Currently there are no scheduled basic journeying classes. However I offer individual or small groups sessions upon request. In the first session we explore the Lower World of non-ordinary reality. If you would like further guidance, follow-up sessions can be scheduled to journey into the Upper World. Prior to scheduling a session I suggest reading Sandra Ingerman's book, Shamanic Journeying: A Beginner's Guide.
In this class we will connect with our power animals and compassionate spirit allies for the purpose of healing ourselves and our communities. This is an experiential course where we will enter non-ordinary reality using the shamanic journey and other techniques. Journeying is the foundational tool for shamanic study and healing and provides the passageway that has been used for centuries to obtain information from other dimensions, realms, and realities. Through the journeying process, you can receive information, knowledge and wisdom which you can utilize for solving problems, gaining clarity about life’s circumstances, or simply to build your awareness and understanding of the different worlds beyond. Journeying is a perfect way to learn what direction is needed in your life to facilitate wholeness.
Shamanic journeying is a prerequisite for all other classes.
Please e-mail gcmckay2@mac.com for more information or call (949) 248-8487
When: Sundays, 2:00 - 4:00 pm (January 24, February 21, April 11, June 13, August 15, September 19, & October 24, 2010)
Where: Private residence in Laguna Niguel, CA
Cost: $25 per session
(You do not need to attend all sessions but reservation is required as space is limited)
Journeying is the foundational tool for shamanic study and healing and provides a passageway to obtain information from other dimensions, realms, and realities. Join Gretchen to expand on previous journeying experiences, deepening your relationship with your Power Animals and Upper World Teachers.
Prerequisites: At least one successful shamanic journey
New programs begin every two years in Laguna Niguel. If you have a group in your community who is interested in advanced healing and would like to work with Gretchen, please contact her directly.
Now accepting applications for the Fifth 2-year Advanced Shamanic Healing Training
beginning in September 2010.
This advanced 2-year program in shamanic healing was created to provide participants with an opportunity to work toward developing a deep relationship with Spirit through the shamanic tradition. Participation is by application only and requires a sound foundation in shamanic journeying and a commitment to the shamanic path. The class meets every four months for a total of six weekends.
The cost of this program is $270 per session.Two of the weekend sessions will be held at a local retreat center; there will be an additional charge for this weekend to cover lodging.
In this program we will cover:
Divination
Extraction
Soul Retrieval (Part 1 & Part 2, two sessions)
Death, Dying and Beyond
Healing with Spiritual Light & Healing the Ancestral Lineage
Restoring and building personal power through drumming, singing and dancing
Ritual work, tracking, working with nature spirits
Explore a variety of journeying techniques
Applicants must have a working knowledge of the shamanic journey process and be able to journey successfully to the Upper and Lower worlds. A strong connection with your power animals and teachers in non-ordinary reality is also necessary.
Dates for 2010:
September 11 & 12
Dates for 2011:
January 15 - 16
May 13 - 15 (retreat weekend)
September 10 & 11
Final date in 2012:
January 14 - 15
May 18 - 20 (retreat weekend)
All interested applicants must submit a written letter to Gretchen by August 1, 2010. If you are interested in applying, please provide a letter, at least two pages in length, which details your personal reasons for wishing to pursue advanced shamanic training.
This letter should include:
Describe yourself as a person.
What is your background in healing and/or your spiritual path?
Who have your shamanic teachers been?
What do you find useful about journeying?
Describe two of your journeys in detail (one Upper world, one Lower world) where you received guidance or healing from your spirit allies, for yourself or someone else. Include your question and your interpretation.
How do you intend to use this training?
Will you commit to all six sessions over a period of two years? (We meet one weekend every four months for two years).
Please send this letter via e-mail to gcmckay2@mac.com or mail to
This class meets at a private residence and space is limited.
Please e-mail gcmckay2@mac.com for more information or call (949) 248-8487
In our changing times we need to let go of old limiting fears and beliefs and claim the power-filled life that our soul came here to experience. What you think upon grows. Whatever you allow to occupy your mind will magnify in your own life, good or bad. Quantum theory tells us that the universe exists as an infinite number of possible futures until it is observed. These possibilities follow a wave function. Each future possibility is represented by a hump in the wave. Once a choice is made, the wave collapses. What are you envisioning? What are you focusing on?
This experiential workshop will explore the power of thought and word to make the shift into creating the positive future you heart desires. We will use shamanic journeying, visualization, and creative expression to explore the possibilities. This experiential workshop will lead you through a series of journeys and ceremony to assist you in this process.
Prerequisites: At least one successful shamanic journey
If you feel gratitude for something or someone then your soul sends out the vibrational frequency of love and thanks. If you feel and can express heartfelt gratitude then you unlock the Universe's abundance treasure chest. What we visualize in our hearts and minds becomes manifested in our reality. The Law of Attraction states that we draw to ourselves vibrationally anything that we focus on.... or "like attracts like". Join Gretchen in this experiential workshop to explore this powerful principle to manifest your dreams.
Prerequisites: At least one successful shamanic journey
HEALING YOUR ANCESTRAL LINEAGE: RELEASING FAMILY PATTERNS
When: Saturday, November 20, 2010
Time: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Where: Private residence in Laguna Niguel, CA
Cost: $90
Not all our ancestors have been wise and loving in their choices. When hearts and minds and hopes broke, their woundings resulted in traumas that have been passed down through our DNA. This experiential workshop will explore family patterns and subconscious limiting beliefs that need to be released, for the past, the present, and the future.
Prerequisites: At least one successful shamanic journey
This advanced apprenticeship is a one-on-one training with Gretchen which will cover initiations and instruction in divination using objects. Although the tradition that Gretchen uses is based in Africa, students do not need to be called to the African diaspora. Training will be individualized to meet the student's personal calling by their ancestors and spiritual teachers. Shamanic journeying will be utilized as a tool in gaining direction and insight.
Mentoring by Gretchen will include:
Learning divination using objects for the purpose of diagnosing spiritual illness and dis-ease
Healing sessions as needed to restore personal power
Healing rituals and initiations as needed
Requirements for application: Participation requires a sound foundation in a spiritual practice, a strong relationship with personal helping spirits, and a commitment to healing. Interested students should have received guidance in a dream or journey, "calling" them to learn this process.
Please e-mail gcmckay2@mac.com for more information or call (949) 248-8487
