Teachings & Stories

Our ‘Teachings & Stories’ article content focuses on teachings and stories from traditional shamanic cultures as well as teachings some of our authors have received through their own experience of walking a shamanic path. You might also be interested in our ‘Teachings & Stories’ audios.

Owl Crashes In

Owl Crashes In

In the melting snow at the very beginning of spring, my eye caught a bright reflection on the ground: chunks of broken glass along a wall. When I looked up, I saw that the outer window of the classroom above my garage had been shattered. The window was double-paned,...

Australian Aboriginal Wisdom

Australian Aboriginal Wisdom

This month we are republishing “Australian Aboriginal Wisdom,” an article by Hank Wesselman that we first published in our Spring 2014 issue. In it Wesselman reflects on the concept of dadirri, a word that means deep listening and quiet stillness of the soul. This...

Recall to Basic Consciousness

Recall to Basic Consciousness

As we write this, hurricane Ian is approaching the west coast of Florida, thousands of young men in Russia are fleeing their homeland or risk incarceration for taking a stand against their country's war in Ukraine, and women in Iran are risking their lives to protest...

Don Jose Matsuwa’s Triple Challenge

Don Jose Matsuwa’s Triple Challenge

​The shaman's path is unending. I am an old, old man and still a baby, standing before the mystery of the world, filled with awe.    ~Don Jose Matsuwa I've been haunted by this statement from the renowned Huichol shaman Don Jose Matsuwa since I first read it back in...

Re-imagining Imbolc

Re-imagining Imbolc

Astronomically, February 1 is the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox. In the Celtic shamanic tradition, this is an important day dedicated to the Goddess Brigid. SSP offers you this overview of the Celtic Goddess of new life, of new fire, Brigid,...

The Journey of Rewilding

The Journey of Rewilding

This year I returned to beekeeping and bought a package of honeybees for the first time. I’ve avoided packaged bees and prefer to catch swarms because in the process of swarming the bees have proven their vigor. I wanted a sure thing, though, so I shelled out $180 for...

The Tastes of Life Ceremony

The Tastes of Life Ceremony

I learned about the world of Ifa, the indigenous religion of the Yoruba people, from Oba Odumade, a babalawo from Nigeria. Oba was a traditional healer and diviner as well as a master drummer and ceremonial leader. I met him in Los Angeles in 1992 and remained his...

Transition Blanket

Transition Blanket

I created a Transition Blanket in preparation for my father's imminent death. To this day, this sacred object continues to bestow life-altering blessings on my entire family. I'm convinced that this divinely inspired gift is meant to reach far beyond my own family...

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