There seem to be so many out there and then real controversy over who is legitimate and not- that any advice would be good
Primarily in London- though open to other suggestions
As well as experiences people may have had with:
The Sacred Trust and Simon Buxton
Scandinavian School of Shamanic Studies
Core Shamanism
Zoe Bran and Shaman UK
Thanks
Hello,
I guess it might just be a matter of trusting your gut and seeing where your searching takes you.:D I have been very drawn to Shamanic work just recently and i came across this workshop. Its based in horsham which is about a 20/30 min drive from Brighton.
[url]Moonfeather - Leticia Parmer, Visionary, Astrologer, Shamanic Healer[/url]
Love and light,
Rachelx
Thanks for that link- looks calm- less rhetoric and just some simple doing....shall keep searching- seems like my search for shamanism has many stops and starts......:) x
Hello,
I guess it might just be a matter of trusting your gut and seeing where your searching takes you.:D I have been very drawn to Shamanic work just recently and i came across this workshop. Its based in horsham which is about a 20/30 min drive from Brighton.[url]Moonfeather - Leticia Parmer, Visionary, Astrologer, Shamanic Healer[/url]
Love and light,
Rachelx
When things fall into place..you will know which is the right one:D
I have done an introductory workshop with the Scandinavian school which you mention, and it was very good - Jonathan Horowitz is a lovely, genuine, wise and spiritual man, without the "guru factor"..
Masha
It might be useful to distinguish between Core Shamanism ( the basics of shamanism that is common through shamanic cultures around the world) and other styles at this point.Some people will teach (for example) Peruvian Shamanism. Or they will blend the mythology or customs of a culture with core shamanism - common ones are celtic mythology/core shamanism or medicine wheel/core shamanism. Core Shamanism allows you to practise the shamanism appropriate to the culture in which you live, as given to you directly from the experts - the spirits - without ripping off native peoples.
You can tell which side I favour, I guess. In the end it's personal choice, of course, but anyone signing on for a course should make sure that whoever they are going to teaches what they want to learn.
The organisations listed in the previous message: The Sacred Trust (Simon Buxton), The Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies (Jonathan Horwitz) and Shaman UK (Zoe Bran)
are all Core Shamanic and well thought of. In addition, I would add Isle of Avalon (Howard and Elsa Malpas) and North Yorkshire Shamanism (Jane Shutt). All have websites, with contact emails. Read what they write and ask a lot of questions. You can commit a lot of money and time. Make sure you are signing up to something that you want.
(from Jane Shutt, North Yorkshire Shamanism)
Hi, I was contemplating on doing a shamanic course last year, and I was looking at the Sacred Trust and Eagles Wing. Eagles Wing is based in London. [DLMURL="http://www.shamanism.co.uk/index.html"]Shamanism, shamanism workshops, healing, training, shamanism courses[/DLMURL]
They both look to be quite reputable, with good teachers, but its individual personal choice. I also recommend going with your gut and feeling which one you feel most drawn to, as mentioned by Hallos.
I'm hoping to get around to taking the course at some point, its just the finanancial aspect thats holding me back at the moment as they are quite expensive.
I dont know if you have heard of Ross Heaven? .
He holds courses at his retreat in Spain, though he teachings derive more from Peruvian aspect of the shamanic healing culture. Again, its personal choice.
If you have ever felt drawn to Peruvian Shamanism, I would recommend a trip to Peru!! you will be amazed!! Its life changing and an awsome place to visit. The magical energies of the sacred mountains and the Peruvian people and Shamans will just blow you away!!!
Good luck in your search 🙂
Thank you!
I would love to go to Peru and really something like Shamanism I feel needs to be learnt from the country of origin- I guess thats why there is core shamanism here.....but I would love to experience different forms of Shamanism the world over.
x
Hi, I was contemplating on doing a shamanic course last year, and I was looking at the Sacred Trust and Eagles Wing. Eagles Wing is based in London. [DLMURL="http://www.shamanism.co.uk/index.html"]Shamanism, shamanism workshops, healing, training, shamanism courses[/DLMURL]
They both look to be quite reputable, with good teachers, but its individual personal choice. I also recommend going with your gut and feeling which one you feel most drawn to, as mentioned by Hallos.
I'm hoping to get around to taking the course at some point, its just the finanancial aspect thats holding me back at the moment as they are quite expensive.
I dont know if you have heard of Ross Heaven? .
He holds courses at his retreat in Spain, though he teachings derive more from Peruvian aspect of the shamanic healing culture. Again, its personal choice.If you have ever felt drawn to Peruvian Shamanism, I would recommend a trip to Peru!! you will be amazed!! Its life changing and an awsome place to visit. The magical energies of the sacred mountains and the Peruvian people and Shamans will just blow you away!!!
