First off, let me clear the deck and point out there are those who take literalism to an extreme, who say the word shaman only refers to the Russian Tungusian culture, where we find a version of the word saman. But they ignore the Pali, samana, which refers to a Buddhist monk, and the ultimate Sanskrit root: śrama which refers to religious exercise. Shaman, then, can be a term which transcends a single culture, and for this article, a Shaman is a member of certain societies who acts as a medium between the visible world and an invisible spirit world and who practices various techniques and rituals for purposes of healing, divination, and balance with natural events. In the culture in which we live, this is often expressed as Core Shamanism.
Core Shamanism is “universal or near-universal principles and practices of shamanism not bound to any specific cultural group or perspective, as originated and developed by anthropologist Michael Harner” at the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. He discovered that all over the world, while the overall approaches to shamanism may be different, there were key elements in common. Dr. Harner then set about synthesizing these elements so that anyone could use them without pirating any culture’s sacred rituals.
His classic book, the Way of the Shaman, is a comprehensive anthology containing writings vital to all the major non-Western religious traditions, arranged thematically. It includes colorful descriptions of deities, creation myths, depictions of death and the afterlife, teachings on the relationship between humanity and the sacred, religious rituals and practices, and prayers and hymns.
Using this type of core understanding of ritual, we can work within our own cultures and societies to create on our own traditions. Spirited drumming and music, ritual, dance, sacred garb are all part of this Way. Many people have blended their spiritual paths to create something unique. However the foundation still remains, and it can be learned, and Eye of Horus has the workshops, shamanic books and CDs to help you on your way.
Be Your Own Shaman! Workshops at Eye of Horus
Introduction to Shamanism: with Rhonda Steele
April 29th (Friday 6-9pm) April 30th (Saturday 1-9pm)
Most Shamanic courses are single-day one-shot workshops. But at Eye of Horus, you not only get to learn from an experienced Shaman, but you will have a two-day power-filled intensive to give you some dream-time in-between. Students will meet their power animal and their spirit guide. They will learn to journey and have contact with their guides on a regular basis. In this introductory workshop you will learn some of the history of shamanism, you will meet your power animal, and you will learn how to navigate the lower world. You will also meet your spirit guide and learn the landscape of the upper world. You will leave this workshop with all of the tools you need to develop a relationship with these powerful allies in the spirit world.
Cost is $100 for 11 hours of learning and journey practice. That’s less than $10 an hour! Advance Registration Required. Bring a blanket or something soft–we will by lying on the floor. Register online with Credit Card or Paypal: 
Myths & Legends Shamanic Workshop with Rhonda Steele
May 15th & 22nd (Two Sundays) 2-6pm Come and experience the magic of King Arthur and his Queen through Shamanic Journey techniques.
In this 2-class workshop we will learn some of the stories surrounding King Arthur and his knights. (Part of his castle is pictured above.) We will hear the stories and then have an opportunity to journey to the characters in the story and ask them for wisdom and guidance. We will take a shamanic journey to Annwn and try to figure out why Arthur ventured there. Some of the archetypes/characters include Merlin, Lugh (Lancelot) and King Arthur, himself.
Prerequisite = Intro to Shamanism Workshop or equivalent shamanic journeying skills are necessary for success in this class. This is not an introductory level workshop. Register Online: $85.00
About the Instructor
Rhonda Steele has been studying and practicing shamanism since 1998. She has studied with several instructors from The Foundation for Shamanic Studies. She has also trained with Sandra Ingerman, Tom Cowan, R.J. Stewart and many others.
Rhonda is a member of the Society for Shamanic Practitioners. She continues to broaden her depth and experience of shamanic practice. Recently, she took a shamanic tour of Ireland.
Register online for Introduction to Shamanism or call the store at 612-872-1292 to register.
The Shamanic Journey
Folktales from all cultures recount adventures of shamans (wisdom-keepers, ritualists, and healers) who journeyed through spiritual realms on quests for healing or understanding. Shamans entered non-ordinary reality in their spiritual bodies. With the help of their spiritual guides, they rode the deer, flew with the eagle, or followed the bear. Shamans brought back stories that communicated wisdom, health and healing for members of the community.
Shamanic journeying is the inner art of traveling to the “invisible worlds” beyond ordinary reality to retrieve information for change in any area of your life — from spirituality and health to work and relationships. While several cultures have used drugs to induce the shamanic state, it is entered into by use of a drum or rattle in Core Shamanism. (Shamans of old used to call their drums ‘horses’ because without them, they were unable to ride into the other worlds).
In her book Shamanic Journeying, Sandra Ingerman draws from over 20 years’experience as a student and teacher of shamanism to share the core insights of this transformative practice. Join her to learn the original role of the shaman in indigenous societies; how to meet and work with your “power animal” and other spirit teachers; and the keys to successful journeying in our modern culture. With fascinating accounts of the powerful results of shamanic journeying and answers to the questions you may face as you begin your practice, Shamanic Journeying includes everything you need to explore the visionary worlds of the shaman, including a practice CD.
Spirit Guides
When most people think of Spirit Guides, they think of Animal Totems of Native American Traditions. But the association with a protector animal was widespread in the indigenous European traditions, as well. The Norse and Germanic cultures have the Fylgia or Fetch. It is the most fundamentally other of the components of the Self: it has independent existence in ways that the other aspects of the soul do not. It frequently appears to us in a form that accentuates its otherness (contra-sexual or animal). So if you are a woman, your Fylgia is a man, if male, it is a female, or can even be perceived as a geometric shape. It is frequently seen as an animal. It is a guarding and protective force.
Animal Speak by Ted Andrews is the classic text on Animal Spirit Guides. It invites you to open your heart and mind to the wisdom of the animal world.
Animal Speak provides techniques for recognizing and interpreting the signs and omens of nature. Meet and work with animals as totems and spirits by learning the language of their behaviors within the physical world.
Animal Speak shows you how to: identify, meet, and attune to your spirit animals; discover the power and spiritual significance of more than 100 different animals, birds, insects, and reptiles; call upon the protective powers of your animal totem; and create and use five magical animal rites, including shapeshifting and sacred dance.
This bestselling guide has become a classic reference for anyone wishing to forge a spiritual connection with the majesty and mystery of the animal world.