NORDIC SHAMANISM
Nordic shamanism is a spiritual tradition based on the belief systems of ancient Nordic peoples, particularly the Germanic and Viking cultures. The term "shamanism" originates from cultural contexts not directly associated with Nordic cultures; nonetheless, Nordic traditions include practices and concepts that can be interpreted as shamanic.
Nordic shamanism often employs a tripartite cosmology, encompassing the heavens (Asgard), the earth (Midgard), and the underworld (Helheim). This aligns with other shamanic traditions where one journeys through upper, lower, and middle worlds to gain knowledge, receive support, harness healing powers, or interact with spiritual beings—entering the so-called "Otherworld."
From a psychological perspective, shamanic practices can serve as tools for self-discovery and self-experience. For example, during a shamanic journey, one delves deep into their own inner landscape and subconscious. Confronting personal fears, challenges, or unresolved emotions during these journeys can foster individual growth and lasting healing. This approach, focusing strongly on self-discovery and personal transformation, always carries a touch of magic in my guidance.
Nordic mythology abounds with gods, goddesses, spirits, nature beings, archetypes, and symbols, all of which can hold profound psychological significance. Additionally, the Nordic peoples were originally deeply connected to nature and the elements that surrounded them in their daily lives: plants, animals, stones, natural phenomena, and locations in the wilderness. By reconnecting with these symbols, we can awaken inner wisdom and explore hidden emotional or spiritual dimensions within ourselves.
If we bring these scenes, encounters, images or symbols into our conscious state, we can still work with them afterwards and use them for our personal development.
Also worth mentioning is the use of drums, songs, dances or other ritual actions that help us reach trance-like or meditative states. From a psychological point of view, these can be viewed as expanded states of consciousness in which we are able to explore deeper aspects of our being beyond everyday consciousness.
Norse mythology also contains many examples of opposites and dualities. Psychologically, working with these opposites can help us to recognize and integrate inner conflicts in order to restore balance within ourselves. For me, another suitable tool for introspection in Norse shamanism are the runes. I really enjoy working with their power and sharing my knowledge with my clients.
I would like to point out that these psychological interpretations are based on modern approaches and do not necessarily reflect the views of people in historical Nordic shamanism. Nordic shamanism has deep cultural and spiritual roots, and different people can have different approaches and interpretations of this ancient knowledge. In addition, there are few usable traditions of how the beliefs and spirituality of our ancestors might have looked and lived in practice.
My shamanic practice, work and support is a modern, individual and everyday approach to what could once have been and an invitation to you to meet yourself on a really deep level and to reconnect with the wisdom and knowledge of our ancestors.
Please remember that a shamanic accompaniment or journey is not a substitute for medical, therapeutic or healing treatment, but can complement it!
MEDICINE OF THE NORTH - EARTH
In the far north, where the winter winds cover the landscape in a shimmering white and the darkness of the long nights plunges the world into silence, the medicine of the north reveals itself. Here, where the cold dances in the air and the element of earth takes deep root, the majestic figure of the aurochs rises, a symbol of primal power, calm and constancy and the totem of the north.
Nordic medicine reflects the qualities of sustaining, nurturing and supporting, like the loving embrace of a winter coat that protects us during the cold months. It is the time when life retreats to preserve itself, in a silent dance with the sacred rhythms of nature.
Amid the darkness of the North, the soul is now called upon to turn to inner knowledge and wisdom. Like the stars that appear in the sky during the long nights, previously hidden insights and secrets are revealed. It is a time of reflection and quiet contemplation of one's inner self - a path that leads us through the snowy paths of the self.
The north wind brings us messages from times past, whispering of ancestors resting in the shadows of the night. Nordic medicine reminds us that in the depths of winter lie the seeds of the new, ready to rise in the spring and unfold new life.
Thus, the spiritual essence of the North penetrates our being to the core, teaching us patience and humility when nature rests in its silence. It is a time of contemplation, of trust in the sacred cycle of life and of connection with the primal forces that pulsate with the rhythm of the seasons.
May the medicine of the North guide us when night envelops our hearts, and may it teach us that in the darkness of winter the light of knowledge is born.