Photo: Aurora Meløe
Foundation course in shamanism, Tromsø 22-24 April 2022.
Over the course of this weekend we received a basic introduction to shamanism. We went through various themes, learned about the use of the drum and drum journeying, shared experiences and learned a great deal about ourselves. A student (photojournalist) also took part and documented large parts of the course. On Friday afternoon we were welcomed by the course leaders Knut Fuglesteg and Gro Hilseth Adriansdatter. After some information about the weekend, Gro carried out a cleansing with sage, and then the course was under way! Throughout the weekend several group drummings were carried out. Already during the first drumming I noticed that the energies flowed through us, and between us. I experienced that we all went from being 17 different individuals to becoming one unit, a community. It felt safe to share one's own experiences. All experiences were welcome, whether they were great experiences, strong feelings or just a simple sense of calm. Everything was equally valuable.
Knut and Gro led several drum journeys. We visited the lower world, where we were to find and become acquainted with our power animals. We journeyed to the middle world, and we journeyed to the upper world where we were to look for our helpers. Some experienced a great deal, others not quite so much. Several were already acquainted with their power animals and helpers, while some of us were in unfamiliar waters. Regardless of background, I believe everyone had many good experiences through these drum journeys, and it was exciting and rewarding to listen to each other's experiences.
There was also some theory about shamanism, drum journeys, power animals, directions and helpers. We learned a little about how to open and close a space for drumming. Gro told us a fair amount about runes and the power of the runes, and her experiences around this. Knut spoke a little about Sámi shamanism, and his own background.
We did a pair exercise, where one person was to go outside and focus on an object, while the other sat inside and tried to sense what the object was, while Gro drummed. Afterwards we switched roles. Another exercise was to take part in a drum journey with rosemary in the mouth. That engaged more of the senses, which gave the journey more dimensions.
After each exercise we were first to write down our experiences in a book. It was nice to note down what one experienced while it was fresh. Then a “talking stick” was passed around. The person holding the stick got to speak, and the others kept quiet and listened. We then told the others whatever experiences, sensations, thoughts and feelings we wished to share. I was impressed by how much everyone shared! It made the course even more rewarding.
We had shared meals on all three days, where some helped with the preparation. During the meals and breaks the conversation flowed freely, and the atmosphere was good.
This was a weekend filled with many experiences, warmth of heart, wisdom, good energies and fine encounters between people. Everyone contributed in their own way, which gave the course meaning on a deeper level. I can warmly recommend this course, whether you are a beginner like me or have long experience within shamanism. There is room for everyone.
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Kind regards
Marte Lillebye
(Course participant)
Read more about the foundation course here
