Intro to Shamanism:  Path of Empowerment & Healing
with Kate Durda 
Peoples Church, Kalamazoo, MI
Saturday, September 9, 2017  10 am - 4:30 pm

This training is the pre-requisite for all other Spirit Weavers training!

Shamanism is an ancient and powerful spiritual practice utilized throughout history and still today to restore spiritual and physical health and obtain self-knowledge. The Shamanic Journey has been called one of the “most remarkable visionary methods used by humankind to explore the hidden universe otherwise known mainly through myth and dream”. Groundbreaking work in fields such as the 'new biology', quantum physics, and alternative medicine are validating what shamans and other wise spiritual healers knew and practiced  thousands of years ago. We know that the mind/body/spirit connection is of vital importance not only in helping us to heal from illness, but beyond that, to truly 'thrive' and live in a state of 'wellness'. 
This will be an experiential workshop,  based upon the Foundation for Shamanic Studies (www.Shamanism.org) “Core Shamanism” approach (those aspects of Shamanism that were common cross-culturally, and  central to all Shamanic practice). You will learn a practice to shift your your brain wave activity into more optimal states for healing. The benefits of one type of brain activity, the alpha brainwave, are the ability to relax and keep the mind on idle when not focused on specific task, heightened feelings of well-being and euphoria, increased creativity, and deep emotional healing.  Yet it has been found that 20 % of the population does not engage in alpha brain waves. Also, another benefit of shamanic practice  is that it allows us to engage in deep levels of self-healing, particularly on the subconscious level. You will learn methods for journeying to discover, and study with your own individual spiritual teachers in non-ordinary reality, a classic step in shamanic practice.
Bring a water bottle, snacks, journal, frame drum or rattle if you have them (I have extras if not!)  Please wear comfortable clothing, warm socks, & bring a bandanna or eye cover.  Bring rattles/frame drums if you have them.   Since often people prefer to journey while lying on the floor, you may want to bring a mat to lie on and a blanket to cover up with. 
TO REGISTER:  $85 early registration if received by September 6; $95 after that date and at door.  To register for this workshop click here.  Must be pre registered.  Must call if not paid in  advance.  Repeaters $25.

Shamanism Without Borders
with Kate and Stephanie
September 23, Saturday 10 am - 5pm
Rudolf Steiner House,Ann Arbor, Mi. 
Powerful methodology for engaginng inommunity healing work akin to "Doctors without Borders".  With the natural disasters and man-made tragedies we call for a coming together of spiritual work!
See Society for Shamanic Practice for more information.
Stay tuned for more details!
TO REGISTER:  $100 for early registration if paid by September 1st.   After this date the cost is $125. To register for this workshop click here.  If you have taken this workshop before you are welcome to repeat it for $50 if there is room and if you are registered by 9/15/17.

October 2017 

Intro to Shamanism:  Path of Empowerment & Healing
with Kate Durda, M.A.
People's Church, Kalamazoo, Mi
Saturday, October 7, 2017  10 am - 5 pm

This training is the pre-requisite for all other Spirit Weavers training!

Shamanism is an ancient and powerful spiritual practice utilized throughout history and still today to restore spiritual and physical health and obtain self-knowledge. The Shamanic Journey has been called one of the “most remarkable visionary methods used by humankind to explore the hidden universe otherwise known mainly through myth and dream”. Groundbreaking work in fields such as the 'new biology', quantum physics, and alternative medicine are validating what shamans and other wise spiritual healers knew and practiced  thousands of years ago. We know that the mind/body/spirit connection is of vital importance not only in helping us to heal from illness, but beyond that, to truly 'thrive' and live in a state of 'wellness'. 
This will be an experiential workshop,  based upon the Foundation for Shamanic Studies (www.Shamanism.org) “Core Shamanism” approach (those aspects of Shamanism that were common cross-culturally, and  central to all Shamanic practice). You will learn a practice to shift your your brain wave activity into more optimal states for healing. The benefits of one type of brain activity, the alpha brainwave, are the ability to relax and keep the mind on idle when not focused on specific task, heightened feelings of well-being and euphoria, increased creativity, and deep emotional healing.  Yet it has been found that 20 % of the population does not engage in alpha brain waves. Also, another benefit of shamanic practice  is that it allows us to engage in deep levels of self-healing, particularly on the subconscious level. You will learn methods for journeying to discover, and study with your own individual spiritual teachers in non-ordinary reality, a classic step in shamanic practice.
Bring a water bottle, snacks, journal, frame drum or rattle if you have them (I have extras if not!)  Please wear comfortable clothing, warm socks, & bring a bandanna or eye cover.  Bring rattles/frame drums if you have them.   Since often people prefer to journey while lying on the floor, you may want to bring a mat to lie on and a blanket to cover up with. 
TO REGISTER:  $85 early registration if received by October 4; $95 after that date and at door.  To register for this workshop click here.  Must be pre registered.  Must call if not paid in  advance.  Repeaters $25.

