SHAMANISM, ANIMISM & SHAMANIC JOURNEYING
AN ONLINE COURSE FOR YOU
Curious about shamanism, but put off by the “woo” that you come across? Want something more grounded and down-to-earth instead?
Wanting a deeper sense of connection, not just with yourself and with other people, but with nature and the other-than-human world too?
Worried about the direction society is headed in these days, and think there must be a better way?
Then please read on…
For nearly twenty years, we’ve helped thousands of people move beyond surface spirituality to heal their sense of disconnection, find their authenticity and true self, and discover deeper meaning and purpose in their lives.
Why Core Animism?
Core animism offers something quite different from most other spiritual paths. It is the original, indigenous knowledge, wisdom and practices that, until recent times, all our ancestors used to live by. It offers us another way of being and experiencing the world around us.
It requires no leaps of faith, no beliefs, but is instead based on direct personal experience. It provides an empowering, no-nonsense, grounded and practical approach that helps us discover a better relationship with ourselves, with our own bodies, with other people, and with nature and the other-than-human beings we share this world with; a healthier connection, based on respect, reciprocity and “right-relationship”.
Why Shamanism?
Shamanism is a practical application of animism. Our indigenous ancestors practised shamanism for tens of thousands of years, making it far older than any other spiritual paths. It is, in fact, our original and most ancient spiritual path. Full of wisdom, it offers highly practical yet immensely powerful healing practices that help us reconnect to our healthy nature, and to what we were truly meant to be. In addition, it helps us find our right place in the world and the web of life around us.
These days though, modern society has created new challenges that our shamanic ancestors did not have to face. Shamanism has always been undogmatic and pragmatic though, willing to reinvent itself to remain relevant and useful, but without ever losing its core values. As such, Therapeutic Shamanism is the ancient art of shamanism made relevant for the challenges we face today. It combines core shamanism with the insights modern-day psychotherapy has given us too. Its psychotherapeutic influences include Person-Centred, body-centred, IFS (Internal Family Systems) and Jungian approaches. It includes being aware of the gifts, and challenges in the modern era, of things like neurodiversity (including autism, ADHD and Giftedness), HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), high empathy, LGBTQ+, and more. In combining the best of shamanism and psychotherapy, it offers a truly holistic approach that is uniquely relevant to the times we live in.
Discover More – Free E-book
This free guide is a comprehensive approach to shamanism, covering a range of topics such as animism, shamanic journeying, finding your Power Animal and more.
Download now
Why Therapeutic Shamanism?
These days, modern society has created new challenges that our shamanic ancestors did not have to face. Shamanism has always been undogmatic and pragmatic though, willing to reinvent itself to remain relevant and useful, but without ever losing its core values. As such, Therapeutic Shamanism is the ancient art of shamanism made relevant for the challenges we face today. It combines core shamanism with the insights modern-day psychotherapy has given us too. Its psychotherapeutic influences include Person-Centred, body-centred, IFS (Internal Family Systems) and Jungian approaches. It includes being aware of the gifts and challenges in the modern era, of things like neurodiversity (including autism, ADHD and Giftedness), HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), high empathy, LGBTQ+, and more. By combining the best of shamanism and psychotherapy, it offers a truly holistic approach that is uniquely relevant to our times.
Our First-Steps Course
Sometimes people are sceptical about learning shamanism online. However, our online courses have a clear track record of being a highly effective way of learning shamanism. Moreover, it is part of our ethics as tutors to keep our courses not only as high quality as we can, but as low-cost and affordable as we possibly can too. So, at only £80 for well over 20 hours of high quality course materials and tutor support, our introductory First-Steps course is almost certainly vastly better value for money than you will find elsewhere.
The course is delivered through a lively and engaging mixture of pre-recorded videos, live sessions, theory talks, question-and-answer sessions, online discussions, experiential exercises, and practical exercises.
