There are three ways to approach Shamanism

You can become a shaman, become a client of a shaman, or work to integrate the archetypal Shaman within. I help people with all three options. I support shamanic practitioners on their road to mastery, offer energy medicine, and help laypeople integrate the path's wisdom.

You don’t need to become a Shaman

You don’t need to go on a shamanic journey, attend a workshop, or undergo training to gain wisdom from the path. Many in the field will insist that you start practicing Shamanism. But this advice lacks perspective. There are many important insights to be gained without picking up a drum or ingesting a substance.

Psychedelics aren’t necessary

Plant medicines can be helpful, but aren’t necessary. In fact, I don’t use them. I’m interested in navigating the spirit world through my rattle, drum, and dreams. Psychedelics can reliably produce a mystical experience and open a doorway to other worlds; however, you can’t turn the experience off. That lack of control and nuance has led me to train with Shamans who don’t use plant medicines. While I have experience with psychedelics, they aren’t my focus or expertise.

My practice is true to myself

My practice of Shamanism differs from what is found within indigenous cultures. I’ve been deeply fortunate to study with elders of the Q’ero nation in the Peruvian Andes. I have been initiated and welcomed into their ancient medicine tradition. However, my practice reflects my view of the path. My aim is to help others be true to themselves, rather than pushing them toward a point of view.

Become a guide, not a guru

Sadly, I’ve seen Shamans become cult leaders. Consumed by power, they aspire to be an all-knowing guru rather than a mature adult. My abilities are given to me by nature, and my role is no more important than anyone else’s. It is my honor to be a Shaman and to help people. I see myself as a guide in service to individual expansion, not a new-age guru.

About Me

I’m an author, shaman, acupuncturist, and herbalist. At heart, I’m one of those lucky people who love what they do. I get to use medicine stones, needles, rattles, and herbs to help people grow. I started my shamanic journey at the Four Winds Society, completing a year of apprenticeship under its founder, Alberto Villoldo. I went on to study with the elders of the Q’ero nation of the Peruvian Andes. If you would like to hear more about my story, grab a copy of my book, Midnight Jaguar: Tales of a Suburban Shaman.