What is a Shamanic Ceremony?

16 May

Stepping into Sacred Space

You can perform a ceremony or ritual for just about anything…we perform ceremonies in order to curtail beliefs and attitudes that prevent us from using our creative energy to create a good life for the planet and ourselves. When we use ceremony for manifesting something we want, we can add to the power of our creative potential by working in partnership with the creative forces of the universe."
Awakening to the Spirit World, Sandra Ingerman

I often hear from prospective students that their families express concerns about my shamanic courses. Visions of psychedelic trips, altered states against one's will, or even whispers of "black magic" and "voodoo" sometimes cloud their understanding. It's understandable. The realm of shamanism remains shrouded in mystery for many, a landscape easily populated by scepticism and, admittedly, some genuine reasons for caution. In my 30+ years exploring this profound path, I too have encountered practitioners who stray into darker territories – a lesson learned early on, the tale of which I've shared elsewhere.

But today, I want to illuminate the radiant power of ceremony. Because at its heart, ceremony is a sacred container, a deliberate act of ritual that allows us to work with subtle energies and commune with Spirit. The purpose woven into the fabric of each ceremony is what truly defines its essence and potential.

Think of ceremony as creating a vessel, a dedicated space to receive messages, healing, and guidance from our spiritual allies. Just as a Christian wedding ceremony invokes the divine to witness a union, a shamanic ceremony calls upon the Creator and a multitude of other benevolent forces – plant spirits, animal guides, ancestral wisdom, and more – to bear witness to our intentions. Within this carefully crafted space, we communicate, sending our prayers and desires out to the four directions and beyond.

One of the profound benefits of engaging in ceremony is its ability to consciously activate and then gently close down our heightened spiritual awareness. Personally, the thought of being "spiritually awake" 24/7 feels overwhelming – a cacophony of voices! Ceremony provides a focused time for connection, a deliberate opening of our intuitive channels within a safe and defined boundary.

My understanding of ceremony has been shaped by a rich tapestry of teachers: Wiccan elders, Druids, Native American medicine men and women, the Curanderos of South America, and the wisdom keepers of Northern Europe. Each tradition offered unique styles and approaches, yet common threads always emerged. There is always a beginning – a setting of intentions, a clarifying of purpose, an invitation to specific allies, and a locking of the sacred space, ensuring only those invited may enter. We offer gifts, much like bringing a token of appreciation to a friend. These offerings can range from libations like beer or wine to sacred herbs such as rose petals or tobacco, or even corn flour. In my cacao ceremonies, we offer the precious cacao beans themselves.

The heart of the ceremony, the middle passage, is where the magic truly unfolds, taking on myriad forms. We might employ the resonant vibrations of sound healing – the rhythmic pulse of the drum, the ethereal tones of gongs and singing bowls. We may work with the subtle yet potent energies of herbs or the gentle heart-opening properties of cacao to further activate our consciousness, gently opening the "third eye" and enhancing our perception of the unseen realms. This is a time for deep listening, for feeling and sensing the wisdom, healing, or messages that Spirit wishes to share.

And as all journeys have their conclusion, so too does ceremony. We end with profound gratitude, always expressing thanks to all who were present, especially the beings from the invisible realm who graced us with their presence. As we close the container, the energy of the ceremony begins to integrate. But the magic doesn't necessarily end there. It often evolves from that initial seed. It's crucial to remain open to the synchronicities that follow – the significant dreams, the intuitive nudges, the overheard conversations that resonate with our intentions. Perhaps we are guided to a new healing modality or a therapist whose gifts align with our needs. The steps on the path we called into being may begin to reveal themselves with greater clarity. The ceremony may be over, but sometimes, that is simply where the magic ignites.

