What is Shamanic Journey ?

Shamanic Journey
The Non-Ordinary Reality 

A shamanic journey is one of humanity's oldest methods for accessing insight, healing, and spiritual growth. At its core, a shamanic journey is a structured way to enter an altered state of consciousness-typically through rhythmic drumming-and explore what practitioners call non-ordinary reality.

This guide walks you through the full process, from preparation and cosmology to step-by-step technique, real-world case studies, and safety considerations, so you can approach your journeys with clarity and confidence.

Understanding Shamanism

Shamanism is an ancient spiritual belief system practiced by indigenous people that has its roots in indigenous cultures around the world. It serves as a bridge between the spiritual and physical worlds, allowing practitioners to access non-ordinary reality and communicate with spirit beings.

At its core, shamanism is based on the belief that everything in the universe is interconnected, and humans are an integral part of this larger web of life.

What is a Shamanic Journey?

A shamanic journey is a deliberate method of entering a light trance to explore non-ordinary reality for insight and healing. Unlike daydreaming or fantasy, shamanic journeying combines focused intention, rhythmic sound from drums or rattles, and guided imagination to access states of consciousness beyond everyday thinking. Shamanic traveling connects with spirit realms for insight and healing, and the practice follows a consistent structure that feels vivid and often brings back valuable information that surprises the journeyer.

In many traditions, the shamanic practitioner travels through non ordinary reality to interact with spirit guides, power animals, ancestors, or forces of the natural world. The information conveyed during these encounters can range from symbolic imagery to direct emotional shifts. A journey often begins with a clear question and ends with a return signal, making it a disciplined spiritual practice rather than aimless wandering.

Forms of journeying appear across Siberian, Mongolian, Amazonian, and Native North American traditions, though techniques vary by culture. 

While every culture maintains its own belief system and rituals, many share strikingly similar elements: drumming, chanting, dancing, and the use of natural portals like caves, rivers, and trees as journey gateways.

Benefits of Shamanic Journeying

Shamanic journeying offers a wealth of benefits, enhancing self-awareness, emotional healing, and spiritual growth. By accessing non-ordinary reality, individuals can gain profound insights into their lives, retrieve lost parts of themselves, and communicate with spirit beings.

One of the most significant benefits of shamanic journeying is the opportunity for emotional healing. By exploring the spiritual realms, individuals can uncover and release deep-seated emotional wounds, leading to greater inner peace and well-being. Additionally, shamanic journeying fosters a deeper connection with nature, the universe, and oneself, providing a sense of purpose and meaning.

Shamanic journeying is also a powerful tool for problem-solving and creativity. By tapping into the wisdom of the spirit world, individuals can find innovative solutions to challenges and unlock new levels of creativity. This practice encourages personal growth and expansion of consciousness, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to improve their life and deepen their spiritual practice.

In essence, shamanic journeying is a transformative practice that opens the door to a world of healing, insight, and spiritual connection. Whether you are seeking guidance, healing, or personal growth, the journey begins with a single step into the non-ordinary reality.

Shamanic Cosmology: Upper, Middle, and Lower Worlds

Shamanic cosmology serves as a practical map for non-ordinary reality. Most modern practitioners organize their journeys around three realms: Lower World, Upper World, and Middle World,

Lower World. An earthy, nature-rich realm accessed by going downward through caves, roots, tunnels, or bodies of water. Many journeyers encounter power animals here-beings associated with instinct, grounding, vitality, and inner power. The landscapes tend to feel wild and primordial: dense forests, open savannahs, underground rivers, crystalline caves.

Upper World. A luminous, spacious realm accessed by traveling upward-climbing a mountain top, ascending a tree, following a beam of light, or riding wind currents. Teachers, ancestors, and luminous figures often appear here, offering broader perspective, ancient wisdom, and spiritual guidance.

Middle World. This realm overlaps with ordinary reality but is perceived through non-ordinary awareness. Animal and plant spirits, elemental forces, and spirits can be contacted here. The middle world is useful but sometimes trickier for beginners because it mirrors the complexity of the physical body's everyday environment.

Many cultures envision a World Tree linking the three worlds-a vertical axis connecting realms of spirit and matter, echoing the four directions and the earth beneath and sky above. Each practitioner's imagery is unique, shaped by personal experience, cultural background, and the specific intention they carry into the journey.

States of Consciousness 

Shamanic journeying involves intentional shifts into an altered state of consciousness-typically lighter than full trance possession but deeper than ordinary daydreaming. The rational mind quiets, and a different mode of perception opens.

Shamanic journeys often use rhythmic drumming to alter consciousness. Research suggests that rhythmic sound at approximately 4–4.5 beats per second can entrain brainwaves toward theta frequencies (4–7 Hz), associated with imagery, memory, and intuition. A controlled study by Gingras, Pohler, and Fitch found that 15 minutes of repetitive drumming with journey instructions produced significantly more dreamlike experiences and bodily sensations (heaviness, warmth) in inexperienced participants compared to other relaxation methods.

