Sandra Ingerman, author of Soul Retrieval and Medicine for the Earth, leads workshops on shamanism all over the world. The former educational director of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, she holds an M.A. in counseling psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. And now she has created an interactive toolkit, Shamanic Journeying: A Beginner's Guide, for those who want to experience a journey similar to those that traditional shamans have taken for centuries. The book gives an overview of journeying and practical suggestions learned from her teaching and experiences. A 60-minute CD includes more instructions and three drumming tracks.
During a shamanic journey, an individual goes into an altered state of consciousness, usually with the help of some rhythmic percussion, to experience non-ordinary reality outside time and space and receive information from helping spirits. The intention is to use this positive energy to create transformation for ourselves, others, and the planet. Ingerman calls shamanism "the direct path of revelation" with its exploration of different worlds, use of power animals and other teachers, and emphasis on reconnecting with nature and its cycles and rhythms. The author answers some common questions about shamanic journeying; discusses divination; and explains how to use journeys for healing, to learn about your history, to restore balance to your life, to meet with the natural world, and to create your own healing ceremonies.
