A Written Apprentice Guide with 2 Purposes...
To help you find the right training for YOU (here or not!)
To help you navigate the Institute's Apprenticeship Program
Finding the Right Training for YOU
"I've been Called to do Shamanic Healing, now what?"
When the Call is strong, it is natural to seek training. But how do you find the right training program? How do you evaluate what you find? The first part of this guide is created to help you with that process, (NOT so you can conclude that you want to train here!); rather, so you can begin to find the match for who you are.
The Many Forms of Shamanic Healing
Photo by Contact857
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If you were to decide to pursue a degree in philosophy, you could research the many universities across your country and find similar courses and learning. It would be a matter of comparing universities, locations, costs. There would be variations, to be sure, but the foundation of your training would be the same (or close enough). This is not true of training programs for shamanic healing. One training program will teach an entirely different way of doing shamanic healing than another. This is because there are many, MANY forms of shamanic healing, which complicates your search for training. Shamanic healing can involve much or little ritual, art, music, or primarily journeying. It can be done individually or in groups, for you or for your ancestors, or for the Earth. It can be primarily guided by the shamanic healer in partnership with Guides, Teachers, and the Divine (among other helpers) or by the Earth in partnership with the healer. It can be done by the shamanic healer alone or in partnership with the client. There are so many variations of shamanic healing that training programs are not comparable. So rather than ask, "What program is right for me?" you might want to ask, "What sort of shamanic healing do I want to do?" Then you can find a program that teaches THAT, for that is the form that aligns with who you are. Below you'll find some questions to ponder and directions that might resonate with you.
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Some Questions for Contemplation
"Am I called to help the People heal inner wounds?"
...then you might be interested in soul retrieval
"Am I called to help heal the Earth?"
...then you might be interested in Tending Ceremonies
"Do I want to help People heal by journeying into the Spirit Realm of their inner consciousness?"
...then you might be interested in shamanic healing that focuses on the journey
"Do I want to do that same sort of healing journey WITH the client?"
...then you might be interested in the shamanic healing program here at the Institute
"Do I want to focus primarily on shamanic energy medicine?"
...then you might be drawn to moving energy with your hands rather than journeying (or a combination)
"Do I want to partner with the Earth?"
...then you might be interested in leading Vision Quests or doing other Ceremonies
You can see how these and other questions will help you hone your interests, then you can find a training program that aligns with you and offers the training that you actually want.
...then you might be interested in soul retrieval
"Am I called to help heal the Earth?"
...then you might be interested in Tending Ceremonies
"Do I want to help People heal by journeying into the Spirit Realm of their inner consciousness?"
...then you might be interested in shamanic healing that focuses on the journey
"Do I want to do that same sort of healing journey WITH the client?"
...then you might be interested in the shamanic healing program here at the Institute
"Do I want to focus primarily on shamanic energy medicine?"
...then you might be drawn to moving energy with your hands rather than journeying (or a combination)
"Do I want to partner with the Earth?"
...then you might be interested in leading Vision Quests or doing other Ceremonies
You can see how these and other questions will help you hone your interests, then you can find a training program that aligns with you and offers the training that you actually want.
Experiential Understanding of the Training Program
Once you've honed your interests, you can research online, and interview teachers. But one of the most potent ways to determine if the training program offers what you want, is to have a session or an experience with the teacher or a recent graduate. Then ask yourself, "Is THAT what I want to learn?"
Basic Knowledge Foundation for ALL Shamanic Healers Who Work with the People
If you're going to be working with people, it's important to have a depth of understanding about: Individual Consciousness and the External Influences on Consciousness. (This only points to foundational KNOWLEDGE, NOT skills, which are an entirely different part of training). Here are some basic topics about these subjects that are (or ought to be) a part of a shamanic healer's training:
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KNOWLEDGE OF INDIVIDUAL CONSCIOUSNESS
KNOWLEDGE OF EXTERNAL INFLUENCES ON CONSCIOUSNESS
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Art by Alan Frijns
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If your training program does NOT include these teachings, you can now find them at the Institute in
TIER 3. Thus, if you're interested in another training program, but still want to take these classes (without being in an apprenticeship here), you can. Of course, you can also take any other classes in TIERS 1-3 as you wish. That's cool too!
TIER 3. Thus, if you're interested in another training program, but still want to take these classes (without being in an apprenticeship here), you can. Of course, you can also take any other classes in TIERS 1-3 as you wish. That's cool too!
Navigating the Institute's Apprenticeship Programs
If you're researching the Institute...
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If you're researching the Institute, read the pages on the website of course, then take the next step with the Intro Classes (FREE). Not only do they offer good information, but they provide you ample opportunities to see the Apprenticeship Leader teaching and a few of them are required classes for the apprenticeship anyway.
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If the form of shamanic healing we teach here interests you, you could schedule a shamanic healing session to see if this type of shamanic healing is actually what you want to learn. The session is a requirement of the application process anyway, so if you're seriously considering training here, schedule a session with Selena Whittle, PhD to be certain this is your path. You can email the Institute at [email protected] to ask for a session. Apprenticeship rate for Selena is $160 for 1.5 hour session.