Good luck in your search 🙂
Since shamanism arose the world over, there isn't really a country of origin. All shamanism comes from the spirits of the land where it is practised. There are different styles of shamanism in (for example) the Peruvian rainforests and the Peruvian mountains.
Of course, here the links with traditional shamanism have been disconnected for over 1000 years. This is why we teach Core Shamanism here - not because there is no tradition of shamanism here, but because it is spirits rather than humans who can direct us to those traditions. Core Shamanism leaves space for the spirits to contribute.
I wanted update things a bit. To say I have discovered a very genuine and special course near Brighton- where I shall be returning for more tutelage.
On another note I did do a Soul Retrieval course with Shaman UK- I will not go into the details- this is not the place. Just to say for future reference- 2 people did not return to the course. 1 person walked out feeling belittled by the teacher and another was asked to leave because they had comforted a crying student during the course. We get the teachers that are right for us of course. In these times when people are seeking, its important also that there are teachers out there who behave with integrity and compassion. I did not find that with Shaman UK. A personal experience of course- and we are all free to choose. That is why we have forums like this to share- and so I am 🙂
Thank you
Thanks for the update. Its such a shame there are courses that dont work with making sure their student feels safe and secure and needs are met....as within any teaching enviroment..these are simple needs in order for us to learn.
Could you post the details of the course near Brighton?
Thank you- yes. I feel very strongly about this. People walk into any healing course like a healing session with their souls outstretched asking for help. There is a duty of care. And when in doubt we ask: how can I be of service. There was no such consideration and what makes it more painful is this was a soul retrieval course. I infact contacted the school she says she trained with to mention what was happening in their name and they replied to say they would not get involved. Which I find so very very sad. This person is charging £275, and shouting at students, and some are walking out. I am not one for state intervention but this is where you say we need some kind of regulatory body surely- someone to answer to. Otherwise teachers like this end up absolving themselves of all responsibility by saying- I journeyed and Spirit told me I had done nothing wrong!
Yes of course I have no hesitation in recommending:
Second Sight Healing- google it ( admins am I allowed to name?) Hope so 🙂
Thanks for the update. Its such a shame there are courses that dont work with making sure their student feels safe and secure and needs are met....as within any teaching enviroment..these a simple needs in order tfor us to learn.
Could you post the details of the course near Brighton?
By the way I read The Spirits are Always with Me- and it is a wonderful book- Thank you 🙂
Since shamanism arose the world over, there isn't really a country of origin. All shamanism comes from the spirits of the land where it is practised. There are different styles of shamanism in (for example) the Peruvian rainforests and the Peruvian mountains.
Of course, here the links with traditional shamanism have been disconnected for over 1000 years. This is why we teach Core Shamanism here - not because there is no tradition of shamanism here, but because it is spirits rather than humans who can direct us to those traditions. Core Shamanism leaves space for the spirits to contribute.
Hello, Purelightreiki, I'm really glad that you enjoyed the book. I'm in the middle of writing another, about working with land and nature spirits, but I am oh so good at procrastination!
I don't want to get into "who's good" and "who isn't" - I've been involved in Core Shamanism for many years and know a lot of the people that have been mentioned. It would be too easy to recommend my friends. But I will make a few points...
First, look at websites and check - do they mention the word "spirits". If not, why not? Communication (and negotiation) is what shamanism is about. And do they say who they trained with? If not, why not? Can you contact the teacher personally and ask what questions you need to?
Second, you don't have to find one teacher. Introductory courses are often quite reasonably priced and are a great way of getting the flavour of a teacher. Work with as many teachers as suit you. As far as advanced work is concerned, I would consider students for my workshops if they have done basic courses with other reputable teachers. Not everyone will (for example, The Foundation for Shamanic Studies will only teach advanced work to those people who have done the FSS introductory).
Purelightreiki mentions contacting the "school" that someone trained with. Shamanism doesn't work like this - there are no schools as such (although some of us have a tendency to act as if there are - we are all human). We honour our teachers who have passed wisdom and skills onto us. But if I did something that you objected to, while I hope you would contact me about it, there would be absolutely no mileage in contacting Jonathan Horwitz (the person who - in this reality - has taught me most and for longest) about it - even less in contacting any of the other seven or eight teachers I have studied with over the years. They have no authority over what I do.
The nearest we have to a professional body is the Core Shamanic Practitioners' Circle (which is, in actuality, a small circle of practitioners who want to monitor and improve our practice).
We shamanic practitioners are a very diverse lot!
