Workshops and Training in
Shamanism and Shamanic Healing

Welcome to the Foundation for Shamanic Studies (FSS), your source for information and products relating to the study of shamanism and shamanic healing.

Tuvan Petroglyphs
Now you can join the thousands each year who take our rigorous training in Core Shamanism, the near universal methods of shamanism without a specific cultural perspective. 200-plus training programs including the Basic Workshop, Shamanic Extraction Healing Training, Shamanic Divination Training, Shamanism, Dying, and Beyond, Soul Retrieval, and Shamanism and the Spirits of Nature, are given each year in North America, Europe, Latin America and Australia.


Founded by internationally renowned anthropologist Michael Harner with a three-fold mission to study, to teach, and to preserve shamanism, The Foundation for Shamanic Studies has built a reputation of consistency and excellence by providing effective, quality training in Core Shamanism to interested learners worldwide.

Dr. Harner has been recognized as the pioneer and leader of the revival of shamanism – including bringing the shamanic journey to the Western world – since the early 60's when he chose to immerse himself in tribal spiritual traditions rather than restrict his study to more traditional academic techniques.

Advanced Residential Training Programs

Three-Year Program in Advanced Initiations in Shamanism & Shamanic Healing. Originated by Michael Harner and based on years of research, experience, and experimentation, this course is the most advanced training in shamanism and shamanic healing offered by the Foundation. It involves intensive extended training in progressively higher levels of very advanced shamanism, including initiations into rare and little-known practices and principles, and is generally recognized as unparalleled in the world.
Two-Week Intensive in Advanced Shamanic Healing. Shamanism is the most ancient form of spiritual healing. Yet never has it been more needed and timely. The experiential Two-Week Intensive covers major shamanic healing methods, including extraction healing, soul retrieval, psychopomp work, and divination. It also offers the opportunity to work with the Dream Dance for healing the larger community of life. Free from distractions, you will have a concentrated time period to experience profound spiritual transformation and healing, as well as train to offer shamanic healing to others.

  • New Advanced Residential Workshops
  • Announcements
    • West Coast Two-Week Intensive in Advanced Shamanic Healing
      Shaman
      March 23 - April 3, 2009, Northern Marin County, California (San Francisco Bay Area). This course will be taught by Alicia L. Gates assisted by Amanda Foulger. Two discussion sessions with guest Michael Harner. ...more

    • New East Coast Three-Year Program Starts October 11 - 16, 2009
      Madison, Virginia - Seventh East Coast Three-Year Program in Advanced Initiations in Shamanism & Shamanic Healing taught by David Corbin and Nan Moss, assisted by Elaine Egidio. [First meeting.] ...more

    • The Power of Rhythm: Drumming, Dancing, & Shamanic Empowerment
      with Gabe Harris, July 10 - 15, 2009, Northern Marin, California,(San Francisco Bay Area). Drum! Dance! Create! ...more

    • Post-Graduate Healing Practices for FSS Three-Year Program Graduates
      with Alicia L. Gates, August 9 – 14, 2009, Northern Marin, California (San Francisco Bay Area). Renew, deepen, and expand your shamanic healing training… ...more

    • NEW – Certificates of Completion for FSS Graduates
      Starburst
      The Foundation for Shamanic Studies is pleased to offer Certificates of Completion for graduates of its advanced training programs in Core Shamanism. ...more

    • NEW Shamanic Services Listings
      We are pleased to announce a new benefit for the Circle of the Foundation - Shamanic Services Listings. Now you can list your shamanic healing practice on the Foundation's website. People seeking shamanic healing can find a local shamanic healer or diviner and use a private contact form to contact the practitioner. Go to Shamanic Services Listings.

    • The FSS Forum is Live
      The Forum was created as an exclusive benefit for the Circle of the Foundation. The Forum is a place to find articles and information about the practice of shamanism and shamanic healing, participate in online discussions about shamanism, and connect with other Circle participants worldwide.

    • Receive Valuable Information by Email
      Please make sure we have your current email address so you will not miss announcements about shamanic trainings, new courses, and valuable information about shamanism. If you are part of the Circle, email your name and current email address to info@shamanism.org. If you have not joined the Circle, you may use the email subscription form to receive future announcements. JOIN US and stay on the leading edge of shamanism!

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    Michael Harner, Founder of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies

    Michael Harner
    Founder of FSS


    Hear sample clips of
    Michael Harner's talks.

    What is Shamanism?

    Over tens of thousands of years, our ancient ancestors all over the world discovered how to maximize human abilities of mind and spirit for healing and problem-solving. The remarkable system of methods they developed is today known as "shamanism," a term that comes from a Siberian tribal word for its practitioners: "shaman" (pronounced SHAH-mahn). Shamans are a type of medicine man or woman especially distinguished by the use of journeys to hidden worlds otherwise mainly known through myth, dream, and near-death experiences.

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    Nordic Bronze Age Petroglyphs
    Photo by Matt Trommer

    View shamanic art and photos submitted by FSS contributors.