Applying to the Institute
There is an application process designed to ensure that this is the place for you. Click the button below for more information. Once you are accepted into the Apprenticeship program, you can begin walking the path!
An Important Message from the Apprenticeship Leader about this Sacred Path
We have restructured the apprenticeship program to give you choices about your pace of training and to substantially decrease the costs. We have been successful as you'll see in the chart below! What this means is that you can decide how the apprenticeship fits in with the other commitments in your life (a good thing!) and what your apprenticeship experience will be. Please consider well as you plan your path.
If someone had said to me, "Hey, you can finish your PhD in a year, but it will be extremely intense and difficult!" I would have likely said, "Show me how; I'm in!" And then later, I might wonder about never seeing my family or if I would remember anything from the coursework. (If I'm being honest, though, I'd still probably take that fast track... I used to joke with the last group of apprentices about how "bold, brassy, and stupid" I can be. I suppose it would still apply in some cases...hum....) But the venue for a PhD comes from a western approach to education. Training to be a Shamanic Healer is not that.
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As you consider how and when you'll take the courses and fulfill the other requirements of the shamanic apprenticeship, I'd ask that you consider that, unlike a western education, the apprenticeship is a Sacred Spiritual Path. Consider that a spiritual path is not always linear (even though the curriculum is) and takes TIME. Wisdom, that sometimes elusive understanding beyond knowledge, takes time and experience to germinate, sprout, and bloom. Your inner transformation takes time--and sometimes struggle, irritation, and frustration for a while, until joy and peace peak out like a sunrise. Your mastery, healing power, and presence emanate from within and, while I can help you have a awareness about what they are, and how you can support them, they cannot truly be taught, but come with time.
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Additionally, from a practical point of view, condensing the courses into a short time does not take into account other apprenticeship activities. For example, you'll be reading books, (some of which are challenging), journaling, integrating your healing experiences, journeying, participating in community, creating the infrastructure, (a website and office space) for your private practice, and conducting your own sessions with clients. If you condensed your program, you could conceivably have 3 - 5 classes a week and your own healing session every other week. Also, the order of classes would not make as much sense to you. Likely, you'll feel overwhelmed and start cutting corners...cutting corners?? really? on this training that is a Sacred Spiritual Path? That doesn't seem right.
If you rush through your training here, you will sacrifice much on that altar of speed--wisdom, inner transformation, mastery, power, presence, your own peace of mind, and likely time with your family and work. You will be skimming the surface, rather than diving in and swimming deep. You can honor yourself, your path, and your learning by taking the time you need to absorb all that is offered here, even those ineffable qualities between the lines.
Honoring you and your path,
Selena Whittle
Selena Whittle
Navigating the Shamanic Healer Apprenticeship Program
With more choices in the timing of your coursework, there are more decisions. It's a bit like attending a university, with you choosing courses during different semesters. Don't worry though! We can help you simplify it. The chart below is intended to give you recommended path just as if your university counselor mapped it out for you. (If you'd prefer the shorter version, scroll down to the "nutshell.")
The chart has all the requirements for this program on the left, with the recommended order and time descending the chart. So we recommend the Intro Classes first, then Tier 1, Tier 2, and so on. On the right side of the chart, you'll see:
Your apprenticeship path can simply follow the recommended path on the chart or you can formulate your own path based on when courses are offered.
The chart has all the requirements for this program on the left, with the recommended order and time descending the chart. So we recommend the Intro Classes first, then Tier 1, Tier 2, and so on. On the right side of the chart, you'll see:
- "Offered" - at what point in the year the course is offered
- "Type" - whether it is Live with Playbacks, Pre-Recorded and Self-Paced, or Live ONLY
- "Recommended Timing" - when to take the course for maximum benefit and ease
- "Options" - if you plan a different path
Your apprenticeship path can simply follow the recommended path on the chart or you can formulate your own path based on when courses are offered.
Following the recommended path below (starting in December or January, for example),
you could finish the Shamanic Healer training in 1.5 years.
you could finish the Shamanic Healer training in 1.5 years.
