Frequently Asked Questions

Shamanism

What is Shamanism?

Shamanism is an ancient nature-rooted spiritual practice that honours the Earth and all that exists upon it and within its solar system as living conscious beings. Shamanism honours the consciousness, the life force and the sacred energy of all creation, while at the same time recognising the possibility for direct communication with all of these beings. In essence, Shamanism is a philosophy, a way of life, and a method for healing that can be adapted to suit any lifestyle or belief system, and can be interweaved with existing beliefs and practices. Shamanism does not provide a framework in which we must see the world through, there are no leaders, spiritual masters or gurus, instead the principles of Shamanism are based upon direct personal experience and the interpretation of those experiences. More info

How can Shamanism help me?

The ancient healing methods found within Shamanism provide the foundations and tools to open the line of communication with all that exists and allows us to establish a deeper understanding and awareness of ourselves and of our day-to-day experiences, as well as enabling the possibility of deep healing and transformation as individuals and as a wider collective. By tapping into the tools and healing methods of Shamanism we can find spiritual balance, understand our place in the universe, and live in harmony with the spirits of nature. Through Shamanic practice the possibilities for self-enquiry, deep healing and transformation are endless. Shamanism invites us to learn to see with our own eyes and to access the wisdom rooted within ourselves, within nature, and within all of the realms that surround us. Shamanic practice provides us with a set of tools that we can use to heal, step into self-empowerment, awaken to conscious awareness, embrace the life-death-life cycles, align with our authentic selves, reconnect with our souls purpose, deepen our relationship with ourselves, with others, with nature and with the wider collective, and live a harmonious life filled with love, light, and compassion.

What is the difference between the term Shaman and Shamanic Practitioner?

The term Shaman generally refers to someone with a direct Shamanic linage within an Indigenous community or Native culture where the role of Shaman is handed down through generations and bestowed upon someone who will remain to continue to practice within their traditional culture. On occasion, is it known that the role of Shaman has been passed onto someone outside of the Native or Indigenous culture who will act to serve as a bridge between that traditional culture and the modern Western world.

Within contemporary Shamanism in Western societies the term Shamanic Practitioner is widely used to refer to someone who has been called by spirit to serve the needs of others in a healing capacity and has undergone extensive training. Generally, a Shamanic Practitioner either has no direct link to an Indigenous culture or has been unable to trace their original Shamanic roots, however, they will usually have a strong sense of connection to Shamanic cultures and practices. The role of the Shamanic Practitioner in modern society is to facilitate methods of healing and transformation while in communication and under the guidance of their spirit allies.

General Practice

Do you work with Plant Medicine?

I do not use, work with, or advocate the use of Psychedelic drugs or state altering substances, such as Ayahuasca, within my practice of Shamanism.

Shamanic practice offers many tools, such as the visionary method of Shamanic journeying, to access different states of consciousness and spiritual realms without the use of state altering substances.

I work with the spirit of plants and call upon my spirit allies in the form of plant beings to aid the healing process when working with clients.

Do you work with children?

Yes, I work with children, however a parent must be present during sessions and I strongly encourage parent involvement during sessions.

Shamanic practice has many benefits for children and can help them to harness their intuition and inner guidance, learn to develop emotional and self awareness, teach them to process and express their emotions, connect with the natural world, develop resilience as they navigate life transitions, foster a sense of inner peace and overcome challenges and trauma.

I am self employed, hold a basic DBS, and follow safeguarding procedures to the best of my knowledge and ability.

I am happy to undergo enhanced safeguarding procedures at your discretion.

What is your cancellation policy?

In order to protect my time and income cancellations require 7 days notice. Full refunds will be given with 7 days notice. If you should cancel an engagement without the required 7 days notice you will be charged 50% of the value of the engagement. If you do not show up for an engagement you will be charged in full, and an additional fee may be charged.

Prior preparation goes into each engagement and 72 hours notice is required when rescheduling. Clients have the right to reschedule services up to 72 hours prior to an engagement, without charge. Rescheduling notifications received within 72 hours of an engagement may result in an additional fee or deemed as a cancellation.

Shamanic Energy Healing

What is Energy Healing?

