For thousands of years our ancestors all over the world discovered how to maximize the human abilities of the mind and spirit for healing. Today we know this as shamanism.

It is said that shamanism is the oldest type of medicine on the planet. Its origins can be traced back to over 40,000 to 50,000 years ago and yet it is still practiced all over the world using the same basic principles.

The word "shaman" originates from Siberia and means "him or her who travels to other realities for information or medicine for their community". Being a shaman in an indigenous tribe is a big responsibility as the community relies on them for guidance on all aspects of life such as the weather and when to sow their crops. As a result, not everyone wants the burden of this responsibility.

Shamanism is now growing in the west because people are searching for that soul connection which has been lost due to conventional living. This disconnected separation from spirit i.e. 'dis-ease' can be healed by shamanism so that people can remember the divine oneness once again and return to a complete feeling of well being and wholeness.

Shamanism brings people through their own journey of spiritual growth into divine consciousness. It makes people more grounded to Mother Earth, focuses them on the path to their higher soul purpose and empowers them to be present in the now.

A basic belief of shamanism is that everything is connected and that everything has a spirit or life force energy. The tree, the stone, the mountain, the water, the animals all have spirits, all have soul. All things and beings are part of the shamanic medicine wheel, the wheel of life. This wheel has four directions North, South, East and West, each of which are linked to specific archetypes from that direction.

"Shamans do not follow the laws of humanity; they follow the laws of spirit." They do not try to dominate the earth or its animals, they strive to live in harmony and balance with all.

A shamanic journey is a journey that a shaman takes to other worlds and realities through an altered state of consciousness. There are specific methods and guidelines which are followed in order to complete a journey safely and travel to a reality which is outside of time and space. This reality consists of three layers:

• The lower world,
• The middle world,
• The upper world.

To travel to these worlds the shaman enters a trance like state guided by the use of a percussion instrument such as a drum or rattle, or with the aid of sacred plants.

These worlds are inhabited by spirits, power animals and beings of Light. The shaman has contact with these animals and spirits, which assist him or her to bring back healing, medicine or information for the highest good of the person, place or community concerned. The journey is always undertaken with a specific purpose in mind.

Lower world
This is a magical realm where we find our power animals. This world is very familiar, it has forests, plants, rivers and mountains. It is also a place where animals and beings from the natural world communicate with the shaman by visions, talking and feelings. In the lower worlds animals that normally cannot swim, fly, walk or crawl can do so at will. These animals can take the shaman to the other worlds and offer guidance and protection. In the lower world people can find their power animal who acts as a guide specifically for them responding with help when needed.

Middle world
This is the world in which we live today. A journey to the middle world is good for remote viewing or for sending healing into any past, present or future situation. It is possible to journey in the middle world to check in on loved ones who are far away.

Upper world
This is the place where we find people that have passed over. Teachers, Guides, Angels, Spiritual Masters and Ancestors are found in this world. These beings of Light provide help, advice and protection when called upon. They give the shaman the medicine and the guidance needed for the person, place or community involved. The power animals help guide the shaman on the journey to this world.

Shamanic tools
The shaman uses many tools for ceremony, healing and rituals. When these tools are used with honour and respect they become one with the shaman's energy empowering the shaman to do his or her work for the highest good of all concerned. Some of the tools include; drums, rattles, cards and medicine bags (a pouch in which crystals, herbs and sacred items are placed). The drum is centre to most or all of shamanic practices and is the horse on which the shaman travels. The rattle is one of the oldest instruments used on the planet and it is known to call the soul parts back home. Herbs, feathers, sticks, stones and other items from Mother Nature are also used as tools.

Shamanic ceremonies
The intent of a group through ceremony carries a lot more power and energy than individuals alone. It is important that the shaman who leads any ceremony is able to hold the space and has the experience to make it safe for all people taking part.

Shamanic ceremonies include; fire ceremonies, healing circles, sweat lodges, drumming circles, vision quest and medicine plant ceremonies amongst others.

If you would like to find out more information about shamanic ceremonies or courses please contact us as we will be delighted to help. Thank you.

Drum is my voice,
Drum is my friend,
Drum is my guide,
Drum is my helper,
Drum is my summoner,
Drum sends me out,
Drum calls me home,
Drum beats my song,
Drum is my voice.
John Matthews.
The Celtic Shaman. A Practical Guide.

1st and 2nd May 2010 Shamanic Healing workshop Galway

8th – 10th May Workshop with S. African Sangoma Peter von Maltitz

22nd May One day Working with the Elementals: Fairy workshop Galway

3rd July One day Shamanic healing workshop N. Ireland

17th and 18th July Healing workshop with Paul Galway

Healing days with Paul in Galway:
24th Apr, 30th May, 26th Jun, 24th Jul, 28th Aug.

Shamanic Practitioners course starting in September in Galway
Please contact us or download the brochure for more information.

For up and coming events click here

For further information, please contact us.