Shamanic Journey, Cacao & Sound | Whangarei

Join us for an evening of inner exploration.

Commencing with an opening ceremony, you will then learn all aspects of how to create your own sacred space, and why.

When we understand the reasons behind a process rather than blindly following suit, we are empowered and grounded in knowledge which allows a more profound link and connection to the chosen custom, enabling you to make it your own and share this knowledge with others.

You will then be guided through the techniques of the Shamanic Journey, one of the most remarkable visionary methods used by humankind to explore the hidden universe otherwise known mainly through myths and dreams.

In following you will be guided through a beautiful Cacao Ceremony where we will not only consume this powerful healer but also learn of its origins and healing properties

As you are immersed in your own creativity and innate wisdom where you will find connections to animal spirits and teachers perhaps previously unknown.

The power of Shamanic drumming and Tibetan full moon singing bowls will enhance your experience by encouraging the brain to produce relaxation-inducing alpha waves.

You will leave this workshop uplifted and carrying a kete of new tools and understanding to translate directly into your own personal spiritual practices.

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/// ABOUT THE SHAMANIC PRACTICE ///

The Shamanic Journey is one of the most remarkable visionary methods used by humankind to explore the hidden universe otherwise known mainly through myths and dreams.

During this experiential intro workshop, you will be introduced to core shamanism and common methods of shamans to enter nonordinary reality for problem solving and healing.

You will connect with your inner senses and be initiated into shamanic journeying, aided by the sound of a drum and other techniques for experiencing shamanic states of consciousness and for awakening one's soul and dormant spiritual power. 

Travel outside of time and space into another reality and make contact with compassionate helping spirits, such as teachers and power animals, for personal wisdom and to gain knowledge to help create a better world.

There will be time to communicate your own stories, discoveries, and insights for those who wish to share. Sharing is a beautiful way to learn from others' experiences.

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/// CACAO CEREMONY ///

Cacao ceremonies have been around for more than 3,000 years, originating all the way back to Mayan traditions in Central and South America. It has an active ingredient in it called theobromine, also known as “Food of the Gods.” The cacao plant is seen as a medicinal plant and has been used for a number of spiritual, medicinal, and ceremonial purposes throughout history for inner awakening and creative guidance. 

The ceremonial aspect of cacao has stood the test of time, still being practiced today in sacred rituals, where intentions are set. The cacao will be prepared with respect, awareness, and most importantly - love. For the energy which we put in, you consume in return. 

Once consumed negative emotions are released and we are able to connect to ourselves and the loving energy in our body. 

Cacao supports:

• Heart opening
• Connecting to your higher self 
• Enhances and deepens meditation
• A pathway to creativity 
• Improved yoga practice 
• Mental clarity
• Healing
• Guidance 
• Inner Peace

Sitting in ceremony with cacao will aid you on the guided voyage as you will be more naturally connected to the spiritual planes, in your heart space and out of the lower-ego-mind that judges and labels which allows you to embrace the experience more freely and gain insight into your personal guides and story.

This is why we have combined these powerful tools; to create the most conducive scenario to gain the most from this unique offering.

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/// IN THIS WORKSHOP YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO ///

• Set more powerful intentions 
• Create your own karakia/prayer
• Set up sacred space for ceremony
• Connect with your spirit helpers for personal wisdom
• Develop trust in yourself and connect to your inner wisdom
• Enhance your innate creativity 
• Generate the momentum to get unstuck in some area of your life
• Calm your body & mind

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/// WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE ///

• A life-changing practice for spiritual inquiry that fits easily into even the busiest schedule
• Tools and tips for framing questions and interpreting your journey experiences
• Being able to make the distinction between interpreting the often symbolic language of intuitive wisdom and engaging in magical thinking
• Explore and relate to unfamiliar fields of consciousness safely

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/// YOU WILL FIND THIS WORKSHOP ESPECIALLY BENEFICIAL IF YOU ///

• Seek to develop trust in yourself and your connection to your inner wisdom
• Are eager to enhance your innate creativity or generate the momentum to get unstuck in some area of your life
• Are ready to step into, and live the rest of your life as, your authentic best self
• Have burning questions about who you really are and your place in the world

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/// WHAT TO BRING ///

• Water bottle - please come well hydrated, and continue to drink after the ceremony as cacao is diuretic 
• Wear comfortable clothing 
• Blanket or throw to stay warm (your body temperature may fluctuate)
• Journal and pen to capture your experiences
• An object of meaning
• Warm socks (optional)

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/// WHAT TO AVOID ///

• Coffee for at least 6 hours prior 
• Mind-altering substances on the day of the ceremony 
• Alcohol, THC, etc. 
• Reduce the intake of dairy products on the day of the ceremony 
• Avoid eating large amounts of food 2-3 hours prior to the ceremony (unless you have blood sugar issues and have a snack)

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/// HEALTH PRECAUTIONS ///

• Antidepressants (some medications interact with the MAO inhibitors in Cacao and that reaction can create side effects, such as headaches)
• Food sensitivities (if you’re sensitive to fermented foods, Cacao may not be a good option for you)
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (there are no known contraindications, in fact, Cacao would likely support breastfeeding and nourishment of expecting mothers. So just tune into your own body and have a smaller dose, if needed) 

If you have any questions please get in touch with us to ensure your safety during the workshop.

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/// THE FACILITATORS ///

About Steve:

Steve has been passionate about Indigenous spirituality since the early ’80s. After discovering the medicine man ‘Rolling Thunder’ by Doug Boyd he went down the Shamanic rabbit hole. Most of the experiential teachings he received back then were of Native American origin through Cherokee Denise Linn and later Lakota Wallace Black Elk. 

In the early 90’s Steve met with shaman Terri Batten who he trained with for many years. Terri had trained with Sandra Ingerman who is the educational director of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies.

For over 20 years Steve has held circles for shamanic journeys guiding people to embrace their own power and answers to the questions that arise on their journey of self-actualization. 

This exploration of the non-ordinary realities has transformed the lives of many and is a deep passion for Steve and his connection to spirit. For the last 3 years, he has further immersed himself into working with transforming mindsets and altering states through breath. 

About Katie:

Katie has been using Cacao as medicine regularly for years, having sat in ceremony with this ancient healer many times she has experienced and understands the power of transformation and heart-opening potential contained within this plant.

Cacao has been one of the key ingredients contributing toward Katie’s inner evolution, that she has been dedicated to for the past few years, and is passionate about utilising what many might term “food” as medicine and healing ourselves through simple yet powerful practices.

Katie is also a Yoga teacher, having spent almost 2 years in India, training and attending retreats, a passionate student of Buddhism, and a believer overall, that through the undeniable power of unconditional love all that holds us back can be transformed, transmuted, and dissipated.