Shamanic Healing for Treating Depression

Shamanic Healing for Treating Depression

Depression, Shamanic Experiences, Shamanic Healing, Shamanism, Treatment Notes

Navigating the Depths: Shamanic Healing for Resolving Depression

 

Depression, a pervasive mental health condition affecting millions worldwide, manifests as a profound sense of sadness, hopelessness, and disconnection. While conventional treatments such as therapy and medication offer relief for many, there’s growing interest in alternative approaches, including Shamanic healing techniques. In this comprehensive exploration, I examine the benefits and techniques of Shamanic treatments for resolving depression in clients, uncovering the transformative potential of ancient wisdom in healing the modern soul.

 

Understanding Depression from a Shamanic Perspective:

Shamanism, rooted in ancient wisdom and indigenous cultures, offers a unique lens through which to understand and address depression. In Shamanic cosmology, depression is viewed not merely as a biochemical imbalance but as a manifestation of soul loss, energetic disharmony, or spiritual disconnection. Central to Shamanic healing is the recognition of the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, and the belief that healing requires addressing these aspects holistically.

 

Benefits of Shamanic Healing for Depression:

Shamanic healing techniques offer a holistic approach to depression treatment that resonates deeply with individuals seeking a sense of wholeness and meaning in their lives. Unlike conventional treatments, Shamanic healing addresses the root causes of depression at the soul level, facilitating profound shifts in consciousness, perception, and emotional well-being. Some of the key benefits of Shamanic healing for depression include:

Soul Retrieval: One of the core Shamanic techniques for addressing depression is soul retrieval. Soul loss, believed to occur due to trauma or significant life experiences, can leave individuals feeling fragmented and disconnected. Through soul retrieval ceremonies, Shamanic practitioners assist clients in reclaiming lost soul parts, restoring vitality, purpose, and resilience.

Energetic Clearing and Balancing: Shamanic healing involves working with subtle energies to clear blockages, release stagnant emotions, and restore energetic balance within the individual. Rituals, ceremonies, and energy clearing techniques help to cleanse the aura, chakras, and energy field, promoting a sense of lightness, clarity, and inner harmony.

Connection to Nature and Spirit: Shamanic healing will connect to the boundless energies of natural settings, harnessing the healing power of the earth, elements, and spirit allies. Through practices such as journeying, vision quests, and communing with plant medicines, clients reconnect with the wisdom of nature and their own inner guidance, finding solace and inspiration in the beauty and mystery of the natural world.

Symbolic and Metaphorical Healing: Shamanic healing incorporates symbolic rituals, storytelling, and metaphorical language to facilitate deep healing and transformation. Symbols, animal spirits, and archetypal imagery serve as gateways to the unconscious mind, allowing clients to explore and integrate suppressed emotions, memories, and beliefs underlying their depression.

 

Techniques of Shamanic Treatment for Depression:

Shamanic treatment for depression encompasses a diverse array of techniques tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each client. While specific practices may vary among traditions and practitioners, some common Shamanic techniques for resolving depression include:

Shamanic Journeying: Clients are guided into altered states of consciousness through rhythmic drumming, chanting, or visualization, allowing them to access deeper layers of the psyche and receive guidance from spirit allies or power animals.

Hands-On Healing: Shamanic practitioners may use hands-on techniques such as energy healing, massage, or soul extraction to clear energetic blockages, restore vitality, and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Integration and Aftercare: Following Shamanic treatment, clients are supported in integrating their experiences and insights into their daily lives. This may involve self-care practices, journaling, counseling, or ongoing support from the Shamanic practitioner or community.

 

Benefits and Positive Outcomes of Shamanic Healing for Depression:

The benefits of Shamanic healing for depression extend far beyond symptom relief, encompassing profound transformations in consciousness, perception, and quality of life. Some of the key benefits and positive outcomes of Shamanic healing for depression include:

Deep Healing and Transformation: Shamanic healing addresses the root causes of depression at the soul level, facilitating profound shifts in consciousness, perception, and emotional well-being. Clients experience a sense of wholeness, vitality, and empowerment as they reclaim lost soul parts and integrate suppressed emotions, memories, and beliefs.

Spiritual Awakening and Connection: Shamanic healing reconnects clients with their inner guidance, spiritual essence, and the wisdom of nature, fostering a sense of purpose, meaning, and belonging. Clients experience a deepening of their spiritual practice and a newfound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life.