Dying Well: A Shamanic Approach to Death and Dying
with Kate Durda, M.A.  and Stephanie Tighe, MSW
October 14-15 in Ann Arbor, Mi.  10 am-5 pm

(this workshop is NOT residential but if you wish you can make arrangements to stay at the Steiner House where we are meeting)
Participants learn how to deal with the issue of dying and the destiny of souls from a shamanic perspective. The workshop is both for those who wish to learn for themselves, and for those who wish to help others who are in terminal situations or who have already passed on. Experiences to be undertaken include learning how to become experientially familiar with the after-death realms, completing unfinished business, helping a person to cross over, classic psychopomp work and how to prepare for death.
Participants must know how to journey as taught by the Foundation for Shamanic Studies or Kate and Stephanie.  If you have questions about this please contact us.

Bring a water bottle, lunch and snacks, journal, frame drum or rattle if you have them. Please wear comfortable clothing, warm socks, & bring a bandanna or eye cover.    Since often people prefer to journey while lying on the floor, you may want to bring a mat to lie on and a blanket to cover up with. 
TO REGISTER:  $150 for early registration if paid by Oct. 1.  After this date the cost is $175.  To register for this workshop click here.

November 2017   

 Feast for the Dead (Dia de los Muertos)  
November 1, 6:00 -8:00pm (Wednesday), Lansing, Mi.
At this annual event we celebrate our ancestors of bread and milk (both relatives and non-relatives).  You are invited to bring photos or momentos of your ancestors/loved ones (animals included!) for our altar (you will be able to take them home).  Please also bring a dish to share that your ancestors would love to eat.   Flowers would also be welcome since Ancestors love beauty.  You will be asked to share stories/accomplishments/favorite poems, etc. of your ancestors.  We will also be journeying to our ancestors and writing a prayer to them.   Please bring your own plate, silverware, glass and bowl.  Donations accepted.   YOU MUST RSVP for further information.  Contact Stephanie at 517 667-8448 or stephanietighe@gmail.com

PATH OF THE OPEN HEART  - SESSION 1
Session One:  Shaman's Cosmology - Lower World and Power Animals
Fundamentals of Shamanism - Path of the Open Heart
with Kate Durda 
November 10, 10am - 5pm
People's Church, Kalamzoo, Mi

Lower World:  Power Animals.  In this 1st of four Sessions, you will practice the journey to the Lower World, and work closely with your POWER ANIMAL(s). Learn how to work with your power animal(s) for direct inspiration, guidance, protection and more. Explore and learn about the tradition of Power Songs. Practice the "Restoration of Lost Power/Power Animal Retrieval" healing method.  Experience classic shape shifting  in the Power Animal Dance and healing work.  Learn a cultural ritual for self healing.   
Join us for remarkable explorations of spirituality!
About the The PATH of the OPEN HEART:  This series is called the PATH of the OPEN HEART, after the program which I have taught for the past ten years as a Shamanic "Apprenticeship" training. 
These classes are useful for beginners, intermediate practitioners, and advanced alike.   The series covers the core practices in Shamanism other than advanced healing methods.  The Path of the Open Heart series will prepare those of you interested in pursuing the healing path.
Note: the Path of Open Heart Series classes are "stand alone", you can take one or all of them.
 Each session may also include work with basic practices such as creating sacred space, altars, medicine bundles, ethics in spiritual practice, working with the seasons (solstice, equinox), spirits of the land, and  more!  In addition, cross-cultural practices will be included. I have worked with Buryat, Tibetan, Celtic, Andean and Native American shamanic practices, among others, which will also inform and complete our work together. 

