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A Shamanic Celebration of Summer Solstice
| Posted on 7 June, 2017 at 9:52 |
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The word “solstice” comes
from the latin words sol (sun) and sistere (stand still) because on June 21, the sun appears
to stand still before it reverses direction and begins its decent back into the
southern sky. The Summer Solstice is the first day of summer in the Northern
Hemisphere and the longest day of the year. The sun is at its peak, the highest
point in the sky. The rays of the sun are the clearest and warmest for this
longest day, and shortest night. Celebrations of the Summer Solstice
vary across the globe and from culture to culture. In some cultures, it is also
known as “Midsummer’s Night” and celebrations begin with twilight. In others
the Summer Solstice starts with sunrise and continue well into the night of the
21 June. Countries such as Alaska, Iceland and the Nordics are
blessed with continuous sunshine after enduring long months of darkness and
here the festivities may continue for several days! In Shamanic practice
the Summer Solstice is one of the most sacred days of the year. At this time
the Sun and Earth align in such a way as to support all growing things to come
into their completeness. This is the time of year when we gather together
and celebrate all that we have accomplished and all that been bestowed upon us.
This is a time to laugh and share with our friends. This is a time of passion
and energy, openness and joy. Avebury
Circle by @SamCannonArt www.samcannonart.co.uk Shamanic Summer Solstice
celebrations honour the energy of the day and focus on the themes of
fulfilment, enlightenment, abundance, sharing, and the joy of living on this
beautiful Earth and are full of Shamanic journeying, story telling, dancing
& singing, together with sharing food with welcome friends. Summer Solstice allows us to absorb
beneficent power and strength from the Earth and Sun into our minds, bodies,
hearts and souls - just as are the plants, animals and other beings drawing
power and strength during this time. Celebrating with a Shamanic circle we can
intentionally send back to the universe an abundance of spirit, love and of
nourishment; just some of the energy and blessings that we are always
receiving. This is a time to share what we are grateful for in our lives
appreciating that the experience of abundance and gratitude is universal. If you don’t usually celebrate the
summer solstice, why not give it a try this year? We have a Summer Solstice
Celebration at The Clophill Centre, Shefford Road, Clophill, Beds. MK45 4BT on June 21 starting at
7.30 p.m. For more details or bookings see our Facebook page here, or contact
Melanie at [email protected] About the Author Melanie Tomsett is a
Shamanic practitioner and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire in the
UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of opportunities for you to explore and learn
shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops, Foundation Course,
Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and Moon Lodge,
Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk Directions to The Clophill Centre can be found here |
6 Air Purifying Houseplants
| Posted on 26 May, 2017 at 4:34 |
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Plants and humans have lived in partnership
since the beginning of human experience, not only in terms of food and medicine
but as a fundamental part of our spiritual experience and developing
consciousness. Shamanic cultures worldwide see
everything around them as alive, aware, and related. From
a shamanic perspective nature is a complex web of support in which each part effectively
cares for another; the nature of nature is co-operation. Nature has not accidentally created the
plants around us to be as they are. They all serve a purpose. Every single day in modern culture
we are exposed to indoor air pollutants which have been ranked among the top
five environmental risks to our health. In
fact, modern furnishings, synthetic building materials, and even your flooring
or carpet may carry more toxic chemicals than expected including formaldehyde.