Enhanced Resilience and Coping Skills: Through Shamanic healing, clients develop greater resilience, emotional intelligence, and coping skills for navigating life’s challenges. They learn to trust their intuition, cultivate healthy boundaries, and embrace uncertainty with grace and courage.

Improved Relationships and Communication: Shamanic healing fosters deeper connections and intimacy in relationships as clients release old patterns, heal emotional wounds, and communicate authentically from the heart. Clients experience greater empathy, compassion, and understanding in their interactions with others.

Greater Joy, Creativity, and Vitality: Shamanic healing awakens clients to the joy, beauty, and magic of life, inspiring them to pursue their passions, express their creativity, and live with purpose and presence. Clients experience a renewed zest for life and a deep appreciation for the gift of being alive.

 

A Final Note:

Shamanic healing offers a profound and transformative approach to resolving depression by addressing the root causes of suffering at the soul level. Through soul retrieval, energy healing, rituals, ceremonies, and connection to nature and spirit, clients experience deep healing, spiritual awakening, and a renewed sense of purpose, meaning, and vitality. As individuals reclaim lost soul parts, integrate suppressed emotions, and align with their true essence, they embark on a sacred journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and wholeness. In the embrace of Shamanic healing, the shadows of depression give way to the light of transformation, illuminating the path to a life filled with joy, creativity, and authentic connection.

Experience the many benefits of a Shamanic Treatment Session:

Reduce Stress

Feel Empowered

Find Answers to Your Questions

Get Rid of Negativity

Heal Mind, Body and Soul

Find Peace and Direction

Energize Yourself

 

Book Your Online Shamanic Session Today

The Benefits of A Power Animal

The Benefits of A Power Animal

Power Animals, Shamanic Experiences, Shamanic Healing, Shamanism

The Many Benefits of Having a Power Animal

Power animal is another term for a spirit helper in animal form. Each of us has at least one and, more commonly, numerous power animals and those animals can change over time. They come to us because they have a lesson we need to learn or a power or skill they are willing to share, such as fearlessness, strength, gentleness, understanding and patience.

Several of my own power animals have been with me for several years and I have experienced firsthand and observed with fascination how spirit helpers can enter our lives when we most need their unique expression of power and then leave, typically because the relationship has served its purpose and another animal is or will be entering your life.

Consider the cougar, for instance. A powerful, agile and unhesitating animal, it shares lessons on how to be a balanced leader who doesn’t rush into the attack but doesn’t lurk in the brush either. The cougar can help you decide how best to use your personal powers, particularly when defending yourself from aggressors.

If you’re going through a period of transformation, meanwhile, a butterfly may enter your life. Butterflies represent joy, freedom, creativity and change. Take a look at what’s going on in your life and consider if it’s time to make some changes. If you’re already in the midst of a transformation, this power animal will give you the strength to gracefully navigate your transition.

A power animal can be a mammal, bird, reptile or even a mythical creature, such as a unicorn or dragon. Your power animal isn’t just a single animal, but the entire species. If your power animal is a hawk, for example, it will represent all hawks.

You can let your power animal come to you when it thinks the time is right – perhaps through a vision or dream – or you can ask it to show itself to you through meditation. Some people have direct encounters with their power animals in nature. As a Shamanic Practitioner, I can do a power animal retrieval for you and help you learn about and connect with your power animals.

You may love a particular animal or would like to have a certain animal on your team, but don’t be disappointed if an entirely different animal shows up. Remember, power animals come to us and we need to trust their ability to share important lessons and wisdom with us. Many people have had longstanding relationships with power animals without even knowing it and upon learning about one of their animal spirit helpers, immediately recognize an existing relationship.

Just as our ancestors watched animals and their traits, abilities and habits very carefully and learned to respect them, Shamanic Practitioners around the world have relied on the guidance and wisdom of spirit animals for centuries.

Our power animals are valuable allies and can be exceptional teachers if we’re receptive to what they have to share with us. Be open to feel and experience the presence of the spirit animal who has chosen to guide, support and teach you.  Identifying your spirit animal is just the beginning. I encourage you to study their life, habitat and characteristics to better understand how they can help you. Find a picture of your power animal and mediate on it.

Truly connecting with your power animal can help you learn more about your authentic self and life purpose and how you can overcome challenges and bring more meaning to your life. I look forward to helping you identify and get to know your power animal! 

~ The Wired Shaman

Experience the many benefits of a Shamanic Treatment Session:

Reduce Stress

Feel Empowered

Find Answers to Your Questions

Get Rid of Negativity

Heal Mind, Body and Soul

Find Peace and Direction

Energize Yourself

 

Book Your Online Shamanic Session Today

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Discovering the Power of Shamanic Distance Treatments

Discovering the Power of Shamanic Distance Treatments

Distance Healing, My story, Shamanic Experiences, Shamanism, What is Shamanism?