The online format and our user-friendly student area on the website means you can study in your own time and at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home, and come back to the teaching materials whenever and as often as you want. In adition, for as long as you have an account with us, once you sign up for our courses, whenever they run again, and for as often as you want, you can sign up for them again for free, so we give you access to lifetime learning and support.
Dates. Our next First-Steps course runs between November 1st and December 6th, 2025. It consists of:
- Three, online, live sessions on Saturdays, November 1st, 15th, and 29th. The live sessions start at 2pm (UK time). The first is around three-and-a-half hours long (with tea breaks!) and covers the first two modules (described below). The second and third live sessions are two hours long. A total of seven-and-a-half hours of teaching. The live sessions are recorded, so you don’t have to be able to attend the live sessions to do the course.
- An additional six pre-recorded teaching modules, delivered by video and accompanying learning materials. These are released at roughly weekly intervals as the course progresses. These total over ten-and-half hours of teachibg in addition to the live sessions.
- At least three bonus recordings addressing all the FAQs (and some not-so-frequently asked, but very interesting, questions too!). Nearly three hours (or more) of additional teaching.
- Lively and invaluable discussion forums where students can ask questions, discuss topics, share experiences and additional resources, and get support, encouragement, and a sense of community (we use both our website, and the messaging app Signal for these).
- Three extra, bonus recordings, available once the course has finished, They are “Why We Get Ill”, “What Happens When We Die: An Animist Perspective”, and “Living in the Anthropocene: An Animist Guide to the Times We Live In”. Around four hours of additional, bonus materials.
- All this for only £80. Payment in three, monthly instalments can also be arranged (click on the booking button below to see the details). That’s around 25 hours of teaching, plus access to our dynamic, international, online community where you can ask questions and get support. And in addition to all this, you get lifetime access and learning. This means that, for as long as you have an account with us, you have access to all the course materials for life and, in addition, you can repeat the course for free, and as many times as you wish, each time we run it again.
The next course starts on November 1st 2025…
You’re not too sensitive.
You are not broken.
You are not alone.
Just unplugged from the deeper web of life.
It's time to reconnect,
remember who you are
and how to live in the right relationship -
with your body, your Soul, the Earth, and the world around you.
This course is perfect for you if…
- You’re new to shamanism and animism and want a solid, comprehensive, practical and inspiring introduction.
- You already have experience in shamanism but want to fill in the gaps in your knowledge and take your practice to much deeper levels.
- You’re looking for an ethical and effective way to heal yourself – one that doesn’t involve ungrounded beliefs, spiritual bypassing or guru-worship.
- You want to find clearer purpose and meaning in your life, and greater connection to nature and the other-than-human world.
This is not an ungrounded new-age course!
There are no spirit guides for hire. No woo. No rainbow chakras. No deluding ourselves that we are enlightened while our nervous system is in shreds.
Instead, our First-Steps course is an introduction to a grounded, trauma-sensitive, and ethical approach to genuine and authentic ancient shamanic and animist practice, time-honoured, and rooted in ancient wisdom, and made practical and relevant to the present day.
Are you ready to …
- Meet your Power Animal, your guide to the more-than-human world.
- Learn safe, practical shamanic journeying.
- Feel truly seen and held in your full complexity.
- Reconnect deeply with your body and the earth beneath your feet.
- Find clarity and calm strength to focus on what matters.
- Release old wounds and break free from stuck patterns.
- Enter a community of like-minded people.
- Step on a path of grounded, fluff-free spirituality.
For those done with surface-level spirituality – this is deep work.
Reclaim your roots, restore your power, and ground yourself in real connection.
THE OFFER
THE FIRST STEPS COURSE
The First Steps is a transformative 6-week journey that combines live sessions, expert teaching videos, group discussion, and hands-on exercises to guide you into grounded shamanic practice. With around 16 hours of content, you’ll join three live sessions, enjoy six weekly pre-recorded modules and additional Q&A bonus videos.