These chemicals can make up to 90 percent of indoor air pollution, so your home
or work space can contain stagnant pollutants which can build up to greater
amounts than we humans should be breathing in.  In extreme cases this can cause
headaches, dizziness, nausea, eye, ear, and often nose irritation. Increasing air flow and working with
the natural healing properties of particular houseplants in your indoor space
can dramatically reduce and even neutralise the air pollutants you are exposed
to, improving your home or working space. So how do houseplants
and Shamanics work together to heal our indoor environment? In Shamanics when we use a plant for
healing, we know we are calling upon a spirit being – an ‘other’ intelligence
that knows exactly what is needed to aid the healing process of our environment. Whilst there are
several houseplants which can absorb harmful toxins from the air, it can be
useful to undertake a Shamanic Journey with the
spirit of the plant to understand its deeper meanings for us and come in to a
relationship with it this can support us in choosing plants that can be
beneficial for our environment. So, how do houseplants clean the air? Plants
absorb some of the particulates from the air at the same time that they take in
carbon dioxide, which is
then processed into oxygen through photosynthesis. Microorganisms are also
present in the soil in which the plant is potted and these also contribute
greatly to the cleaning effectiveness of each plant.  So what can you do? Almost all of the plants I’ve listed below are really easy
to care for and really happy to be left for long lengths of time without care,
whilst still doing naturally the process that is beneficial to you. Undertaking
a Shamanic journey with the spirits of the plants can support us in choosing plants that can be beneficial
for our environment. Spider
Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum “Vittantum”) I have these
everywhere in my home, and they all produce flowers on a regular basis which
turn into ‘spiderettes’ or baby spider plants, and provide me with even more. I
regular donate these to friends! Now even if you tend
to neglect houseplants this resilient plant just keeps going, coming back from
almost dead with a tiny amount of sporadic water. It loves indirect sunlight
and bright locations and rewards you with lots of rich foliage and tiny white
flowers, the spider plant combats benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and
xylene, a solvent used in the leather, rubber and printing industries. Plant care: Water your spider plants once a week but if
you forget don’t worry, it will always survive. Non-toxic: For children or animals who like to play with
swinging things, this plant is safe. Pollutants
removed: benzene,
formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene Dracaena
(Dracana spp.) Bright and radiant,
the Dracaena will go to work purifying the air in your home or work space as
soon as it is brought into the room. There
are more than 40 different kinds of Dracaena plants. A common foliage plant with long, wide leaves
that are often variegated with lines of white, cream, or red. Plant care: Keep the soil damp but not soggy, as too
much water is a kiss of death for this plant. Perfect if you need to abandon
them for a while. Toxic to animals: Your cat or dog may vomit, salivate more, or
have dilated pupils if they eat dracaenas. Pollutants
removed: benzene,
formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene Weeping
Fig (Ficus bejamina) A ficus in your sitting room can
help filter out pollutants that normally accompany flooring and furniture such
as formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. Looks its best when grown in
bright, indirect light and doesn’t do well in light fluctuations or dramatic
changes in temperature. In southeast Asia this is an outdoor
tree but indoors it ends up being between two and 10 feet tall. Allow the soil
to dry out between waterings. Pollutants
removed: benzene,
formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene Peace
Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.) Peace lily plants
are relatively small compared to many of the plants on this list, but they
still pack some major air-cleaning abilities. Plant care: Easy to grow, needing modest sunlight and plenty of water to
keep it happy. Too little light and it won’t flower. Toxic to animals and humans: Despite its calming name, this beautiful
plant is toxic to cats, dogs, and children. Can cause burning, swelling, and
skin irritation in adults. Pollutants
removed: ammonia, benzene,
formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene Plant
care: it does need to be
watered occasionally, but generally prefers drier conditions and low light. Pollutants
removed: benzene,
formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene Aloe
Vera (Aloe vera or A. barbadensis) People have been using aloe vera for
more than 6,000 years when it was known as "the plant of immortality"
in early Egypt. This easy-to-grow, sun-loving succulent helps clear
formaldehyde, which can be a byproduct of chemical-based cleaners, paints and
more The plant's leaves contain a clear
liquid full of vitamins, enzymes, amino acids, and other compounds that have
wound-healing, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe vera is
typically used topically for sunburns, burns, abrasions and other skin
conditions. Pollutant
removed: formaldehyde and
benzene About the Author Melanie Tomsett is
a Shamanic practioner and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire in the
UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of opportunities for you to
explore and learn shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops,
Foundation Course, Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and
Moon Lodge, Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk Sources & References |
Shamanic Practice And Feathers
| Posted on 15 May, 2017 at 3:48 |
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Shamanic practice places great importance on
shamanic tools and a shaman’s sacred implements may be of many different kinds.
