How To Take a Shamanic Journey
How to Take a Shamanic Journey: A Simple Guide for Beginners
Ever wondered how to take a shamanic journey? It may sound mystical or complicated, but don’t worry—anyone can do it with the right approach. Imagine it as stepping into a different world where you can connect with your inner self and explore realms of wisdom and healing. You don’t need special powers or years of training to get started—just an open mind and a willingness to let go of control. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the process, helping you discover how to take your very first shamanic journey.
What Is a Shamanic Journey?
Think of a shamanic journey as a deeply personal meditation, but instead of clearing your mind of all thoughts, you embark on an inner adventure. It’s like watching a fascinating movie where you are both the audience and the star! The journey allows you to visit non-ordinary realities—places beyond our everyday experience—where spirit helpers, like power animals, offer guidance, healing, and wisdom.
Why Take a Shamanic Journey?
There are countless benefits to taking a shamanic journey, but here are three that really stand out:
- A deep sense of relaxation – A 10-minute journey can leave you feeling refreshed, like you’ve just taken a power nap or had a mini-vacation from stress.
- Discovering your power animal – Your power animal acts as a source of strength, protection, and guidance. It’s like having a trusted friend with you, offering support when you need it most.
- Gaining clarity – Whether you’re facing a challenge or need advice, a journey can help you gain new insights, as if the answers you’ve been searching for come alive during your experience.
Preparing for Your First Journey
Before you set off on your adventure, you’ll need a few things:
- A quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be interrupted (goodbye phones, TV, and noisy distractions!)
- A blindfold or something to cover your eyes
- A drumming or rattling sound, which helps guide you into the journey (you can find recordings online or even tap into our Resources page)
- A clear intention—a simple reason or question you’re bringing into the journey
- An entrance—this could be a cave, a tunnel, or even a tree hollow, real or imagined, where your journey begins
The 9 Steps on How to Take a Shamanic Journey
- Lie down and relax – Find a comfortable position, preferably on the floor so you don’t fall asleep!
- Put on your blindfold – This helps you disconnect from the physical world and tune into your inner experience.
- State your intention – Silently or out loud, express your intention for this journey. It could be as simple as, “I want to meet my power animal” or “I seek guidance on a specific issue.”
- Start the drumming or rattling – Let the rhythmic beats guide you. If you’re not using a recording, have a friend or fellow journeyer drum for you.
- Visualize your entrance – Picture the entrance to the Earth—a cave, tunnel, or a tree hollow—and prepare to step inside.
- Enter the entrance – Now, take the plunge! You’re stepping into the journey, and it’s completely okay if your imagination leads the way. No need for it to look exactly like the real world—this is your journey, after all.
- Enjoy the experience – Don’t try to control what happens. Let your senses take over, whether you see, hear, smell, or feel something. Keep an eye out for your power animal, which will appear at least four times in different forms to confirm it’s there for you.
- Return when ready – After about 10 to 15 minutes, it’s time to come back. Follow the drumming recall (if using a recording) or simply retrace your steps back to the entrance and leave when you feel ready.
- Reflect on your journey – Take a moment to process what you experienced. Did you meet your power animal? What did it feel like? Reflect on these questions and, if you want, jot down your insights in a journal.
After the Journey
Once your journey is over, take time to thank the spirits or power animals that guided you. They are your companions in this exploration and will continue to support you as you become more skilled in journeying. Keeping a journal of your experiences is a great way to track your progress and insights over time.
Tips for Beginners
- Let go of control – The beauty of a shamanic journey is that you don’t need to control or direct it. Trust the process, and trust that what you need will come to you.
- Embrace curiosity – Approach your journey with the wonder of a child. Don’t worry about how things “should” be. Let your journey unfold naturally.
- Practice makes perfect – If it doesn’t work on the first try, don’t be discouraged. Like any skill, journeying becomes easier with practice.
Learning how to take a shamanic journey is like stepping through a doorway to a world of wisdom and discovery. As you build confidence, each journey will deepen your connection with your inner self and the spirit world. And remember, your power animal will always be there for you, ready to guide and protect you, as long as you honor and engage with it.
