Shamanism and Core Shamanism:  A Journey to Ancient Wisdom in the Modern World

What is Shamanism?

Shamanism is one of the oldest spiritual practices in human history and is deeply rooted in the cultures and traditions of many continents. Archaeological and anthropological findings suggest that shamanic rituals and belief systems were already being practiced over 30,000 to 40,000 years ago.

At its core, this spiritual practice connects humanity with nature, the spirit world, and the energies that flow through our existence. While traditional shamanism is closely linked to specific indigenous cultures, core shamanism has emerged as a modern, culture-independent approach to these ancient practices. 

It is neither a religion nor a unified belief system but rather a way of interacting with the world. Shamans act as intermediaries between the physical and spiritual worlds, using altered states of consciousness to gain wisdom, healing, and guidance.

The central ideas of shamanism include:

1. Everything is alive and interconnected: This encompasses humans, animals, plants, stones, and even elements like air and water.
2. The spirit world is accessible: It can provide insights, healing, and support.
3. Shamans use tools: Instruments like drums, chants, and visualizations help them enter trance states and journey into spiritual realms.

 

Shamanic practices vary greatly, reflecting the cultures they come from. For example, Siberian shamans use drums and dances to summon spirits, while Amazonian shamans often work with plant medicine like ayahuasca. Despite these differences, all shamanic traditions share a profound connection to nature and a focus on spiritual unity.

The Rise of Core Shamanism

Developed by anthropologist Michael Harner in the 1980s, Core Shamanism is a universal framework for shamanic practice. Harner studied indigenous traditions worldwide and distilled shared elements into a system that can be practiced without cultural appropriation.

Core Shamanism emphasizes techniques over belief systems, making the practice accessible to people from all backgrounds. It focuses on universal shamanic principles, such as journeying to non-ordinary realities, working with spirit allies, and accessing healing energies. Unlike traditional shamanism, Core Shamanism does not tie practitioners to specific cultures, rituals, or deities.

Core Shamanism Techniques

Core Shamanism provides practical tools for interacting with the spiritual world. Key techniques, taught in our Inner Wisdom Institute training, include:

1. Shamanic Journeying

This practice involves entering an altered state of consciousness to journey to non-ordinary realities. Drumming or rhythmic sounds typically aid this process. Practitioners explore three main realms: Upper World: Associated with divine wisdom and spiritual guides. Middle World: The spiritual counterpart to our physical world, home to nature spirits and elemental beings. Lower World: A grounding realm where power animals and spirit allies are often found.

Obere Welt: In dieser spirituellen, ätherischen Welt treffen wir auf verschiedene höhere Geistwesen. Ihr werden auch die aufgestiegenen Meister und die verschiedenen Göttern, unsere Ahnen und Engel zugeordnet. Ebenso können wir hier unsere geistigen Lehrer und Geistführer treffen.

Mittlere Welt: Die spirituelle Version, ein Paralleluniversum, unserer physischen Welt, in der Naturgeister und Elementarwesen leben.

Untere Welt: Ein Ort der Erdung und Verbindung, wo Krafttiere,  Pflanzen-  und Steinwesen, sowie menschenähnliche Spirits zu finden sind.

2. Working with Spirit Allies

In shamanism, spirits may appear as animals, spirit guides, ancestors, or archetypal beings. Core Shamanism teaches how to connect with these allies and seek their guidance, whether for healing, protection, or problem-solving.

3. Soul Retrieval

A central concept in shamanic healing, this involves retrieving fragmented soul parts lost through trauma or loss. Core Shamanism adapts this ancient technique to modern healing practices.

4. Diagnostic and Energy Clearing in Healing Journeys

Shamans often remove negative or stagnant energies from people or places. Core Shamanism emphasizes balancing and renewing energies as part of holistic well-being.

The Benefits of Core Shamanism

Core Shamanism provides a practical, ethical, and effective way to integrate ancient wisdom into modern life. 

Key benefits include:

1. Accessibility: Core Shamanism transcends cultural barriers, making its practices available to a global audience without appropriating indigenous traditions. Personal Empowerment: By teaching individuals to communicate directly with the spirit world, Core Shamanism empowers them to find their own answers and healing. Healing and Growth: Practices such as soul retrieval and energy clearing can address deeply rooted emotional wounds and promote spiritual growth. Connection to Nature: Shamanism fosters a sense of interconnectedness with the natural world, encouraging sustainable and respectful living. Practical Guidance: Through shamanic journeys, practitioners can gain insights and solutions for personal, interpersonal, or professional challenges.
2. Persönliche Ermächtigung: Indem er Einzelpersonen lehrt, direkt mit der Geisterwelt zu kommunizieren, ermöglicht der Core-Schamanismus, eigene Antworten und Heilung zu finden.
3. Heilung und Wachstum: Praktiken wie Seelenrückholung und Energieklärung können tief verwurzelte emotionale Wunden ansprechen und spirituelles Wachstum fördern.
4. Verbindung zur Natur: Schamanismus fördert ein Gefühl der Verbundenheit mit der natürlichen Welt und ermutigt zu nachhaltigem und respektvollem Leben.
5. Praktische Führung: Durch schamanische Reisen können Praktizierende Einsichten und Lösungen für persönliche, zwischenmenschliche oder berufliche Herausforderungen finden.

Shamanism in a Modern Context

In an increasingly disconnected world, shamanism offers a path back to balance and wholeness. By utilizing ancient practices, we can restore our relationship with nature, ourselves, and the unseen worlds. Core Shamanism especially appeals to modern seekers looking for spirituality without dogma or cultural constraints.

It is, however, crucial to approach shamanism with respect and humility. While Core Shamanism avoids cultural appropriation, practitioners should honor the indigenous traditions that inspired these practices. Supporting indigenous communities, learning about their history, and acknowledging their contributions are essential steps in preserving the integrity of shamanism.

Conclusion

Shamanism and Core Shamanism are powerful tools for healing, transformation, and connection. While traditional shamanism is deeply rooted in specific cultural contexts, Core Shamanism offers a universal framework for exploring these ancient practices ethically and effectively. By embracing shamanic principles, we can rediscover our innate connection to the world around us, gain deeper self-awareness, and bring harmony into our lives. Shamanism offers timeless wisdom that touches the heart of our shared human experience. If you’re interested in exploring Core Shamanism, our transformative foundational training is the perfect place to start—and there is so much more for you to discover.

Indem wir schamanische Prinzipien annehmen, können wir unsere angeborene Verbindung zur Welt um uns herum wiederentdecken, tiefere Selbsterkenntnis erlangen und Harmonie in unser Leben bringen. Der Schamanismus bietet zeitlose Weisheit, die das Herz unserer gemeinsamen menschlichen Erfahrung berührt.

Wenn du den Core-Schamanismus erkunden möchtest, dann ist unsere transformierende Grundausbildung bestimmt etwas für dich und du wirst noch vieles andere lernen.