I became interested in shamanism in the early 2000s when, by chance, I came across a book by Carlos Castaneda called The Active Side of Infinity. This is a “collection of memorable events which are a vehicle for the emotional and energetic adjustment necessary for venturing, in terms of perception, into the unknown.” During the reading of this book I experienced a profound ‘energetic adjustment’ of perception that set me on a quest to ‘discover’ shamanism. I began with training as a shamanic practitioner with the Sacred Trust whilst also following their teachings in the ‘Path of Pollen’.
In 2015 another ‘energetic adjustment’ helped me develop an interest in eco shamanism and I developed a way of working that reflects our soul ‘outside’ of ourselves. This involves looking closely at natural systems, particularly rewilding and instinction. Memorable events include studying Dark Ecology with David Abram, author of Spell of the Sensuous, Erotic Ecology with Andreas Weber, Rewilding the Soul with Manda Scott and working with futurist Hardin Tibbs. Believing that a convergence of shamanism and ecological thinking and perception can help us to change the way we live on our Earth, I am currently pursuing an awakening of perspective which can help us reconnect to our home, our planet, our cosmos and to ‘becoming one with our Earth’. Until recently I ran an Eco Shamanic Practitioner Training and you can receive shamanic healing from those who have trained with me here.
During the upheaval of the pandemic I studied astrology in 2022 with John Wadsworth at the Kairos School of Astrology. In 2023 I completed a course in Horary Astrology with the School of Traditional Astrology and am continuing my study with them this year with a short course on the astronomy of astrology. I now offer what I loosely call spirit based astrology which includes a range of astrological sessions and also day workshops based on important astrological events, as they happen. I am looking forward to expanding these into the realm of spirit and mysticism.
I live on the edge of the ancient Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire close to the Wye Valley and the rich farmlands of Herefordshire and Monmouthshire. Nature, being the visible face of spirit, is my ultimate teacher. Yet it is ‘venturing, in terms of perception, into the unkown’ which calls to a deep knowing of ourselves as natural beings in a wild universe that drives my inspiration.
My past includes teaching classical and jazz piano and singing. In the 1990s I set up and ran a small organic vegetable garden selling the produce through one of the first vegetable box schemes, subsequently writing a book on the subject entitled ‘Valuable Vegetables’. I am still a keen gardener and grow most of my own vegetables and fruit. My garden is also a rich reflection of our cosmos and I spend much time in both, sometimes simultaneously.