What is a Shamanic Journey?

Introduction to Shamanism

Shamanism is an ancient spiritual practice found in many indigenous cultures around the world. Chances are, the majority of our ancestors have practiced Shamanism at some point in our lineage. While there are many different ways to practice depending upon culture, the central purpose is to connect with the spirit world, often within a community. Shamanism emphasizes the belief that everything is interconnected, and by tapping into these spiritual realms, individuals can find healing and insight. It's a way of understanding and navigating the mysteries of existence beyond what we can see and touch in our everyday lives. At its core lies the practice of journeying—a method of traveling beyond the physical realm to seek guidance and clarity from the spiritual realm. 

What is a Shamanic journey?

Shamanic journeying is a practice that enables individuals to enter altered states of consciousness to communicate with spiritual entities, ancestors, and guides. This can be done with or without plant medicine, and is very much like a waking dream. By using various techniques such as drumming, chanting, or meditation, you can enter “non ordinary reality” (the spiritual realm) where you can communicate with spirits, ancestors, and animals. 

The journey begins with creating a sacred space—a safe and comfortable environment conducive to deep introspection. This can be done by yourself, with the assistance of another person, or in community. Then you set an intention for the journey; this can be anything from simply wanting to meet with your guides to know that you are not alone, seek answers to specific questions, request healing, or embark on a soul retrieval - a process of reclaiming fragmented aspects of the self. Drumming, chanting, or rattling may be used to induce an altered state of consciousness. You focus your intention as the rhythm permeates the space, and visualize an entry point such as a tunnel, door, or natural landscape. Once in the trance state, you navigate through the spiritual realm, guided by your intuition and inner knowing. You  may encounter spirit guides, power animals, or ancestral beings, each offering unique insights and teachings. When the journey is coming to a close, you will hear the drums and/or rattles change rhythm to call you back. It is then customary to thank your guides and other beings that you encountered on your journey and travel back to "ordinary reality" the way that you came in (through the tunnel, door, or natural landscape).

Integration and Reflection

Upon returning from the journey, integration is essential. Journaling, artwork, meditation, or sharing with others can help process the insights and experiences gained. Reflecting on the journey allows the individual to discern meaning, identify patterns, and integrate newfound wisdom into everyday life. 

Benefits of Shamanic Journeying

Shamanic journeying offers a multitude of benefits for the mind, body, and spirit. It can deepen one's connection to the natural world, foster personal growth and self-awareness, and provide profound healing on emotional, physical, and spiritual levels. It can also allow us a way to shed light on our shadow parts - those parts of ourselves that we keep unconsciously hidden, usually due to pain. By shedding light on our shadows, we can gain better insight into our automatic behaviors, triggers, and/or what may be holding us back from living our lives to our fullest potential. It allows us to zoom out and see things from a less threatening perspective, which often can lead to greater insight and clarity.

In Conclusion

Shamanic journeying is a ritual that can help better connect us with ourselves, others, and Spirit through an altered state of consciousness. It can help us heal, gain clarity, and better understand the interconnectedness of all things. As we honor the wisdom of our ancestors, guides, and higher selves, we can move through life with greater ease, reverence, and alignment. 

If you would like to learn more about Shamanic journeying and experience a journey for yourself, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]! I offer one on one sessions both online and in person, and groups locally.