When I wrote a previous testimonial about my experience with shamanism, I shared how the death of my beloved older brother left me broken. I didn’t know much about shamanism at the time but booked a shamanic treatment because I wanted to feel like myself again and to be able to function better. I believed I had nothing to lose.

As I lay down on Deborah’s healing table, she shook a rattle to call her helping spirits as she passed around me, laying a crystal here and another one there. It marked the beginning of regular shamanic treatments that guided me to a new chapter in my life that included loss but also support as my shamanic practitioner helped me discover a world of helping spirits, power animals and touchstones.

When Deborah suggested a distance treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, I was somewhat hesitant but decided to trust the journey. After all, it hadn’t let me down so far. I knew she would be using a teddy bear as a ‘proxy’ and as I closed the blinds in my bedroom and lay down on my bed, Deborah texted to let me know my treatment was about to begin.

I felt extremely relaxed and comfortable and before long, I felt like my brother was in the room with me. He was smiling. That beautiful, familiar smile. He assured me he was fine, that I was fine and that he would always be with me but in a different way. I was sobbing but felt the comfort of the sun shining on my face. I felt what you might describe as a sensation in my hands, as though I was releasing something but not quite sure I wanted to let go.

As Deborah and I had discussed before my treatment, she texted me when it was complete, and I took some time to gather myself before calling her to discuss my experience. I don’t know if I was looking for affirmation, but I wanted to hear what she had to say before I allowed the words to tumble out of my mouth.

My brother was there, she confirmed, and indeed told me that we were both fine. He also told me it was time to let go; to let both of us move forward – together but apart. It now made sense why it felt like I was releasing something.

And the sun on my face? Deborah told me her helping spirits instructed her to take the teddy bear to a sunny window to let me know brighter days were ahead and that I just needed to be brave enough to walk towards them. Like always, everything came together and made complete sense.

Any hesitation I had about the power of distance treatments evaporated. Sure, having a treatment in the comfort of my own home was convenient but it was so much more. I felt like I was able to surrender myself to my treatment much more quickly. Could it be because I was surrounded by things that held such significance to me, including a picture of me with my brother and sister that has forever hung on my bedroom wall?

Though I tend to be very analytical, I realized it doesn’t really matter why my distance treatment had been so powerful – just that it had been so comforting and that Deborah was able to provide me with such wise advice that I’m confident will help me continue to move forward.

~Linda

Experience the many benefits of a Shamanic Treatment Session:

Reduce Stress

Feel Empowered

Find Answers to Your Questions

Get Rid of Negativity

Heal Mind, Body and Soul

Find Peace and Direction

Energize Yourself

 

Book Your Online Shamanic Session Today

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Connecting Ancient Traditions to Modern Times: COVID 19 Pandemic

Connecting Ancient Traditions to Modern Times: COVID 19 Pandemic

My story, Shamanic Experiences, Shamanism, What is Shamanism?

When deciding on a name for my shamanic practice, I chose ‘Wired Shaman’ because it reflects the many ways that I can harmoniously connect ancient traditions and way of life to modern times.

Long before ‘social distancing’ became part of our everyday vocabulary, I had come to appreciate how technology could help me fulfill what I call my ‘marching orders’ from my helping spirits: to shine a flashlight on the path to shamanism so others can connect with fulfilling traditions and way of life as they create and follow their own unique path.

As we adapt to what many refer to as our ‘new reality’ during the COVID-19 pandemic, that name and my belief have fallen nicely into place. Distance healing is the only way I can do what I do and do it for a lot of people – just as my helping spirits directed. Thankfully, I was already comfortable with distance healing, both as a shamanic practitioner and as a shamanic client.

I initially wondered how distance treatments could possibly allow me to experience the same intimate connection I have with my clients during traditional in-person treatments. But after reflecting on the power of my drumming circle with fellow shamanic practitioners, which sends healing to wherever it has been requested or does the best good, I embraced the opportunity and am grateful I did.

Distance treatments have proven so powerful, they have even transformed the ways I interact with my clients during in-person treatments with glowing results. While the pandemic heightened awareness about the need for distance treatments, it also helped practitioners like me realize not everyone has the same access to technology like the internet or even the same levels of ease using technology.

