Writings · Healing ceremony

Soul Retrieval: A Process of Reclamation

What a Soul Retrieval Ceremony is, how to prepare, and what happens during your session.

A sacred, ancient healing practice

A Soul Retrieval Ceremony is a very sacred, ancient healing practice. In fact, shamanism is believed to be the oldest known healing practice on the planet. Simply put, a highly trained shamanic practitioner follows the rhythmic sound of a drum or rattle into the shamanic state of consciousness – which I sometimes call the “delicious dark,” also known as the theta brainwave state. The intention is to find and bring home “willing” lost soul parts, or lost gifts, to the person who has come for healing.

What is lost – and what returns

In my humble belief, we do not actually lose parts of our soul, although that is how this ceremony has been described since ancient times. I believe that when we go through an event or illness, sometimes when we are very young, the trauma causes us to separate from certain parts of our essence or energy. I often compare it to placing something on a shelf until we are ready or able to integrate the experience.

So what is “it” – this energy or essence?

Imagine a four-year-old girl who loves to sing. She sings when she is happy, when she is sad, when she is thinking – it is truly how she relates to her world. One day her mom comes home from work with a terrible headache, hears her singing joyfully to her dolls, covers her ears and says sharply, “Will you please be quiet?” The little girl believes her singing hurt her mother. What might go on the shelf is her joy, her freedom, her spontaneity – perhaps even her singing voice.

The intention of the Soul Retrieval Ceremony is to engage prayerfully with the realm of compassionate helping spirits and Source (in my language, Great Spirit), and ask for help in restoring the gifts that were set aside because of the trauma. It is important to know that you do not re-experience the trauma.

A power animal or guide that supports you at this time in your life may also be shown. This helper can become a lifelong friend whose presence you feel in times of need, gratitude or joy.

Your ceremony

How it unfolds

Before we meet

The process may begin the moment you decide to ask about a Soul Retrieval Ceremony – even as you read this. Notice where you come into the story. Notice your dreams over the next few days, and write down any questions. We will talk by phone or Zoom, or exchange emails, so you can share your intention. I will also suggest an intention: simply to welcome home the gift, essence or energy that is ready to be reclaimed at this time in your life. You might also ask for a dream to help you reclaim these gifts.

Building trust

We begin with time to connect. This may come through talking, or I may drum your heartbeat as we sit together in a space of love.

The ceremony

I drum, riding the rhythm of the drum while journeying with my guides to look for the gifts that are ready to come home to you, for your highest good. You can simply relax, meditate, or even sleep. If you are familiar with shamanic journey, you may have your own experience as you listen.

The healing story

When the journey is complete, I share the healing story of my experience, just as it was given to me. It is your story. We can talk afterward if you like.

Celebration

Afterward, you may receive a short sound healing to celebrate the return of your gifts. You simply relax and listen as I play various instruments, holding a space of love for you and your gifts, with the intention that the vibrations deepen your integration.

Ideally, plan to walk in nature and stay away from “busyness” for the rest of the day.

It is my honor to share space with you, both in person and on Zoom. Know in your bones that personal contact, although lovely, is not necessary, because energy has no boundaries of time and space.