How to tell if a shamanic journey is right for you

Start with what a shamanic journey actually is

If you're curious about shamanic journeying but unsure whether it's for you, the first step is knowing what the practice involves. A shamanic journey is a technique for entering a lightly altered state of consciousness to connect with spirit realms for insight, healing, and guidance, typically accessed through visualization accompanied by repetitive, rhythmic drumming that entrains the brain into a light trance state (Juliana Sloane).

Crucially, you stay conscious. You may still hear cars outside or feel an itch during the journey — it is not about losing control, but about allowing an experience beyond your rational mind (Asia Suler).

Signs a shamanic journey may suit you

• You've hit a problem that talk therapy, journaling, or rational analysis hasn't resolved, and you're open to working with it symbolically.
• You can sit quietly with your eyes closed for 15–30 minutes without distress.
• You're drawn to nature, animals, or ancestral traditions as sources of wisdom.
• You want direct inner guidance rather than someone else's interpretation of your life.
• You're willing to treat the practice as a discipline, not a novelty.

Signs you should pause or seek support first

Shamanic journeying is not without risks. It is not a practice to be taken lightly, and one should not attempt it without a comprehensive understanding of grounding techniques, since it can be difficult to fully ground yourself afterward (Shaman Drummer).

If you have a known history of dissociation or psychosis, those symptoms can potentially be triggered by the experience, and it's best to consult a trained shamanic practitioner first. Journeying too much can also leave you feeling ungrounded and disconnected from ordinary life.

A practical readiness checklist

1. Grounding first. Learn at least one grounding technique (breath, body scan, walking barefoot) and practice it until it's automatic.
2. Set a clear intention. Before you begin, state your goal — for example, "I want to explore the Lower World" — and repeat it several times (Zori Tomova).
3. Create sacred space. Smudging with sage, cedar, or sweetgrass is traditionally used to dispel negative energy before journeying.
4. Work with a guide. Take a trusted spirit guide or power animal with you; your guide knows the spirit world and can lead and protect you.
5. Start short. Keep early journeys to 15–20 minutes and return deliberately.
6. Journal afterward. Write down what you saw before your rational mind edits it.
7. Check your support. If you're working alone without a mentor, consider finding a trained practitioner before going deeper.

What to expect in your first journeys

Beginners often report total blackness on arrival in the Lower World, tingling sensations, or a feeling of contentedness. Others worry they're "making it all up" — a common stumbling block that usually fades with practice. The function of consistent, regular practice is to develop the skills so you don't unintentionally hurt yourself or others.

When to work with a practitioner instead

If you're navigating trauma, intense emotions, or spontaneous journey experiences you can't control, a trained shamanic practitioner can hold the container for you. Research on shamanic healing as an intervention suggests potential benefits with a relatively low risk of harm when properly facilitated (NIH/PMC).

How the Featured Expert Can Help

Balanced Earth Connections offers online spiritual guidance, including mediumship, shamanic healing, oracle readings, and energy clearings, delivered by practitioners Shanna Gwyn and Eric Talbert. If you'd like personalized support deciding whether shamanic work fits your situation, you can book a session at balancedearthconnections.com.