Two Year Program in Celtic Shamanism with Tom Cowan

This program is an opportunity to acquire and hone shamanic skills in a Celtic context, using traditional Celtic practices mixed with core shamanic techniques. The program is part of the worldwide revival of shamanic lore and customs. By means of ongoing study and practice we adapt the Old Ways of Celtic and European peoples to the modern world. We recover and utilize shamanic wisdom found in folk customs, fairy traditions, ancient myths and rituals, and traditional healing and visionary methods. On-going practice at home is expected between sessions which occur in the spring and fall of two consecutive years.

Celtic shamanism is a forest tradition in which seership, shapeshifting, poetry, and the participation in the elements of nature play important roles for the shaman and healer. The training also includes working with key Celtic gods, goddesses, and other spirits when appropriate for shamanic work, especially the spirits known as the People of the Goddess Danu.

As presented in this program, Celtic shamanism is a living tradition based on older practices and folklore combined with modern shamanic techniques that can be used in healing sessions with clients or solely for one's own spiritual and personal development. The program creates a chance to learn and practice in a stable community of shamanists dedicated to Celtic ways and allows us to do advanced work and ritual requiring community support. In recent years two-year participants have pioneered deep shamanic work such as the Beheading Game, the Wild Hunt, the Return of the Sidhe, and a Shaman's Initiation based on Welsh mythology. Some or all of these programs may be included in upcoming two-year programs.

The format and syllabus for two-year programs change from year to year as we try to adapt to the current needs and interests of participants, including the instructor, and the urgent conditions that call to us from the Earth, its communities of life, and the serious national and global political crises that may require shamanic healing.

Participants must fill out an application form which will be used in selecting those whose background and training in shamanism have prepared them for the level of work required in this program.