses.

Still have questions?

Book a free, no obligation explore call with Joanna to ask all your questions.  Not making a decision takes energy, so use this time to get clear on your decision either way.