Resources: Links and Books
Spiritual Art and Tools
Lucy Filce, Artist: www.lucyfilce.com
Lucy is an Artist friend of mine who creates sacred and visionary art, as well as more classical paintings, such a traditional oil portraiture. She also creates fashion, and offers workshops inspired by her pictures. Lehner Mineralien: http://lehner-mineralien.ch Sustainably sourced crystals from the Swiss alps (Online shop in German and English, ships to the UK at reasonable cost). Latitude: www.latitude-imports.co.uk Native American craft products, jewellery and an excellent collection of burning herbs. Sound travels: www.soundtravels.co.uk Lots of musical instruments from all parts of the world, including frame drums, singing bowls, temple bells. Plus drum bags and esoterica. I find them very helpful and reasonably priced. Treadwell's: www.treadwells-london.com One of my favourite book shops in London, specializing in books and tools to do with the 'non-ordinary reality'. Spirituality, Ancient cultures and beliefs, Herbalism and Healing Arts, etc. etc. They also have an online shop, but it mostly contains their rare and unusual titles. |
Professional Associations /Training Bodies
Foundation for Shamanic Studies: www.shamanism.org
Research and teaching organisation of Core Shamanism, Founded by the late Michael Harner. Rich source of articles, books and training opportunities. They offer a variety of core shamanic courses, plus a three-year advanced training program. Website contains a practitioner register. Hallowquest: www.hallowquest.org.uk Caitlin and John Matthews' page. Books, card sets and training opportunities about the myths of Britain and Ireland, Celtic shamanism and Arthurian mysteries. Eagle's Wing College of Contemporary Shamanism: http://eagleswing.co.uk Leo Rutherford's training centre - one of the first ones in the UK to teach contemporary shamanism. They run courses and practitioner trainings, specialising on the Medicine Wheel (Star Maiden's Circle), Trance Dance, and courses for women. Sacred Trust: https://sacredtrust.org Simon Buxton's training centre. They offer cultural and classic shamanic training, darkness retreats, a three year practitioner training, and courses for women (the Path of the Pollen). Soul Midwife School: www.soulmidwives.co.uk Felicity Warner has researched ancient and modern ways of supporting the dying in a holistic way. She has written several books and now trains lay people and professionals in soul midwifery and Tender Loving Care. Practitioners are in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa UK Reiki Federation: www.reikifed. co.uk One of the leading associations for Reiki practitioners and clients in the UK. Their aim is to bring Reiki into the mainstream so that there is a general understanding of what Reiki is, how it can help and how the training can be accessed. This page contains a practitioner register. |
Sweat Lodges
The Sweat Lodge is an ancient purification and healing ritual. It works with the four elements - fire, water, earth, and air. In ceremonial ways, rocks are heated and then brought into the lodge, where water is poured over them. The steam and heat are cleansing, and they help us move out of the analytical brain into more intuitive ways of perceiving reality.
If you like to attend a sweat lodge, please give us a call. We can point you in the right direction. |
Some of my Favourite Books
Introductions to Core / Contemporary Shamanism
Michael Harner: The Way of the Shaman.
This was originally published 1980 and is a real classic. Michael Harner has researches shamanism across the world and was especially interested in similarities across cultures. He is the father of 'Core Shamanism', which is documented in this book.
Leo Rutherford: The View through the Medicine Wheel.
Leo was one of the first to bring Shamanic teachings to the UK, and he has written several good introduction books about the Shaman's Path. I like this book about the Medicine Wheel, as it offers a lot of practical inspiration to work with the Wheel.
Piers Vitebsky: The Shaman: Voyages of the Soul: Trance Dance, Ecstasy and Healing from Siberia to the Amazon.
This is a scholarly and easy accessible book with a variety of photos, paintings and eye-witness accounts. Can give you a broad overview of the topic very quickly. Piers has written another interesting book about the Reindeer People in Siberia (living with animals and spirits...).
Sandra Ingerman: Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self. and Welcome Home: Following your Soul's Journey Home.
These two books are classics of the Soul Retrieval process. Sandra has written many other introductory books and recently published about the application of a shamanic life-style to modern life, ecology and peace.