They many include plants, special stones, animal parts, drums, musical
instruments, masks, costumes and feathers. Feathers may be used as tools to ease us in to an
awakening of the whole self, used in prayer, or utilised for protection and
healing. Feathering can also be used in energy healing’s, such as cleansing the
auric field by sweeping a bird's wing or a single feather within the Auric
Field - the space of energy surrounding a person. Feathering also introduces
the element of air into the healing space and is one way of connecting to and
working with the element of “air". When considered as a component of a birds wing,
feathers are a symbol of flight as well as freedom, symbolising the spiritual
journey or quest and inter-dimensional travel. Feathers are one of the
shamanic tools that facilitate the ability to be able to look at
things from a higher perspective and to know that the power to move
beyond boundaries and limitations is available to the seeker. Indigenous people from many different cultures
found around the world often link birds and feathers with stories, mystical
meaning and in some cases magic. In native cultures, wearing feathers on the
head in various ways such as a single feather or an elaborate headdress, may be
associated with a sacred connection to the Creator or God. What could it mean when a feather crosses your
path? Receiving a feather sign can be a meaningful
moment. Feathers have unearthly qualities and may come to
you as sacred gifts and signs from the Spirit realm, sent to support you and
often instilling feelings of contentment and joy, raising you to a higher state
of awareness. When a feather arrives for you, Spirit is reminding you of your
spiritual origins and deep connection to your home beyond earthly realms. A feather sign may be a mindful message to show
you that your higher consciousness is connected and co-creating with the
universal mind of Spirit. As with many helpers and signs, feathers
usually arrive when you are in deep thought about something, or looking for
answers to something that may be bothering you. The following is a pleasant and effective method
of connecting with the feather to receive the message it is here to convey to
you. Bring back to your mind what it was you were
thinking about when your feather appeared to you. Then hold the feather in to
your left hand while you sit in a place of quiet receptivity. Take your time
with this opening of your awareness, allowing the experience to come through
gently and intuitively. The message my come in the form or thoughts,
intuitions, visions etc. and will help to give you insight in to object of your
thoughts or dilemma. The meanings can at times be profound, and
at other times quite simple. The best advice when sign appear to you, is to not
put any pressure on yourself to understand it immediately. Allow yourself to
absorb the moment and sit with the feelings/sensations and knowledge for a
while. Feel the elation and joyful state of connection you may experience. What Different Feathers May Mean When considering the meaning of a feather, we may
be drawn to read about the bird family that the feather is from and/or colour
of the feather . However the most relevant answer can often sit within
yourself, so do practice the journey technique outlined above. I highly recommend getting in to the habit of
noting down your experiences and keeping a journal of signs and synchronicity’s.
By doing this, you may obtain a deeper and more valuable insight as time goes
by. In the future, consider paying closer attention
to your surroundings and you may become more aware of the way that Spirit
interweaves throughout your life through signs such as this - indicating that
you are in connection with Spirit. About the Author Melanie Tomsett is
a Shamanic practioner and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire in the
UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of opportunities for you to
explore and learn shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops,
Foundation Course, Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and
Moon Lodge, Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk |
4 Spring Herbs You Can Forage Now
| Posted on 26 April, 2017 at 4:26 |
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 Spring is now firmly upon us and foraging as
the first spring foliage bursts from the earth is something that, for
centuries, humans have counted on. Spring’s new growth is nutrient rich and bountiful
nourishment after winter. While fresh food is of course available all
year round through supermarkets and independent food retailers, many of us
still like to walk in the steps of our hunter gatherer ancestors. Foraging is becoming much more popular, but there
are a few things you should always remember:
If we undertake
a Shamanic Journey with the spirit of the plant to understand its deeper
meanings for us and come in to a relationship with it this can support us in
choosing plants that can be beneficial for us. Often, the plants that grow very
close to where we live are the ones that are most we most need - that
predominant one taking over our garden is most likely there to help us
now, its just been waiting for us to notice it!! DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) Everyone knows dandelions! We have them in abundance
here! Dandelion’s nutrition includes iron, manganese, phosphorus, and vitamin A.
One of the first plants of spring, with yellow flowers vital for supporting the
emerging bee population, the leaves can be gathered and added to salads. The younger smaller leaves are sweeter as the older and
larger they get, they more bitter they become. That said many herbalists
prefer the bitter leaves to be used as a spring tonic, so the choice is up to
you. The flowers can be used to make dandelion wine and also be added to salads
though I prefer to leave mine to the bees! If flowers are chosen to use then
make sure to plan on working fast as they begin to close shortly after they are
picked. Other uses for
dandelion include dandelion jelly,
marmalade, soup, cookies, and the leaves can be added to other greens to makepesto. . BORAGE (Borago officinalis) Borage is a fairly common domestic which
emerges in early spring and flowering June to October. It has a good reputation for its
beneficial affect on the mind, being used to dispel melancholy and induce
euphoria and is soothing, diuretic herb that supports damaged or irritated
tissues. Externally it is used as a poultice for
inflammatory swellings. The leaves are harvested in late spring and again in
early summer as the plant comes into flower. They can be used fresh or dried
but should not be stored for more than one year because they soon lose their
medicinal properties. The hairy leaves can be used raw or cooked
and used as a pot-herb or be added to salads and are rich in potassium and calcium.