Lifetime Access & Global Community
After the First Steps, the journey only gets better. You gain unlimited access to all course materials to explore and deepen your practice whenever you’re ready. Plus, you become part of our dynamic international community – a buzzing space to connect, share, and grow with like-minded people. You also get access to more advanced trainings – our Next Steps and Further Steps.
INCLUDED IN THE 6-WEEK PROGRAM
Curriculum
6 modules +
bonus videos
Six powerful modules guide you step by step through the heart of the work, each one a mix of deep teaching, practical tools, and fresh perspectives. Delivered as pre-recorded videos and accompanied by rich learning materials, the modules are released weekly to keep you inspired, grounded, and steadily moving forward. Each one builds on the last, creating a rhythm of learning that’s both spacious and deeply engaging. And to take it further, bonus videos respond directly to questions that arise in the discussion groups – offering real, in-the-moment insight and adding an extra layer of richness and relevance as the course evolves.
+
Three online live sessions
Three rich, interactive live sessions bring the course to life. Led by Paul, these sessions offer real-time teaching, immediate feedback, and peer support in small, focused break-out room practice groups. They are a chance to ask your questions, share your insights, and stay connected to the learning momentum. The first session is around 3.5 hours long and covers the first two modules; the second and third sessions are 2 hours each, giving space to deepen your understanding and build on what you’ve learned. All sessions begin at 2pm (UK time). All are recorded, so you won’t miss out if you can’t attend live.
+
Discussion groups
The learning doesn’t stop when the videos end – it continues through vibrant, ongoing discussion. You’ll have access to a dedicated website forum and lively Signal group, where you can ask questions, share insights, and connect with fellow students. Whether you’re looking for support, encouragement, or just a place to explore ideas together, these spaces offer a sense of community and conversation that keeps the course alive between sessions.
+
Lifetime access to
the course & the community
When you join, you’re not just signing up for a course – you’re stepping into a living, breathing community for life. Enjoy lifetime access to all materials and free entry to future First Steps live sessions with new cohorts—perfect for refreshment, deeper learning, and ongoing support. Stay inspired and connected through active forums and lively Signal groups, where shared insights and meaningful connections keep your journey unfolding long after the lessons end. This is more than learning – it’s belonging.
EXPLORE THE CURRICULUM
Click on the module for more info:
Introductory Recording
A comprehensive overview of shamanism and animism:
- What shamanism really is (and, importantly, what it really isn’t)
- Why shamanism is so widespread, and the surprising story of how ancient it is
- How shamanism sees and perceives the world
- What the shamanic realms are, and how shamans travel through them
- What shamans mean by “soul loss” and “power loss”, and why these are widespread in the modern age
- Why we urgently need shamanism back today
- Why we practise “therapeutic shamanism” at this college, and how it makes shamanism relevant to the times we live in
Module 1: Experience a shamanic journey (live & recorded)
Shamanism tells us that there is another, deeper reality behind this day-to-day, physical one. Whilst shamanic people live with the sense of both ordinary reality and shamanic reality being side-by-side, there are times when they choose to deliberately and temporarily immerse themselves more fully in shamanic reality; to enter one of the shamanic realms and go on a shamanic journey.
This module is an experiential, practical, and step-by-step guide to shamanic journeying.
- If you are new to shamanism, this will help you through the common obstacles people tend to encounter. In our experience, following this approach means nearly all our students journey successfully and have eye-opening experiences.
- If you are already experienced in journeying, most find it takes their practice to a much deeper, richer, and more authentic level.
This module is usually delivered as a double session with Module 2 (below).
Module 2: Power Animal retrieval (live & recorded)
Fundamental to shamanism and animism is the (re)connection with the other-than-human people we share the world with – the Animal, Plant, and Stone People. Developing a strong connection with a “Power Animal” is an essential step in cultivating a genuinely grounded and authentic shamanic practice. You are the apprentice and your Power Animal is your principal teacher.
