What is shamanism?

Shamanism is a method to heal. As old as humanity itself, it is the foremost tool to provide healing. Don’t get it twisted- shamanism is not a religion. In fact, it co-exists with religions in many cultures.

The word “shaman” translates to one who sees in the dark or one who knows or “sees with their heart”.

Shamanism is a permission-based practice of powering up your spirit and removing the items that are no longer necessary.

It is the science of spirituality whereby the shamanic practitioner journeys to helping spirits to receive information for healing.

By using a drum beat to shift consciousness or achieve a trance state, or theta wave state, the practitioner journeys to enter non-ordinary reality (spirit world) to meet with helping spirits to gather information and bring it back to help.

In ancient times, the survival of the tribe depended on it.

Please read this article to understand better if shamanic healing is right for you: We Are not alone.

Is there a particular tribe or country of shamanism that you practice?

The Foundation for Shamanic Studies is where Lisa has taken extensive coursework learning about Core Shamanism.

Core Shamanism consists of the universal, near-universal, and common features of shamanism, together with journeys to other worlds, a distinguishing feature of shamanism. As originated, researched, and developed by Michael Harner, the principles of Core Shamanism are not bound to any specific cultural group or perspective. Since the West overwhelmingly lost its shamanic knowledge centuries ago due to religious oppression, the Foundation’s programs in Core Shamanism are particularly intended for Westerners to reacquire access to their rightful spiritual heritage through quality workshops and training courses. The Foundation, a non-profit organization was founded by Michael and Sandra Harner in 1985. Michael began as an anthropologist out in the field, conducted cross-cultural research, lived with indigenous cultures and was recognized as a white shaman by the Conibo and Shuar in South America; the Coast Salish, Pomo, and Northern Paiute in western North America; the Inland Inuit and the Sami in the Arctic; and the Tuvans of central Asia.

“Shamanism is not ‘New Age.’ It is Stone Age and has been living ever since.”
—Michael Harner

What is a spirit?

An animate essence with intelligence and varying degrees of power.

There has been proven by science an invisible world where spirits and essences live. We access them for healing and help.

Why do you access the spirits?

Spirits care about relieving pain and suffering in this physical world. They need humans to connect and work in partnership with to provide healing and harmony in the world.

How should I expect to feel after a session?

There are many factors here. After a full session, you should expect to feel as though you’ve had “spiritual surgery” meaning be easy with yourself and rest. Allow emotions to come through and release them. Allow yourself to feel everything.

What should I expect during the session?

Expect to hear drumming, rattles and perhaps singing. You are instructed to rest and relax during the session.

Each session is personal to you, the client. You may have emotional reactions, crying, laughing or other emotions are completely fine. You may feel physical sensations – burning, a feeling of removal, etc. Or you may feel nothing at all- again, this is a completely personal experience.

Also, during the session, you should attempt to be in receptive mode- items will be removed and your power will be added to you. The best thing you can do is to receive this powerful energy.

What happens if I feel nothing?

That is perfectly fine. Each person is unique, so that it is okay. You may feel something later on or not at all- this is fine.

What is soul retrieval?

In the process of going through life, a person may lose some of his or her personal spiritual power. This will cause symptoms like chronic fatigue, a run of bad luck, chronic illness. The shaman will attempt to restore the client’s power, usually by reconnecting the client to a former source of power, often in the form of a power animal or totem.

When traumatic events happen, a portion of our vital essence (soul) can become separated and lost. This can happen in both physical trauma (accidents, anesthesia, physical abuse) and emotional trauma (separation, loss of love, emotional abuse). Sometimes we even (unconsciously) “give away” our vital essence, or unwittingly participate in someone else taking it. The shaman attempts to locate these lost fragments of vital essence and determine if it’s safe for them to be brought back at this time. If so, the shaman will bring back the client’s lost essence, or “soul parts”. This work is often combined with power animal retrieval.

What is a power animal?

The essence or spirit of an animal or type of animals to bring power to the person.

Advice on Power Animals – don’t talk about your power animal causally. Don’t share your power animal- it gives the power away.

What is extraction?

The removal of small, negative thoughts or intrusions that may cause localized physical symptoms are removed by the shamanic practitioner.

What is divination?

This is where the shaman will attempt to get information for a client from the spirits — by reading cards, tossing stones, or directly in a journey. Additionally, the shaman can use the spirits of nature, trees, plants, drums, crystals, etc to receive information.

What is psychopomp?

There are souls of deceased humans that may be unquiet spirits that bother other living beings. They are in the wrong place and may have a problem- sometimes caused by an unexpected death. They may be confused. Psychopomp work escorts souls to the spirit world.

Can I bring my child in for a shamanic healing?

Yes, but I will ask for both parent’s permission.

What is meditation?

Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing their mind on a particular object, thought or activity. One can use mantra, pranayama (breathwork techniques), mudra (a posture, typically with the hands) and a focus point all used in combination to train the mind.

What are the benefits of meditation?

There are specific meditations for a variety of needs: reduce stress, work on addictions, increase vitality, and clear chakras, are a few.

What happens if I can’t meditate?

There is a myth that when you sit down you should be able to quiet your mind. The mind generates thousands of thoughts per second. When you sit quietly and turn the focus inward, you become very aware of what is going on in the background of your mind. Distractions are the rule.

Just keep going back to the mantra or other points of focus. Do not evaluate or react to the extraneous thoughts. Let them be processed by the mantra. Have patience with yourself.

What should I expect to experience in meditation?

Meditation can frequently be blissful or very cozy as the meditative mind establishes a place of elevated consciousness. Sometimes meditation can be downright miserable. Meditation is a cleansing process. You may find yourself observing some very unpleasant, ugly thoughts while you’re meditating. The important thing is, keep up! The mantras and meditations are doing their job. You’re cleaning out and getting rid of negativity that has been covering up the divine light inside you.

When should I meditate?

The most benefits are given when meditation is used consistently. Making meditation a daily practice is incredibly rewarding. We recommend first thing in the morning so that you have no other distractions. Performing meditation first thing upon rising will set the tone for your day. However, if you find that there is another time of day that allows for meditation and will allow you to be consistent- then use that time!

Where should I meditate?

Choose a place you won’t be disturbed, feel vulnerable, or get distracted. Try to use the same place daily. Make it your spot; you can fill it with candles, flowers, spiritual images and/or pictures of beautiful places, and anything else that is uplifting, calming, inspiring. Sit on a sheepskin, natural fiber blanket, yoga mat or, if needed, a firm cushion or on a chair dedicated for this purpose.

Do you do special events?

Yes! We’d love to help you with that! Birthday parties, bachelorettes, and more!

Please reach out to us via email info@thehiveholistic.com