Eligio Stephen Gallegos: The Personal Totem Pole: Animal Imagery, the Chakras and Psychotherapy.
This is not really a shamanic book, but it is an interesting cross-over of Shamanic power animal work and Psychotherapy. Steve Gallegos has inspired my coaching approaches that work with the Chakras.
This was originally published 1980 and is a real classic. Michael Harner has researches shamanism across the world and was especially interested in similarities across cultures. He is the father of 'Core Shamanism', which is documented in this book.
Leo Rutherford: The View through the Medicine Wheel.
Leo was one of the first to bring Shamanic teachings to the UK, and he has written several good introduction books about the Shaman's Path. I like this book about the Medicine Wheel, as it offers a lot of practical inspiration to work with the Wheel.
Piers Vitebsky: The Shaman: Voyages of the Soul: Trance Dance, Ecstasy and Healing from Siberia to the Amazon.
This is a scholarly and easy accessible book with a variety of photos, paintings and eye-witness accounts. Can give you a broad overview of the topic very quickly. Piers has written another interesting book about the Reindeer People in Siberia (living with animals and spirits...).
Sandra Ingerman: Soul Retrieval: Mending the Fragmented Self. and Welcome Home: Following your Soul's Journey Home.
These two books are classics of the Soul Retrieval process. Sandra has written many other introductory books and recently published about the application of a shamanic life-style to modern life, ecology and peace.
Eligio Stephen Gallegos: The Personal Totem Pole: Animal Imagery, the Chakras and Psychotherapy.
This is not really a shamanic book, but it is an interesting cross-over of Shamanic power animal work and Psychotherapy. Steve Gallegos has inspired my coaching approaches that work with the Chakras.
Shamanism Around the World
Black Elk & Joseph Epes Brown: The Sacred Pipe. Black Elk's Account of the Seven Rites of the Oglala Sioux.
This book is not an introduction to Shamanism, but gives insights in important Native American ceremonies, such as Sweat Lodge, Vision Quest, Pipe Ritual and Sun Dance. Black Elk was a Holy Man of the Sioux, and his other famous book is "Black Elk speaks" originally published 1932.
Serge Kahili King: Urban Shaman.
This is a book out of a Hawaiian perspective; Hawaiian shamanism follows the way of the adventurer which produces change through love and cooperation. Classic skills of shamanism; working with dreams, divination, using visions as driving forces, healing etc. are set in the framework of the seven fundamental Huna principles.
Serge has written another interesting book: Instant Healing, which is even more practical for healing purposes.
Evelyn C. Rysdyk: The Norse Shaman: Ancient Spiritual Practices of the Northern Traditions.
This came out 2016 and is one of the few books that focuses on Northern European traditions. Great research based on oral tradition and folk tales, combined with practical/journey work to explore the topic further.
John Matthews: The Celtic Shaman. A Practical Guide.
Techniques and Exercises that can be traced back to aspects of Celtic life or culture. For people who would like to go even deeper into historical accounts behind this book, read John's scholarly "Taliesin, Shamanism and the Bardic Mysteries in Britain and Ireland".
Sarangerel: Riding Wind Horse. A Journey into the Heart of Mongolian Shamanism.
Excellent and accessible overview of Mongolian Shamanism with some practical exercises and rituals that can be used for our Western everyday life. There is also a follow-up book that takes you even deeper.
Larry Peters: Tibetan Shamanism: Ecstasy and Healing.
A wonderful book for a winter night on the sofa - just take off into a magical world and learn more about Tibetan healing rituals and the Yeti as the Spirit of the Himalayan forest shamans...
Virlana Tkacz: Siberian Shamanism. The Shanar Ritual of the Buryats.
A book full of stories, photos, prayers and chants - you can pick it up and get inspired, without having to read it in one go.
This book is not an introduction to Shamanism, but gives insights in important Native American ceremonies, such as Sweat Lodge, Vision Quest, Pipe Ritual and Sun Dance. Black Elk was a Holy Man of the Sioux, and his other famous book is "Black Elk speaks" originally published 1932.
