The Shamanic Apprenticeship
We lovingly call ourselves “A Circle of Stones.”
“And while I stood there I saw more than I can tell and understood more than I saw; for I was seeing in a sacred manner the shapes of all things in the spirit, and the shape of all shapes as they must live together like one being. And I saw that the sacred hoop of my people was one of many hoops that made one circle, wide as daylight and as starlight, and in the center grew one mighty flowering tree to shelter all the children of one mother and one father. And I saw that it was holy.”Black Elk
Black Elk’s words point us so clearly to the mystery, and the circle. We ARE a circle, with no beginning and no end, and that is a mystery.
Three steps, two years
The first year can be entered at any of the four directions. The second year opens once the whole first wheel has been walked.
Self-Healing Through Shamanic Journey
In order to learn the shamanic journey process, a one-time prerequisite to studying the Medicine Wheel is attendance at Self-Healing Through Shamanic Journey. This applies both for beginners and for those who have previously studied shamanism.
It is also highly recommended that before your first quadrant you schedule two private sessions: a Chakra Clearing and a Soul Retrieval Ceremony. These do not need to be repeated.
Learn moreWalk the four quadrants
You can complete the four quadrants in whatever order you choose, on a schedule that follows the seasons.
- Eagle · Spring, begins on or around the Spring Equinox
- Coyote · Summer, begins on or around the Summer Solstice
- Bear · Fall, begins on or around the Fall Equinox
- Buffalo · Winter, begins on or around the Winter Solstice
The Second Year
You must complete all four quadrants in order to receive certification and qualify to enter the second year of the shamanic apprenticeship.
Bring other comparable shamanic training? Contact Cyndy about joining.
About Year TwoWhy a Circle?
We are being called to unity, acceptance, tolerance (notice how you respond to that word) and a deep feeling of love. A circle provides the container for all of those expressions, as well as a noticing of what is not that. We are being called to notice, feel and, at times, respond.
Why Shamanism?
Shamanism is a very sacred and ancient practice. In fact, it is believed to be the oldest healing modality on the planet. Shamanism provides us with an integrative healing process, and its power is truly felt in the bones with ripples of direct revelation, clarity and inspiration.
Why the Medicine Wheel?
The wheel is a circle that provides an invitation to awakened consciousness and a deep connection with the Earth and all of our relations. We are being called to know ourselves and our highest purpose at this time. We are being called.
The Dance
The Medicine Wheel gives us a circle of knowledge that we can breathe into our hearts, our lives and our actions, and when we invest a year in these teachings, we learn the steps of the dance to repeat each year for the rest of our lives. It provides us the space for a beautiful and life-transformative dance. Aho!
The Natural World
In my humble belief, everything in nature has something to teach us, something about connection. Water reminds us to stay in the flow of life, both allowing and surrendering. The birds inspire us to fly high inside of ourselves, and to gracefully ride the currents of our lives. The earth reminds us to take care of her, because she provides all that we need to live. The sound of the wind blowing through the trees provides calm and comfort when we are experiencing intense currents of change. The four-legged ones remind us to walk in a grounded manner, with hearts filled with unconditional love, and fire reminds us to transform what no longer serves us, so we have room for Spirit. Those that swim in the waters of the earth teach us to communicate on waves of vibration. These concepts are not provable, but seem undeniably real to me. How do they resonate with you? You can read more about the power of nature to heal here.
The Schedule
Although the Medicine Wheel offers its wisdom following a seasonal, four-quarter annual calendar, you have an opportunity to explore the medicine on a quarterly schedule that corresponds with the seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter). You can complete the four quadrants in whatever order you choose. However, you must complete all four quadrants in order to receive certification and qualify to enter the second year of the shamanic apprenticeship.
During each quadrant, we will share two and a half hours every other Thursday evening for three months on Zoom. The Spring Quadrant (Eagle Medicine) begins on or around the Spring Equinox and we explore Clarity, Wisdom, and Illumination; the Summer Quadrant (Coyote Medicine) begins on or around the Summer Solstice and we explore Growth, Trust, and Love; the Fall Quadrant (Bear Medicine) begins on or around the Fall Equinox and we explore Experience, Introspection and Strength; and the Winter Quadrant (Buffalo Medicine) begins on or around the Winter Solstice and we explore Cleansing, Renewal, and Purity. In addition to circle time, included is one private hour with me each month to be used any way you choose.
The Second Year
Are you carrying in your heart a dream to become a shamanic practitioner?
There is continued exploration offered after completion of the first year. In the second year of the apprenticeship, we deeply explore the concepts, ethics, feelings, and tools needed to journey for another to retrieve power or guides, explore sound healing, create ceremony, and do a soul retrieval ceremony. In the first part of the second-year training, we dive deeply into the ethics and skills required to bring your gifts to others. As we progress through the second-year training, you will receive the skills needed to journey for others, use sound healing in your practice, create ceremonies, and learn to engage with the world of Spirit to do a Soul Retrieval Ceremony for others.
Finding your place on the Wheel
Do I have to start in spring?
No. You may enter the Wheel at any of the four directions. Begin with whichever quadrant is opening next and continue around from there.
Do the quadrants have to be taken in order?
No. You can complete the four quadrants in whatever order you choose. Once all four are complete, Year One is finished.
When can I join Year Two?
Year Two opens once you have completed all four quadrants of Year One. If you bring other comparable shamanic training, contact Cyndy about joining.
What do I need before my first quadrant?
Attend Self-Healing Through Shamanic Journey once. A private Chakra Clearing and Soul Retrieval Ceremony are highly recommended before your first quadrant; they don’t need to be repeated.
Where do I find the Zoom link and handouts?
In your student portal. Sign in with the email you enrolled with and your quadrant’s portal opens automatically.