Sjamanistisk Forbund offers a series of courses that give both beginners and the more advanced a solid introduction to shamanic practice. Two central courses in this series are "Introduction to Shamanism" and "Deeper Connection to the Elements". Both courses have received very good feedback from participants and contribute to personal growth, spiritual insight, and a strong sense of community. Sjamanistisk Forbund will also be rolling out a number of new courses going forward.
Some feedback
"The courses will give you opportunities to connect with yourself on a deeper level.
You will be able to get to know and feel your belonging in everything that exists in creation."
"A powerful spiritual experience that can bring you closer to the core of yourself."
"You just have to lean back and receive and let yourself be led into magical worlds! The understanding you gain serves you in so many ways in life! I could do this course many, many times! The course leader was so skilled and held space for everything and everyone. It felt safe and good throughout the entire course."
Introduction to Shamanism
This foundational course gives participants a thorough understanding of shamanic traditions and techniques. The course is based on many decades of experience from the association's elders, and is suitable for anyone who wishes to explore shamanism both as a world heritage and as a personal practice.
Among other things, you will learn about:
What shamanism is, and its historical roots
The various worlds and directions within shamanic cosmology
Contact with helpers and power animals
Opening the sacred space
Basic ceremonial work and the use of the drum
Course leader in Bodø, Gunnar Steinholm The course emphasizes practical experience: drum journeys, group drumming, and the sharing of experiences are central. Participants also receive tools for drawing knowledge from the spirit world and integrating this into everyday life.
Practical information:
The courses run over a weekend (Friday-Sunday)
Participants bring a drum/rattle, drawing materials, a sleeping mat, and other personal equipment
The courses are arranged across the whole country, often in settings close to nature.
Course leader Gry Jansdatter
Upcoming courses
There are several courses on the way through the autumn. We aim to visit some places we have not managed to reach before as well. In Bodø the course is already starting to fill up, so if you want to take part here you should seize the opportunity to sign up. Skien is a new location for us, and it is the first time it will be possible to take our popular introductory course there. If you should later wish to apply for the ceremony leader school, this course is mandatory. Stay tuned, as new course dates and locations will be announced going forward.
This in-depth course takes participants further into shamanic practice, with a focus on nature's four elements: earth, water, wind, and fire. The course is open to both beginners and the experienced, and offers a unique opportunity to explore the power of the elements in both Norse and Sámi tradition. This is an advanced course, and several of the participants have also commented that it is something quite different from the introductory course. So expect a deep dive into the elements and into your own mind.
Course leader Jim Flatjord Course content:
Earth: Grounding, contact with power animals, use of the earth's energy
Water: Cleansing, flow, access to the wisdom of water
Wind: Communication with spiritual messengers, new perspective
Fire: Transformation, strength, creativity
Through drum journeys, ceremonies, and group exercises, participants get to experience and integrate the qualities of the elements into their own lives. The course builds day by day, providing an ever-deeper understanding and personal experience.
These courses have had waiting lists in Trondheim, Stavanger, and Oslo, so it is best to sign up early here.
Course leader Sonnie Konrads
Participants' experiences and feedback
The feedback from course participants is consistently very positive. Many report strong personal processes, deeper self-insight, and a new understanding of both themselves and nature. Here are some main points in the participants' own words:
Strong personal development: Several describe the release of old blockages, new strength and courage, and that they have gained tools they will continue to use.
Deeper connection with the elements: Participants experience getting to know each element better and integrating this into their own awareness.
Spiritual experiences: Many describe powerful drum journeys, contact with guides, and a new understanding of shamanic practice.
Community and support: The fellowship and group dynamics are highlighted as very important. Participants feel seen, included, and inspired by one another.
Creativity and inspiration: Some discover new sides of themselves, such as increased imagination or a need for grounding, and have it confirmed that they are on the right path.
Course leader Kyrre Franck
Approved by adult education
The courses of Sjamanistisk Forbund are approved by adult education through Studieforbundet Kultur og tradisjon, which marks a significant breakthrough for the recognition of shamanism as a living part of Norwegian cultural heritage. This approval means that the courses follow formal study plans and are part of a national system for adult education, on a par with other traditional cultural expressions such as folk dance, handicrafts, and local history. This gives increased legitimacy to shamanic practice, and makes it possible to transmit knowledge and traditions in a systematic and structured way to new generations. Inclusion in Studieforbundet Kultur og tradisjon signals that shamanism is recognized as a valuable intangible cultural heritage in Norway, and helps to make visible and strengthen shamanism's place in the Norwegian cultural landscape.