Serge Kahili King: Urban Shaman.
This is a book out of a Hawaiian perspective; Hawaiian shamanism follows the way of the adventurer which produces change through love and cooperation. Classic skills of shamanism; working with dreams, divination, using visions as driving forces, healing etc. are set in the framework of the seven fundamental Huna principles.
Serge has written another interesting book: Instant Healing, which is even more practical for healing purposes.
Evelyn C. Rysdyk: The Norse Shaman: Ancient Spiritual Practices of the Northern Traditions.
This came out 2016 and is one of the few books that focuses on Northern European traditions. Great research based on oral tradition and folk tales, combined with practical/journey work to explore the topic further.
John Matthews: The Celtic Shaman. A Practical Guide.
Techniques and Exercises that can be traced back to aspects of Celtic life or culture. For people who would like to go even deeper into historical accounts behind this book, read John's scholarly "Taliesin, Shamanism and the Bardic Mysteries in Britain and Ireland".
Sarangerel: Riding Wind Horse. A Journey into the Heart of Mongolian Shamanism.
Excellent and accessible overview of Mongolian Shamanism with some practical exercises and rituals that can be used for our Western everyday life. There is also a follow-up book that takes you even deeper.
Larry Peters: Tibetan Shamanism: Ecstasy and Healing.
A wonderful book for a winter night on the sofa - just take off into a magical world and learn more about Tibetan healing rituals and the Yeti as the Spirit of the Himalayan forest shamans...
Virlana Tkacz: Siberian Shamanism. The Shanar Ritual of the Buryats.
A book full of stories, photos, prayers and chants - you can pick it up and get inspired, without having to read it in one go.
End-of-Life
Felicity Warner: A Safe Journey Home.
This is an ideal intro book for people who look after a dying friend or relative. Felicity has written another very good book for professionals: The Soul Midwives' Handbook.
Joan Halifax: Being with the Dying. Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death.
Honest and compassionate book for care givers that contains many 'Meditations' about core themes such as Letting Go or The Wounded Healer. Joan is a Zen roshi (senior teacher), and this shines through, but the book is not Buddhist per se.
This is an ideal intro book for people who look after a dying friend or relative. Felicity has written another very good book for professionals: The Soul Midwives' Handbook.
Joan Halifax: Being with the Dying. Cultivating Compassion and Fearlessness in the Presence of Death.
Honest and compassionate book for care givers that contains many 'Meditations' about core themes such as Letting Go or The Wounded Healer. Joan is a Zen roshi (senior teacher), and this shines through, but the book is not Buddhist per se.
Reiki
Penelope Quest: Reiki for Life: The Complete Guide to Reiki Practice for Levels 1,2 and 3.
If you look for an intro-book: this is comprehensive and easy-to-understand.
Taggart King: Liberate your Reiki. 86 Articles about Reiki - One Inspiring Vision.
When Reiki came to the West, it was often watered down a bit and sometimes overly regulated. This book shows you how to set yourself free from constraints, dogmas and rules of Western Reiki, while still keeping your integrity as a disciplined practitioner. This is not a beginner's book.
Walter Luebeck: Reiki for First Aid.
I use this book a lot for little injuries, bee stings, and everyday health care.
Elizabeth Fulton: Animal Reiki.
The treatment of animals is often mentioned in Reiki courses, but not given much attention. This book explains how to approach animals as diverse as horses and hamsters and tells you how much Reiki they might need.
UK Reiki Federation: Reiki - the Scientific Evidence.
If you are interested in science: This is a summary of a variety of studies that have been conducted to measure the impact of Reiki as a Healing Art.
Download the study here (pdf file).
If you look for an intro-book: this is comprehensive and easy-to-understand.
Taggart King: Liberate your Reiki. 86 Articles about Reiki - One Inspiring Vision.
When Reiki came to the West, it was often watered down a bit and sometimes overly regulated. This book shows you how to set yourself free from constraints, dogmas and rules of Western Reiki, while still keeping your integrity as a disciplined practitioner. This is not a beginner's book.