This module will show you how to do this: how to journey to meet your Power Animal Guide.
If you already have experience, most people find our clarity and insights into what a Power Animal truly is (and isn’t) help deepen their understanding and connection, taking their shamanic practice to new levels.
Module 3: Deepening connection (video)
Having found their Power Animal, people often have numerous questions about it and how to work with it. Consequently, over the decades of our experience in teaching our students and addressing their questions, we have honed and perfected this module. The result is that we are confident that, in terms of guides to working with Power Animals, this module is the clearest, most comprehensive, detailed, and insightful guide you will find. So much so that, again, the feedback we regularly get from even experienced practitioners is that the module helps fill in many gaps in their understanding and enhances their shamanic experience as a result.
Module 4: The Great Forgetting & The Fall (video)
For thousands of years, our present-day Taker culture (a culture that wants to take, consume and cannibalise everything around it) has been suppressing shamans and other indigenous people worldwide. Consequently, the version of history most people are raised with these days is that indigenous people were primitive, ignorant and savage, and that the lives of our hunter-gatherer animist ancestors were “nasty, brutish and short”. In truth, this is a lie: a case of the “winners” writing history. It is, in fact, quite wrong, and what the author and animist Daniel Quinn calls “The Great Forgetting”.
Drawing on evidence and research from anthropology and other sources, in this module you will discover “The Great Remembering”, the true story of what we once were, enabling you to begin the process of recovering the ancient knowledge and wisdom of your original animist ancestral inheritance. Students usually find this module utterly fascinating and profoundly eye-opening.
Module 5: Hollowing-Out meditation practices (live & recorded)
Shamans often talk about becoming the “hollow bone” or “hollow vessel” through which their shamanic Guides can work. This is because any genuine shamanic practice is led by the Spirits, not by the shaman’s ego. This module will introduce you to practices that can help you begin doing this – the “hollowing-out” practices, which will make your shamanic journeys more authentic, Spirit-led, and deeper as a result.
Module 6: The Great Remembering (video)
Building on “The Great Forgetting” that we explored in an earlier module, here we explore the “Great Remembering”: how we can reconnect to animism and shamanism in the world in which we find ourselves now. How can we grow a shamanic practice that has real-life, practical applications – one that we can actually live by these days and, in doing so, regain our sanity and heal our broken connection with the world. In doing this, we explore the fascinating way in which psychotherapy and shamanism overlap, the crucial ways in which they are different too, and the essential things that each can learn from the other. This allows us to make the ancient wisdom and practices of shamanism deeply relevant for the modern day.
Module 7: Doing shamanic journeys for other people (video)
This module will show you how to conduct a simple shamanic healing journey for others, including family, friends, and even your animal companions. It covers:
- How this practice helps you gain experience and confidence, broadening and deepening your shamanic work
- A detailed exploration of key considerations and potential pitfalls
- Clear, step-by-step instructions for undertaking healing journeys
- A full-length, genuine demo session (not role-play), with one tutor as the “practitioner” and another as the “recipient,” illustrating the process authentically
- Examination of the necessary skills and ethical considerations
- Guidance on supporting others in a sensitive, compassionate, empowering, and respectful way
Module 8: How and why this approach is so different
Interest in shamanism has grown hugely over the last few decades. This is great to see, as we desperately need the wisdom that shamanism offers if we are to regain our sanity, get back on track, and heal our profoundly broken relationship with the natural world.
Sadly, at the same time, much of the modern-day shamanism that is emerging these days is (unknowingly) mixed up with thinking and beliefs that are not actually shamanic at all; ways of thinking that are often even at odds with original animist and shamanic thinking.
As such, as shamanism grows in the modern era, there is the risk of it becoming just another modern-day “religion”, and the deep wisdom it has—wisdom we so desperately need—remaining lost and buried.
In original animism, this deep wisdom is known as the “Original Instructions”. They represent a way of thinking that is unique to (original) animism, and offer us a fundamentally different and healthier way of being in the world.