Drying Borage leaves is not recommended as they lose their flavour and colour
if dried. I make a refreshing tea
from the leaves and include some fresh flowers. Cautionary Note: the plant contains small amounts of
pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can cause liver damage and liver cancer. These
alkaloids are present in too small a quantity to be harmful unless you
make borage a major part of your diet, though people with liver problems
would be wise to avoid using the leaves or flowers of this plant.
NETTLE (Urtica dioica) We have lots of nettle growing here and I generally harvest
when it is less than 18” and only take the unblemished leaves. You should wear
gloves if you aren’t used to working with nettle—we all know nettles sting and
the rash can vary from person to person, from mild irritation to a vivid red
rash. Nettle is a very nutritious plant: high in calcium,
chromium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, protein, selenium, thiamine,
vitamins A and C and zinc. It is a powerful herb and can be used in many dishes
or dried for teas. I personally love nettle soups and there are many different
recipes. I also make nettle barley broth, pasta, quiches, and pesto. A tip for pesto
though is that the Nettle leaves should be blanched prior to adding them to a
pesto and then blended as this removes the sting. ELDERFLOWER (Sambucus nigra or
S. canadensis) Elderflower can sometimes be difficult to identify at
certain times of the year but not so in Spring! However there are still several
large white fluffy flowers that appear about the same time; so take an
experienced forager to help you identify it the first time. Once you get a
whiff, though, you’ll probably never forget it. Each year we enjoy elderflower fritters, made by dipping
the flowers in pancake batter and deep frying it. We use the stems as handles,
but they must not be eaten. I also make elderflower cordials, which can be used
as a simple cordial, or an equal amount of sparkling water added. The syrup
freezes super well to allow you to enjoy this throughout the year. I make a simple syrup (1/2 water and 1/2 sugar) and heat
until the sugar is dissolved. Add the juice of one lemon. Then add the
elderflower heads, stem up (the flowers should be submersed, but not the stems)
and let them sit for 3 – 4 hours, off the heat. Strain and drink, or save it
for later. I hope I have armed you with some ideas for your own
spring forage. Imagine a lovely green spring salad with yellow dandelion petals
and sparkling elderflower drink as you watch those beautiful early spring
sunsets settle into summer. About the Author Melanie Tomsett is
a Shamanic practitioner and owner of Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire in the
UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of opportunities for you to
explore and learn shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops,
Foundation Course, Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and
Moon Lodge, Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk |
Smudging - 8 Herbs in Shamanic Practice
| Posted on 19 April, 2017 at 6:36 |
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 Shamanic smudging is a tradition which has been used for generations
to create peace and harmony. There are many different smudging ceremonies, and
different shamanic practices use a variety of herbs for smudging. Shamanic
smudging is the burning of herbs or incense for cleansing, creation of sacred
space, purification, dismissal of negative energies and protection of both physical
and spiritual bodies. You can use herbs that are tied into a
bundle, commonly called Smudge Sticks, braided herbs and botanicals, such as
sweetgrass or loose herbs which can be burned on charcoal or in a fire pit.
Shamanic smudging releases the energy as well as the fragrance of the herbs enabling
them to heal, cleanse and purify. Different shamanic traditions use different
herbs for smudging. Some of the most popular herbs include desert sage, white
broadleaf sage, juniper, pinon, sweetgrass, lavender and juniper. Shamanic smudging can be used daily for practical
purposes: to restore physical, mental and emotional balance and to shield
against negative energies, and herbs can be used singly or together. One good
combination we’ve found which covers all four elements of air, fire, water and
earth is pine resin and sage (either desert sage or white broadleaf sage). This
combination is appropriate for general use, cleansing, ceremony and ritual. Desert sage Primarily an air element herb though can also
be used as for four-element general purposes. Has a sharp, light and refreshing
scent. One of the most sacred herbs in Shamanic practice. Used to purify the
mind, body and spirit before prayer, meditation, ritual or ceremony. Also used
to purify sacred items such as pipes, magical tools, tarot decks and eagle feathers.