All very good points and I agree totally we dont train with one person- I know I have not...its part of the learning curve
My concern was more that someone, a "teacher" was behaving in such an unethical way that showed such little regard for the students. And some questionable teachings were directly attributed to a "school" and a "teacher" and indeed this person's justification for their behaviour was to say " when I think of the people I have been taught by" so I followed that lead because it was laid down.
I work as a healer and it truly pains me when I see people, the open and vulnerable treated in such an abrupt and detached way. I cant go into details in such a public forum- but suffice to say that I was shocked at the lack of humanity let alone professionalism.
I was also really surprised that there was no way of having someone monitored. This is how alternative healers get a bad name. What are safeguards are there to prevent someone from abusing their power? I did indeed contact the Circle you mention and all my emails bounced back.
What if next time a student is left deeply traumatised by such behaviour? Saying we are diverse does not excuse surely overstepping boundaries and not creating a safe space in circle for healing, exploration and compassion. I know you are not excusing anything and I understand the point you make about where "teachings" come from. From many places.
You are very right I did not see much mention of Spirit on the website and the thing I so enjoyed about your book was how openly and frankly you talked about Spirit. A part of me wanted a different experience and thats what I got!
The sad thing is there were other students who were left disillusioned because they had seen Shamanism as something intellectual and cold- and would we not agree that this is not the nature of Shamanism at all- Core or otherwise taught.
I did infact want to come and work with you but the travel costs and making it work was an issue for me- but right there is a lesson too. Did I not approach it all too practically? Next time I shall follow my heart wherever it leads me.
Thank you for your feedback. Its really good food for thought and I agree. I suppose the idealist in me wishes those who call themselves healers and teachers treated that position, which is an honour with respect, care and kindness. Now more than ever we need strong, open hearted medicine.
Blessings
Hello, Purelightreiki, I'm really glad that you enjoyed the book. I'm in the middle of writing another, about working with land and nature spirits, but I am oh so good at procrastination!
I don't want to get into "who's good" and "who isn't" - I've been involved in Core Shamanism for many years and know a lot of the people that have been mentioned. It would be too easy to recommend my friends. But I will make a few points...
First, look at websites and check - do they mention the word "spirits". If not, why not? Communication (and negotiation) is what shamanism is about. And do they say who they trained with? If not, why not? Can you contact the teacher personally and ask what questions you need to?
Second, you don't have to find one teacher. Introductory courses are often quite reasonably priced and are a great way of getting the flavour of a teacher. Work with as many teachers as suit you. As far as advanced work is concerned, I would consider students for my workshops if they have done basic courses with other reputable teachers. Not everyone will (for example, The Foundation for Shamanic Studies will only teach advanced work to those people who have done the FSS introductory).
Purelightreiki mentions contacting the "school" that someone trained with. Shamanism doesn't work like this - there are no schools as such (although some of us have a tendency to act as if there are - we are all human). We honour our teachers who have passed wisdom and skills onto us. But if I did something that you objected to, while I hope you would contact me about it, there would be absolutely no mileage in contacting Jonathan Horwitz (the person who - in this reality - has taught me most and for longest) about it - even less in contacting any of the other seven or eight teachers I have studied with over the years. They have no authority over what I do.
The nearest we have to a professional body is the Core Shamanic Practitioners' Circle (which is, in actuality, a small circle of practitioners who want to monitor and improve our practice).
We shamanic practitioners are a very diverse lot!
Recently read Ross Heaven's book on Rumi and the Art of Love- utterly beautiful in the way Shamanism and Sufism is brought together. Wonderful. Yes one day when the time and it all falls into place I would like very much to work with him on one of his courses. x
Hi, I was contemplating on doing a shamanic course last year, and I was looking at the Sacred Trust and Eagles Wing. Eagles Wing is based in London. [DLMURL="http://www.shamanism.co.uk/index.html"]Shamanism, shamanism workshops, healing, training, shamanism courses[/DLMURL]
They both look to be quite reputable, with good teachers, but its individual personal choice. I also recommend going with your gut and feeling which one you feel most drawn to, as mentioned by Hallos.
I'm hoping to get around to taking the course at some point, its just the finanancial aspect thats holding me back at the moment as they are quite expensive.
I dont know if you have heard of Ross Heaven? .
He holds courses at his retreat in Spain, though he teachings derive more from Peruvian aspect of the shamanic healing culture. Again, its personal choice.If you have ever felt drawn to Peruvian Shamanism, I would recommend a trip to Peru!! you will be amazed!! Its life changing and an awsome place to visit. The magical energies of the sacred mountains and the Peruvian people and Shamans will just blow you away!!!