Walter Luebeck: Reiki for First Aid.
I use this book a lot for little injuries, bee stings, and everyday health care.
Elizabeth Fulton: Animal Reiki.
The treatment of animals is often mentioned in Reiki courses, but not given much attention. This book explains how to approach animals as diverse as horses and hamsters and tells you how much Reiki they might need.
UK Reiki Federation: Reiki - the Scientific Evidence.
If you are interested in science: This is a summary of a variety of studies that have been conducted to measure the impact of Reiki as a Healing Art.
Download the study here (pdf file).
Stories - Memoires - Novels
Charles Langley: Meeting the Medicine Men; An Englishman's Travels among the Navajo.
Charles Langley, a former London newspaper executive, meets Blue Horse, a Medicine Man travelling the vast Navajo Nation of New Mexico and Arizona. Charles becomes Blue Horse's “bag carrier” and chauffeur and eventually his trainee.
David Rockwell: Giving Voice to Bear: North American Indian Myths, Rituals, and Images of the Bear.
Inspiring book if you are a bear lover. Lots of pictures and stories in this book. And who knows, maybe Bear will knock on your door one day explaining that he/she is your power animal.
Evelyn Eaton: I Send a Voice.
Evelyn was one of the first writers who documented her experiences with Native Sweat Lodge, Pipe Ceremonies, Fasting and Healing Rituals. This is not a scholarly book, but a memoire and a selection of personal stories.
Jane Burns: Up a Tree. A Novel and Shamanic Handbook.
Interesting - if possibly slightly constructed - story of a women who uses the core tools of core shamanism (journeying, extraction work, soul retrieval and psychopomp) for the challenges of her everyday life.
Kent Nerburn: Neither Wolf nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder.
This is a very realistic book about the relationship between White people and the Native American communities and their history. In between the lines, there is a lot of teaching about Earth Medicine and shamanic approaches. Ken has written many similar books later, but this one was his break-through.
Lori Arviso Alvord: The Scalpel and the Silver Bear. The First Navajo Women Surgeon Combines Western Medicine and Traditional Healing.
Not really a shamanic book, but a fascinating journey between the worlds - bringing modern medicine to the reservation in Gallup. And bringing the values of her people to a modern medical system that was in danger of losing its heart.
Priscilla Cogan: Winona's Web: A Novel of Discovery.
Winona Pathfinder, an elderly Lakota medicine woman, announces that she intends to die in two months. Her family is in shock and refers her to psychologist Dr Meggie O'Connor for counselling... The client turns the table and the two women go on a discovery journey together. You will read a lot about the practice of sweat lodge and the use of the pipe in everyday life.
Rupert Isaacson: The Horse Boy: A Father's Miraculous Journey to Heal his Son.
When Rupert finds out that his autistic son learns best on a horse back, and that a visiting shaman can make a huge difference to him, he goes on some epic trips to meet the shamans of Mongolia, Africa and Native America. His son makes much progress after each visit, and Rupert creates a new way of working with autistic children.
Simon Buxton: The Shamanic Way of the Bee. Ancient Wisdom and Healing Practices of the Bee Masters.
This is a book about Bee shamanism and a spiritual memoir of Simon, who is one of the well-known Shamanic teachers in the UK. Good book to read before bed time - dreams of the honey bee and her feminine mystery may follow.
Charles Langley, a former London newspaper executive, meets Blue Horse, a Medicine Man travelling the vast Navajo Nation of New Mexico and Arizona. Charles becomes Blue Horse's “bag carrier” and chauffeur and eventually his trainee.
David Rockwell: Giving Voice to Bear: North American Indian Myths, Rituals, and Images of the Bear.
Inspiring book if you are a bear lover. Lots of pictures and stories in this book. And who knows, maybe Bear will knock on your door one day explaining that he/she is your power animal.
Evelyn Eaton: I Send a Voice.
Evelyn was one of the first writers who documented her experiences with Native Sweat Lodge, Pipe Ceremonies, Fasting and Healing Rituals. This is not a scholarly book, but a memoire and a selection of personal stories.
