Mongolian (Darkhad) shaman and Kevin Turner

FSS Faculty Kevin Turner spent July 2011 on field assignment in Mongolia where he represented FSS at the Ataa Tenger Conference of International Shamanic Studies. Kevin spoke on core shamanism in Asia, and met a number of researchers involved in central Asian shamanism. Kevin also personally interviewed 6 remarkable shamans for research purposes. He gave a one-hour talk on core shamanism at the largest bookstore in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar in honor of the new Mongolian translation of The Way of the Shaman, as well as a 5-minute Mongolian television interview. There is significant interest in our work in Mongolia, and Kevin may be returning to offer the first FSS courses there next year. We look forward to further collaboration with Mongolian shamans and Mongolian shamanic researchers in the future. Members of the Circle of the Foundation, look for more about FSS in Mongolia in this year’s issue of the Shamanism Annual, coming out in December.

Cowrie Shell Mask, circa 2002. Photo by Jeffrey David Ehrenreich.

Once a year, the Foundation issues its scholarly journal the Shamanism Annual. For more than 30 years, the Foundation has been offering authentic writings on the contemporary and indigenous practices of shamanism around the globe, first with Shamanism and now with the Shamanism Annual. The most recent issue of the journal contains articles on shamanism and African identity in New Orleans, contemporary shamanism in China, psychopomp practices of the Foundation’s Living Treasure Tibetan shamans, shamanic journeying and the immune response, and shamanism and ecstatic union. The Shamanism Annual also provides a voluntary directory of individuals and drumming circles to help develop a worldwide community for healing and mutual help. The journal is one of the exclusive benefits of membership in the Circle of the Foundation.

Sandra Harner’s
SHAMANIC TRAINING IN CREATIVITY

istockphoto.com/Jan Derksen

The first public offering of this new workshop was held August 20-21, 2011 in the San Francisco Bay Area. The enthusiastic group of participants left with new methods for accessing creativity personally and for the benefit of others and their communities.

This workshop is now being offered in locations throughout the US and Canada – check the website for a calendar of offerings.

Workshop Description. Creativity is so ancient that it is at once fundamental and complex, even a driving force in our lives. Shamanism brings a fresh approach to Westerners for cultivating their creative potential. In this workshop, based on years of research, participants will have the opportunity to enhance their creativity through the practice of shamanic methods. Selected historical and anthropological examples will illustrate connections between shamanism and creative abilities, and a variety of specific shamanic exercises will be taught that participants can apply to their personal lives. Learn more…

Prerequisite: FSS Basic Workshop: The Way of the Shaman, Shamanic Journeying, Power, and Healing.

First Public Offering was taught by Michael Harner, assisted by Susan Mokelke, in August of 2010. Michael presented his recently formulated “A Core Shamanic Theory of Dreams.”

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.