While journeying in 1996, a chronic and incurable illness, which I had had for 12 years, was completely cured in a shamanic journey, which lasted four hours. The illness has never returned.
My illness led me through an exploration of spiritual practices because I was sure the illness had something to teach me. In 1984, this was an unusual thought, but it framed the next dozen years as I searched for a cure.
In the 11 years prior to discovering shamanism, I studied Buddhism (for two years), Hinduism (for three), and Taoism. If pressed to write a religion down on a form, I would write Taoist (shamanism is not a religion, but a spiritual practice). I felt a great kinship with Five-Element Chinese Medicine philosophy.
I was very lucky to work with Dianne Connelly and Bob Duggins of the Tradtitional Aupuncture Institute in Maryland in their seasonal, year-long SOPHIA program (School of Philosophy and Healing in Action). This is the philosophical training taught to practitioners of five-element acupuncture, and still helps frame my thinking today.
Finally, through watching a friend heal a long-term depression through shamanism, I became interested in finding out if the modality might be a key to my healing. I was fortunate to be introduced to shamanism via Lakota teachings, and, after three years, also began working with the Foundation for Shamanic Studies.
I have taken all but one course offered by the FSS, and am a graduate of the FSS Three-Year Program in Advanced Shamanism -- acknowledged as the finest education available anywhere in advanced core shamanic practices.
So I have been lucky to study with some of the finest shamans in the world -- Michael Harner, Sandra Harner, Alicia Gates, Amanda Folger, Sandra Ingerman, and other extremely talented faculty.
I have taught classes one-on-one and to groups as large as 80, and had a wonderful time working with Bastyr University students in 2003 in very large groups, and in smaller classes.
In 2004, another honor was given me. I was asked to be one of eight shamans who participated in a landmark study funded by the National Institute of Health. This landmark study examined the power and efficacy of shamanic cures and healing.
In 2007, I began an international project -- The Star Gazer Shamanic Moon Bear Project -- dedicated to shamanically serving Asian Moon Bears rescued by Animals Asia Foundation from the torture of "bear farming." In this work, talented shamanic journeyers volunteer their time to do long-distance curative shamanic work for these rescued animals.
My classes are always evolving and changing to meet the needs of the individual students and the teachings of the compassionate helping spirits. This beginner's class -- The Shaman's Journey -- is one that I have I have been blessed to teach dozens of times, but every class is unique.
As a shamanic practitioner, I am available for individual work with clients. In this work, people who are ill come to see me. As shamanism defines illness as "power loss," illness can present itself physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually.
No matter how illness presents itself, the goal is always to return the client to a power-full state. This work is very effective for both people and animals of all kinds, and I am always honored to work with animal companions and animal friends. I've done work for horses, dogs, cats, pet rats, snakes, fish, etc. Animal work can be done long-distance.
In fact, all divination in shamanism can be done long-distance. Divination is the shamanic practice of asking questions -- and getting seminal answers/guidance -- from the compassionate helping spirits.
Shamanic work -- my classes, my practice, the Bear Project -- are my full-time profession. I devote my life to this work. It is my passion and my joy.
I am very open to talk with people before they come to see me so -- if you are interested -- feel free to contact me with questions to find out how you might best enter shamanic work -- either through The Shaman's Journey Class or through a personal appointment.
I look forward to having the honor of getting to know you.
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