***Pre-requisite of this series is experience with the "Shamanic Journey' as taught by the Foundation for Shamanic Studies or one of their students or taking "Shamanism:  Path of Empowerment and Healing" as taught by Kate Durda.  Call us to discuss your experience.

TO REGISTER: $90 early registration if received by November 2nd, 2017 or $250 for all  sessions paid in full by March 11, 2017.   $100 after that date and at door. For information on how to register for this workshop click here.   Repeaters can attend for $35 per session.

December 2017

PATH OF THE OPEN HEART  - SESSION 2
Upper World: Teachers and Guides, Cosmology of the Shaman

with Kate Durda, M.A.
December 2, 2017  10 am to 5 pm
People's Church, Kalamazoo, MI

Continue to explore the Shaman's Cosmology of Upper/Middle/ and Lower Worlds (aka  the "Universal Field", "Dreamtime" , "Non-Ordinary Reality", etc). In this session you will experience the "Upper World' (UW). a realm of spiritual enlightenment and truth, and the realm of spiritual teachers/masters/guides.  Learn cross-cultural healing ritual for self; re-member more about your True Self, and who you are in this lifetime, discover and/or strengthen your working relationship with your U.W. teachers.

This program Path of the Open Heart, provides a solid foundation in the powerful spiritual path of Shamanism.   For those who have had only an introduction to Shamanism, to those who've explored some, still have yet to deepen practice, to those more advanced as well!

This series will allow you to truly come to understand what the spiritual practice of Shamanism has to offer to our everday lives! Shamanism IS "practical", useful, helpful, healing - just as it has been for over 40,000 years!!  Come learn why it still exists as one of the most practical and powerful spiritual practices known.  Shamanism is also a PRACTICE! You get from it what you put into it..as with anything powerful and significant!   For beginners or experienced alike, this series offers deep experiential practice, and is an expanded version of the apprentice training program, which I have offered annually for over 10 years.  

***Pre-requisite of this series is experience with the "Shamanic Journey' as taught by the Foundation for Shamanic Studies or one of their students or taking "Shamanism:  Path of Empowerment and Healing" as taught by Kate Durda.  Call us to discuss your experience. About the The PATH of the OPEN HEART:     This series is called the PATH of the OPEN HEART, after the program which I have taught for the past ten years as a Shamanic "Apprenticeship" training. 
These classes are useful for beginners, intermediate practitioners, and advanced alike.   The series covers the core practices in Shamanism other than advanced healing methods. Those are offered separately, to the advanced/experienced practitioner. The Path of the Open Heart series will prepare those of you interested in pursuing the healing path.
Note: the Path of Open Heart Series classes are "stand alone", you can take one or all (of course, we recommend all of them for a solid foundation in beginning shamanism, but you can pick up what you miss at other times!). 
Each session may also include work with basic practices such as creating sacred space, altars, medicine bundles, ethics in spiritual practice, working with the seasons (solstice, equinox), spirits of the land, and  more!  In addition, cross-cultural practices will be included. I have worked with Buryat, Tibetan, Celtic, Andean and Native American shamanic practices, among others, which will also inform and complete our work together. 
 TO REGISTER:  $95 early registration if received by November 25; $110 after that date and at door. For information on how to register for this workshop click here.  If you are taking this class again, cost is $35.

Intro to Shamanism:  Path of Empowerment & Healing

with Kate Durda, M.A.
Center for Sacred Living,   Ann Arbor, Mi
Saturday, December 3, 2017  10 am - 5 pm

This training is the pre-requisite for all other Spirit Weavers training!

