Celtic Shamanism
Curious about Celtic shamanism? Find out what’s involved in this type of shamanic practice and what to expect from Celtic shamanism at Drumming the Soul Awake.
Celtic shamanism is for anyone whose roots stretch back -
and whose hearts yearn toward - these lands and these old ways.
Celtic Shamanism
My first shamanic teacher, trained in Guatemala, once described modern Americans as “sailing on a ship of orphans.” He meant that non-first nations Americans came from elsewhere and severed their ties with the spirits of their original land, ancestors and traditions. Part of my ancestry comes from Scotland and Ireland, and I have definitely felt like a spiritual orphan in my culture. Native American beliefs and practices are incredibly beautiful and wise, but 30+ years ago, I decided I wanted to put effort into uncovering the old ways locked inside my own bones.
The famous Irish song, An Droighneán Donn (The Brown Blackthorn): captures some of the inner world of the orphan:
Irish (Gaeilge) English Translation
Agus níl agam ach an t-uaigneas, And I have nothing but the loneliness,
Mar an crann atá gan fréamh. Like the tree that is without a root.
In this context, An t-uaigneas describes the "hollow" feeling that comes when when you feel that some foundation that us supposed to be there isn’t there. What brought me to Celtic shamanic study was exactly this feeling, and the yearning under it.
Look for current Celtic Shamanism courses and spiritual travels under the "Classes and Events" tab at the top of the page. Or join my email list.
What Is Celtic Shamanism?
The “Celtic shamanic tradition” has been one part of my home for 30+ years. I say “part” home because the tradition is fragmented, with gaps that cannot be filled directly by the ancient writings. All ancient Celtic texts we have today were first written down by Christian monks in late medieval times (circa 1200’s) and they purposefully or unconsciously changed original elements to align with church teachings. What we know about the druids is sketchy. We have little idea of what they taught or practiced. Much comes from ancient non-Celtic writers describing “the barbarians.” Many stories were lost through neglect and through concerted colonialist effort to wipe out indigenous language, history and identity. So, each person delving deeply into the Celtic shamanic world must do some sort of reconstruction. Sometimes, that means drawing on and adapting from other indigenous traditions. Sometimes it means doing your best to ask the Celtic Spirits, and the Celtic landscape to teach you directly.
Look for Celtic Shamanism courses and Travels under the "Classes and Events" tab at the top of the page. Or join my email list.
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