The Path to becoming a Shamanic Practitioner
A Journey of Transformation
Embarking on the path to becoming a shamanic practitioner is not just a career choice; it is a profound spiritual journey that transforms every aspect of your life. At The Sacred Mud, we honor this ancient tradition, guiding our students through the process of awakening their inner healer and connecting deeply with the spiritual realms. In this blog, I’ll share my personal journey of becoming a shamanic practitioner and describe the powerful experience of a basic journey session—one of the foundational practices in shamanism.
The Call to Shamanism
My journey into shamanic practices began with a call—a deep, intuitive knowing that there was something more to life than what I could see and touch. I had always felt a connection to nature and the unseen forces of the world, but it wasn’t until I encountered shamanism that these feelings began to make sense. Shamanism provided a framework to explore and deepen this connection, offering a path to healing and spiritual growth that resonated with my soul.
As I delved into the teachings of shamanism, I learned that the role of a shamanic practitioner is to act as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. Through various techniques and practices, a shamanic practitioner connects with spirit guides, ancestors, and the energies of nature to bring healing and balance to individuals and communities. This calling felt both familiar and new—like a long-forgotten part of myself was being reawakened.
The Training and Initiation
Becoming a shamanic practitioner at The Sacred Mud involves rigorous training, dedication, and a willingness to explore the depths of your own being. The training begins with learning the fundamentals of shamanism, including understanding the three worlds: the Lower World, the Middle World, and the Upper World. Each of these realms is home to different spiritual guides, animals, and energies that assist in healing and transformation.
One of the most powerful and essential practices in shamanism is the shamanic journey. This practice involves entering an altered state of consciousness to travel to these spiritual realms, where you can seek guidance, wisdom, and healing. The journey is facilitated by the rhythmic beat of a drum, which helps to shift your awareness from the everyday world to the spiritual realms.
As I progressed in my training, I began to participate in more advanced shamanic practices, such as soul retrieval, energy clearing, and psychopomp work (guiding souls to the afterlife). Each step of the journey deepened my connection to the spiritual world and to myself, allowing me to access healing for both myself and those I would eventually work with as a practitioner.
The Basic Journey Session: A Glimpse into the Spiritual Realms
The basic journey session is often the first introduction to shamanic practice for both students and clients. It’s a simple yet profound experience that allows you to connect with your spirit guides and begin to explore the spiritual realms.
During a basic journey session, you are guided into a relaxed, meditative state, usually lying down with your eyes closed. The steady beat of a drum, played at a rhythm of approximately 4 to 7 beats per second, begins to fill the space, helping you to enter a trance state. This rhythm mimics the natural rhythms of the earth and has been used by shamans for thousands of years to facilitate journeys into the spiritual realms.
As the drumbeat continues, you visualize yourself entering a sacred place in nature—a place that feels safe and welcoming. This is often referred to as your “journey tree” or “entry point.” From this place, you choose to descend into the Lower World, ascend to the Upper World, or remain in the Middle World, depending on your intention for the journey.
The Lower World is often associated with the subconscious and is a place where power animals and guides can be found. Here, you might encounter animal spirits that offer protection, strength, or wisdom. These power animals often become lifelong companions on your spiritual journey.
The Upper World is a place of higher wisdom, where you might meet with spiritual teachers, ancestors, or beings of light. This realm is associated with the divine and offers guidance on your life’s purpose and spiritual path.
The Middle World is the realm that corresponds to the physical world but on an energetic level. It is here that you might interact with the spirits of plants, trees, or even the elements, seeking guidance or healing for physical or emotional issues.
During your journey, you may receive messages, visions, or feelings that are deeply personal and meaningful. The journey is an interactive experience, where you can ask questions, seek guidance, and receive healing directly from your spirit guides. The experience often feels vivid and real, even though it is happening in a trance state.
When the drumbeat changes to a faster rhythm, this signals the end of the journey. You return to your sacred place in nature, give thanks to the spirits, and slowly come back to your ordinary awareness. The insights and healing you receive during a journey often continue to unfold in the days and weeks that follow, offering ongoing guidance and support.
The Transformation
Through regular practice and deepening connection with the spiritual realms, the role of a shamanic practitioner begins to take shape. The training is not just about learning techniques; it is about transforming yourself so that you can hold space for others to heal. The more I journeyed, the more I learned to trust in the wisdom of the spirits and the natural world. I became more attuned to the energies around me, more compassionate in my interactions, and more confident in my ability to facilitate healing.
Becoming a shamanic practitioner is a lifelong journey of growth, learning, and service. It requires dedication, humility, and a deep love for the earth and all its inhabitants. At The Sacred Mud, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of shamanic practitioners, providing the guidance and support needed to walk this path with integrity and wisdom.
Conclusion: Embracing the Path
For those called to the path of shamanic practice, the journey is one of profound transformation. It is a path that challenges you to grow, to heal, and to step into your power as a healer and guide. The basic journey session is just the beginning—a doorway into a world of limitless possibilities and deep spiritual connection.
If you feel the call to explore this path, know that you are not alone. At The Sacred Mud, we are here to support you on your journey, offering training, guidance, and community as you step into your role as a shamanic practitioner. Whether you are just beginning or are already on your path, we invite you to join us in this sacred work of healing and transformation.