Jane Burns: Up a Tree. A Novel and Shamanic Handbook.
Interesting - if possibly slightly constructed - story of a women who uses the core tools of core shamanism (journeying, extraction work, soul retrieval and psychopomp) for the challenges of her everyday life.
Kent Nerburn: Neither Wolf nor Dog: On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder.
This is a very realistic book about the relationship between White people and the Native American communities and their history. In between the lines, there is a lot of teaching about Earth Medicine and shamanic approaches. Ken has written many similar books later, but this one was his break-through.
Lori Arviso Alvord: The Scalpel and the Silver Bear. The First Navajo Women Surgeon Combines Western Medicine and Traditional Healing.
Not really a shamanic book, but a fascinating journey between the worlds - bringing modern medicine to the reservation in Gallup. And bringing the values of her people to a modern medical system that was in danger of losing its heart.
Priscilla Cogan: Winona's Web: A Novel of Discovery.
Winona Pathfinder, an elderly Lakota medicine woman, announces that she intends to die in two months. Her family is in shock and refers her to psychologist Dr Meggie O'Connor for counselling... The client turns the table and the two women go on a discovery journey together. You will read a lot about the practice of sweat lodge and the use of the pipe in everyday life.
Rupert Isaacson: The Horse Boy: A Father's Miraculous Journey to Heal his Son.
When Rupert finds out that his autistic son learns best on a horse back, and that a visiting shaman can make a huge difference to him, he goes on some epic trips to meet the shamans of Mongolia, Africa and Native America. His son makes much progress after each visit, and Rupert creates a new way of working with autistic children.
Simon Buxton: The Shamanic Way of the Bee. Ancient Wisdom and Healing Practices of the Bee Masters.
This is a book about Bee shamanism and a spiritual memoir of Simon, who is one of the well-known Shamanic teachers in the UK. Good book to read before bed time - dreams of the honey bee and her feminine mystery may follow.
Spirit at Work
Sue Howard: The Spirit at Work Phenomenon.
Businesses have become the most powerful and influential institutions on earth, as such, they have social and planetary responsibilities that go beyond making a profit... With many stories and examples, this book draws together the central aspects of workplace spirituality. Some of these thoughts are also drivers of our "New Leadership Coaching" offerings.
Harrison Owen - the Power of Spirit; How Organizations Transform.
Harrison is one of the leading promoters of "Open Space Technology" - an approach to organisational change that involves everybody involved and allows them to create their own projects based on where their 'spirit' - inner energy - leads them.
Prigogine, Ilya: Order out of Chaos.
One of the first popular books on Chaos theory, which changed the way many people think about organisations; they don't see them as Newtonian machines any more, but as systems that follow the hidden order of creation. A very spiritual thought indeed...
Businesses have become the most powerful and influential institutions on earth, as such, they have social and planetary responsibilities that go beyond making a profit... With many stories and examples, this book draws together the central aspects of workplace spirituality. Some of these thoughts are also drivers of our "New Leadership Coaching" offerings.
Harrison Owen - the Power of Spirit; How Organizations Transform.
Harrison is one of the leading promoters of "Open Space Technology" - an approach to organisational change that involves everybody involved and allows them to create their own projects based on where their 'spirit' - inner energy - leads them.
Prigogine, Ilya: Order out of Chaos.
One of the first popular books on Chaos theory, which changed the way many people think about organisations; they don't see them as Newtonian machines any more, but as systems that follow the hidden order of creation. A very spiritual thought indeed...
Interested in a different Healing Path?
Practitioners who are Friends of the Fireside Lodge
Sheila Bowdler, Aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote health and well-being. Sometimes it’s called essential oil therapy. Aromatherapy uses aromatic essential oils medicinally to improve the health of the body, mind, and spirit. It enhances both physical and emotional health. My name is Sheila. I am Aromatherapist & Holistic Therapist recognized by IFA(International Federation of Aromatherapists), based in Ealing Common, 2 minutes walk from the underground station (easy access from Piccadilly Line and District Line). Parking is available also. My email is sheilabow1@gmail.com |
Grandmother Spider weaving connections.