Taught by Alicia L. Gates
Assisted by Amanda Foulger

“The Three-Year Program has changed my life on a cellular level. It has been the best experience of my life!” – A Recent Graduate

“I love my life now. Since I’ve been doing this work, I have a deep sense of my purpose on this planet. That is not something I thought I would ever have. My life is deep, purposeful, profound and fun!”
- Three Year Program Participant

Originated by Michael Harner, this course is the most advanced training in shamanism and shamanic healing offered by the Foundation and generally is considered unparalleled in the world. It involves intensive extended training in progressively higher levels of very advanced shamanism, including initiations into rare and little-known practices and principles.

In this residential program, the same group of participants meets for a week twice a year (usually May and October) for three years, with practical assignments between meetings. The program is devoted to the objective of advancing the participants’ knowledge and practice as far as possible during the three years. Enrollment is limited. Sessions are held at a retreat center; on-site lodging and meals will be arranged during registration.

Alicia L. Gates has studied with Michael Harner for more than twenty years. She has worked with thousands of shamanic clients and has a profound depth of knowledge and practical experience. “Alicia is an outstanding shamanic practitioner and healer, and in recent years, working alongside me, has been the principal teacher of the West Coast Three-Year programs and the Two-Week Intensives,” states Michael Harner. Alicia brings to her teaching a clarity and certainty about shamanic healing methods that can only come through long experience and a deep love for the work. Says one workshop participant: “I felt very connected to Alicia and most grateful that someone as gifted and deeply connected to source energy is willing to share her considerable talent and knowledge with us.”

PREREQUISITES: the FSS Basic Workshop, plus the Two-Week Shamanic Healing Intensive OR at least six days of advanced FSS workshops. Applicants who have completed the Two-Week Intensive will be given special consideration by the Review Committee.

For more information or to apply, contact:

Journeywork (R) Institute
PO Box 13160
Portland, OR 97213
(503) 282-6315
fax: (503) 287-4712
flanagin4@msn.com

Nan & David

SPECIAL BENEFIT – Free Council Membership ($500 value) to those who complete this training.

Originated by Michael Harner, this intensive training in advanced core shamanism is described by former participants as “amazing,” “transformative,” “life-changing,” and “the most important experience of my life.” A variety of advanced methods are practiced in this residential program, including extraction healing, soul retrieval, psychopomp work, divination, and work with the spirits of nature. There will also be work that is not included in FSS weekend workshops, such as selected advanced healing methods, the dream dance, explorations, and initiatory experiences.

The West and East Coast Two Week Intensives are the centerpiece annual programs of the Foundation and the best preparation for the Three-Year Programs. Enrollment is limited and early application is recommended. To assure a place in the program, please return your application promptly; acceptance will be according to priority received.

More details…

with Alicia L. Gates, CSC

West Coast, San Francisco Bay Area
June 17 – 22, 2011
Introduction by Michael Harner

East Coast, Madison, Virginia
September 18 – 23, 2011

The Foundation is pleased to announce a new five-day residential training in core Shamanic Depossession, originated, researched, and developed by Michael Harner.

In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn the fundamental features of this important healing work, including how to recognize the symptoms of illness-causing possession or near-possession in their clients. They will be taught how to release such attachments and influences safely and compassionately, offering healing to both clients and any interfering beings. In addition to core shamanic methods of depossession and psychopomp work, the training also uses a classic holistic approach, encompassing essential supporting practices to restore and maintain the client’s power, including soul retrieval and power helper restoration to prevent future vulnerability. The workshop will include preparation, practice, and follow-up for performing a comprehensive shamanic depossession:

Preparation. Working with spirits of deceased humans in the Middle World, often called suffering beings; psychopomp work as it relates to spirit attachments and influences; training in soul retrieval; and client assessment;

Practice. Performing shamanic depossession;

Follow Up. Using soul and power helper retrieval to restore power to clients to complete the healing and to prevent future possession illness.

Prerequisites: The Basic Workshop: The Way of the Shaman® and the Shamanism, Dying, and Beyond workshop or the FSS Two Week Shamanic Healing Intensive – all taught by authorized FSS Faculty Members.

Shamanic Depossession is not designed for people looking for personal healing.

West Coast, San Francisco Bay Area. The program is scheduled to be held at a retreat center in Marin County, California, about an hour north of the San Francisco International Airport. The Center is housed on 200 acres of beautiful rolling hills, where hiking trails meander through pristine live oak woods, and the surrounding open space offers panoramic vistas of the California landscape. Wildlife abounds here, and includes deer, rabbits, an occasional bobcat, wild turkeys, hawks, and numerous songbirds. The Center is near the towns of Novato and Petaluma. The campus is nestled in the gently rolling Sonoma hills, only 30 minutes from the Napa Valley wine country to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Public shuttle service is available from nearby airports. On-site lodging and meals, including diet preferences, will be arranged during registration.

