| The Spirit Paths™ program is a 5-month cross-cultural odyssey and experiential exploration of contemporary shamanic teachings for living authentically.
 It begins with an overview of basic shamanic practices, then expands into five cycles in which you will learn:
• Serpent: The Path of Awareness
• Wolf: The Path of the Hunter
• Buffalo: The Path of the Soul
• Eagle: The Path of Spirit
The program can be taken in its entirety as an apprenticeship in contemporary shamanic practice or in separate sections.
Fundamentals of the Program
The Spirit Paths™ program was designed as an apprenticeship program in contemporary shamanic practice. Those seeking to take the entire program are considered apprentices. As such they are also asked to participate actively in other related practices, and to participate in creating the shamanic community space for the public. They also receive additional attention, including one personal session per month.
Each section can also be taken separately, with the exception that attendance at The Way of the Warrior is required. The optional Ritual Burial at the end of The Path of Awareness is available only to apprentice participants. It is not open to the public.
| Apprentice Commitment |
| In addition to attending all 5 sections, |
| • |
Attend Journey Circles (cost included) |
| • |
Attend at least 3 TranceDances during the 18 weeks (cost not included) |
| • |
Assist in creating community space |
| |
|
| Each Section includes: |
| • |
1 6-hour workshop |
| • |
2-hour weekday evening training and support sessions every two weeks |
| • |
Email support for questions, guidance |
| • |
Dedicated group email list |
| • |
1 personal session per Section
(apprentice program) |
The Way of the Warrior
Choosing Freedom
The Warrior's Way puts your feet solidly on the ground to prepare you for the Initiation Journey. This section represents a form of Vision Quest, during which you focus on your personal power, intention, and preparedness. Begin daily practices to dismantle old habits and establish new ones.
Serpent: The Path of Awareness
The Art of Being Fully Present
The Body has direct connection to the whole of the energy field. When you cultivate a relationship of trusting what your Body feels and knows, you come more fully into your own power and your own Being. You can be more real with yourself and others. When you then stand on the base of realness in your own Body, you are more capable of accessing your inner wisdom and power. You learn to stop running from discomfort, and can better distinguish your own truths from external "shoulds". It is from that base, that you are capable of making change.
Wolf: The Path of the Hunter
The Art of Stalking
This Section explores intentional living, being present in every moment, infused by the focus of Intent. The Hunter uses more than instinct, though instincts are part of the Art. Observation, evaluation, planning are required. This is the proper use of Mind. The Way of the Hunter also requires clearing the Past of old patterns and wounds, to recover access to lost energy and power.
Buffalo: The Path of the Soul
The Soul's Timeless Journey
Expanding perception beyond one's own life and times offers a clarifying perspective. When we are in the moment is informed by our past, not only our personal history, but the influences of our ancestors in a line that goes back thousands of years. And spread before us is our future, our children and their children, to the seventh generation and beyond.
Eagle: The Path of Spirit
Where Everything is One Thing
The Eagle soars in the highest places, and sees both the curve of the Earth and a mouse on the ground. From this perspective, everything is as it should be: balanced, perfect, and in need of nothing. This connection to Spirit brings everything into clear focus, and you can see your place in the whole of life. This section encourages you to seek your place in the Web of Life.
Facilitator
Gerry Starnes, M.Ed. began his practice working with psychotic individuals and at-risk youth, using both psychological and medical treatment models in the mid-1970s. Finding the results of these modalities limited, he began a 20-year journey through energy healing and other alternative methods of healing.
In the 1990s he encountered shamanism, and found it to be the most powerful methodology for healing in all the realms. As a contemporary shamanic practitioner, he now offers group and individual sessions, holds regular classes, and presents a variety of workshops in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.
Gerry is a Founding Member of the Society of Shamanic Practitioners, and Executive Director of Ravens Grove Foundation for Healing.
More Information
Gerry Starnes, M.Ed.
Phone: 512-586-2736 |
| Schedule |
| Way of the Warrior |
| 4 weeks |
| Workshop |
January 8 |
| Circles |
Jan 13, 27 |
 |
| Serpent: Path of Awareness |
| 4 weeks |
| Workshop |
February 5 |
| Circles |
Feb 10, 24 |
|
| Wolf: Path of the Hunter |
| 4 weeks |
| Workshop |
March 5 |
| Circles |
Mar 10, 24 |
|
| Buffalo: Path of the Soul |
| 4 weeks |
| Workshop |
April 2 |
| Circles |
Apr 7, 21 |
|
| Eagle: Path of Spirit |
| 4 weeks |
| Workshop |
April 30 |
| Circles |
May 5, 19 |
|
| Completion Ceremony |
May 21 |
|
| Workshops are scheduled 12:30 to 6:00 pm. Support circles are 7:30 to 9:30 pm. |
Registration
Individual sections are $200 each
Apprentice Program (all sections) $900
- Ritual Burial option: $25
Download the brochure (pdf)
If paying for each section separately deposit of 50% of the registration is due 2 weeks before the workshop. Balance is due at the workshop.
If committing for the whole series, you can pay $200 in advance and $175 monthly at the beginning of each month for 4 months.
Application
Please note that not everyone applying for the Apprentice Program will be accepted into the Spirit Paths™ program. Contact Gerry Starnes for an interview prior to registration.
| From Past Participants |
“Following the path of a shamanic practitioner into the realm of a healer with practical hands on experience is combining all of the knowledge gained in reading, practice, participation in circles, the mentoring of a skilled healer and connection with spirit, to bring about a way of life that not only benefits ones self but benefits the community. Spirit Paths provides the environment to learn, share, experience and grow in a safe, comfortable atmosphere. It is truly life changing!”
– Wayne
|
"I was thrilled to find myself able to use this healing process with a fairly new client of mine. It just made so much sense to sit with her and talk about where in her body she felt pain and ask her what emotions and stories came up for her as I worked around her energy centers. The process took just a few minutes and she reported immediate relief--both physically and emotionally! Yea!! I am so grateful to learn simple, yet efficient tools to help myself and others heal."
- Cambrey, MA, LPC, Therapist
|
Spirit Paths is an engaging, empowering journey for a number of reasons. One is the close-knit, respectful community we are constantly creating (on many levels), another reason the hands-on learning, experiencing, doing, and letting be done in the gathering of tools, ideas, and information. Most empowering, for me, is that I am constantly healing myself and learning new ways to do so. One of the underlying approaches to shamanic practice in this context is that we all have the power and ability to heal ourselves and that we each do that in unique ways. I have learned that we do have that power, especially when we seek guidance and give ourselves the space to heal and learn. Spirit Paths is an integral piece of my own journey back to wholeness and I look forward to continuing to walk the path and to see what unfolds.
– Casey
|
I am so honored and happy to be on this journey with you all. The sharing of knowledge, experiences, trust and true friendship are wonderful gifts.
|
| Gerry, as a guide, mentor and powerful energy healer and shamanic practitioner, you have provided much to all you have encountered, and we are blessed to have you in this role. |
|
