Shamanism for our Times
Shamanism refers to a set of practices found across cultures that work with ritual, altered states of consciousness and a direct relationship with the natural and unseen worlds.
These practices continue to evolve today, supporting individuals and groups in navigating change, uncertainty and transformation.
What Is Shamanism?
Shamanism is one of the oldest spiritual traditions and lifeways on Earth.
Found in cultures across the world, it is a way of working with the unseen dimensions of life, connecting with the spirit world, the natural world and deeper layers of consciousness to bring guidance, help, healing and balance.
At Alchemy of Worlds we draw on Core Shamanism, a contemporary form of shamanic practice that makes these ancient techniques accessible and relevant for people living in modern societies.
Our work integrates shamanic journeying, ceremony and ritual within our wider transformational ecosystem of rites of passage, space clearing and community practice.
What is Core Shamanism?
Core Shamanism is a contemporary form of shamanic practice developed by anthropologist Michael Harner. Rather than belonging to a specific culture, Core Shamanism focuses on universal practices found around the world, including drumming and rattling, the shamanic journey, connection with spirit allies, healing & power restoration and ceremonial work with nature and the elements.
Core Shamanism allows people to access ancient forms of wisdom and reconnect with the living intelligence of the natural world.
We regularly offer CORE SHAMANISM workshops & Practice days.
Core Shamanism is a contemporary approach developed to make traditional shamanic practices accessible without requiring a specific cultural or lineage framework.
It focuses on direct experience rather than belief systems, using simple and structured techniques such as rhythmic sound, intention and guided awareness.
One of the central practices is the shamanic journey, a method that allows individuals to access non-ordinary states of consciousness in a grounded and repeatable way.
Through rhythmic sound, participants enter a light altered state of consciousness and travel to the spirit world with a clear intention. During these journeys people may meet helping spirits, receive guidance, or bring back insight and healing for themselves and others.
These practices are used to explore inner landscapes, gain insight, reconnect with intuition and navigate life transitions with more clarity.
Core Shamanism allows people to access ancient forms of wisdom and reconnect with the living intelligence of the natural world.
Shamanism in our Work
Shamanic practice underpins many of the offerings within Alchemy of Worlds.
Our House and Land Space-Clearing Work draws on shamanic techniques to restore harmony and balance in homes, land and workplaces, including practices such as journeying, ritual and working with spirit allies.
Shamanic journeying, ritual and spirit guidance are woven into our Rites of Passage ceremonies and transformational gatherings and embodied Snake Medicine shedding ceremonies.
Our work brings shamanic practices into contemporary environments, making them relevant for individuals, teams and organisations.
We integrate these approaches into:
– rites of passage and transformational experiences
– space clearing and house blessing work
- firewalks
– workshops and group processes
– community-based practices such as the Alchemy Café
These experiences are designed to support real-life situations such as transitions, decision-making, loss of direction or the need for renewal.
Rather than teaching abstract concepts, we focus on lived experience, allowing participants to engage directly with transformation.
Seasonal & themed Workshops
For several years we have offered themed shamanic workshops inspired by the energetic cycles of the Chinese zodiac, including the Year of the Dragon, the Year of the Wood Snake & Year of the Fire Horse.
These gatherings combine teaching, ceremony, and guided journeys that explore the deeper symbolism and medicine of each archetype.
Our workshops follow natural cycles and symbolic thresholds, aligning with seasonal changes and key moments of the year.
Each workshop explores a specific theme through a combination of ritual, guided practices and collective experience.
These spaces allow participants to step out of their usual rhythm, reconnect with themselves and explore new ways of relating to change.
They are accessible to both beginners and those already familiar with shamanic practices.
Our Approach
We approach shamanic practice with respect, humility and responsibility. Core Shamanism offers a way to engage with universal techniques of spirit connection without claiming or replicating specific indigenous traditions.
Our intention is to honour the ancient roots of shamanic wisdom while practicing it in a way that is ethical, grounded and relevant for our time.
We create inclusive, grounded and psychologically safe spaces for transformational work.
Our approach is grounded, ethical and adapted to contemporary contexts.
We do not aim to replicate traditional indigenous practices, but to work with underlying principles and techniques in a way that is respectful, responsible and relevant today.
We are committed to creating spaces that are inclusive of all identities, including queer, non-binary and gender-diverse individuals. Each person is welcomed as they are, with attention to dignity, respect and sovereignty.
A strong emphasis is placed on psychological safety. We take care to create containers where participants can engage at their own pace, with clear boundaries and support throughout the experience.
In some cases, a preliminary questionnaire may be shared before workshops or ceremonies. This allows us to ensure that the experience is appropriate for each participant and aligned with the conditions required for this type of work.
Our preparation process also includes intuitive and relational dimensions, where we take time to listen, sense and align before opening a space. This contributes to the quality, coherence and integrity of the experience.
Our work bridges ancient practices and modern understanding, creating experiences that are both meaningful and accessible, while remaining grounded in real-life integration.
What can Shamanism help with?
In today's fast-paced and tumultuous world, Shamanism remains as relevant as ever, offering transformation at the deepest level.