Good luck in your search 🙂
You ask ,
"What are safeguards are there to prevent someone from abusing their power?" - actually, none. There is absolutely nothing to stop someone looking at this forum, thinking "Gosh, shamanism sounds fun - animal spirits and drums - I can do that," and setting up as a shamanic practitioner. I have known people who have done it. And yes, it horrifies me!
"I did indeed contact the Circle you mention and all my emails bounced back."
That's bad. Thank you for letting me know. I'll check it out.
"I did infact want to come and work with you but the travel costs and making it work was an issue for me" - I guess you are in the south? Yes, Yorkshire is a long way for many people. Still - be great to meet you sometime.:)
Wow! I had no idea in my nievity that there were no safeguards. Also in my greeness I assumed everyone who does this work- healing- feels called to do it- with Spirit as their guide. This whole experience has shown me some do not. Some may have other motivations that are not about being led by Spirit. They may talk the talk- but as the phrase goes- they most certainly do not walk the walk. This teacher did not. And all the articles and fancy phrases in the world do not make up for that. The Truth is in the experience. And I know having worked with some true healers and teachers ( and some not) this experience lacked Truth, Love, Compassion and Humaity. Sad.
Here's to more truthful teachers and healers sharing their work with us all 🙂
It will indeed me great to meet sometime 🙂 Lovely to chat and share views. Blessings
You ask ,
"What are safeguards are there to prevent someone from abusing their power?" - actually, none. There is absolutely nothing to stop someone looking at this forum, thinking "Gosh, shamanism sounds fun - animal spirits and drums - I can do that," and setting up as a shamanic practitioner. I have known people who have done it. And yes, it horrifies me!"I did indeed contact the Circle you mention and all my emails bounced back."
That's bad. Thank you for letting me know. I'll check it out."I did infact want to come and work with you but the travel costs and making it work was an issue for me" - I guess you are in the south? Yes, Yorkshire is a long way for many people. Still - be great to meet you sometime.:)
Shamanic Workshops for beginners March/April 2012
Ancestral healing is running a number courses, covering aspects of shamanism. Courses are run by Red Solar Moon and will take place in Horsham. Red Solar Moon is a reputable teacher and inspiration to all budding shamans. She has been given the go ahead to teach Shamanism by one of her teachers. She has trained with some of the best Sarah McLean Bicknell and a lady another acclaimed shaman who is also a healer, shaman, priestess and mystic of 'The Old School' shamans. Should any of these courses be of interest then please do reply to this message so I can send you some more information.
Energy Protection Workshop
(Sat 24 March 10am-12.30am)
£40
Red Solar Moon will show you how to:
- Deal with an empathic nature.
- Protect your chakras
- Use different protection methods
Red Solar Moon will also give you the name of certain plants you can use to make your own protection incense!
Mayan Message
(Sat 24 March 2pm-5pm)
£20
In a society which goes 100 mph; where we run after time and money, how can we cope with the stress?
How can we improve our daily lives so that we can be happier, more balanced and have better health?
A group of indigenous elders representing different indigenous communities from South America (Maya, Kuna, Mapuche & Aymara) have come to share their teachings and wisdom of the earth, so that we may live in harmony, be happier and be in better health. Red Solar Moon will passing on valuable information to transform your life.
Shamanic Journey Part 1
(Sunday 25 March 2pm- 4.30pm)
£20
Red Solar Moon will be running 2 workshops to give you the opportunity to experience shamanic journeying.
The first workshop will be dedicated to meeting your guides. These shamanic journeys will be guided by the sound of the drum. Both journey part 1 and 2 must be done together
Listen to your heart
(Sat 31 March 10am-1pm)
£40
During this workshop you will learn to recognise the difference between listening to your head and listening to your heart in your everyday life according to the Druid, Lakota and Mayan traditions.
You will also learn to:
- Listen to the elements water and air in your body.
- Place your boundaries so that no one can steal your energy.
- Regenerate and protect your heart’s energies.
- Use different meditation techniques to allow you to better listen to your heart.
Shamanic Journey Part 2
(Sat 31 March 2.30pm- 5:00pm)
£20
The second workshop will take you to meet your power animal, and visit other realities. These shamanic journeys will be guided by the sound of the drum. Both journey part 1 and 2 must be done together
Who is a shaman?
(Sun 8 April 10am – 4pm)
£70
Understand the daily work of a Shaman. This workshop is for you if want to know more about our work.
Home Energy Workshop
(Register your interest)
This workshop will make you aware of the energies in your home, but also in other places you are likely to visit in your daily life.
- Is your home’s energy affecting you?
- Do you have difficulties going forward?
- Do you lack energy?
- Is your physical or mental health affected?
- Have you noticed places that make you feel uncomfortable?
- Have you noticed strange changes in temperature in some rooms?