In the modern world with multiple holistic therapies being used to support personal wellbeing it is not unrealistic to witness the confusion amongst practitioners and clients alike.  

Shamanism has a misconception that often the healer cures the problem. Whilst Westernised holistic practitioners such as I are utilising the medicines of the indigenous people. We are in no way Shamans.

I am often contacted by clients asking for cures to medical illness, injury or diagnosis. However, when I explain to the client the cure, the healing, comes from them, it allows a deeper understanding, of the work which is needed. Admittedly, this can be off-putting for some clients.

However, as practitioners, we must acknowledge the potential vulnerability of someone who seeks our services. The need for guidance and help. Support and advice.  As practitioners we must be honest about our capabilities, our skills and qualifications.

To often the lines between meditation and mindfulness become blurred, leading to confusion for clients. Too often the disempowered are preyed upon by spiritual services and practitioners who give the impression, I am healing you.

Always, remember, you are healing yourself.

Your practitioner is a guide on your path. A supporter who walks at your side.

It is you who walks the path.

Root Cause

I remind clients who wish to work on their energy wounds using Shamanic Practices, that the work begins with opening the wound. We must see what is weeping? What is the poison? What has been festering?

If we work to simply balance the energy, the relief will only be temporary.  We must release the energy first.

The client must be prepared for this. They will have to do the work to integrate. This is going to impact on their life when they return to the physical world. We want it to impact on their physical life. We want them to experience change. But they must be empowered to do so. A client who believes they need the practitioner, to heal them, may not feel empowered enough for what arises on the journey.

 Whilst this is a natural feeling, for anyone, beginning to walk their path. The practitioners intention is always to empower the client, so they know they can walk this path, alone.

It is not our job as the practitioner to make suggestions about the pace a client should travel on their journey. It takes as long as it takes. We are ready when we are ready. There is no time. No set structure or framework. Each human is individual. Each experience individual to the human.

Spiritual pathways may be difficult. We sometimes face resistance when trying to learn. That is because there is nothing to be learned. Only an inner wisdom, waiting to be unlocked, Many of our medicines and gifts are shown to us in a clear way with clarity when we take the time to be still. To be silent.

In the silence we hear.

In the stillness we see.

This is all that is needed to walk a spiritual path.

Author: Anna Pedder©2026