FSS Presents at International Conference, July 2019, Santa Clara, CA

Oct 27, 2019 | FSS News

FSS President Susan Mokelke presented at the Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) 2019 International Conference July 18 – 21, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. On July 18 Susan facilitated an all day pre-conference workshop, “The Shamanic Journey, Pathway to Another Reality,” introducing Michael Harner’s core shamanism journeying method to an enthusiastic group. Participants had the opportunity to experience the shamanic journey using drumming to alter consciousness, enter into another reality, make contact with compassionate spirits, and gain help for their lives.

About the IONS conference: Presenters and participants from around the world will gathered on the 50th anniversary of the first moonwalk, “to explore what is possible for humanity when we bring science, spirituality, and social change together to vision and co-create a thriving future.” More about the conference: http://noetic.org/conference/

New Workshop – Shamanism for Inspired Local and Global Change

Oct 27, 2019 | FSS News, Workshop Announcements

The FSS is pleased to announce a new workshop, Shamanism for Inspired Local & Global Change. In these challenging times, shamanic work, when combined with ordinary reality knowledge and action, can make an immense contribution toward effective long-term solutions for community and global problems. This workshop offers practical methods to gain and apply wisdom from the spirits to resolve persistent problems facing humanity, our precious Earth, and its inhabitants.

“For years, many of us had been discussing our desire to learn how to use Shamanic practices to help heal the planet. What the workshop presented so well was an ethical framework for how I can proceed.”

“The many journeys to and with my helping spirits allowed me to focus on possible solutions, some of which came to me after the workshop ended. The workshop gave me the luxury of time and focus for an issue I care about deeply and reminded me to connect more frequently with my helping spirits. I had forgotten how much I love to do so and how much help they are.”

“This workshop helped me to recognize some of my barriers to making a difference in this time and offered tools/practices to engage my spirits in my daily work. I often feel that I cannot make a difference. The workshop showed me to journey more, connect with my spirits more, engage all elements with heart and compassion It is freeing and simple.”

Shamanism for Inspired Local and Global Change, was offered for the first time in the San Francisco Bay Area in April 2019. See student comments above. FSS Faculty are in training now to offer this transformative method throughout the USA and Canada. Details, and workshop schedule. NOW online: Shamanism for Inspired Local and Global Change (online): https://shamanism.org/workshops/calendar.php?Wkshp_ID=44.

FSS President Susan Mokelke was invited to teach Shamanism for Inspired Local and Global Change in Ohlstadt, Germany, to participants and FSS Europe faculty members. In September 2019, a large group of participants from various European countries successfully completed the training. In the coming year, Roland Urban, Director of FSS Europe, plans to train the faculty there to teach this method to students throughout Europe.

Gathering of the Circle of the Foundation, January 25-26, 2019

Apr 7, 2019 | FSS News

An inspiring in-person gathering of the membership of the Foundation took place in January 2019. The theme of this year’s meeting was “coming together to help create a vibrant future for our community and the planet.”

Thai Lersi Hermit Shamans
Ibu Gambuh, the Resurrected Shaman of Bali
with Kevin Turner

We began on Friday evening with a fascinating presentation by Kevin Turner, Director for Asia, on the Thai Lersi Hermit Shamans. Using video clips, Kevin provided a look at how the Lersi, among other methods, use amulets and tattooing for healing and protection. The evening concluded with video and commentary on Kevin’s experience with Ibu Gambuh, the Resurrected Shaman of Bali, as she performed extended extraction healings.

Creating a Vibrant Future
Report on the Legacy Project, Shamanic Knowledge Conservatory

On Saturday morning, Susan Mokelke, FSS president set the context for the day, taking a look at the Foundation’s history and development and where we are now. She discussed the relevance of shamanism today, and the critical need to bring the wisdom of the spirits to our communities and world—not only for healing, but to restore balance, unity, and harmony to carry us into the future. Sandra Harner, vice president and Director of the Shamanic Knowledge conservatory, gave us an inspiring message about the Foundation’s ongoing work and future potential. She announced exciting news about the preservation of Michael Harner’s library and personal papers by the Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley. View the video.


Shamanism and the Living Universe
with Duane Elgin
Social visionary, internationally recognized speaker, and author (https://duaneelgin.com/)

Duane Elgin spoke to the importance of shamanic wisdom in a universe where everything is alive. He provided a look at the deeper trends that underlie what we see happening on the surface in our societies. He addressed some of the practical implications of a living universe, and how we would relate effectively to people, all of nature, and the universe itself, if we understood this fundamental truth. Duane finished with a message of inspiration and hope, offering a model of where humanity is in our development and suggesting possibilities for our maturation as a species and creating a future that nurtures all life. View the video.

Dialog and Discussion: Creating a Vibrant Future

Stimulated by Duane’s presentation, we broke into several smaller groups for a dynamic discussion of what a vibrant future would look like for our community and our Earth. A spokesperson for each of the groups shared ideas raised by group participants.

LUNCH

Tim Cope leading session, Wisdom from Our Wild Relations

Breakout sessions with FSS Faculty

After lunch, four FSS faculty members led small groups in experiencing a shamanic practice of personal interest to them, which they had developed.
Charles Conatser – “A Shamanic Approach to Addressing Unfinished Business
with the Deceased”
Tim Cope – “Wisdom from Our Wild Relations”
Elaine Egidio – “Shamanism and Healing Movement”
Amanda Foulger – “Bringing Heart to our Lives & Practice”


The Dream Dance

The day ended with an experience of the Dream Dance. Susan Mokelke provided background and history of the Foundation’s involvement and instructions. Attendees took part in the dance, asking the ancestors for a vision of a vibrant future for our world. Participants were then invited to share their visions with the group—with many touching, inspiring, and hopeful contributions.

Our Continuing Work, A Statement from FSS President Susan Mokelke

Feb 26, 2019 | FSS News

Remembering Michael
Continuing Michael Harner’s work in the Foundation
A Statement from FSS President Susan Mokelke

Michael and Sandra Harner’s focus has always been on the work itself, as stated in the Foundation’s mission: “Dedicated to the preservation, study, and teaching of shamanic knowledge for the welfare of the Planet and its inhabitants.” They, along with the Board of Trustees, had the wisdom more than a decade ago to imagine this time of change and to carefully and meticulously prepare and train the faculty, staff, and a new president to carry the mission forward seamlessly. The Foundation is in good heart and is thriving and growing, fostering the current and next generation of shamanic healers and practitioners. Read the statement.