Shamanic practices are often explored during periods of transition, uncertainty or when something needs to shift at a deeper level.
Through Shamanism, you can navigate life changes, cultivate meaningful relationships, experience profound healing, and find connection and harmony in a world in turmoil.
People are often drawn to this work when they experience:
- life transitions such as career changes, relocation or new phases of life
- feeling stuck, blocked or disconnected
- repeating patterns that are difficult to shift through thinking alone
- a loss of meaning, direction or sense of purpose
- emotional or relational challenges
- a need for grounding, reconnection or renewal
These practices offer a way to engage with change experientially rather than only intellectually.
Through ritual, guided journeys and collective processes, participants can access new perspectives, reconnect with their own inner resources and explore different ways of relating to their situation.
This work does not replace medical, psychological or therapeutic support, but can complement other approaches by engaging the symbolic, experiential and relational dimensions of transformation.
Learn Shamanism with us
We offer introductory and experiential workshops designed to give a direct understanding of shamanic practices.
These sessions include guided journeys, simple rituals and practical tools that can be integrated into daily life.
They provide a structured entry point for those who want to explore this work without needing prior experience.
Our Core Shamanism workshops & practice days introduce participants to the shamanic journey : meeting spirit allies, working with intention & basic ceremonial practices.
These workshops provide a safe and grounded way to explore shamanic practice and begin building a relationship with the spirit world.
For those who wish to go further, we offer more immersive experiences that allow deeper exploration and integration.
These experiences focus on developing personal practice, strengthening intuition and working with transformation over time.
They are designed for people who want to engage with this work in a more consistent and embodied way.
FAQ
Why would I want to come to a shamanic workshop?
You would like to:
* explore how this ancient practice can support you in your everyday life.
* learn about foundational shamanic practices like journeying, drumming and connecting with spirit helpers and how it can be useful in your life.
* learn effective tools that can offer help, guidance, clarity and healing.
* connect with an ancient, down to earth spiritual practice and life way, beyond a specific religion or cultural practice.
* feel empowered in your personal life, overcome stuckness and move into flow.
* like to gain or regain balance in your life.
* enjoy learning about yourself and connect with others in a small group.
* want to feel safe and confident to participate in other shamanic workshops and gatherings such as our advanced shamanic days, retreats or workshops.
Are there any pre-requisites to come to the shamanic workshops ?
Our Core Shamanism workshops do not require any previous knowledge of shamanism. However, an intro (or an equivalent workshop) is a prerequisite for any other shamanic workshops and courses we are offering.
Can Shamanism help me with trauma?
Shamanic journeying can be healing and illuminating, but it is not therapy. If you are in an acute mental health crisis, have a history of schizophrenia, extreme dissociation or untreated PTSD, the journey work of this intro day is not suitable. If you are unsure, please get in touch and we are happy to chat with you. Please email us at [email protected]
What can I expect to happen on a Core Shamanism workshop day ?
The day will introduce you to the basics of shamanism and teach you methods to help you connect more deeply with nature, your deeper self, and how you can restore spiritual power.
We will begin with a comprehensive introduction to shamanism, its origins, and its significance in different cultures around the world. You will learn the fundamental principles of shamanism and how it can be applied in your everyday life.
* Learning the Practice of Shamanic Journeying:
You will be guided through the steps of shamanic journeying and learn how to connect with your own spirit guides and teachers. We will use the shamanic drum and rattles for this.
*Finding and Working with Your Own Spirit Helpers and Teachers:
You will discover how to establish a close relationship with your own spirit helpers and teachers. You will learn how to identify their signs and symbols, receive messages, and interpret their guidance for your own spiritual growth and healing.
You will also have an opportunity to do a journey to ask for guidance or help for a personal issue.
Can anyone attend a Shamanic workshop or Ceremony ?
Most people can attend a shamanic workshop or ceremony and our workshops are open for adults of any age, sexual orientation, cultural background. For the Core Shamanism workshop, no previous experience is required. We are committed to holding an as safe, inclusive and trauma informed space as possible, however please note that if you are in an acute mental health crisis, have a history of schizophrenia, extreme dissociation or untreated PTSD, the journey work of this intro day is not suitable. If you are unsure, please get in touch and we are happy to chat with you. Please email us at [email protected]
Queer community/ LGBTQI+ members are particularly warmly welcome!
How many people can participate ?
We work with groups from 6 to 50+, depending on the event format. Some shamanic workshops are small, like in our workshops at 'THE HIVE', Saltdean, UK- some shamanic ceremonies for festivals can accommodate around d 50+ people.
Where do you offer your workshops?
We offer our shamanic workshops & rites of passage and Snake Medicine ceremonies across the UK and Europe for retreats, events, festivals and community gatherings. Our base is at 'THE HIVE' in Saltdean near Brighton, UK. We run intimate workshops & Rites of Passage days from our temple space at THE HIVE.
Alchemy of Worlds
Eva Weaver & Claire Lecarpentier
European Rite-of-Passage Facilitators | UK & Europe
Modern rites of passage: shamanic ceremony, firewalk, space clearing and transformational community for our times.
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