Does Shamanic Spirit Medicine Work With Other Healing Modalities?

Absolutely!  Shamanic Spirit Medicine is a complementary healing modality and is meant to be combined with other modalities.  Many of our students are already trained and practicing the healing arts in modalities such as: Surgery, General Medical Practice, Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Applied Kinesiology, Hypnotherapy, Chiropractic, Massage Therapy, Psychotherapy, Family Counseling, Reiki, Mediumship, Energy Healing and more.  I explicitly encourage all students to take what I teach, embody it, combine it with your unique skills and gifts, and make it your own.

Do I Need to Be Indigenous to Practice Shamanism?

No. Shamanism, the ability to connect directly to the world of spirit and ground that connection into Mother Earth is the Birthright of all Human Beings. The ability to access our Spirit Mind is inherent in all people, however many people have forgotten how to use it.

Do I Need to Be Initiated Into a Lineage?

No. Unless you are from a specific culture, imitating that culture's shamanic practices is not necessarily productive, meaningful or appropriate for an outsider.    If you are interested in learning specific cultural practices, it is advisable to work directly with and under the guidance of a member of that culture or someone who has been initiated in the specific rites of that culture.   But if you are interested in shamanism and shamanic healing in general, you will receive far more benefit and growth from learning and practicing Shamanic Spirit Medicine.

What if I Am An Empath?

Shamanic Spirit Medicine is designed to help Empaths.  One of the primary focal points of our training is to help every student develop proper energetic and spiritual boundaries so that they can effectively navigate both the Spirit World and Physical World with ease and grace.

Are Psychoactive Substances Used in Your Courses?

Absolutely Not!  For more information on why please see my article on Shamanism Without Ayahuasca.

Where Do I Start?

Our Basic Workshop is The Fundamentals of Shamanism.   You can take this class in person, live online or self-paced.  If you join our in person workshop you can join the Kauai Shamanism Retreat which also includes Cultivating the Energy Body

What if I Have Studied with Other Teachers?

Level 1: The Fundamentals of Shamanism is required as a prerequisite for all other courses except for Cultivating the Energy Body which does not require a prerequisite to attend.  After many years of offering this work, it is my observation that the shared foundation of having completed the The Fundamentals of Shamanism is essential for all students to have adequate preparation for and the opportunity to receive the most out of the more advanced levels of shamanic training.

In What Order Do I Take The Classes?

All Students start with Level 1: The Fundamentals of Shamanism.  Students who attend the Kauai Shamanism Retreat complete Cultivating the Energy Body as part of the retreat.  Students who do not attend the full retreat generally complete Cultivating the Energy Body concurrently with Level 2: Shamanic Self-Mastery.  Students are eligible to enroll in Level 3: Advanced Shamanic Healing after successful completion of Level 2.  Students who wish to take our Elective Course in Healing our Ancestry usually wait until completion of their Level 3 Advanced Training, however you are eligible to enroll after completion of Level 2 and are asked to journey for proper guidance on the path forward at that time as to which course is appropriate for you to take first.  Professional Development Training is only open to people who have already successfully completed their Full Apprenticeship requirements.

What is the Difference Between Live Online and Self-Paced Courses?

In Live Online Courses (Synchronous Online Learning), Students Join Zoom Meetings at Specified Times.  In Live Online Class Meetings you are welcome to share directly with the group and there are real time question and answer sessions with Scott.  In self-paced classes (Asynchronous Online Learning), Students View Instructional Materials at Any Time They Choose.  You will watch the videos at your convenience and interact with Scott by email.  In all course formats, Scott interacts personally with every student and you will be able to ask questions directly to him.  Students are welcome to attend both self-paced and live classes interchangeably.  Both formats are included at no extra charge when you register for either format so as to maximize the flexibility of your learning options.

What Support Materials are Available for Students?

All courses include personalized interaction with directly with Scott in live meetings and by email, detailed course notes and complete video recordings of each lesson with links that do not expire.  Also access our free Drumming for Shamanic Journey Download so you can journey on your own time outside of class.

Do You Offer Advanced Level Courses in Person?

No.  My experience after years of offering these courses is that embodying the practice in one’s home environment is an indispensable part of the training.   It is one thing to “get it” when we are on a retreat, removed from the stresses of our everyday life, it is quite another to embody it within the midst of myriad conflicting demands on our time and energy. Additionally, the advanced level courses require a minimum of 1 week integration time between each class session to be fully effective, so logistically it would be extremely challenging for most students to attend a 3 month training in Hawaii that only meets once per week.

Do I Receive a Certificate When I Complete My Training?

Yes.  We offer a Certificate of Completion as a Shamanic Spiritual Healer upon successful completion of all Apprenticeship Training Requirements. 

Do You Offer Discounts or Scholarships?

At this time, we do not have the means to offer scholarships or discounts.   We do offer flexible payment plans that can be tailored to the needs of your individual budget.

What if I Miss Part of a Workshop?

All of our workshops are available online in a self-paced format.   If you miss part of a workshop, we will provide you with access to the self-paced training so that you can complete what you missed.

What if I Want to Retake a Course?