Can be used for area, house and personal cleansings. Some people carry a small
amount of Sage in a pocket ensure personal and spiritual safety. Pinon Resin Primarily a fire element herb, though can
also be used as for four-element general purposes. Has a pleasant fragrance and
is cleansing and warming. Traditionally used for its spiritual and healing
properties. Produces a thick stream of smoke, and is excellent for refreshing
the senses and reviving a tired soul. Produces a lot of smoke when burned with a
very earthy, piney scent. Gathered from an almost leafless Middle Eastern shrub
called the Commiphora Molmol. It was used by the ancient Egyptians in rituals
of Healing and Passing. It is one of the ingredients used by the Egyptians to
embalm bodies. Useful for spirituality, meditation, happiness, release,
transformation, strength, confidence and stability. Primarily a fire element though can also be
used as for four-element general purposes. This is the resin of an African tree
and produces a rich, dense smoke when burned. Used extensively in meditation
and healing. Frankincense's spiritual scent was believed to confer divine
blessing. Primarily air element though can also be used
as for four-element general purposes. This is a broad leaf sage with strong
aromatic properties (strongest of the different types of sage). Considered the
king of all sages. Excellent for meditation, divination, smudging, cleansing
and purification. 
Sweetgrass
Sweetgrass Hierochloe odorata
gets its name from its sweet-aromic fragrance. Burned as an incense, sweetgrass
is valued for its vanilla-like scent. Clippings of sweetgrass is commonly
braided and and then dried prior to burning and its light
fragrance does not last long. Excellent
for cleansing sacred space. Traditionally, sweetgrass is believed to attract good spirits and positive energies. It is used as a smudging tool to purify peoples auras, cleanse objects,
and clear ceremonial areas or healing spaces. Juniper has a sharp, piney scent and is excellent
to stimulate and revive when tired in body, mind or Spirit. Traditionally used
for ritual purification of temples. Its smoke is believed to aid clairvoyance. Also useful for purification and to stimulate contact with other worlds. Primarily water element. Produces a heavy,
warm, aromatic scent with just a hint of sharpness and scent lasts a long time
after burning. Excellent for meditation, divination and increasing psychic
abilities. Traditionally associated with attracting love, conferring peace and
enhancing beauty. About the
Author Melanie Tomsett is a Shamanic practioner and owner of
Shamanic Quest based in Hertfordshire in the UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of opportunities for you to explore and learn
shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops, Foundation Course,
Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and Moon Lodge,
Student Clinics and Consultations. Full details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk |
10 Ways To Clear Your Root Chakra
| Posted on 5 April, 2017 at 6:07 |
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 Maybe
you’re going through a hard time or feeling anxious, insecure, or vulnerable.
Perhaps you just feel you can’t let your guard down or are finding it hard to
relax. Or Sometimes the knocks of life can just throw us out of whack. Sometimes
when we feel out-of-sorts or a little unsettled in this way it can be helpful
to clear and balance our root chakra. The root
chakra is the first of the seven chakras. And it can be the key to
feeling grounded, safe, and secure in the world. Clearing
and balancing your root chakra can help you relax, feel calmer and more secure,
and let go of some of those underlying fears you might be holding onto.
When you feel deeply secure, you can turn your attention to more exciting
things such as your relationships, your creativity and art, your dreams for
your career, ongoing learning, expanding your spiritual development, dyeing
your hair blue, buying yourself a parrot – the possibilities are endless! One really
great thing is that you don’t have to be a trained energy healer to begin
working to heal your own chakras. Of course, it can help to get treatment
from a professional energy healer, or come along to one of our courses (we’d
love you to do that anyway!). But there are many easy, down-to-earth,
even fun things that you can do yourself to give your chakras a “tune-up.” Here are 10
easy, effective things that you can do to really help you balance and ground
that root-chakra! What is
the Root Chakra?
The first or ‘root’ chakra is located at the base of the spine. It’s
keyword is “survival.” It relates to self-preservation, survival
instincts, our connection to our bodies and the element of the earth, and our
sense of safety, security, and belonging in the world. Is Your
First Chakra Healthy or Blocked? If you have a healthy root chakra you will feel a basic
sense of security and safety in the world. You are well-grounded and the
practical side of your life will usually function fairly smoothly. You
will have a sense of having ‘enough’ of everything you need to meet your needs.
