|
What
is a journey?
Journeying is the term used to explain how
shamans access the insight and counsel they receive from
the spirit world. It is a visit, so to speak, to what is
called non-ordinary reality, the psychic space in which
spirit entities can be communicated with and sought for guidance.
During a journey, I will experience certain things, see
images
and hear messages. Sometimes I will just sense or intuit
the answer to a question. I interpret these things both
literally and metaphorically, as you might do in dream analysis.
I
think the basic construct of the journey is something you
can relate to in your own life. It is like going on an
errand almost—you have a mission, you go and get what
you need and return. A journey can be fanciful, surprising,
or humorous in content. It is a very rich and accessible
format that works well for both the client and the practitioner.
Back to the top
What kinds of issues are suitable for shamanic healing?
I can’t
think of any issues that aren’t. I have journeyed on
all types of health problems, dysfunctional relationships,
grief, career issues, childhood crises, abuse situations, post-traumatic
stress conditions, as well as just general unease and confusion.
There isn’t anything I would be unwilling to journey
on aside from something that I feel might be harmful or invasive
to someone else. The soul of each person, including children,
is sacred and personal space that cannot be investigated or
called upon without the consent and awareness of that person.
Back to the top
What is it like to have someone journey for you?
It is the
simplest thing in the world. I have my clients lie down
in a comfortable position. I wrap them in a blanket and
endeavor
to make them feel very safe and protected. Then, I typically
play a drum tape or rattle for myself, and it is with the
sound of this repetitive beat that I “journey”.
For the client, nothing is really required aside from remaining
relaxed and open to the experience.
Back to the top
How much will I be involved in the process of Journeys to
the Soul?
The answer is as much as you are capable or willing
to be involved. I find that the beauty of shamanic work is
that it is fully adaptable either way. Oftentimes in my journeys,
I am guided to do certain rituals for the client myself, while
other times I am instructed to help my client take specific
actions on his own. My aim is first and foremost to get my
clients through to the correction point of their imbalance.
If they are reluctant to handle the issue on their own, I will
help them through the process. But, if they are eager to learn
how to journey for themselves and do the work alone, I will
guide them through
that.
Back to the top
What is a typical session like?
I’m tempted to say,
nothing in this work is typical, but having said that, what
people might expect is an initial chat or interview to clarify
why they have come and some basic information they may need
in order to feel comfortable. I always walk people through
what to expect and roughly how long the process will take.
Personally, I like to ground myself with a new client by journeying
first to get a read on their soul archetype. I liken this approach
to how a contractor might refer to original blueprints before
undertaking any “remodeling” work. When I journey,
I always rely on my guides and power animals to dictate the
healing process. They might suggest a power animal retrieval,
or simply lend advice on a problem. They might ask me to perform
a clearing ritual for the client. They might prescribe a soul
retrieval and so on.
I always let a client know what is suggested and why before
I carry it through. People should be in charge of their own
healing and clear on what I’ve observed. Once the client
is in agreement and knows what to expect, I do a return journey
and perform the service.
During a session, a client obtains an audio-taped reading
of the journey results. There is often too much information
to take in at once.
Back to the top
How is a soul retrieval performed?
When I journey to find
lost soul parts, I like to think of it as a calling back. I
am reminded of when my mother used to come out on the porch
at the end of a summer evening and call me home from play.
There is much to be said for making certain the lost part is
comfortable with the idea of returning. It must be clear that
there is a place waiting for it and that it is safe to come
back.
The part is then gathered energetically and brought to the
client. In accordance with shamanic tradition, the lost soul
part is blown back into the heart (solar plexus) and crown
chakras of the client.
Back to the top
Can a session be done long distance?
Of course. I have worked
with many people over the telephone and performed healing work
at a distance. In some ways, the technology of the telephone
and email demonstrates just how instantaneously and easily
energy moves from one place to another. All you really need
in order for healing to occur is the intention to send it and
the intention to receive it.
Back to the top
|