Many people report bodily sensations like vibrations, warmth, or floating during journeys, alongside expanded perception of time and a sense of contact with other intelligences.

The Structure of a Shamanic Journey

A shamanic journey typically unfolds in five distinct stages: preparation, altering consciousness, the journey itself, return, and integration. Each stage plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and meaningful experience.

During the preparation stage, you set your intention and create a conducive environment. This involves choosing a quiet space, setting your intention, and using tools like drums or rattles to aid in the journey.

In the altering consciousness stage, you use techniques such as meditation, breathwork, or sound to enter an altered state of consciousness. This shift allows you to leave ordinary reality behind and access the non-ordinary world.

The journey stage is where you pursue your intentions and explore the spiritual realms. Whether you are seeking guidance, healing, or insight, this stage is the heart of the shamanic journey.

The return stage involves intentionally crossing a threshold back into ordinary reality. This transition is crucial to ensure you safely return to your physical body and everyday life.

Finally, the integration stage involves reflecting on your experience and incorporating the insights gained into your daily life. This process helps you make sense of the journey and apply its wisdom to your personal growth.

Preparing for a Shamanic Journey

The first stage is preparation for the journey. Getting this right sets the foundation for everything that follows.

Physical preparation:

• Skip alcohol for a day before your journey, and avoid recreational substances for at least 24 hours
• Wait 2–3 hours after a heavy meal
• Hydrate lightly and rest well beforehand

Setting up your space:

• Choose a quiet, comfortable place for your journey-dim lighting, comfortable temperature, phone on airplane mode
• Create a sacred space for your journey: a mat or blanket on the floor, a candle or meaningful object nearby
• Have an eye mask or scarf to cover your eyes

Tools you'll need:

• A shamanic drumming track of 15–20 minutes (available online or through apps)
• Headphones if using a recording
• A journal and pen within reach

Setting intention:

Set a clear intention for your journey before the drumming begins. Concrete examples work best:

• "Show me my power animal"
• "Help me understand the root of my anxiety about this career change"
• "What do I need to know about this relationship?"

Before you begin, set boundaries. A simple statement like "I ask for guidance only from compassionate, benevolent spirits aligned with my highest good" frames the experience safely. Sit or lie in a comfortable position, and let go of expectations about what the journey should look like.

NOTE: The first step is to set a clear intention for your journey. Whether you aim to explore the Lower World or seek guidance from a spirit guide, having a focused intention will guide your experience.

The Journey Begins: Step-by-Step Technique

This section walks you through a simple lower world journey using drumming, suitable for a first-time practitioner. The process follows four clear stages.

1. Settle in and quiet the mind. Lie down or sit comfortably. Cover your eyes, and press play on the drumming track. Focus on the sound of the drum. Breathe slowly and evenly for two to three minutes, letting your physical body relax into the surface beneath you.

2. Anchor in nature. Visualize a familiar, physical place in the natural world you have actually visited-a forest trail, a beach, a hill. Use rhythmic drumming to alter your consciousness as you hold this scene. The second stage involves altering consciousness to enter non ordinary reality.

3. Enter the portal. Find a specific opening in that scene-a hollow tree, an animal burrow, a crack in a rock, or an underwater passage. Imagine entering it and moving downward. Let the tunnel unfold on its own: notice textures, sounds, temperature, and feelings. The journey itself is the third stage of the process. Eventually the passage opens into a more spacious landscape-this is the lower world.

4. Explore. Repeat your intention silently. Call for a helping spirit or power animal. Follow whatever being appears, observe interactions without forcing outcomes, and stay aware of sensory details. Retrieve information by paying attention to images, feelings, sounds, and any direct knowing that arises.

5. Return. The final stage is the return to ordinary reality. When the callback rhythm sounds (a change in the drumming beat), retrace your steps through the tunnel. Return to your original nature scene, feel your body on the floor, and slowly open your eyes.

NOTE: Remember that the journey begins with an open heart and a willingness to explore the unknown. Trust in the process and allow yourself to be guided by the wisdom of the spirit world.

Meeting Spirit and Animal Guides  

Many shamanic traditions describe ongoing relationships with helping spirits who support healing work and guidance across multiple journeys. These relationships form the backbone of sustained journey practice.

A power animal is a protective, empowering spirit that typically appears in animal form. A spirit guide tends to be more human-like or luminous-sometimes linked to ancestors, archetypes, or the collective unconscious. Both types of guides carry energy and knowledge relevant to the journeyer's path.

