The Journey of Personal Evolution: Shamanic Passages

Here at the beginning of December 2020, the world is in the midst of a global pandemic that began around this time a year ago. Here in the US, we have been struggling to control not only the virus but also our reactions and responses to now the third surge of the first wave of illness. We don't have control over the course of the pandemic other than to do what we can to stay and keep our families well and safe. And we, on the whole, are getting tired.

I visited with my friend and colleague Ceci Zuñiga, Ph.D. to discuss where we are psychologically and emotionally, and to see if we can offer some thoughts about how to navigate these trying times. She is an ideal person to discuss these matters.

Ceci describes herself as a self-love and empowerment coach because it’s hard to describe what she does, and these are fundamental parts of the personal development journey she takes with clients.

Years of formal study and practice in psychology, counseling, and educational psychology led to a 15-year career as a school psychologist. Disillusioned by the limitations of that profession and inspired by a near-death experience, she left her career behind to immerse herself in the study and practice of more ancient healing wisdom rooted in such traditions as Native American, shamanic, yogic, Buddhist, and the Toltec Eagle Knight lineage.

Today she provides practical coaching on one hand, and shamanic healing on the other, to guide clients through specific processes that restore their personal power and rebuild sovereignty.

You can learn more about her journey and her ministry at drcecizuniga.com.

The video of this discussion is available on YouTube.

Gerry Starnes, M.Ed, award-winning author, teacher, and practitioner shares topics of shamanism and shamanic practices for everyday living.

Find out more at the Shamanic Passages Institute and the Shamanism In Daily Life Facebook page. Books and other publications are available on Amazon.

What are the psychological effects of the practice of the shamanic journey? Is it dangerous, as well as helpful? On a larger scale, what might be the results of people journeying together consistently? Does that help create a new mythology for the shamanic community?

As a long-time practitioner and teacher of shamanic practice, I am always curious about many aspects of the shamanic journey. I also get questions from students and other practitioners about the psychology of the journey and how it might positively or negatively affect the psyche of the practitioner. I am also interested in the effects of the practices on the larger group, the community. I asked my friend and colleague, who is a counselor and storyteller if he would help me answer some of my questions. Here is a record of our fascinating discussion. It is pretty long, compared to my other videos, but it is entertaining as well as informative.

The video of this discussion is available on YouTube.

Gerry Starnes, M.Ed, award-winning author, teacher, and practitioner shares topics of shamanism and shamanic practices for everyday living.

Find out more at the Shamanic Passages Institute and the Shamanism In Daily Life Facebook page. Books and other publications are available on Amazon.

Caroline from Paris returns for another "Ask Me Anything" interview. This second round of questions concerns "professional shamanic practitioners." How are they different from shamans, or are they? How do you choose a practitioner to work with? How do you know they are reputable?

These questions and more are addressed in this excellent and thoughtful program.

Gerry Starnes, M.Ed, award-winning author, teacher, and practitioner discusses personal spirit totems and their relationship to spirit names.

Find out more at the Shamanic Passages Institute and the Shamanism In Daily Life Facebook page. Books and other publications are available on Amazon.

What is "Shamanic Activism"? Is there a role for social or political activism in shamanic practice? These are some of the topics Gerry Starnes, M.Ed., discusses with the shamanic practitioner and long-time activist Lenore Norrgard. Lenore offers her overview of the subject based on more than 30 years of experience.

The video version of this discussion can be found on YouTube!

Gerry Starnes, M.Ed, award-winning author, teacher, and practitioner shares topics of shamanism and shamanic practices for everyday living.

Find out more at the Shamanic Passages Institute and the Shamanism In Daily Life Facebook page. Books and other publications are available on Amazon.

You may have noticed that people in the shamanic and other spiritual communities may refer to themselves by their "spirit name." There are many reasons for doing so, and you may feel yourself also drawn to knowing more about your own spirit totem or name. This program addresses the practice and suggests how you might find your own.

Gerry Starnes, M.Ed, award-winning author, teacher, and practitioner discusses personal spirit totems and their relationship to spirit names.

Find out more at the Shamanic Passages Institute and the Shamanism In Daily Life Facebook page. Books and other publications are available on Amazon.