Millions of words have been written explaining shamanism and shamanic healing. Shaman is an ungainly, vague term, as vague as “religion” or “art” or “meaning.” Some call themselves “shamanic practitioners” to distinguish themselves from indigenous shamans and to show their respect for these unbroken traditions. Right now I like the term “urban shaman.” I too am a little uncomfortable with the word shaman, but it seems to be the easiest shorthand term for how people see me. I like the definition of a shaman as someone whose job it is to restore or maintain a healthy relationship between the seen and the unseen realms. The unseen is weave of faith, psychology, art and sheer Mystery. The “shamanic path” (another vague term!) has been a path of profound beauty for me, a path of empowerment, cleansing, and healing.
A teacher once said to me, sort of off the cuff: “A shaman is someone whose shamanizing works.” What that potent little phrase has meant to me for years is that I can write whatever I want to write about myself and my work, I can dress up in a feathered cloak or put dramatic looking photos of me on my web site. I can go on and on about my adventures in this or that country. I can wax poetic about my visions, my beliefs, and my mission. (Well, to be honest, I do a good deal of that in my book.) But really, the only way you can know what I do (and whether what I do is of any value to you) is step toward my work. Go to my blog and read a few past posts. Watch this little introductory video of me. Of course, the best way is to come to one of our welcoming, friendly, non-daunting drum groups, check out what I say and how I act. If you are seeking healing, or guidance or advice about spiritual things and it seems to you that I can help, let’s talk.
Though it’s bad for “business,” I resist listing all of the kinds of ceremonies and healings that I can do for you because I tend to create specific ceremonies for each person. In general I have found that there are two kinds of healing ceremonies: ones that take away toxins that are harming you and ones that connect (or re-connect) you to beauty, power, protection, love or some other blessing. There are hundreds of ways to do any of these. If I am the person you need to work with on your situation, we can figure out together what needs to be done.
I charge a fee for this work. I try to strike a balance between what you are able to pay and what is respectful to my skills, years of study and the preparation it takes to help you. In a very general sense, a simple ceremony that requires little preparation for either of us can cost around $75. For a ceremony that involves more preparation and time, there is more cost. In a very general sense, a healing ceremony will cost around $200.
If you need help, feel free to email me: mailto:drummingthesoulawake@gmail.com
Pages
The Book
"Your book is stunning, Jaime. Thoughful, insightful, practical and poetic at the same time, honest, brave, and, unlike any other book on shamanism, laugh out loud funny! Thank you!" -Jeanne
Click the book to read an excerpt!