While I am comfortable conducting a treatment using tools like Zoom or Skype that allow a client to see and hear what I’m doing and saying, some clients find it distracting and prefer to connect with me at the beginning of the session and again when it’s complete, either over the phone or online.

Some practitioners will journey on their own and send healing to their client, but I enjoy working in the moment with my clients as they lie down in the comfort of their own home. I have chosen a teddy bear to serve as a proxy or substitute for a client. I place it on my treatment table and as I rattle in the helping spirits – just like I would during a traditional in-person session – I am told where to place my crystals (if I’m told to use them at all) and so on.

As I follow my instructions, the helping spirits explain how each action will help the client, which in turn helps me better hone the purpose of what I’m doing. I often receive messages or teachings to share with my client. I’ve discovered using a proxy allows me to do things I couldn’t do during a traditional treatment.

During one session, for example, the helping spirits asked me to pick up the teddy bear and take it by the hand as we walked to a sunny window. I placed the bear’s paws on the windowsill and looked at the sunny day so it could feel the comforting warmth of the sun on its face. The purpose was to assure my client that her future is bright and that as she bravely moves toward it, joy awaits.

I am also using technology to virtually connect with people I have taken shamanic training courses with – some of whom are around the world. Not only does that allow me to continue to experience the power of community, it further underscores the premise of the business name I selected and helps me crystalize the directive my helping spirits gave me years ago.

I invite you to book a distance treatment today so you can begin or continue your own shamanic journey to long-lasting healing and strength!

~ Deborah

 

Experience the many benefits of a Shamanic Treatment Session:

Reduce Stress

Feel Empowered

Find Answers to Your Questions

Get Rid of Negativity

Heal Mind, Body and Soul

Find Peace and Direction

Energize Yourself

 

Book Your Online Shamanic Session Today

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Shamanism in a Modern World

Shamanism in a Modern World

My story, Shamanic Experiences, Shamanism, What is Shamanism?

My Journey into Shamanism

When I first encountered what I now know to be Shamanism, I was a young girl.  My mother arranged yearly trips to places which, at that time, were the most unlikely of holiday destinations: Guatemala, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador – to name a few. On many of these early adventures we saw in living practice what was roughly translated to us as ‘Medicine Men’.  It all seemed very exotic and primitive.  I naturally concluded that it was only something one would see in  places with ancient civilizations, ruins and jungles and I saw no connection to my life in urban North America!

Although I had been transfixed by these experiences on my childhood travels,decades later when I experienced Shamanism right here at home,  I could not fathom how it could factor into our modern, technological world. Well, I couldn’t have been more wrong. After over a decade of  Shamanic training and practice, I came to understand that shamanism is not only relevant but it is desperately needed by our society today.

It was a winding, bumpy path…

It was not a smooth or easy transition into the Shamanic world. I felt frequent embarrassment due to my fear that I was just making all of this stuff up in my head. For the first two years of my shamanic training I prefaced every shamanic-related utterance with, ” I know this sounds weird or crazy but…” and then I would proceed to share the information or experience with friends, family or colleagues that had come to me as a result my shamanism practices. Without fail I was greeted, not by the hysterical laughter and finger pointing I was expecting, but by open faces and ready ears. I was astounded by the receptiveness and genuine curiosity people had about what I was doing.  Even those few who I was sure would scoff and tease listened without judgement.

It took into my third year to stop my ‘ prefacing’ habit. People were  genuinely curious and gravitated  to hear more or even seek me out to ask more specific questions. Men, women, kids, lawyers, police officers, ambulance workers, teachers, bankers, engineers – not the usual suspects you’d expect to be open to anything like this – asked questions with sincere interest in the answers. I began to realize that even though we have endless ways in our society to connect with others we instinctively realize that we do not actually feel connected. We sense we are missing some elusive element in order to put a context to our lives.

Context: Shamanism, by its very essence provides context to life…

As I moved along in my training and practice I came to realize Shamanism had quietly but adeptly become the hub into which all the spokes of my life had effortlessly slipped into place. I now had a vocabulary to define unusual personal experiences, some of which  I had experienced since I was a girl. It also provided a reference library where I could ask for and find information I needed. There was a new found and enduring calmness because I was starting to see how all things fit together in the most simple yet exquisite manner. A reverence for nature, its power and infinite complexities became part of my everyday consciousness. I had a found a different, and yet strangely natural way of experiencing and viewing life!

