Fundamentals of Celtic Shamanism

Fundamentals of Celtic Shamanism

A Three-Month Program of Study

Course Overview

Whether you are just beginning your study of the Celtic shamanic tradition, or you have been at it for a while, this program will offer you a plethora of ideas, inspiration, and practices to work with.


This course begins as the door opens to winter and the dark half of the year (Samhain/Halloween) and takes us to the traditional doorway to Spring. It will deliver to you a solid understanding of the Celtic Shamanic tradition, with a focus on building a direct personal connection to the most well-known and important Celtic deities. Shamanism is all about drawing support and power from helping spirits, and this course will help you dive deeply into that support. You will learn the ancient tales and myths that introduce you to these helpers, plus you’ll learn uniquely Celtic prayers and healing chants, blessings, and some strangely lovely Celtic shamanic practices.


We will use the “shamanic journey” as a method of building personal relationship with the deities. If you are unfamiliar with journeying, you can learn this powerful technique quickly. My Guide to the Shamanic Journey can help you. The course will also offer you a list of resources (books, articles, podcasts) that you can use to go even deeper if you wish.


There are seven Wednesday evening Zoom sessions, one every two weeks. Each session will involve questions/answers, lecture, and some shamanic journey work.


This class is intended to bring you beauty, mystery, awe, and fun. This material can be extremely powerful for personal spiritual development, and if you are interested in shamanic healing, this class will deliver ideas and practices that you can put into your work as a healer.


Students will have access to a private web page with brief writings and instructional videos and audios (meditations, prayers, healing and blessing chants, and journey ideas). All of these will be downloadable so you can keep them. You’ll receive emails to let you know when something has been posted on the web page.


The Celtic deities are not as simple and direct as the Roman and Greek deities. The Roman Empire tried to absorb Celtic deities into its simple scheme of “god of (this) and goddess of (that).” But the Celtic deities refuse to be so confined. This is what makes working with them so rich.

The arc of the program

Our adventure begins at Samhain (Halloween), the Celtic New Year – the entrance into the dark half of the year. This section focuses on the dark goddesses of transformation and shapeshifting: Cerridwen, Cailleach, Morrigan.


Into December, and the center of winter, we focus on the Gods that battle against the forces of anti-life; spirits of strength, wisdom, and skill: The Dagda, Balor of the Evil Eye, Lugh of the Long Arm, the Formorains, Cernunnos, and Manannan Mac Lir.


Into January and early February, we put our attention on goddesses of new life and inspiration: Brigid and Boann.


Each of these deities carries specific power that you can call on for help in your life, or for healing work with others.


Because the Celtic tradition is so fragmented – something we will discuss in the first class - the road to authentic Celtic shamanism leads through the deities and their myths. That is where this program places its focus. In addition to that wonderful material, we will also work with spells, charms, prayers and some healing techniques that are distinctly Celtic.


Zoom Session Schedule (7PM-9PM Central Time)

The class can begin for you as soon as you register. There are some suggested readings to do before the first class. However, each Zoom session is intact in its own, and doesn’t rely on you doing any of the supplemental reading.


  • Wednesday, November 1: The Dark Goddesses of Transformation and Shapeshifting
  • Wednesday, November 15: The Dark Goddesses of Transformation and Shapeshifting
  • Wednesday, November 29: The Gods of Life, Battle, Skills and Ethics
  • Wednesday, December 13: The Gods of Life, Battle, Skills and Ethics
  • Wednesday, January 3: The Goddesses of New Life and Inspiration and Power
  • Wednesday, January 17: The Goddesses of New Life and Inspiration and Power
  • Wednesday, January 31: Ceremony with Brigid, the healer and inspirer.


Before or after each Zoom session, you’ll receive an email with follow-up ideas, information, resources, and assignments. It is completely up to you how far you delve into the additional material, but it will be there if you want it.


As soon as you register, you’ll be given access to the class web page with the first resources.


Price

Save $50: Early Bird Special: the first 12 registrations: $399.


Pay the full amount or in three installments below.


After you pay, you will be directed to a private class web page with the first suggested readings and resources.


Use the PayPal Button below (it will add $12 in fees), or pay through Venmo (@DrumSoul) without a service charge. If you use Venmo, you must add your email address in the note, or I won't be able to contact you. Also, it will really help me if you add in "Payment #1/Celtic Class."


Cancellation policy: 


Installment payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. Full payments are 75% transferable ($299) if you drop out after the first class, and the transfer is used within six months. 


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