An Introductory Guide to Connecting with the Spiritual World
Have you ever felt disconnected from nature, or lost your way in life? Have you longed for direct spiritual guidance, rather than relying on external authorities? An ancient and powerful spiritual practice—shamanic journeying—can help us achieve these goals. What’s more, anyone can learn it.
This is not some mysterious esoteric art reserved for a chosen few. As shamanic practice teacher Sandra Ingerman emphasizes in her book Shamanic Journeying: A Beginner’s Guide, the core of shamanic journeying lies in Direct Revelation. It means each of us can communicate directly with the spiritual world and access our own wisdom and healing.
What is Shamanic Journeying?
Shamanic journeying is a practice of consciously entering Non-Ordinary Reality through the monotony of drumbeats or other rhythmic percussion. In this altered state of consciousness, our souls can travel through time and space to different spiritual realms, where we connect with Helping Spirits—usually Power Animals or Teachers. Through this connection, we seek answers to personal and life challenges, find healing, and even offer help to others.
As humanity’s earliest known spiritual practice, it dates back tens of thousands of years and is found across diverse cultures, from Siberia, Asia and Africa to Indigenous American communities. Anthropologist Dr. Michael Harner discovered that despite cultural differences, shamanic journeying is the universal core practice of all shamans.
The Three Spiritual Realms: Destinations for Your Journey
In the shamanic perspective, Non-Ordinary Reality is primarily composed of three realms:
Lower World: An earthy realm filled with natural landscapes—forests, deserts, mountains and more. This is where we first go to meet our Power Animals. We can enter by imagining ourselves descending through tree roots, cave openings or bodies of water into the depths of the earth.
Upper World: A more ethereal, luminous realm, with landscapes that may include crystal cities or cloudscapes. This is where we typically meet Teacher Spirits—guides who appear in human form. We can enter by climbing a rainbow, riding a tornado, or being carried aloft by birds.
Middle World: The spiritual dimension of our physical world. Here, we can communicate with nature spirits (such as tree spirits and stone spirits) and elementals, or perform tasks like finding lost objects.
How to Begin Your First Shamanic Journey
Set a Clear Intention
This is the key to success. Ask yourself: What is the purpose of my journey today? For example: I want to travel to the Lower World to meet my Power Animal or I want to ask for guidance on easing my current anxiety. Ask only one question at a time.
Prepare a Sacred Space
Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. You can dance, sing or take deep breaths to center yourself and open your heart chakra. Dimming the lights or using an eye mask can help you “see in the dark” more clearly.
Use Drumbeat Rhythms
A steady drumbeat (at approximately 205-220 beats per minute) effectively slows brain waves from the Beta state (everyday consciousness) to the Theta state (deep meditation and journeying consciousness). The CD included with Ingerman’s book, or similar drumbeat recordings, are perfect tools for this. Important note: Never listen while driving!
Common Misconceptions and Reminders
“Am I just imagining this?”
This is the most common question from beginners. Shamanic practice is results-oriented. Trust the guidance you receive and apply it to your life. If it brings positive change, it is real.
Don’t rely only on vision
Some people receive messages through clairaudience (hearing), others through clairsentience (feeling)—all are valid ways of receiving guidance. Open all your senses to the experience.
Do not boast
In shamanic traditions, flaunting your spiritual power or the identity of your Helping Spirits is believed to cause a loss of power. Remain humble and respectful.
Shamanic journeying is a joyful path to self-empowerment and reconnection with all living things. It reminds us that we are never separate from nature and the universe, and we are never alone. The great spiritual world is always waiting to share its love and wisdom with us.
Now, take a deep breath, set your intention, find your courage, and begin your first adventure. This journey belongs to everyone.
Reference：
- Ingerman, S. (2004). Shamanic Journeying: A Beginner’s Guide. Sounds True.
- Harner, M. (1980). The Way of the Shaman: A Guide to Power and Healing. Harper & Row.
