What Is Shamanism, Really? A Personal Take from the Path

If you’re reading this, it’s likely that something about shamanism has sparked your curiosity. Perhaps it's the idea of spirits, ancestors, or even dragons (yes, dragons) walking beside us. Or maybe it’s the call of the earth beneath our feet, whispering secrets in the rustling leaves or the song of the wind.

Whatever it is, you're likely sensing that there’s something more — something deeper — to this ancient path. Shamanism isn’t easy to define in one simple sentence. It's not a 'thing' you can just explain — it's an experience, a practice, a way of being. I didn’t stumble into shamanism — it found me, and in the process, I found a new depth to myself. It’s a bit like starting a wild journey where you think you know the destination, but the map keeps shifting. And somehow, it’s always right.

For me, shamanism isn’t just about rituals and healing (though both are deeply important). It’s about connection — with nature, with the unseen world, and with your own spirit. It's a way of reawakening the senses and diving into the depths of your soul, exploring places that may have been dormant for years. And if you truly listen, the teachings come from the most unexpected sources — the wind, the trees, a conversation with a stranger, a moment of stillness when no one is watching.

Shamanism is like learning a new language — the language of the earth and spirit. And one thing I've learned is that the answers we seek are often right in front of us — sometimes in the songs of birds, sometimes in the quiet hum of the earth beneath us.

The Spirit World: A Living, Breathing Reality

In shamanism, the spirit world isn’t distant or unreachable. It's not some far-off place; it exists right here, alongside our own world. The spirits of ancestors, animal guides, elemental forces, and even the spirits of places are constantly around us. To walk the shamanic path is to learn to listen to this world — to engage with it, to develop relationships that aren’t just based on belief but on direct experience.

The spirits we work with are not mere ideas or abstract concepts. They are real, alive, and present. They speak to us through nature, through our dreams, through the whispers of the wind, and even in the silence between our breaths. The more we listen, the more we learn that the relationship with these spirits, like any meaningful relationship, takes time and trust. Sometimes they offer wisdom in unexpected forms: an animal that shows up as a messenger, a shift in energy that tells you it’s time to pay attention. But above all, they are partners — helping us co-create our lives, walking with us along the journey.

Our connection to the spirit world isn’t just about personal growth — it’s about community. Shamanism reminds us that we are not isolated from the unseen realms but deeply interconnected with them. Every interaction — with a person, an animal, or the land itself — is an opportunity to deepen that connection. And the ripple effect is real: when one person heals, it affects the collective energy. When one person connects with their spirit guides, the energy flows through the whole community.

In shamanic tradition, community plays a central role. Ceremonies, whether formal or informal, are the spaces where we gather to honour the spirits and each other. These sacred moments bring us together to collectively raise our energy, focus on shared intentions, and strengthen our bond with the spirit world.

Shamanism in Daily Life: A Living Practice

Shamanism isn't something you just "do" in rituals or ceremonies — it's a way of being in the world. It teaches us to see the magic in the mundane, to recognise the spirit in the ordinary. The practice of shamanism is about being awake to the world around you — not just through your mind, but through your senses, your heart, and your soul.

It’s in the way we walk on the earth, speak to one another, breathe in the air. It’s about bringing awareness into our relationships — not only with the spirits but with the people and things we encounter every day. The true power of shamanism lies in this connection: to the spirit world, to our deeper selves, and to each other. The rituals, the journeys, and the ceremonies all have their place, but it’s how we show up in the world that matters most. It’s in the way we engage with life — with the land, the people, and the spirits who walk with us.

Shamanism and Community: A Sacred Bond

One of the most powerful aspects of shamanism is its emphasis on community. Shamanic work isn’t done in isolation. It’s about how we come together, how we gather with others to hold sacred space and share in the healing that happens when we collectively connect with the spirit world.

The collective energy of a group amplifies the healing process. It’s in the circle that we find our strength, our support, and our shared wisdom. Shamanic communities are spaces where we honour each other’s journeys, offer our gifts, and hold space for transformation. The spirit world, in this context, becomes a shared experience, not a far-off realm.

A Mutual Relationship: Spirit and Earth

Shamanism teaches that our relationship with the spirit world is mutual. We don’t just ask the spirits for guidance; we also offer our respect, gratitude, and intentions. This relationship is not one-sided. It's a co-creative process.

The spirits — animal guides, ancestors, and elemental beings — are our teachers, companions, and partners. They are here to guide us, but they also receive our gratitude and our offerings. In return, the earth responds to our care and attention. What we give, we receive.

This mutual exchange is the essence of shamanism: a living relationship that bridges the sacred and the everyday, the seen and the unseen, the ancient and the now. It is the practice of becoming — of showing up in the world in a way that honours all things, both visible and invisible.

The Invitation

If you’re curious about shamanism or already walking this path, remember: it’s not about "doing" shamanism, but about becoming more present. It’s about cultivating deep listening and connection with the spirits, the land, and each other. In every moment, there’s an invitation to step deeper into the sacred — to reconnect with the magic that surrounds us, to listen to the spirit world, and to open your heart.

The spirit world is alive. It’s here. All you have to do is listen.

If you would like to learn more about shamanism get in touch or visit my courses page .