East Coast, Madison, Virginia. The program is scheduled to be held at a retreat center in Madison, Virginia. The beauty and healing energy of the land at the Center is a powerful environment for the work. Nearly 130 acres of bountiful woodlands, meadows, and gardens, provide peace, serenity, and an opportunity to connect with nature. There are hiking trails on the land including the scenic walk down to the Rapidan River. At least 70 species of birds and abundant wildlife make their home here during the year. The Blue Ridge Mountains and famous caverns are close by. On-site lodging and meals, including diet preferences, will be arranged during registration.

REGISTRATION: Please complete the Workshop Interest Form to receive more information and registration materials when available.

10% workshop tuition discount for those who register on or before January 20, 2011 for the West Coast workshop or on or before April 21, 2011 for the East Coast workshop.

Alicia L. Gates has studied with Michael Harner for more than twenty years. She has worked with thousands of shamanic clients and has a profound depth of knowledge and practical experience. Alicia is an outstanding shamanic practitioner and healer, and in recent years has been the teacher of the Three-Year programs and Two-Week healing intensives on the West Coast. Alicia brings to her teaching a clarity and certainty about shamanic healing methods that can only come from long experience and a deep love for the work. Says one workshop participant: “I felt very connected to Alicia and most grateful that someone as gifted and deeply connected to source energy is willing to share her considerable talent and knowledge with us.”

(66) 619 639 127 or (66) 93 3466951
mluisa@estudioschamanicos.com
mluisa@autocrecimiento.com
www.estudioschamanicos.com

Por primera vez en Epaña (sexta en Europa), el Programa de Michael Harner de Tres Años en Iniciaciones Avanzadas en Chamanismo y Curación Chamánica, impartido por Alicia Luengas, asistida por Gerardo Roemer, Barcelona, del 10 al 15 Diciembre 2010. España; este taller es residencia. Para más información, contactar con Maria Luisa:

(66) 619 639 127 or (66) 93 3466951
mluisa@estudioschamanicos.com
mluisa@autocrecimiento.com
www.estudioschamanicos.com

First Public Offering – WORKSHOP FULL
Taught by Michael Harner
Assisted by Susan Mokelke
August 14 – 15, 2010
San Francisco Bay Area

A second San Francisco offering as been added:
Shamanic Dreamwork
Taught by Michael Harner
and Susan Mokelke
September 25 – 26, 2010
REGISTER ONLINE

Additional dates and locations for Shamanic Dreamwork can be found on the website.

In this unique experiential workshop you will have the opportunity to explore the nature, meaning, and use of dreams among shamanic peoples, with dreamwork practices from a range of cultures. Researched and developed by Michael Harner, subjects to be covered include shamanic dream theory and big dreams, as well as dreams and the soul, spirits, shamanic journeys, the Dreamtime, and the vision quest. You will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge to contemporary life, including the use of dreams in divination, health, and healing.

Prerequisite: the FSS Basic Workshop, with authorized FSS Faculty Member.

HERE IS HOW YOU HELPED one Living Treasure:

February 2010
We have an urgent message from anthropologists in Russia with regard to one of our Living Treasures of Shamanism, Buriat shaman Bair Rinchinov. They wrote to Michael Harner:

There are not very good news concerning Bair Rinchinov: approx. 2 weeks ago his house with all his shamanic paraphernalia has burnt down completely. Bair himself and members of his family are still alive, but … People are trying now to collect money for a new house. We guess, if the Foundation for Shamanic Studies could attend to this problem, it would be really good. Your support will be of great importance for Bair and therefore for Buriat Shamanism too.

It is really hard to say how much does Bo Bair need, because it was burnt down literally everything. So, there is nothing to “re-construct” or “re-pair”.

We have called a helper of Bair, who lives in Moscow, and she suggested a very reasonable thing: there is no one who could give so much money that would be enough to build a new house, therefore Bair would welcome ANY help, any sum.

Concerning the market costs for a small house, it would be approximately 20,000 US dollars.

Bair Rinchinov is thought by many to be the leading shaman in Russian Siberia and the loss of his house with all his shamanic materials is not only a blow to him and to the Buriat people, but also to Siberian shamanism in general. Anything that you can do to help his situation would be very greatly appreciated by him and his people.

(Donations for Bair are complete at this time.)
Click here to learn more about the Foundation’s programs and to help the FSS Living Treasures.