In this college’s approach to shamanism (and in this module), we seek to dig below the un-animist thinking that overlays most contemporary shamanic practice, reconnect instead to the Original Instructions, and use these as the template for our shamanic practice.
Doing this profoundly changes, for the better, the kind of shamanic practice we grow. In this module, we explore how to do this, why it matters, the difference it makes, and the vast benefits it brings.
Module 9: Grounding practices (live & recorded)
In this module, we help you strengthen your connection to the shamanic realms and, most importantly, introduce you to practices that keep your journeys grounded and rooted in authentic connection. We do this by introducing a couple of essential shamanic practices.
- “Shapeshifting”. Specifically, in this module, we show you how to journey to shapeshift into an authentic experience of the “Standing People”: how to get beyond being human, and even beyond being animal in a journey, and have a deep experience of being Tree.
- Shamanic “transformation” practices. These involve being taken apart in a journey, then reformed in a healthier way. They are key practices in the process of learning shamanism and profoundly healing to do.
- In particular, we will look at how to do a “shamanic burial”, a practice that is not only hugely relaxing, grounding, and healing, but also strengthens our connection to Mother Earth.
- We will also explore the Six Pranas, or energy flows, taught by the Plant People—ancient teachers who help us balance the energies of Mother Earth and Father Sky through six vital flows of life force that ground, connect, and protect us.
Module 10: Bonus Q&A recordings
This module contains hours of extra bonus material. It consists of recordings from several previous First-Steps courses, addressing the common (and not-so-common) questions students tend to ask. As such, it serves not only as a hugely valuable FAQ resource but also as a treasure trove of additional teaching and insights, thanks to the detailed answers provided.
Extra teaching modules
When the course finishes, you also get access to two further recordings, giving you several hours of free, bonus teaching materials. The recordings are:
What (possibly) happens when we die
In this video, we delve into the profound questions about death, the afterlife, and what happens to us at death. We explore diverse beliefs, ranging from contemporary religious views to original animism, and delve in depth into what original animism has to say about this vast topic. This includes examining animist teachings about the nature of different parts of us—Spirit, Soul, body, ego, and the Witness— and what happens to these parts in death. We also look at the issue of dealing with the dead (shamanic psychopomping), why some souls linger, and what to do about that. And most importantly, we examine what the original animist teachings about death reveal about how to live our precious life.
Why do we get ill? Not every illness has a shamanic cause. As such, it’s important to know when shamanism can help with an illness and when it can’t, and we explore that in this recording. Doing this includes understanding what the shamanic causes of an illness are, primarily “Power-loss” and “soul-loss”. Power-loss stems from our disconnection with nature, while soul-loss is about losing parts of ourselves (most commonly, these days, through sending parts of ourselves away to fit into modern culture). In the recording, we also explore other shamanic causes of illness, such as intrusions and thought-forms, and delve into the practice of shamanic extraction work. By doing all this, the recording offers a grounded, holistic perspective on health and healing for modern-day shamanic practice.
WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
MEET THE TEAM
The college’s founders, Paul Francis and Cat Anderson, deliver the online meetings. Additional experienced tutors are brought in to assist as needed, depending on student numbers.
I am a shamanic practitioner, teacher, writer, founder of Therapeutic Shamanism, and of the Three Ravens College of Therapeutic Shamanism and Animism. As well as drawing on my experience in shamanism and animism, my teaching and writing is heavily influenced by my psychotherapy background too.
I am a qualified and registered Internal Family Systems therapist and shamanic practitioner. I have also trained in Person-Centred counselling, Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Brainspotting, and Advanced IEMT (Integral Eye Movement Therapy).
Course Requirements
To access the course, participants will of course need an internet-enabled device (computer, tablet or smartphone) and wi-fi connection to take part. The platform we use for the live sessions is Zoom meetings – help will be available for getting set up if needed.
