Over 20 years ago I discovered core shamanism – a form of shamanism developed by Michael Harner.  Core shamanism is not based on the specific beliefs or teachings of any one tribal tradition.  Rather, it pulls together elements of shamanism that have been practiced by many cultures at many times.  These are the basic elements of shamanism, the oldest spiritual practice of humanity, the birthright of all humans.  These basic elements can be used by people of any spiritual tradition, any religious beliefs (except, of course, for those beliefs that say that anything outside of their specific teachings is evil). 

I practiced core shamanism for over 15 years, learning from the spirits and from my shamanic journey circle.  Gradually I was drawn more and more towards the Celtic aspects of my personal heritage.  I have incorporated enough Celtic-based elements into my practice that I’m not sure what I do would still be called core shamanism.  However, I still believe that core shamanism is the safest and most reliable way for anyone who grew up in contemporary cultures to begin a shamanic practice.  I continue to teach core shamanism to newcomers who wish to learn, either in person or on the shamanism board.  Once they’ve developed a strong shamanic practice they can, if they are drawn to, shift away from basic core shamanism with the guidance, help and protection of the trusted spirit allies they found through the basic core shamanism techniques.

When I first found Beliefnet, while it was still at the old site, they did not have a shamanism forum.  I asked them to start one, and within a few days they did.  For many months I acted as informal host on that board, and when Beliefnet started using a more formal system I became the volunteer host for the shamanism board.  For the first few years I did a lot of posting, but in more recent years elements in my own life have made regular posting more difficult.  I hope to be posting more and more frequently again as time goes on.

I believe that many of the ills of modern life, and much of the damage we do to the environment, are caused by the failure of modern culture to honor and strengthen our connections with all our kin, with the Earth and all her children, with the vast Web of Creation.  I believe that core shamanism is part of the answer to the question of how people in contemporary cultures can heal their relationships with the Earth and all her children.