The more I connect with others in the Shamanic communities at workshops or drumming circles, the more I hear others share similar sentiments. And the kaleidoscope of people is always thrilling to me! They span the spectrum of humanity: men, women, young adults, gay, straight, corporate, retired, artsy, Hindu, Catholic, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish – every ethnic and professional background you can imagine!  Each has found that Shamanism has provided a spiritual loom that guides us in weaving together the unique elements of our lives into a beautiful tapestry of texture and colour that is as original as our fingerprints.

The tenet of service to others is quietly inherent in all shamanic practices. Whether it is providing a healing, doing a divination to provide needed information or helping souls to reach their final destination, for each act you receive as much as you give.

Shamanism has given me a balance in perspective that didn’t  exist for me before. Connecting with nature and my helping spirits have made my life more peaceful, patient and fulfilling. I am a better parent now. I am able to assist my daughter to approach life in a more balanced and healthy manner.

If you are looking to further explore Shamanism and other ancient techniques I invite you to book a session so you can experience the wondrous benefits first-hand.

 

~ Deborah

 

Experience the many benefits of a Shamanic Treatment Session:

Reduce Stress

Feel Empowered

Find Answers to Your Questions

Get Rid of Negativity

Heal Mind, Body and Soul

Find Peace and Direction

Energize Yourself

 

Book Your Online Shamanic Session Today

Like to Book Your Session?

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Disconnected Connectedness

Disconnected Connectedness

Shamanic Experiences, Shamanism, Teens, What is Shamanism?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has always considered mental well-being as an integral part of the general definition of health. WHO defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.

A fact sheet published by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health cites:

  • In any given year, 1 in 5 Canadians experiences a mental health or addiction problem.
  • By the time Canadians reach 40 years of age, 1 in 2 have – or have had – a mental illness
  • 70% of mental health problems have their onset during childhood or adolescence.
  • Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group.
  • 34% of Ontario high-school students indicate a moderate-to-serious level of psychological distress (symptoms of anxiety and depression). 14% indicate a serious level of psychological distress.

Why are mental health issues on the rise, especially among youth? .

Startling Increase in Major Depression Among Teens

A recent article in Time Magazine states: there’s been a significant increase in the percentage of young people aged 12-20 who have reported having a major depressive episode (MDE).

In a time when technology gives us tools to connect with others so easily,why then does it seem like seem like this access is making us feel more isolated? As we are increasingly using electronic tools like cell phones and computers as our communication and connection medium, are we losing something vital that might nourish our own mental health? I fear that this may in fact be true.  I fear that this new world of constantly being plugged in may be the main cause of what I call ‘Disconnected Connectedness’.

The pressure of always being ‘on’ and the increasing expectation of North American society to publicly log our activities seems to be making people more unhappy – not less.  It used to be that once we walked in our front doors we could shut out the pressures, comments, social measuring sticks and other influences that endlessly flog our psyche.  That closed door used to give shelter, respite, from the expectation onslaughts.

Ironically, the 24/7 access that  new technologies provide  that makes us all effuse about the convenience and coolness, is in  reality turning us, especially youth, into prisoners of modern communication. The worst offender, cell phones, have morphed into a dual role of lock and key – depending on which way you are facing…

The more connected with are with technology, the more disconnected we can feel because we don’t actually feel the way we say we feel when we log ourselves.  So the more we reach out, the more isolated we can become. It is not a wonder that the youth, who have grown up in this digital age and have not experienced a substantial period of their lives where there was not constant external input and commentary, have little – if any – dexterity in unearthing who they are naturally.

The looking-glass self is a social psychological concept created by Charles Horton Cooley in 1902. It states that a person’s self grows out of society’s interpersonal interactions and the perceptions of others.  I believe that the digital age has expanded that dynamic. It could be argued that this concept is on steroids in the digital age.

In many respects, young people today can almost be seen as non-participants in their development of self.  They are standing behind the looking glass watching their projected self interact with the world — Disconnected Connectedness.

We all crave connection with others.  And as we know – nature abhors a vacuum.  The digital age has created the perfect environment for Social Media to flourish.  It is time to help our kids step back and develop a sense of themselves for themselves.  

I believe that is why there is a growing sense of need to search for something that fills our souls not simply our social media profiles.  We crave connection with others but first we must become grounded ourselves.  Shamanism is one way that allows us to connect with ourselves, our soul, our uniqueness and our sense of worth. Shamanism offers something for everyone.  I have had the pleasure of training with people from various religions and parts of the world.  As our paths cross, we cherish and respect the uniqueness of each person’s path.  It is time we help our youth find their unique path, knowing they are in fact connected –  via their unique path to the Universe…  

~The Wired Shaman

 

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