Shamanic healing can be of great benefit with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and self-esteem issues. However, shamanic work does require a reasonable degree of mental robustness and groundedness, and emotional resilience. As such, like meditation and other similar practices, it can be contra-indicated in mental health issues such as psychosis, mania, severe depression, or dissociative disorders. So, if you have any mental health issues (current or historical) which you feel may impact on your ability to journey safely, then please do discuss this with us prior to booking on the course. Any discussion will, of course, be treated confidentially.
Ready to take your first real step into a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you?
This course is your clear, grounded introduction – no jargon, no fluff – just practical tools to start your journey. You don’t have to figure it all out at once. Just show up, open up, and begin reclaiming your power and belonging.
WE START ON NOVEMBER 1ST
The November 2025 course runs from November 1st to December 6th, 2025. Sign up now to get:
- Three, online, live sessions on November 1st, 15th and 29th, starting at 2pm UK time. The first session is around 3.5 hours long and covers the first two modules. The second and third sessions are 2 hours each. All the live sessions are recorded for later viewing, so you don’t have to attend these live.
- Six pre-recorded teaching modules, released weekly with video and learning materials.
- At least three bonus recordings answering FAQs and other interesting questions.
- A website forum and Signal discussion group, for support, community, and for getting your questions answered.
- Two extra, free recordings, available once the course has finished – “Why We Get Ill”, and “What Happens When We Die (an Animist Perspective)”.
- Unlimited, ongoing access, support, and free repeats for as long as you hold an account with us.
All this for just £80. Payment in three monthly instalments can also be arranged (click on the booking button below to see the details).
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
Ongoing access and free course repeats
Ongoing, lifetime access to the course
Once you have signed up for a course, you get access to the recordings and other materials for as long as you have an account with us. This means you can take as long as you want to work your way through the courses, and can come back to it and revise any bits of it as often as you want.
Free revisions
When we (re)run any course that you have done previously, you can sign up for the new version all for free!
Payment in three instalments
Money, of course, can be a challenge. We understand this (all of us involved in the college choose to live quite modestly ourselves) and so, to keep our courses affordable, we keep them as low-cost as we possibly can, and we offer a lot in exchange for what we charge. Plus, if needed, you can spread the cost of our courses over three, monthly instalments at no extra cost too.
What if I cannot join the live sessions?
Some people really value the live sessions, which is why we offer them. That said, around 50% of our students don’t attend live, and we consistently get fantastic feedback about the course from those people, so you really do not need to attend the live sessions to benefit hugely from the course. So, please, don’t let not being able to attend live put you off from signing up for the course.
Sneak a peek at the intro video: "What is Shamanism?"
I received a lot of requests to provide more information about the format of the theory modules. As Carl Rogers says, experience is the highest authority. Therefore, I am sharing the first teaching video of the course.
Watch now and get started:
00:00 Intro
01:37 What Is Shamanism?
03:47 Animism
07:00 Shamanism Is Part of Animism
10:21 Where Is Shamanism From?
14:58 How Old Is Shamanism?
20:50 a Direct, Personal Experience
26:54 Shamanic Reality
35:34 The Two Hemispheres of Our Brains
39:45 The Shamanic Journey
46:02 The Three Realms
55:31 Soul Loss
59:35 Symptoms of Soul Loss
01:04:15 Shamanic Soul Retrieval
01:05:48 Other Key Shamanic Concepts – Power Loss
01:14:07 What Is Shamanism For?
01:17:38 Why We Need Shamanism Back?
01:23:52 Therapeutic Shamanism
01:31:55 Back to the Word Shaman
01:34:24 Questions?
Learn More about Therapeutic Shamanism
Courses
Learn about “Therapeutic Shamanism” through our experiential courses. Browse our course overview and start learning now.
Books
Read the best selling “Therapeutic Shamanism” Series of books. Suitable for both complete beginners and experienced practitioners alike, the books are an apprenticeship for modern times
