The Insight of Shamanic Journeying: Accessing Guidance Through Trance and Spirit Connection
Have you ever had a dream where you were flying across the earth, looking down on a quiet farmhouse, only to gently land and have Brad Pitt open the door?
While celebrity cameos in our dreams can be fun, journeying is something much deeper and more intentional. As a trained shaman, I often enter the lower world through trance, where I shift into my spirit self. In that space, I sit with my spirit animals, a white grizzly bear beside me and a white hare curled up in my lap. I stroke their fur as I talk to them, working through questions and challenges about the next steps of my soul’s journey.
This practice is called shamanic journeying, and it is one of the most powerful tools I have learned.
What is Shamanic Journeying?
Shamanic journeying is the practice of entering an altered state of consciousness to receive insight, healing, or guidance. In traditional shamanic cultures, this state was often induced using natural psychedelics. Today, trained shamans achieve it through methods such as drumming, rhythmic breathwork, or guided meditation.
While anyone can begin to explore journeying, Sandra Ingerman, for example, offers excellent guided meditations, it is best to learn the foundational steps from a trained shaman who can ensure the practice is both safe and effective.
The Importance of Creating Sacred Space
Before beginning any journey, it is essential to prepare the space you will be working in.
Creating sacred space means energetically clearing the room and establishing a container that allows for spiritual work. This includes calling in the four directions through prayer, using rhythmic drumming, and often smudging the area with sage or other sacred herbs.
This step creates a boundary between the physical and spiritual worlds and sets the tone for a protected, focused experience.
Why Shielding Matters
Once a sacred space is created, the next step is shielding.
Shielding is a spiritual protection technique that prevents unwanted entities or energies from entering the space during the journey. The last thing you want is to be in a trance and unknowingly invite in a discarnate or misaligned spirit.
I use a shielding method I learned through my Akashic Records training, and I teach this process in my book and classes. No journey should begin without first securing this energetic boundary.
Journeying to the Upper World
There are different realms in journeying, and the upper world is one that often brings profound spiritual contact.
In the upper world, we may connect with guardian angels, ancestors, deities, or star guides. This realm is commonly visited during Near Death Experiences, and in fact, I explored this topic in last month’s blogs.
Upper world journeying is more advanced than lower world work. It requires clarity, focus, and the intention to seek specific information or guidance. Over time, with practice, it becomes easier to confirm the accuracy of what is received. Many find that once these connections are established, ongoing communication continues, even outside of formal journeys.
A Growing Interest in Shamanic Tools
As more people seek alternative paths for physical and mental healing, shamanism is gaining broader recognition. Practices like journeying help individuals feel empowered to explore their own inner knowing and connect with something greater than themselves.
It is not about escape. It is about insight, healing, and integration.
Ready to Learn More?
If you are curious about journeying or feel called to explore the world of shamanism, I would love to support you. Whether you are just beginning or looking to deepen your practice, I offer personal guidance, classes, and spiritual mentorship.
Contact me today to ask questions or learn more about upcoming offerings at Spirit of Saguaro.