You will likely be fairly at ease with your own body and mostly, though not
always, your body will be relatively healthy physically. If your
first chakra is out-of-balance or ‘blocked’ then you may feel overly fearful
about security and survival. Perhaps you sometimes experience extreme
anxiety, or panic attacks. This might also effect your physical body, and manifest
itself in issues with your bones, feet, legs, colon, elimination, or
weight. Or maybe, as sometimes happens, you have become overly practical,
plodding through your life and have lost your ability dream or imagine. The
Healthy Chakra A healthy chakra is open, allowing energy to flow freely
both horizontally, in an exchange of energy with the universe, and vertically,
connecting it with the other chakras. It’s very
common, at one stage or another in our lives, to have one or more chakras that are
somewhat blocked or just out of balance. And an under-functioning chakra
can cause disruptions in a person’s body, mind, spirit, and life. 10 Ways to
Clear and Balance Your Root Chakra If you feel you could perhaps benefit from clearing your
first chakra, there are many simple every-day things that you can do.
Here are ten ideas:
Disclaimer If you have serious concerns about your physical or mental
health, you should seek the help of a qualified medical or mental health
professional. The ideas in this article are meant to complement your health,
rather than replace qualified professional health care. About the Author Melanie Tomsett is a Shamanic healer and owner of Shamanic
Quest based in Hertfordshire in the UK. Shamanic Quest offer a range of opportunities for you to explore and learn
shamanic practices. These include Introductory Workshops, Foundation Course,
Practitioner Course, Drum Circle, Sweat Lodge, Sun Lodge and Moon Lodge,
Student Clinics and Consultations. Please contact me for further information.
Full details can be found at www.shamanicquest.co.uk |
A Quick Guide To a Moon Lodge
| Posted on 29 March, 2017 at 4:27 |
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 In ancient days, woman of a tribe or village
would retreat into
a Moon Lodge, Menstrual Hut or Red Tent during menstruation. It was a sacred
place for women to renew, recharge, connect with one another and receive
spiritual guidance. They would gather during their moon times and
be taken care of by the elder woman and younger maids of the village. Foods were prepared and delivered
to the moon lodge. Women were completely discharged from their other duties and
responsibilities so they could turn their attentions inward and care for
themselves. During
this time, they would bleed on the earth, throw it into the fire and with it
cast away their pains and discomforts. They would laugh about the small things, cry over
the bigger things and put the world to rights. The Moon time was, and still is, a time of natural Sacred Ceremony for all women, a time of dedication to the
God and Goddess and for a higher spiritual purpose and connection. Moon
time is still a sacred time for women, however many of us have forgotten this. The
physical act of menstruation allows the body to purge itself of any negativity
that may have been collected during the month of the menstrual cycle. Fortunately,
this cleansing can be supported in many ways. There
is a great importance for a woman to take care of herself Spiritually,
mentally, emotionally and physically. One of the best ways to support our Moon
Time is to begin by reconnecting with the divine feminine within ourselves by
honouring our body. Our body is the only one we will have for this entire life
time. So let us begin by prioritizing our body and nurturing her. This could
include reduction or elimination of processed foods, sugars or caffeine from
our diet and avoiding drugs or alcohol for the duration of moon time as these
things may lead to a negative impact on the functionality of our body and her energy
flow. When
women come together in a circle, we can find support for our Spiritual, mental
and emotional well being, along with nurturing and person empowerment. The
Moon Lodge that is run by Shamanic Quest operates on the Monday around the time
of the Hag Moon – the Hag being the Wise Woman – it is not linked to the
physical act of Moon Time for any specific woman. The
Shamanic Quest Moon Lodge explores the Sacred Feminine within us all, utilizing
shamanic practices and principles, other ancient traditions of understanding
and some Jungian archetype information so that we may explore and understand
ourselves more deeply, connect with others and enjoy the company of women in
the beautiful environment of the Mongolion Yurt. The Goddess still lives within each and every
woman, and to nurture that part of our soul and care for her is to accept the
divine feminine in each of us. For more information about Shamanic Quest and
our Workshops, Courses and Lodges please contact Melanie Tomsett at www.shamanicquest.co.uk. Our Moon Lodge dates can be found here. |
A Guide to Shamanic Quest Foundation Course
| Posted on 20 March, 2017 at 8:49 |
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 This course consists of eight modules
spread over twelve one day workshops. Criteria for acceptance on the course are
attendance of an Introductory Workshop. The principle aim of the course is to
help you with your own, multi-dimensional personal development, re-establish
your connections with the earth and nature and enable you to practice shamanics
on an on-going basis to empower your future and help those around you with the
knowledge and techniques learned. Participation in the course will impart
a deeper understanding of shamanism and its principles and practice. You will learn how to access the
extra-ordinary worlds of the shaman though shamanic journey techniques
and develop a deeper experience of these non-ordinary realities. You will:
There will be an
opportunity for certification on completion of the course, the criteria of
which will be discussed in workshop one Melanie Tomsett at Shamanic Quest
offers One-Day Introductory Workshops at the Clophill Centre, providing an
overview of the Basic Principles and Practices of Shamanics. For more details
on the Foundation Course contact Melanie, and for our current Workshop dates see here. |
What is a Shaman?