"We participate in creation every time we breathe. We are in a relationship with the world. Our actions have consequences."
Warrior Goddess Training, HeatherAsh Amara

After three decades of immersion in diverse ceremonial practices, I find myself weaving ceremony into the fabric of my daily life, from the microcosmic to the macrocosmic. Each morning, I engage in my own personal spiritual ceremony, a ritualistic moment of connection. As I sit with my tea or cacao, I invite collaboration from my spiritual guides, seeking their wisdom on navigating the day ahead, acknowledging potential challenges, and calling in ease and alignment with my highest potential. Shamanic healing itself is always conducted within the embrace of sacred ceremonial space. And at least once a week, I hold group ceremonies – be it the heart-opening of a cacao ceremony with gongs, a focused healing ceremony, the transformative initiations of the Munay Ki, the primal rhythm of a shamanic drum circle, or the profound connection offered by a plant spirit medicine ceremony. Each gathering is unique, shaped by the individuals who come together. While there is always a structure, a framework, and clear boundaries, there is also a vital element of fluidity, a willingness to surrender to the flow and navigate whatever arises within the ceremonial space, for surprises are often part of the journey.

One of the most profound gifts of these ceremonies is their inherent healing power. Tears of release, laughter of liberation, and deep, restorative rest are common experiences among participants – often all three within a single ceremony! I always have tissues at the ready, knowing that as we settle into that sacred container, Spirit will gently yet powerfully shift stagnant energies. The adage "be careful what you ask for" often comes to mind, for when we call in peace, we may first need to process the grief held within the heart, allowing that peace to unfold once the blockage is cleared.

My ceremonies are always anchored in love and light. Only beings of light are invited into this sacred space, and I am deeply grateful for the feedback from many psychic healers who have shared that my ceremonial space feels exceptionally safe – a rare and cherished quality for them to experience. Hearing that my 30+ years of dedication have created such a haven makes the journey profoundly worthwhile.

Just this week, a student in her 60s on my 13 Moons Shaman's Way journey shared that working in ceremony with me has been the most transformative experience of her life. As a gifted and wise woman, her words resonated deeply. Another participant, in her 30s, expressed her appreciation for the authenticity of the experience. While I call upon love and light as powerful allies in healing, I do not shy away from the "messy" aspects of our human experience – the anger, the pain, the grief, the sadness that yearn for our attention. Suppressed, these emotions become stagnant; expressed, they flow, paving the way for more ease and joy.

I've noticed a recent trend, even emblazoned on t-shirts: "Good vibes only." While the desire for constant joy and light is understandable, it doesn't reflect the grounded reality of life, which is a rich tapestry of varied emotions. As a collective, we are navigating grief, undergoing profound healing, and experiencing a collective awakening that brings the darker aspects of humanity into sharper focus. These shadows need to be witnessed, understood, and processed to empower us to create positive change. Eventually, healing, forgiveness, and the release of past pain become possible, leading to inner peace. But the lessons learned, the things we have seen, cannot be unremembered, lest we repeat the same mistakes.

Ceremony offers us this vital holding space – a sanctuary to process our emotions, gain profound insights, and connect with the spiritual allies who exist in the invisible realm alongside us. They are waiting to support our healing, our spiritual ascension, and ceremony, when practised with integrity and intention, is a safe and powerful way to activate our inner sight (our third eye) and commune with Spirit.

I have been blessed with extensive training in the art of shamanic ceremony, including several invaluable one-on-one apprenticeships and numerous group trainings. It is not an inherently difficult practice, but it does require dedication and experience. I share this sacred art within my shamanic courses, and you are warmly invited to join me and witness firsthand how I facilitate these transformative experiences in any of my ceremonies. For those who cannot attend in person, I also offer online ceremonies.

Ready to step into sacred space and explore the transformative power of Shamanic Ceremony?

I offer a variety of opportunities to connect:

Shamanic Courses: Deepen your understanding and learn the foundational principles of shamanic practice, including the art of ceremony.
Group Ceremonies: Join me for regular cacao ceremonies with gongs, healing circles, Munay Ki initiations, shamanic drum journeys, and plant spirit medicine ceremonies. Experience the collective energy and profound healing that unfolds in community.
Online Ceremonies: Connect from the comfort of your own home and participate in powerful virtual ceremonies.
1-2-1 Shamanic Sessions: Receive personalized guidance and healing in a focused individual session.