Interviewer: Thank you for taking the time to talk with us, Kyrre. Can you tell us a little about how you live out your shamanic faith in everyday life?
Kyrre Gram Franck: For me, shamanism is not just a faith, but a way of life. It influences how I see the world, how I live each day, and how I relate to people and nature. Each day begins with a short meditation or a ceremonial act, in which I direct gratitude to Mother Earth and the forces that surround us. This is important for keeping me grounded and focused. I seek to maintain a deep connection with nature, and that means I spend a lot of time outdoors, listening to the wind, following the flow of the river, and observing the movements of animals. Everything is ensouled, and it is our duty to live in harmony with these forces. It is important to mention that I do not call myself a shaman, as there is no tradition for using that title in the cultures I draw inspiration from.
Interviewer: You have a strong attachment to Sami, Norse, Kven, and Forest Finn culture. How do these traditions influence your spiritual practice?
Kyrre Gram Franck: These cultures have deep roots in shamanic traditions, and they have all influenced me in different ways. On my mother's side, I have North Sami heritage, and Sami culture has meant a great deal to me throughout my upbringing. The respect for nature and its spirits, which is so central in Sami tradition, has shaped my spiritual journey. Norse mythology, Kven culture, and Forest Finn practice have also contributed their own unique wisdom and understanding of the world. In Sjamanistisk Forbund, we try to gather and carry forward this rich heritage, while at the same time adapting it to today's society.
Interviewer: What motivated you to found Sjamanistisk Forbund in 2012?
Kyrre Gram Franck: The motivation came first and foremost through the vision I received in 2009. I founded Sjamanistisk Forbund because I saw a need for a community that could bring together people interested in shamanism and nature-based spirituality. I wanted to create a platform where we could share and practise this ancient wisdom in a way that is relevant to modern people. The forbund has since grown into an important arena for teaching, ceremonies, and community, and it is incredibly rewarding to see how more and more people find their way to shamanism through our work.
Interviewer: Many people are curious about shamanism, but do not quite know where to begin. What would you say to someone who is considering becoming a member of Sjamanistisk Forbund?
Kyrre Gram Franck: The first thing I would say is that shamanism is about personal experience and direct contact with the spirit world. There are no dogmas or fixed articles of faith you must follow. With us in Sjamanistisk Forbund you will find a community that supports you in exploring your own spiritual path, at your own pace. Whether you already have a deep attachment to nature, or you have just begun to feel the call, you will find an open, inclusive environment here. We offer a range of activities and ceremonies that help you develop a deeper understanding of and connection to the spiritual. This can be anything from drum journeys and nature walks to more intimate rituals where we work with spiritual guides and ancestors.
Interviewer: Let us talk a little about milestone ceremonies. What distinguishes a shamanic marriage ceremony from a traditional wedding?
Kyrre Gram Franck: A shamanic marriage ceremony is about creating a deeper, personal, and spiritual connection between the two who are marrying, as well as between them and nature. The ceremony is designed together with the couple, so that it reflects their values, their love story, and their relationship to the forces of nature. An important part of the ceremony is also to include nature's spirits and the elements that symbolise unity and harmony. This makes the ceremony unique and very personal, while at the same time we fulfil the formal requirements to make the marriage legally valid.
Interviewer: That sounds like a beautiful and meaningful ceremony. What does a shamanic confirmation look like compared to the more traditional one?
Kyrre Gram Franck: A shamanic confirmation is a rite of passage that marks the transition from child to adult. Here we focus on helping the confirmand find their own path and strengthen their connection to nature and to themselves. Through the ceremony, the confirmand takes part in rituals that strengthen their understanding of who they are and what their unique gift to the world might be. It is a celebration of the individual's development, with an emphasis on spiritual growth and personal power, rather than dogmatic creeds. The family and the community also play a central role in this ceremony, which makes it a shared experience of love and support.
Interviewer: It seems like a deeply transformative experience. And what about a shamanic naming ceremony? How does it take place?
Kyrre Gram Franck: A shamanic naming ceremony is a beautiful way to welcome a new child into the world. The ceremony is about giving the child a blessing from nature and the ancestors, and the name is seen as an important part of the child's identity and soul. During the ceremony, the child is presented to the elements - earth, water, fire, and air - which symbolise balance and harmony in life. We also call upon the child's spiritual guides, and the family is encouraged to take part in rituals that celebrate the child and its place in the world. It is a ceremony that honours the beginning of life and strengthens the bond between the child, the family, and nature.
Interviewer: It is fascinating how nature plays such a central role in all of these ceremonies. What do you see as the most important contribution of Sjamanistisk Forbund to Norwegian society?
Kyrre Gram Franck: The most important thing we contribute is offering people the opportunity to restore a deeper connection to nature and the spiritual, without being bound by dogmatics or traditional religious frameworks. Through our ceremonies and rituals, people get a chance to mark important life events in a way that feels authentic and meaningful to them. We also give a voice to those who seek spirituality outside the established religions, and I believe that is very valuable in today's society.
Interviewer: How do you view the role of shamanism in a modern society like ours?
Kyrre Gram Franck: I believe shamanism has an essential role in bringing us back to a more balanced and authentic way of living. In a time when many feel disconnected from nature and from themselves, shamanism gives us the tools to restore these connections. It is about respecting and living in harmony with nature, while at the same time finding inner peace and clarity in our own lives. I see shamanism as a way of life that promotes balance, harmony, and respect for all living beings. These are values that are timeless, and that have a deep relevance in today's society.
Interviewer: What do you hope Sjamanistisk Forbund can contribute in the years to come?
Kyrre Gram Franck: I hope that Sjamanistisk Forbund can continue to grow and become a stronger force for positive change. We have a responsibility to bring shamanic wisdom out into the world and to work actively on environmental issues and sustainability. Nature conservation is an integral part of our spiritual practice, and I imagine that we will play an important role in restoring people's relationship with nature. I also wish that we can continue to build bridges to other groups and promote a spirit of tolerance and openness. Shamanism has always been about living in harmony with the earth, and this message is more important now than ever.
Interviewer: What does it mean to you personally to have founded Sjamanistisk Forbund?
Kyrre Gram Franck: Founding Sjamanistisk Forbund is one of the most meaningful things I have done. It is a great honour and a deep responsibility to be part of this living tradition. Seeing how the forbund has grown, and how it affects the lives of our members, gives me an enormous sense of fulfilment. It is a joy to see that we are creating something greater than ourselves, something that can last for generations and continue to inspire and guide people on their spiritual journeys.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Kyrre. It was inspiring to hear about your passion for shamanism and Sjamanistisk Forbund.
Kyrre Gram Franck: Thank you for taking the time. I hope more people find their way to us and discover what shamanism can offer. It is a journey worth taking, and we are here to support you along the way.