Note: The Foundation is a public charitable 501(c)(3) organization and your contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

With our gratitude for any assistance you can provide,

Michael Harner
President

Susan Mokelke
Executive Director

Update April 27, 2010. Thank you for your generous contributions to help the Foundation’s Living Treasure of Shamanism in Siberia, Buriat shaman Bair Rinchinov, after his home was destroyed in a fire. The kindness and compassion of our members and supporters has been overwhelming. We have raised nearly $14,000 to help Bair with a new home.

Michael has spoken to Bair by telephone with the help of an interpreter, and Bair is extremely grateful for the outpouring of help and good wishes. See Bo Bair’s letter following.

A Thanksgiving Letter

From myself and from our family – my deep bow personally to Professor Michael Harner, to the staff of your Foundation, and to those good people who supported (me) while I am being hard up, rendered assistance by restoration of my burned household.

There is yet snow in Siberia. An architecture project of the house is ready, (and) I am beginning to deliver building materials. We restore (my shamanic) attributes.

With your help I’ll have finished the house by the autumn.

I wish you further developments, success in labor, good health, and long years of life.

Sincerely yours,
Bair Tsibikovich Rinchinov

(translated from Russian)

One of Michael’s Russian friends, who brought this to our attention and who was instrumental in seeing that Bair received your donations, also sent this email:

Let me cordially thank all of you who responded to the call of help of a Buriat shaman Bair Rinchinov. His farmstead completely burned down, including all his property and valuable shamanic paraphernalia. Without donations, collected by you, he would not be able to restore them.

Now Bo Bair is purchasing the needed building materials and hopes to start construction soon. He is very thankful for your sympathy, he’ll always remember your goodness, and will be praying for you.

Dear FSS Circle Members and Friends:

The tragic events in Haiti have elicited a great outpouring of calls for shamanic healing from practitioners, not only as individuals, but through drumming circles and FSS Two-Week Intensive and Three-Year program graduates email lists.

Many trained shamanic healers are bringing the power of their helping spirits to the region to address the spiritual aspects of this emergency, complementing the efforts of the ordinary reality relief workers. This is shamanism at its best.

We all wish to help. We hope you will keep in mind – that for our shamanic efforts to be effective, ethical, and truly compassionate – some of the work, such as long-distance healing, should be undertaken only in consultation with their souls and if you have had the necessary adequate training. We recommend journey work to get permissions, even if it must be done on a mass basis. The Haitians have their own spiritual traditions, and we need to be fully respectful.

Let us work together, according to our training, to do what we can with the help of the compassionate spirits to alleviate the pain and suffering of all beings in Haiti. And, of course, our spiritual work should be combined with ordinary reality efforts and donations as well.

With our best wishes for all,
Michael Harner & Susan Mokelke

Note: If you wish some guidance on issues of permission, you may review the article, Ethical Considerations in Shamanic Healing.

Michael Harner at the AAA

Michael Harner recently received special academic recognition through the presentation of sessions dedicated to him at the recent annual meeting of the American Anthropological Association in Philadelphia. Three organizations of the AAA joined together to recognize him for his “pioneering work” in shamanism “as an academic and advocate” and for his role during the last forty years in the “exponential growth in anthropological studies of the importance and significance” of shamanism. The organizations were the Society for the Anthropology of Consciousness, the Society for Latin American and Caribbean Anthropology, and the Society for Humanistic Anthropology.

Presenting papers by invitation, on December 5, 2009, twenty-one distinguished scholars participated in morning and afternoon sessions dedicated to shamanism. The morning session was devoted to shamanism in South America and the afternoon one to other cultures of the world. Presenters came from as far away as England, Brazil, and Costa Rica, as well as from throughout the United States for the occasion. Institutions represented were the Smithsonian Institution, the University of Illinois, George Washington University, the University of New Orleans, the University of Liverpool, the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, the State University of New York (Buffalo), the University of Colorado, the Institute of Andean Studies, the Foundation for Shamanic Studies (Sandra Harner and Frank Lipp), Vanderbilt University, Monmouth University, Georgetown University, the University of Virginia, Tulane University, Kansas State University, and the American Museum of Natural History.

The presentations are expected to be expanded to form a Festschrift, a celebratory book in Dr. Harner’s honor.

Click here for more information.

Michael Harner’s CD No. 1: Shamanic Journey Solo and Double Drumming

All of the Shamanic Journey CDs in the series are now available for convenient digital download:

• No. 2: Michael Harner’s Shamanic Journey Didjeridu
• No. 3: Michael Harner’s Shamanic Journey Singing Chorus
• No. 4: Michael Harner’s Shamanic Journey Musical Bow
• No. 6: Michael Harner’s Shamanic Journey Rattle
• No. 7: Michael Harner’s Shamanic Journey Multiple Drumming