Shamanism FAQ

What is shamanism?

Shamanism is the world's oldest spiritual practice, dating back over 40,000 years. It's a way of perceiving and working with the sacred dimensions of reality beyond ordinary awareness. Shamans serve as bridges between the physical and spirit worlds, accessing altered states of consciousness to bring healing, wisdom, and balance.

Is shamanism a religion?

No, shamanism is not a religion—it's a spiritual practice and a way of relating to the world. Shamanism can complement any religious or spiritual path, or stand alone as a practice. It's based on direct spiritual experience rather than dogma or belief systems.

Do I need to believe in shamanism for it to work?

No. Shamanic healing works regardless of your beliefs. What matters is your openness to receiving healing and your willingness to engage with the process. Many people come to shamanic work with skepticism and still experience profound shifts and healing.

What is a shamanic journey?

A shamanic journey is a practice where the practitioner enters an altered state of consciousness—typically through drumming, rattling, or meditation—to access the spirit world. In this state, the shaman can receive guidance, retrieve lost soul parts, connect with power animals, or perform healing work on behalf of a client.

What are power animals?

Power animals are spiritual guides that appear in animal form. They lend us their unique medicine, strength, protection, and wisdom. Everyone has at least one power animal who walks with them through life. In shamanic practice, we can journey to meet and deepen our relationship with these important helpers.

What happens during a shamanic healing session?

During a session, we'll first discuss your intentions and what you're seeking healing for. You'll then lie down comfortably while I journey on your behalf, working with helping spirits to address your specific needs. This might include soul retrieval, extraction, power animal retrieval, or other healing work. Afterward, we'll discuss what occurred and integrate the healing.

What should I expect to feel during a session?

Experiences vary widely. Some people feel deep relaxation, warmth, tingling, or waves of energy. Others may have visions or emotional releases. Some simply rest peacefully. There's no "right" way to experience a session—whatever happens is exactly what you need in that moment.

How long does a session last?

One-on-one healing sessions typically last about one hour, though the actual journey work may be 20-30 minutes. We also spend time before and after for discussion and integration.

How should I prepare for a session?

Come with an open heart and a clear intention for what you'd like to address. Wear comfortable clothing. Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, or recreational substances beforehand. It can be helpful to spend some quiet time in nature before your session if possible.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies by individual and situation. Some people experience significant shifts in a single session. Others benefit from a series of sessions to address deeper patterns or multiple layers of healing. We'll discuss what feels right for your journey.

Can shamanic healing be done remotely?

Yes. Shamanic healing is not limited by physical distance, as the work occurs in the spirit realm. Remote sessions can be just as effective as in-person sessions. We can connect via phone or video call for the discussion portions, and you rest comfortably at home during the journey work.

What conditions can shamanic healing help with?

Shamanic healing can support a wide range of conditions, including:

• • Depression, anxiety, and emotional imbalances
• • Trauma and PTSD
• • Grief and loss
• • Chronic stress and burnout
• • Life transitions and major changes
• • Feeling stuck or disconnected from purpose
• • Relationship challenges
• • Spiritual crisis or seeking
• • Physical ailments (as complementary care)

Is shamanic healing a replacement for medical treatment?

No. Shamanic healing is complementary to, not a replacement for, conventional medical care. Always continue working with your healthcare providers. Shamanic healing addresses the spiritual and energetic aspects of illness and can support and enhance medical treatment.

What is soul retrieval?

Soul retrieval is a core shamanic healing practice. When we experience trauma, parts of our soul essence can separate as a survival mechanism. This can leave us feeling incomplete, numb, or like "something is missing." In soul retrieval, the practitioner journeys to the spirit world to find and return these lost soul parts, restoring wholeness and vitality.

Are there any side effects from shamanic healing?

Shamanic healing is generally very gentle, though some people experience what we call "integration." This might include vivid dreams, emotional releases, increased energy, or temporary fatigue as your system adjusts to the healing. These are normal and usually pass within a few days. Staying hydrated, resting, and spending time in nature supports integration.

What is shamanic sound healing?

Sound healing uses the vibrational frequencies of instruments like drums, rattles, crystal singing bowls, and gongs to shift energy, release blockages, and restore harmony. Different sounds create different effects—drums connect us to earth rhythms, crystal bowls align our energy centers, and gongs create deep states of meditation and release.

What's the difference between crystal bowl and drum sessions?

Crystal bowls produce pure, sustained tones that work directly on the body's energy centers (chakras), creating deep relaxation and cellular healing. Shamanic drumming offers a steady, rhythmic heartbeat that facilitates journeying to non-ordinary reality and connects us to earth energy. Both are powerful—the choice depends on what resonates with you.

Can I attend if I've never done sound healing before?

Absolutely! Our group sound healing sessions welcome people of all experience levels. No preparation or prior knowledge is needed—just come with an open heart and willingness to receive. We'll guide you through what to expect.