Q: How do you “journey” or connect with Spirit?
A: We’re born connected with Spirit. But over time, we’re shaped by what Toltec shamans call “The Dream” – the learned reality of ideas, beliefs, and patterns passed on through family, education, religion, and the media. Step by step, we adapt to this reality, forgetting who we were before and where we came from.
Shamanic practice helps us remember. In a trance state, our brainwaves shift from Beta to Theta, moving us into a space between waking and dreaming. Here, the mind’s usual programming eases, and unconscious patterns come to the surface. Creativity, inspiration, heart opening, sudden insight, and deep inner wisdom can emerge.
The “journey” might be guided by the beating of the drum, as I practise it, or through plant medicine. But it’s always held in ceremony, creating a space where the heart opens, the mind quiets, and the gate to other realities appears.
Q: Is shamanism safe or ethical?
A: Shamanism has sometimes been seen as dangerous, partly because some traditional forms have been linked with sorcery, and because there are people who misuse its tools for personal gain. But the practice itself isn’t unsafe. It all depends on how it’s done, the context, and – most importantly – the intention behind it.
In the Western world, shamanism often focuses on healing, reconnection, and awakening. The goal is to help people return to their untamed selves, not to control them. Intention in shamanism is not just a thought, but the connection with the energy of intentionality that permeates the whole universe. This energy is the same as the energy of love that drives our actions, and it’s filled with invisible power and purpose. Connecting with the energy of intentionality, or setting higher intentions rather than ego-driven goals, is an essential prerequisite for practising shamanism in a healing, secure and beneficial way.
Another aspect is that it’s sometimes natural for the mind to feel unsure. Shamanic work takes us into non-ordinary reality – the realm of dreams, symbols, and the unseen. We meet the unconscious, which the rational mind cannot fully understand or control. And the mind, afraid of the unknown, may label this as “dangerous” simply because it’s new. But with a skilled practitioner, clear intention, and respect, shamanism can be a safe and deeply transformative path. If you practise it alone, connecting with intention and opening up your heart to the highest energies will always lead to a positive, beneficial experience.
Shamanic practice is a skill to be learned. The more you practise, the deeper in the unseen realms you will go. It is very often difficult for the mind to accept or understand the unconscious material that arises or the processes that take place. If you’re new to shamanic work, it’s a good idea to learn from someone who’s been walking this path for a long time. They can help you navigate the process in a conscious way and with integrity.