Concrete examples from practitioners: a wolf that teaches about boundaries and loyalty, a hawk that brings overview and vision, an elderly figure appearing repeatedly at a mountain top who offers perspective on major life decisions. Plant spirits also appear for some journeyers, often conveying insight about health, grounding, or connection to the earth.

To test whether a guide is benevolent, practitioners traditionally ask three times whether the being comes with good intention. A trustworthy guide feels strengthening and respectful, never demanding harmful actions. If something feels off, you can always return through your tunnel.

Build consistency. Return to the same guide or power animal over several weeks-perhaps weekly journeys across a month-to develop a shared symbolic language and a greater sense of trust.

Cultural background and personal spiritual beliefs influence how guides appear. There is no "correct" form as long as the relationship feels safe and reciprocal.

NOTE: Click here for further information on Spirit Animals.

Shamanic Journey Cases

Case 1
Shamanic Journey Workshop

Many years ago, I had the opportunity to attend a workshop called "Experiencing and Understanding Shamanic Journeywork."

The workshop was presented by an experienced female shaman who had undergone extensive training and initiation within the rich tradition of the Q’ero medicine people of Peru.

Throughout the workshop, she shared profound insights into shamanic practices, guiding us through various techniques for journeying and connecting with our inner selves.

The experience was nothing short of transformative; I felt a deep sense of clarity and connection that stayed with me long after the workshop ended. It truly opened my eyes to the world of shamanism and its potential for healing and self-discovery.

Before embarking on our journey into the underworld (earth), it was vital to attain a heightened state of awareness and immerse ourselves in a non-ordinary reality. To achieve this, we engaged in a series of carefully guided breathing exercises.

The Shaman, who led the session with a calm and reassuring voice, strongly advised that we keep our eyes closed throughout the process. This practice was meant to enhance our inward focus and minimize distractions from the external world.

As we began the breathing exercises, I immediately noticed that my body was feeling less tense. It felt as if I were letting go of all my body tension.

The Shaman's soothing voice continued to guide us, instructing us to visualize the release of our mundane thoughts, which often cloud our minds in everyday life.

As the exercises continued, I felt myself sinking deeper into an unfamiliar realm. I was no longer in a classroom; instead, I experienced a profound detachment from my usual thoughts and surroundings. The shaman's voice faded, becoming inaudible. I had stepped away from my physical reality and into an unknown dimension.

As I journeyed deeper into the underworld, it felt as though my body were being submerged into the earth. I was becoming one with the ground beneath me. As this process continued, I found myself descending further and further. It felt like I was in a lucid dream.

When I reached the underworld, I looked around and realized I was in a cave. Although most of the cave was dark, light filtered through an opening. As I approached the opening and stepped out, I was bathed in warm, glowing sunlight.

In front of me was a stream with incredibly clear, translucent water. I decided to step into the stream, sit down, and close my eyes. The warmth of the sun and water embraced my body. Slowly, I began to drift gently downstream. I felt no fear of the unknown or where I was being carried; I was simply living in the moment and wanted to continue enjoying it. Suddenly, my body stopped moving. I opened my eyes and saw the most dazzling white sand.

Walking on the sand felt like walking on air—such a strange sensation. I kept moving forward until I reached a pathway. Beautiful and colorful flowers lined both sides of the path. Glancing down at my clothes, I noticed they were completely dry. I continued my walk until an older man appeared.

The man was dressed in a long, white, ancient-looking robe. His hair was long and completely white. He seemed to have been waiting for me. When I asked for permission to enter his domain, he politely granted it. After thanking him, I continued walking forward. I kept walking until I came across a massive ball of light.

From within the ball of light, a hand emerged and reached out to me. I took hold of it and walked into the light. The interior was filled with an immense, luminous light that glowed in shades of white and yellow. Though I couldn't see the figure that had welcomed me, I sensed its presence nearby.

I sat down and felt the energy of the light covering my entire being. Along with this energy, something else began to happen. The spirit being that had greeted me was now beside me, and our energies merged as one.

Once the process was complete, I calmly stood up and walked back outside.

To my surprise, a large, beautiful wolf was waiting for me. He was there as a protector and guide. As we commenced the journey back home, I felt immensely calm and cared for. I did not see the older man on my way out.

We journeyed upstream to the location of the cave. All the time, my lovely animal guide remained by my side. By now, I heard a faraway voice saying, “It's time to come back.” I opened my eyes and realized I was back in the room where it all started.

Although I did not place spirit and animal guides into my third eye or heart chakra- as directed by the Shaman at the beginning of the journey- I felt they were deep inside me. Their strength and energy were now a part of me.

I attended the workshop expecting very little and walked away feeling invincible.

NOTE: Although I have never personally undergone a Near Death Experience, the profound nature of this particular situation left me with the overwhelming sensation that I had confronted death and emerged anew.

