Shamanism involves much more than “journeying” as it is known in popular culture.  It is an all encompassing way of life, a  sophisticated and perilous spiritual and psychological  enterprise requiring  maturity and  a deep and complex knowledge of the human soul and “psyche” (or deep mind). It is an ancient  spiritual vocation found within the mystical traditions of most world religions including Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity, as well as the earth centered Goddess religions and others of  indigenous people who live in closer contact with shamanic consciousness. 

Shamanism is essentially creative and its practices may assume many shapes and forms according to culture.  Its basic processes, however, are universal.  In a modern context such as in my own work, it may be understood psychologically as well as spiritually and is integrated in my psychotherapy practice where a field of altered consciousness is created that does not require drumming or rituals per se.

Shamans, “who see in the dark,” are intermediaries with the “other world” described in modern terms as the “collective unconscious.” It consists of   the primordial patterns or “archetypes” and energies of all living and non living forms of the universe.    On a human level it contains our “shadow,” i.e. our repressed memories and “lost” or injured aspects of self as a result of trauma or addiction, as well as our creative gifts and potential as yet unrealized.  The collective unconscious is a vast reservoir of potential new forms and patterns for helping individuals and societies cope with change. 

Shamans perform several important functions.  As tricksters they help us to make needed shifts in consciousness and perception that otherwise keep us stuck in limited or distorted views of reality.  They have the ability to intuit patterns deeply imbedded in the mind and life stream, and to catalyze needed changes in those patterns using their ability to channel the energy of the “Self” as an archetypal pattern of wholeness. Through the opening created by their own wounding, shamans “travel” on the “pole “or  “tree” between the “worlds” of spirit (sky/mind/masculine) and  soul (earth/body /feminine)  to safely retrieve, transform and  reintegrate lost aspects of self  in order to restore a sense of inner wholeness and renewed contact with life, and to release vital energy.

  In my shamanic work, I am a kinesthetic intuitive who “perceives” patterns through my body in the feminine tradition.  I utilize active imagination and the metaphoric structure of the mind in conversation, dream work and Sandtray Therapy to understand how people perceive their problems and experience their reality.  I channel the archetypal “Self” to help my clients shape healing images and metaphors, and identify new possibilities in alignment with one’s deepest intention  in life.

 My practice includes work with personal growth, relationships, the long term effects of trauma, life transitions and recovery,  and  problems which otherwise  have been resistant to change, individually or in groups. 

info@pathfinding.com
Louise Dery-Wells
Oakleaf Studios