Introduction to Shamanism: Residential Spiritual Retreat

Curious about shamanistic practices?

You have probably heard this word, shamanism, before, because it’s the most frequently used term in spiritual and religious circles today. But what is shamanism, exactly?

The English language has no comparable word for the healing practices and effects of shamanism. Western culture has brainwashed many of us into believing that shamanic healing is witchcraft, and that life’s challenges are best met only with logic and rational thinking.

But, if you have scrolled down to this point, I imagine that you’re someone who has always been drawn to the possibility that there are other, and sometimes better, ways to cope with life.

This workshop gives you the opportunity to:

• Experience safe, non-toxic, body-based and diverse ways to perceive reality.
• Expand your consciousness.
• Journey to life’s spiritual center and strengthen your connections to nature.

The word, shamanism, comes from Central Asia. It’s an Anglicized version of a Tuvan word that has various meanings.

Basically, a shaman is anyone who knows how to call on a variety of ancient healing ways that are still practiced in many of the world’s oldest cultures.

In Central Asia, the samaan is ‘One who sees’ or ‘One who knows the way.’ Archaeological evidence shows that ‘shamanic’ practices have survived for at least 18,000 years in that part of the world. This is not a New Age fad.

There is also abundant evidence in the art and artifacts of prehistoric Crete (7,800-450 BCE) that shamanistic practices were part of the first European culture.

Today shamanistic healing is still active in many places around the world, and is having a comeback.  Wherever and however shamanism is practiced, its purpose is always the same: to restore spiritual, psychological, physical and social wellness and balance to individuals, families, and communities.

Shamanism is also grounded in relationships with nature, the five elements, your Ancestors and the cycles of life, death and rebirth.

Almost anyone can easily learn basic shamanic ways to experience reliable, empowering and enriching life changes. When performed correctly, one of shamanism’s most remarkable characteristics is that its effects are typically long-lasting.

Common Effects of Shamanistic Experiences…

• They are cumulative, become stronger over time.
• Restore balance to your personal connections with your authentic self and the divine.
• Are likely to increase your understanding of your specific situation and life purpose.
• Remove obstacles, open the way for your creative self to be more expressive.
• Are personally empowering.

The ageless wisdom and basic practices presented in this workshop (including journeying, rituals, shamanistic poses from prehistoric Crete, and more) will show you how to engage your visionary experiences and embody the effects in your most meaningful relationships—with human beings, your intuitive self, nature, the elements and your Ancestors.

This workshop is for you, if you are dealing with one or more of the following:

• Loss of personal power and/or dysfunction in one or more areas of your life.
• Physical and/or mental illness, malaise.
• A series of unfortunate events, such as injuries, accidents, illness, relationship issues or financial problems.
• Depression, loneliness, emptiness, lack of meaning, hopelessness. Feeling lost.
• Doubt whether or not you are living your true purpose.
• Unresolved grief, current or past trauma, fear, confusion and/or anger.

In this workshop, you will be given the opportunity to learn how to:

• Create a safe, respectful, healing atmosphere.
• Honor the spirits of the Land Keepers, your Ancestors and the sacred directions of north, west, south and east.
• Experience guided journeys to the spiritual realms of the Lower, Middle and Upper Worlds (and learn how to return safely and reliably to ordinary reality).
• Embody, integrate and engage your spiritual experiences and insights.
• Translate your unique visionary guidance into empowering actions that you may merge with your everyday life, going forward.

Registration & Lodging Details:

Elohee’s Thanksgiving House provides a safe, intimate, small group setting (max. 13 guests) surrounded by 225 acres of mountain forest. The sights and sounds of a 100 ft. waterfall are visible from the rear terraces of Thanksgiving House.

All lodging options include the following:

• Workshop tuition.
• Two lunches and two dinners (please bring your favorite breakfast food).
• Use of tea/coffee station and fully equipped kitchen.

Option 1: Commuter. $360.00 per person.

Option 2: Camper: Includes: one of four primitive campsite next to the waterfall and Thanksgiving House. 24 hr.access to indoor hot shower, living room and kitchen. Four campsites. No camping equipment available. Ask for further details. $360.00 per person. 

Option 3: Shared room, third story in beautiful Thanksgiving House. Twin or triple occupancy with shared baths. $525.00 per person.

Option 4: One double bed in a private room, third story, shared baths. Total: $575.

Option 5: The Suntrail Room: Private room. One double bed. second story. Two doors: one opens onto terrace overlooking the waterfall. Shared bath. Total: $625.00.

Option 6: The Tree House Room. From your king size bed, look out through generous windows. Hear and see the waterfall. Private bathroom, claw foot tub, walk-in shower. Second floor. Total: $725.00.

To pay by postal mail (check or money order), sendl payment (payable to Robinette Kennedy) to: P.O. Box W, Mountain City, Georgia. 30562-0917.

To use PayPal, send money to info@robinettekennedy.com.

Deposits and Refunds:

Unless other arrangements are made, your place in the retreat and accommodations at Elohee are secured only by sending in the full cost.  Starting 90 days before the event is scheduled to begin, no refunds will be issued unless there is someone on our waiting list who can take your place.  Still have questions? Send an e-mail to info@robinettekennedy.com  or phone: (706) 746 5485, ext. 1.

 Retreat Cancellations: In case of emergency, such as severe weather or illness, it may be necessary to cancel an event and reschedule for a later date. If so, we will contact you at the telephone number you have provided.