From Lecture Hall to Sacred Circle
My Journey from Teaching Anthropology to Training in Shamanic Arts
For much of my academic career, the lecture hall was my sanctuary. I devoted years to teaching anthropology, helping students understand the intricacies of human culture, ritual, and belief. My days were filled with textbooks, research papers, and lively classroom debates about what makes us human, symbolic meanings, and the social fabric that binds us together. Yet, beneath the surface, a quiet longing stirred—a yearning to move beyond observation and analysis, and towards direct participation in the mysteries I'd spent so long studying.
Recognising the Call for Change
Anthropology offers a rich framework for interpreting the world. We dissect traditions, trace the evolution of belief systems, and consider the context behind every custom.
The rituals and spiritual practices I described in lectures were not just objects of analysis, but living, breathing pathways to understanding. The more I taught, the more I realised my curiosity could not be satisfied solely by academic enquiry. I wanted to experience the transformative power of ritual first-hand.
Embracing the Shamanic Path
Shamanic arts, by their nature, demand participation. They invite practitioners into the heart of spiritual practice, offering tools for healing, connection, and personal growth. Making the shift from academic to apprentice was daunting. I worried about leaving behind the familiar structure of university life and stepping into a tradition that values intuition, direct experience, and a very different kind of knowledge.
My training began with engaging in practices that foster deep connection to nature and the unseen world. These experiences were transformative. Where anthropology had encouraged me to catalogue rituals, shamanism invited me to partake in them—to feel the drumbeat reverberate in my chest, to sit in silence with the ancestors, to navigate realms of consciousness beyond the reach of rational analysis.
Bridging Two Worlds
My background in anthropology has proved invaluable on this path. The discipline taught me to ask thoughtful questions, to respect cultural contexts, and to approach the unknown with humility. These skills translate beautifully into shamanic training, where understanding and respect for tradition are paramount.
Yet, there are challenges. The academic world can be sceptical of anything that falls outside the bounds of empirical study. Integrating my experiences in shamanic practice with my scholarly background requires courage and careful navigation. I strive to honour both worlds—to bring the rigour and respect of anthropology into the sacred space of shamanic arts, and to let the wisdom of direct experience inform my understanding of culture and spirit.
A Continuing Journey
Making the shift from teaching anthropology to training in shamanic arts has been one of the most rewarding decisions of my life. It has challenged my assumptions, expanded my horizons, and offered a deeper, more embodied way of knowing. Whether I am leading a workshop, sitting in ceremony, or writing about my experiences, I strive to bridge the gap between head and heart—bringing the best of both worlds to those who seek understanding, healing, and connection.