Shamanic Energy Healing is a non-invasive ancient healing method used to help someone restore harmony and find their way back into mental, physical and spiritual balance through unblocking their energetic imbalances and identifying, clearing, and harmonising imbalances and blockages within their physical and energetic body that may be causing them to feel out of balance, and restoring their energetic flow.

The main techniques used during this Shamanic Healing are Extraction Medicine and Soul Retrieval. Extraction Medicine is the ancient healing art of releasing and neutralising misplaced energy from a person’s physical and/or energetic body. Soul Retrieval, which follows Extraction Medicine, is the ancient healing art of energetically retrieving soul parts that will help to heal the cause of the imbalance that allowed the misplaced energy to enter the aura in the first place.

*Please note that Shamanic Energy Healing is not a substitute for conventional medicine and works best as a complementary therapy, in conjunction with any treatment you may be receiving from your doctor.

Will Energy Healing cure me?

Shamanic Energy Healing is not a cure or substitute for conventional medicine or treatment. It works best best when used as a complementary therapy, in conjunction with any treatment you may be receiving from your doctor.

Energy Healing methods can offer unlimited possibilities for healing and transformation, help to ease the process of recovery, and help you to cope emotionally with whatever you are facing.

The outcome of any work we undergo together will be dependant on your willingness and commitment for self-enquiry. Healing is an ongoing process, a journey that is life-long, there is no quick or easy fix. Working with me will offer you the opportunity to go deeper within yourself and equip you with accessible tools so that you can heal yourself.

How many sessions will I need?

This will be dependant on your personal situation, and your willingness to integrate Shamanic practice into your daily life as a wellbeing routine.

Follow up sessions are necessary for deeper transformation.

I recommend having an Energy Healing session every 3 -6 months.

You will intuitively know when you feel called for a session.

How do I prepare for a session?

There is nothing you need to do before your first Energy Healing session, aside from opening your heart and mind to the mystery of the unknown and the possibility of change. It is likely that you may start to notice shifts occurring before your first session.

Please do not wear any perfume or other strong fragrances on the day of your session, or smoke beforehand. I am highly sensitive to smells and this may impact my ability to work.

Please note that I cannot work with anyone who is under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs, and the session will be forfeited under my cancellation policy.

What should I wear for the session?

Please wear comfortable clothes.

You will remain fully clothed for the duration of the session.

What should I expect during an Energy Healing session?

We will begin the session with a chat to delve deeper into your current circumstances. 

You will then lay down comfortably for the duration of the session. I may ask you to change position and use non-invasive touch, I will always ask you beforehand to make sure you are comfortable with this. I may use a drum or play a drumming track during the session, and use Shamanic tools such as rattles, feathers and natural objects.

During the extraction of the misplaced energy it is common to feel physical sensations and you may feel some discomfort for a short period of time, this is completely normal. You may feel like crying, you may feel nauseous or feel the need to burp, you may develop a headache, you may release emotions through sound by vocalising noises or through physical movement, you may feel relaxed, you may feel sleepy or you may not feel anything at all.

We will end the session with a chat and I will provide you with personalised integration practices.

How will I feel after an Energy Healing session?

How you will feel after a session is unique to each person and each session. You may feel energised or you could feel tired. You may feel physical sensations such as a headache or nauseousness. You might feel tearful or feel a sense of happiness, lightness and peacefulness. You might have an entirely new sensation altogether. During the session energetic changes and releases will have occurred and it can take some time for the physical body to adjust to this, be gentle with yourself.

I recommend that you do not drive immediately after the session and you wait a minimum of 30 minutes if you absolutely have to make a short journey. It is not advisable to make a long journey by car on the day of a healing session as you may feel a little spaced out.

I recommend going for a walk or spending some time in nature directly after a session as a time for integration to allow your energetic system to settle and to feel grounded.

If possible, I advise that you do not go straight back into your everyday responsibilities that day, such as work, childcare or social engagements, to allow yourself some quiet time as you adjust to the energetic changes.

It is essential that you do not drink alcohol or take recreational drugs after the session, ideally for 48 hours.

I recommend supporting yourself by increasing your self care activities over the next couple of weeks after your session. Take long baths, make time for naps, eat well, stay hydrated, spend time in nature and undertake any personal integration practices that you receive during or after your session.

Please get in touch if you have any further questions that have not been answered here: river@ancientwisdomwithin.com.