Case 2
A Visit to a Shaman in the City

It was a beautiful summer day, and I was heading to see a Shaman. What was I getting myself into? I had no clue.

I had read an article on the Shaman and the significance of indigenous cultures in the study and practice of shamanism. After reading the article, I felt a strong impulse to see him. Since it was my first time visiting a Shaman, I did not know what to expect. I was ten percent nervous and ninety percent curious.

As I came out of the subway and walked slowly towards the address of the Shaman, my thoughts began jumping from one thing to another, much like the workshop practice of shamanic journeying. “What is going to happen? What kind of a person is he? Will his guides connect with me?” These and other questions kept entering my mind.

At the designated time, I rang the bell. A white, middle-aged man with a pleasant smile opened the door. “Hello…come in and have a seat,” he said. As I sat down on a couch, my eyes began inspecting the area. It was a small space with various spiritual items spread around the room. Near the windows were a table and two chairs. On top of the table were stones, flowers, and other items, which I don't recall at the moment. 

After a brief introduction, he told me to sit on one of the chairs near the window. He then gave me a candle and said, “Take this candle, rub it around your body and pray for all problems and negative energy to be transmitted to the candle.” I closed my eyes and did exactly what he told me. When I finished, I handed him the candle. He lit the candle and proceeded to do a candle reading.

Although the reading did not impress me, I enjoyed the interaction. It was very amicable. By the end of the reading, we were exchanging information concerning various aspects of certain religious beliefs. He spoke about plant medicine and shamanic work, topics I was unfamiliar with but found interesting. 

Suddenly, he looked at me and said, “Do you want to do the spiritual cleansing?” (a practice rooted in ancient and interconnected shamanic traditions).

“Is the Pope Catholic? Is there tea in China?” I said to myself. What a ridiculous question. Of course, I wanted the spiritual cleansing. It was the main reason why I was there.

He instructed me to stand in the middle of the room. Then, he gave me two stones- one for each hand. I held them tightly, closed my eyes, and proceeded to pray.

As I continued praying, I felt the Shaman spraying a liquid over my body. I believe it was rum, but I am not sure. After spraying me, he began chanting as if calling on the Divine Energy.

Suddenly, I began to have a dream-like vision. I saw the spirit of a middle-aged man of medium stature moving around me in a circle. Just like the Shaman, he was speaking in a foreign tongue. As he moved around me, he kept shaking a rattle and chanting. Out of nowhere, a snake appeared. It approached my feet and moved slowly up my body. When it reached my head, it continued to move up into the air in the direction of the spirit. Grabbing the snake, it transformed into a staff. The spirit held it tightly and placed it down. Next to the spirit was a wolf sitting and observing patiently. Then, a large bird appeared. It went to the top of my head, seized a red ribbon, and flew away.

When the vision was over, I heard the Shaman calling me. He took away the two stones and gave me another one. “Here, take this stone and keep it close to your body,” he said. I placed it close to my stomach area and held it firmly. My hands and legs started shaking as he started chanting. The energy I felt was very powerful.

When the cleansing was over, I felt peaceful and satisfied. After I had a few minutes to gather my thoughts, the Shaman gave me some water. As I was getting ready to leave, we hugged each other and said our farewells.

As I walked towards the train station, my mind was completely blank. I could not process what had happened to me. That evening nothing extraordinary occurred.

The next day, the unexpected happened. I was visited by a spirit. In a dream-like state, I saw myself resting on a bed. A man appeared and sat next to me. He was the same man or spirit I had seen the day before during the cleansing. He smiled and commenced to reveal facts about the spiritual cleansing. Although he was not communicating verbally, his thoughts were apparent to me.

He stated that he was the same spirit that had appeared the day before. In fact, his energy directed me to the Shaman. To understand his energy, it was vital for me to see, feel, and experience it.

The ceremony consisted of calling upon the Divine Creator to allow higher-ranking spirits to descend and fill the area with their energy. The shaking of the rattle, the chanting, and the moving in circular form were all part of the calling process.

Furthermore, he stated that the snake represented the spirit of extraction, a key aspect of spiritual beliefs. It was used to remove unwanted energy. As it moved slowly up the body, it was releasing negative energy and taking it to the top. When it detached itself from the body, it removed all of the negative energy. It then transformed into a staff.

The wolf represented the spirit of protection from the spiritual realms. Its mission was to protect and guard the medium and the receiver from all negative energy.

The large bird, an eagle, represented the spirit in charge of removing and discarding negative energy to another dimension in the spiritual world.

Reaching the end of his explanation, he smiled and assured me that things were going to be okay.

Immediately, I woke up feeling a sense of inner peace.

Remember, if you have a strong inclination to do something or if spirits of light move you in a specific direction, go for it. You never know what is on the other side of the rainbow.

There is a reason for all things in life.

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