Shamanism is an ancient and powerful spiritual practice utilized throughout history and still today to restore spiritual and physical health and obtain self-knowledge. The Shamanic Journey has been called one of the “most remarkable visionary methods used by humankind to explore the hidden universe otherwise known mainly through myth and dream”. Groundbreaking work in fields such as the 'new biology', quantum physics, and alternative medicine are validating what shamans and other wise spiritual healers knew and practiced  thousands of years ago. We know that the mind/body/spirit connection is of vital importance not only in helping us to heal from illness, but beyond that, to truly 'thrive' and live in a state of 'wellness'. 
This will be an experiential workshop,  based upon the Foundation for Shamanic Studies (www.Shamanism.org) “Core Shamanism” approach (those aspects of Shamanism that were common cross-culturally, and  central to all Shamanic practice). You will learn a practice to shift your your brain wave activity into more optimal states for healing. The benefits of one type of brain activity, the alpha brainwave, are the ability to relax and keep the mind on idle when not focused on specific task, heightened feelings of well-being and euphoria, increased creativity, and deep emotional healing.  Yet it has been found that 20 % of the population does not engage in alpha brain waves. Also, another benefit of shamanic practice  is that it allows us to engage in deep levels of self-healing, particularly on the subconscious level. You will learn methods for journeying to discover, and study with your own individual spiritual teachers in non-ordinary reality, a classic step in shamanic practice.
Bring a water bottle, snacks, journal, frame drum or rattle if you have them (I have extras if not!)  Please wear comfortable clothing, warm socks, & bring a bandanna or eye cover.  Bring rattles/frame drums if you have them.   Since often people prefer to journey while lying on the floor, you may want to bring a mat to lie on and a blanket to cover up with. 
TO REGISTER:  $95 early registration if received by Nov. 30; $110 after that date and at door.  To register for this workshop click here.  Must be pre registered.  Must call if not paid in  advance.  Repeaters $25.

February 2018

Inreo ro Shamanism:  Path of Empowerment & Healing
with Kate Durda in Ann Arbor, Mi at Sacred Living
Saturday, February 24, 2018  10 am - 5 pm

This training is the pre-requisite for all other Spirit Weavers training!

Shamanism is an ancient and powerful spiritual practice utilized throughout history and still today to restore spiritual and physical health and obtain self-knowledge. The Shamanic Journey has been called one of the “most remarkable visionary methods used by humankind to explore the hidden universe otherwise known mainly through myth and dream”. Groundbreaking work in fields such as the 'new biology', quantum physics, and alternative medicine are validating what shamans and other wise spiritual healers knew and practiced  thousands of years ago. We know that the mind/body/spirit connection is of vital importance not only in helping us to heal from illness, but beyond that, to truly 'thrive' and live in a state of 'wellness'. 
This will be an experiential workshop,  based upon the Foundation for Shamanic Studies (www.Shamanism.org) “Core Shamanism” approach (those aspects of Shamanism that were common cross-culturally, and  central to all Shamanic practice). You will learn a practice to shift your your brain wave activity into more optimal states for healing. The benefits of one type of brain activity, the alpha brainwave, are the ability to relax and keep the mind on idle when not focused on specific task, heightened feelings of well-being and euphoria, increased creativity, and deep emotional healing.  Yet it has been found that 20 % of the population does not engage in alpha brain waves. Also, another benefit of shamanic practice  is that it allows us to engage in deep levels of self-healing, particularly on the subconscious level. You will learn methods for journeying to discover, and study with your own individual spiritual teachers in non-ordinary reality, a classic step in shamanic practice.
Bring a water bottle, snacks, journal, frame drum or rattle if you have them (I have extras if not!)  Please wear comfortable clothing, warm socks, & bring a bandanna or eye cover.  Bring rattles/frame drums if you have them.   Since often people prefer to journey while lying on the floor, you may want to bring a mat to lie on and a blanket to cover up with. 
TO REGISTER:  $85 early registration if received by February 21; $95 after that date and at door.  To register for this workshop click here.  Must be pre registered.  Must call if not paid in  advance.  Repeaters $25.