Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a shamanic 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 shamanic 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.
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 disorder, 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.
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. I teach all my clients how to journey and view it as a crucial life skill. My motto is: If you give a person a fish, you will feed them for a day. If you teach a person to fish, you will feed them for life.
What is a typical healing 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.
When I journey, I 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.
Each client receives a recording of the session. There is often too much information to take in at once.
How is a soul retrieval performed?
When I journey to find lost soul parts, I like to think of it as a calling back. 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.
Can a shamanic healing session be done long distance?
Of course. I have performed distance healing with many people. In some ways, the technology of the telephone and computer 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. Remote healing has been successfully done by shamans for centuries.