Shamanic Healer Certification Requirements |
Recommended Path |
Introductory Classes Interconnected Web of Life Intro to Shamanic Healing "Am I a Shamanic Healer?" |
Offered: Quarterly Type: Live with Playbacks Recommended Timing: Summer or Autumn Options: Playbacks are Available in Community Anytime (so you could simply watch them there) |
Tier 1 Learning from the Earth - AUTUMN Elements - SEASONAL Shamanic Ritual: Calling in the Directions SPRING Medicine Walk - SPRING/SUMMER |
Offered: Autumn, Seasonal, Spring Type: Live with Playbacks (until end of semester) Recommended Timing: Join Tier 1 in Autumn Options: Join Tier 1 in Early December and watch playbacks of courses, then continue with classes in the Spring |
20 Shamanic Healing Sessions (for Yourself) |
Recommended Frequency: Weekly OR Every Other Week Type: Individual, Private - 1.5 Hours each Recommended Timing: Autumn, Winter, Spring (Finishing sessions before the following Autumn will ease your academic load and distribute costs) Options: Sessions can be done anytime during your apprenticeship |
Tier 2 Magic and Mystery of the Spirit Realm Shamanic Journeying Step-by-Step Shamanic Sight Dealing with Dark Energies During a Shamanic Journey |
Offered: Available ANYTIME Type: Pre-recorded, Self-Paced Recommended Timing: Spring or Summer; Complete before taking Tier 3 Options: Can be taken at anytime, concurrently with other courses |
Tier 3 - The Old Teachings Nature and Purpose of Soul Nature of Individual Consciousness Hidden Forces: Influences in the Spirit Realm *THESE COURSES MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE TAKING TIER 4 COURSES |
Offered: AUTUMN ONLY (2 classes per week!) Type: Live with Playbacks (until end of semester) Recommended Timing: Autumn of 2nd Year Options: Could take these concurrently with other classes (not recommended) |
Tier 4 - Apprenticeship Community The Call to the Sacred Path (and What You Bring) Preparing to Become a Shamanic Healer Creating and Being a Sacred Container Shamanic Healing Session: Pre-Journey Consult Shamanic Healing Session: Power Animal, Spirit Teacher, Power Object Retrievals Inner Shamanic Healing Step-by-Step (includes Soul Retrieval) Inner Shamanic Healing for Past Lives Shamanic Healing Ethics Live Demonstrations of Shamanic Healing Session Reviews and Case Study Discussion Once you complete the coursework in Tier 4, you begin working with clients. |
Offered: SPRING ONLY (2 classes per week!) Type: LIVE ONLY (playbacks NOT available) Recommended Timing: Spring of 2nd Year Options: Could take these concurrently with courses from any other Tier |
"So, what would it look like in a nutshell?"
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WINTER, SPRING, SUMMER
Intro Classes Tier 1 Required Courses Tier 2 Courses 20 Shamanic Healing Sessions AUTUMN
Tier 3 Courses (The Old Teachings) SPRING, SUMMER
Tier 4 Courses TOTAL TIME
1 year (doable, but a very stressful choice) 1.5 years (easier) Longer? (much easier) |
Photo by Public Domain Pictures - pixabay
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Navigating the Advanced Shamanic Healer Program
The Advanced Shamanic Healer program begins by completing all the requirements for the Shamanic Healer Certificate. Additional requirements are below.
This program is designed to proceed directly from the courses above; thus, you'd finish Tier 4 and the next semester (in the Autumn), you could begin classwork for the Advanced program. Another option is to take some time away and take these courses later. As you will note, there are far fewer classes in this program.
This program is also more flexible, allowing it to be tailored to apprentices needs. For example, we can (and often do) add more session reviews and case study discussions as requested.
This program is designed to proceed directly from the courses above; thus, you'd finish Tier 4 and the next semester (in the Autumn), you could begin classwork for the Advanced program. Another option is to take some time away and take these courses later. As you will note, there are far fewer classes in this program.
This program is also more flexible, allowing it to be tailored to apprentices needs. For example, we can (and often do) add more session reviews and case study discussions as requested.
Following the recommended path below,
you could finish the Advanced Shamanic Healer training in 10-12 months.
you could finish the Advanced Shamanic Healer training in 10-12 months.
Advanced Shamanic Healer Certification Requirements |
Recommended Path |
(ALL COURSES and REQUIREMENTS for Certification as a Shamanic Healer must be completed with the addition of courses below) |
(See table above) |
Tier 5 - Apprenticeship Community Healing the Relationship with the Earth Healing Trauma Healing the Relationship with the Creator Leading Shamanic Ceremony Session Reviews and Case Study Discussion |
Offering: AUTUMN ONLY (but flexible to have more Case Studies as needed, so could go into Spring) Type: LIVE ONLY (playbacks NOT available) Recommended Timing: Autumn after completing Shamanic Healer training Options: Taking some time off and joining another cohort the follow year |
Tier 3 Mastery Power Presence |
Offering: SPRING ONLY Type: LIVE, (playbacks are available, BUT apprentices must attend live) Recommended Timing: Spring after completing Tier 5 Courses Options: You could take these class while you're doing the Shamanic Healer training, but you'll get more from them if you can wait |
Vision Quest - Optional |
Offering: SUMMER This is optional and will only be offered if there are enough people who wish to do it |
"So, what would that look like in a nutshell?"
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SHAMANIC HEALER TRAINING
(see the nutshell above) You'd finish this training in the Summer, then... AUTUMN
Tier 5 Courses SPRING and SUMMER
Tier 3 - Mastery, Power, Presence SUMMER
Vision Quest - Optional TOTAL TIME
1.5 years (doable, but a very stressful choice) 2 years (easier) Longer? (much easier) |
Photo by Burak Yamanlica (pixabay)
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