Welcome to the life-enhancing realm of contemporary shamanism - where ancient practices bring new richness to modern lives.

This website helps bring the rich gift of shamanic practice and healing to contemporary western culture.

Here you'll learn more about basic shamanic practice: the history and development of contemporary core shamanism and some of the common features of shamanic practice--shamanic journeys, power animals, and spirit guides.

Explore shamanic healing: discover the symptoms that may indicate a need for healing and the common healing techniques of soul retrieval, power animal retrieval, and extraction.

Take a look at how the healing process actually takes place and what a healing session may offer you. Shamanic journey experiences, stories of healings, as well as participant testimonials bring you closer to the actual experience of shamanic work.

For those looking for more detailed information, articles written about my work and shamanic practice in general, or written by me and printed in various publications, and the "Frequently Asked Questions" and Recommended Reading sections expand on basic shamanic work.

You'll also find information about shamanic events brought to you by Laureen Rama and Change Makers Consulting, as well as information about shamanic events offered by others, and shamanic healers and teachers who are part of Change Makers' network.

Products for shamanic practice such as a drumming cd, drums, rattles and Soul Drops and Sprays are also available here.

As a shamanic healer and teacher, I have seen the transforming power of shamanic experience: how it helps people become more whole and capable, more compassionate, and gives them a stronger sense of being connected to the great web of life. It is my hope that the life-enhancing results of shamanic practice will contribute to a kinder, more soulful, and more environmentally sustainable world--and that this website contributes to moving us in that direction. I welcome your comments and invite you to visit often.

Enjoy!

 

Laureen Rama

Laureen Rama and Change Makers Consulting

I am a shamanic healer and teacher, based in Cochrane, Alberta, in western Canada near the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In 1994, I established Change Makers Consulting and draw on a network of associates to complement my work.

I teach basic core shamanic practice, as developed by Michael Harner of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies, and lead workshops, retreats, and courses based on shamanic practice internationally. Highlights of my work are vision quest retreats held in spectacular wilderness areas and uniquely comprehensive shamanic healing courses. In addition, I perform shamanic healing (soul retrieval and extraction) in person and by distance.

My Background

In 1991, I found myself in a workshop on shamanic practice (I hadn't intended to go and did not know it involved shamanic work) and in an hour I was changed -- I was physically and emotionally stronger. I needed to learn more about this wonderful practice which I found so easy to learn and so beneficial. I quickly went to more workshops and then a vision quest retreat. There I had a vision of myself leading shamanic ceremonies. This was quite unexpected yet it felt completely right. I realized then that this was the direction my whole life had been moving toward.

I have since realized that a life purpose for me is to bring the benefits of shamanism to other "regular people." My background and education make me uniquely able to do so. As a professional workshop leader, with a Master of Adult Education degree focused on transformational learning, and over 15 years experience designing and leading workshops, I create events designed to introduce people easily and safely to shamanic practices.

I have also discovered that my gift for shamanic healing comes, in part, from having been wounded myself, simply from growing up in western culture. Today I have expanded my shamanic work to include teaching and supporting others to be healers.

I hold a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology and International Development Studies--for which I studied shamanism. During my early career in international development education I was exposed to shamanic cultures, working and living in Asia, North Africa, and Africa. Since 1990, I have worked as a management consultant, specializing in creativity in the workplace and applying shamanic principles to everyday working life.

I have trained shamanically with Michael Harner, the "grandfather of the neo-shamanic movement," and his associates at the Foundation for Shamanic Studies; Sandra Ingerman, a pioneer of modern-day soul retrieval practices; Armand Huet DeGrenier, psychotherapist and shaman; and Serge King, Hawaiian shaman. Training in archetypal psychology with Carol Pearson has further strengthened my shamanic gifts. I have also trained as an outdoor leader and been a wilderness guide.

 

My Approach

My work is contemporary--sharing ancient wisdom and practices in a way that modern people can easily follow and incorporate into their lives for everyday guidance and healing.

My approach is gentle, light-hearted, and paced to the group or individual I'm working with. My goal is to facilitate people coming home to their personal power and authentic selves. I feel blessed every day by the richness that shamanic practice and healing has brought to my life and privileged to share this with others as my vocation.