Many of our students who have completed a course level have chosen to sit in on the same course again.  This is a great way to stay connected, deepen your understanding of the material, witness the major growth you have experienced and assist students who are just beginning their journey.  Everyone who completes the Level 1: Fundamentals of Shamanism is invited to sit in on a Live Online Fundamentals of Shamanism Workshop as our guest with no additional cost.  Students who wish to re-take the Level 2: Shamanic Self Mastery may do so on at ½-price.  There is no discount available for students who wish to re-sit the Level 3: Advanced Shamanic Healing.  All returning students must contact us prior to the start of the workshop to register; enrollment is on a space available basis only.

What is Your Cancellation Policy?

If you cancel: your payment is non-refundable.  Payments that you have made for workshops (whether online or onsite) may be applied to an online course of the same level (for example: Fundamentals for Fundamentals, Intermediate for Intermediate, Advanced for Advanced) on a space available basis.   You may not apply your payment to another onsite workshop.  All cancellations must be made in writing (email).  If you plan to attend an onsite workshop, we highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance to protect yourself in the event unexpected circumstances arise that force you to cancel your trip.

If we cancel: We reserve the right to cancel retreats, classes, nature outings, vision quests or workshops at any time at our sole discretion.  If we cancel for reasons within our control; we will issue you a full refund.    Cancellations may occur for reasons beyond our control. Such cancellations may be the result of natural disasters, inclement weather, acts of God or force majeure (including, but not limited to, earthquakes, volcanoes, severe storms, floods, etc.), political machinations (including, but not limited to, war, closure of borders, etc.), terrorism or threats of terrorist activities, or acts of other third-parties (including, but not limited to, the canceling of reservations by conference centers, hotels, etc.).  If a program, course, or expedition is cancelled for reasons indicated in this paragraph, or for any other reason beyond our control then the participant will be given a credit to attend a future course, program, or expedition of the same nature as the cancelled event.  No refunds will be issued for cancellations beyond the control of Shamanic Spirit Medicine, DreamMakers LLC, Scott Silverston, Penelope Law, or any other retreat organizers, facilitators or teachers. 

WHETHER THE CANCELLATION OF A CLASS, COURSE, PROGRAM OR EXPEDITION IS DUE TO A REQUEST BY THE STUDENT, OR IS INITIATED BY US FOR ANY REASON, IN NO EVENT WILL WE BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PERSONAL EXPENSES INCURRED IN PREPARATION FOR, OR IN RELATION TO THE CANCELLED EVENT. SUCH PERSONAL EXPENSES MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, TRAVEL EXPENSES, CHILD CARE EXPENSES, OR ANY OTHER EXPENSE INCURRED BY THE STUDENT. THE STUDENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ANY REFUND IDENTIFIED IN THESE POLICIES IS SOLELY FOR MONIES THAT HAVE BEEN PAID DIRECTLY TO AND RECEIVED BY Shamanic Spirit Medicine AS AN EXPENSE FOR THE SUBJECT EVENT, AND THE STUDENT HOLDS Shamanic Spirit Medicine, DreamMakers LLC, Scott Silverston, Penelope Law, and any other retreat organizers, facilitators or teachers HARMLESS FOR ANY OTHER MONIES THAT THE STUDENT MAY PAY TO THIRD PARTIES IN PREPARATION FOR OR IN RELATION TO ANY PROGRAM, CLASS, EXPEDITION OR RETREAT.

Medical Disclaimer

We believe in our teaching programs and hope you will feel the benefits of attending and participating, however attending a Retreat, Workshop or Class is not a substitute for medical or psychological treatment, nor do we claim to offer medical or psychological services.  If you are in need of medical or psychological attention and/or diagnosis, please contact your licensed health care provider.

Safety

Part of our mission is to create safe spaces for learning and expression; as such, we reserve the right to dismiss a participant at any time before, during or after a program if he or she becomes dangerous or harmful to self, others, or property.  We reserve the right to dismiss a participant at any time before, during or after a program if he or she breaks the law.  We reserve the right to dismiss a participant at any time before, during or after a program if he or she does not pay accordingly for program or services provided or if he or she partakes in drugs or alcohol during workshop hours.  In the event that a participant is dismissed, absolutely no refunds will be given.

Weather

Kauai has a very pleasant sub-tropical climate.  It rains almost every day on Kauai; but not all over the island.   Winter weather in general is cooler and rainier than the summer.  We are located in a drier part of Kapaa where we receive an average of 40-60” of rain per year.   Summer temps range from a high of 90 degrees F to a low of 70.  Winter temps are about 10 degrees cooler.  The best website for Kauai weather is http://weather.hawaii.edu

Arriving on Kaua’i

We recommend making travel arrangements to arrive in Kauai the day before the first day of your workshop to ensure you can be well rested and fully present for the first session.  We would like to make sure you have arrived safely in Kauai and invite you to reach out to us when you land in Lihue; and if needed please do be in contact with us if your travel has been interrupted or you are experiencing flight delays.  If you would like help finding local accommodations, please email us and we will be happy to send you our recommendations.