| Posted on 13 March, 2017 at 5:16 |
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 Shaman are spiritual beings with the
ability to heal, work with energies and 'see' visions. Shamans work with the spirit healing illness at the soul level, using
knowledge and insight gained from working with the spirits of nature such as
rocks and trees, the land, and from the spirits of animals and humans such as
their ancestors. For the shaman, everything is alive and carries information. You can call this spirit, energy, or consciousness. In order to communicate with the spirit or consciousness of these
things, the shaman will shift his or her own state of awareness. Shamans can do
this through various means, such as meditation and repetitive sounds such as
that of the drum or rattle. For
centuries, shamans have also been involved with earth healing by using their
ability to communicate with land, bodies of water and other such natural
features of their landscape. Whether by determining why crops would not grow in
a certain location, or the reasons for drought; working with growing things,
the weather, and the land has been a traditional activity for the shaman. Melanie Tomsett at Shamanic Quest
offers One-Day Introductory Workshops at the Clophill Centre, providing an
overview of the Basic Principles and Practices of Shamanics. For more details
and our current Workshop and Celebration dates see here |
What is Shamanics?
| Posted on 6 March, 2017 at 3:48 |
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|
 Shamanism is an ancient
healing tradition and moreover, a way of life. Shamanism is the universal spiritual wisdom inherent to all
indigenous tribes and where all ancient spiritual practices are rooted in
nature, shamanism is the method by which we as human beings can strengthen that
natural connection. Put simply Shamanism is a way to connect with nature
and all of creation. While people of
many religions practice shamanism, Catholics, Buddhists, Hindus, Taoists, and
Jews, not all shamans are members of an organized religion. Shamanism is not a
religion but an application of beliefs. These beliefs are spiritually
based and applied to the Shaman's healing work and as such there is commonality
with religion, as most religions also have an element of spirituality which
propels one to help others. Shamanism
organically arose from ancient tribes as a response to the needs of the people.
Shamans have always been highly valued in their communities healing the injured
and sick, performing sacred ceremonies, singing, chanting and dancing,
expressing themselves artistically. Shamans often act as the bridge between the
living and the dead, communicating with the spirits to receive knowledge and
teachings of plants, animals, and the elements. Over the past few decades the term “shamanism”
has been popularized throughout the western world and ‘Shamanics’
amalgamates the ancient knowledge and practices of the
Northern Hemisphere Shamans to form contemporary shamanic practice and is
a form of deep spiritual, personal development and healing, based in nature and
developed by Kenneth Meadows. This form of Shamanics is a
contemporary distillation of Northern Hemisphere Shaman knowledge (northern
European, Amerindian, Hawaiian Kahuna and Doaist) that is based in the common
truths held within all of these traditions, but without the dogma or ritual. The
techniques of Shamanics are simple but profound and can be easily practiced in
any circumstance or location by the person using them. The teachings are
experiential and found to be deeply meaningful for many people. By utilising and traversing the ancient
knowledge of the Shaman, the modern Shamanic Practitioner can undergo massive
personal growth and an understanding of themselves and their place on the
earth; experience deep balance and healing; and can also help others on their
earth walk. Melanie Tomsett at Shamanic Quest
offers One-Day Introductory Workshops at the Clophill Centre, providing an
overview of the Basic Principles and Practices of Shamanics. For more details
and our current Workshop dates see www.shamanicquest.co.uk |