Shamanism Made Easy: Awaken and Develop the Shamanic Force Within - Christa Mackinnon 2018

Contemporary shamanic nature work and tools
Spirit, soul and the sacred in nature
Awakening The Shamanic Force Within

Shamanic practitioners, both contemporary and traditional, will spend time in nature to be alone and still and to converse and merge with nature spirits, allies and helpers. They will learn from nature, be inspired by it, heal and do healing work with the underlying energy fields, revitalize and re-energize their powers, quest for vision, tune into the seasons, reconnect with their initiation commitments, with the sacred within nature and with themselves, and generally fill themselves with the connection to ’all there is’.

They have a whole repertoire of means and tools with which to do this. Nature awareness walks, meditation exercises, deep listening and merging with forces in nature, nature initiations such as the burial of the warrior, wilderness camps and pilgrimages to sacred sites are all part of it. Connecting with the spirit essences that underlie nature’s manifest forms, such as plants, trees, mountains, rocks, water, stars and planets, is vital. Vision quests take place in nature, where the most profound, transformational experiences can be had, especially when experienced facilitators conduct the quests in a wild environment. Much ceremonial and ritualistic work takes place outside, often around fires, including the sweat lodge, medicine wheel, seasonal, moon and medicine plant ceremonies.

I have facilitated many groups that included work in nature. The transformation in people is astonishing, especially if the work includes vision quests or drumming, dancing and nature ceremonies around fires: the masks fall away, the enjoyment of mental, emotional and physical freedom becomes tangible, creative expression soars and heartfelt connections grow.