Frequently Asked Questions
➤ What can I expect in a one day Shamanic Workshop? Either the Shamanism Basics or the Shamanic Journeying classes are geared towards a general overview of those topics. They give participants immersion and exposure to shamanism and journeying to help expand awareness and connection to these ancient practices. For people who are contemplating the 2 year Medicine Wheel program, the one day basics class gives the student an opportunity to see the land where the classes will be held, meet Jerri, and learn about her and how she teaches. It is not mandatory, but is great for those who are looking for more information before making the commitment to the Medicine Wheel program. It is recommended for anyone, those who are new to shamanism and those who would like to reconnect to what they have already been practicing.
➤ What can I expect in the Medicine Wheel Program? The Medicine Wheel and subsequent advanced technique training is an in-depth training in the Andean Q'ero Shamanic tradition. You are initiated into this ancient tradition. The Medicine Wheel is a personal journey of healing and expansion that prepares you for stepping into the role of shamanic practitioner. The second year is learning shamanic healing techniques. This program is held Friday night, Saturday and Sunday. We meet once every 2-3 months for 2 years. Class sizes are small and create a beautiful tribe and community.
➤ What can I expect in a Shamanic Healing Session? I have been a shamanic practitioner since 2009 and I work through several modalities of healing, combining my extensive training in Shamanic healing with chakra cleansing, channeling and intuitive guidance. I give you time to share what is happening in your life and what your intentions are for what you would like to focus on during the healing session. We determine what the challenges are, I then connect with my lineage, your guides and angels,as well as my guides and angels, for healing and guidance. I work with the spirit helpers to clear you energetically, spiritually and physically. To restore energetic balance, and receive messages about the deeper aspects of who you are and your purpose. Depending on what is needed at the time, several things may happen. Soul retrieval, past life clearing and information, soul contract information and clearing, trauma work and more. Sometimes, you may feel lighter, clearer, more safe. Sometimes you may feel a need to rest and contemplate. You want to drink plenty of water and be gentle with yourself while you integrate the work. Sometimes during this work, I will channel and spiritually journey to other realms for answers, guidance or soul retrieval work. I ensure there is extensive protection during sessions. I do this work remotely over the phone. Sessions are scheduled weekdays for an hour.
➤ How do I know if someone is truly a Shaman/Shamanic Practitioner? Shamanic practitioners that are genuine healers should be willing to share their lineage with you.To explain how they learned their practices and with what tribe or culture they trained. Using testimonials and word of mouth to find a practitioner is often the best resource for connecting with the healer who is the right fit for you. Connecting with a shamanic healer who is properly trained and utilizing safe practices is essential to your safety and the success of the work. The lineage or culture they worked in will guide the types of tools and style of healing they will use in sessions. Though Shamanic work comes from many different cultures, there are some common foundational practices that Shamans utilize, including working with their lineage, the earth, the spirit world their own guides. Not all Shamanic practitioners use tools such as drumming, rattles, feathers, stone and crystals, etc., in their work, but these things are commonly utilized and can be powerful helpers with the work. The title of shaman is a sacred title that is given, not self-awarded. It is used primarily within indigenous tribes rather than western culture. The Q'ero tradition in which I am initiated has offered their tradition to the western world because of the Inka Prophecy which foretold of the North and the South, the Eagle and the Condor flying together again. That the Eagle (the North) was to help carry this tradtion forward. Many modern day practitioners will use the term Shamanic Practitioner or Shamanic Healer instead of the title Shaman.
➤ What is Shamanic Journeying? Shamanic journeying is an ancient way to connect with Spirit, used by indigenous tribes worldwide for thousands of years, to receive information, guidance and healing. When journeying we use protections and intentions to insure a safe, productive journey. Drumming or rattling is common to help us move into deeper states of consciousness for clearer connections. I have a journeying overview on YouTube and Insight timer that gives you a brief and informative introduction to journeying. I have a link on my listening links page.
➤ What are the benefits of Shamanic Work? I specialize in energy medicine. Shamanic work clears our energy body, spiritual body and helps to heal the physical body. It heals and brings understanding of past life, ancestral and current life patterns and trauma. It restores balance and clarity along with understanding of how we interact with our world in ways that do not serve us and how we can move past it all. Things like soul retrieval, akashic records and soul contract information can also be a part of the work. One session often offers much benefit. Sometimes multiple sessions bring more powerful results. The benefits depend on the issue being solved. Shamanic work takes many forms and has unique elements depending upon what indigenous culture they are derived from and what is needed. There is ceremony and ritual work. Plant medicine work, energy medicine, work with the elements and earth like the curanderas of South America.
➤ What is a Soul Retrieval? Soul retrieval is a powerful technique in which an aspect of a person’s soul is recovered after splintering off during trauma to protect itself, either in this lifetime or another. A Shamanic journey is performed on behalf of the client to find the missing soul part that was lost, and the Shaman returns with the soul part to incorporate into the current life and timeline. It is believed that many of our recurring patterns have roots from other lifetimes. By clearing those energies and restoring the missing soul parts, we can affect deep healing and change in our lives.
➤ What are the core beliefs of Shamanism? Shamanism is both a spiritual practice and belief system. One of its basic tenets is the interconnectedness of all things, including animals, plants, rocks, the moon and the earth itself otherwise known as the Web of Life. Shamanic cultures believe that everything has a spirit. They also believe in the spirit world and the concept of multidimensionality and that we can connect to these unseen realms as a source to find answers, guidance and healing. Spirit takes many forms, and can come to us as angels, guides, animals, plants, or humans. Intuition, instincts and synchronous events are all a part of that connection. Some Shamans specialize in knowing these particular animals, plants or even crystals to share their wisdom and healing strengths. Many shamans work closely with Mother Earth. Some Shamans specialize in energy healing and recognize chakra work, the astral plane and luminous energy fields that are out of balance or carry dark energies. The Shaman brings this wisdom to the tribe for healing, and can pass down healing techniques and spiritual wisdom as well as impart collective and individual healing.