Please note: We
are not doing any healing or drumming for the foreseeable future owing to
illness. Apologies, but we cannot do our best for you when we need healing ourselves.
SOCIETY FOR SHAMANIC PRACTITIONERS, UK CONFERENCE
In September 2007, Keith and I attended the first ever UK
conference of
the SSP (of which we
are members), held at Earth Spirit near
Glastonbury, England. Prompted by the high proportion of our clients
who come to us complaining of abuse from spiritual or shamanic
teachers, and from our own experience, we hosted a
discussion "Shamen Behaving Badly? Integrity in modern shamanic
practice".
The discussion, and subsequent journey dance to the drum, raised many
useful points as well as facilitating healing for some of the
participants. There was very positive feedback, so we'd like to pass on
the main points that came out of the workshop: 1. Boundaries
In any therapeutic relationship, clear boundaries should be kept
between client and therapist. 2. Discernment
Clients need to be discerning when choosing a teacher, workshop or
course. Find out as much as possible about your proposed teacher
beforehand and prefer personal recommendation over self-publicity. 3. Caution
Participants of workshops or courses run by traditional native shamen
(whether held in the UK or abroad) should be aware that there can be
significant cultural differences in the way some shamen treat their
clients, especially women. 4. Use your voice
Where actual abuse takes place (whether sexual, mental, financial
manipulation or other), the abused needs a neutral, safe
space in which to talk about the experience. We would encourage anyone
in this position not just to share (when they feel ready) but also to
get themselves checked out energetically by a practitioner they trust.
Some of these issues are raised in our article for Sacred Hoop, Workshopping Around.
The Society holds its UK conference annually. It is a wonderfully
vibrant and exciting experience for anyone interested in Shamanism. Up to date information can
be
found at www.shamanconference.co.uk
Keith Harrison and Rosi Re
Beech, Sarnau, Llandysul, Ceredigion, Wales, UK. T:01239 810437 E:
rosiandkeith@gmail.com