Shamanic Studies Program
Exploring the Teachingsand Healing Arts of Shamanism
with Donna M. Callaghan, D.Div., Program Founder
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The next Program begins Spring of 2027.
Utilizing Hybrid Learning, students can join from anywhere in the country as well as in-person!​
The Journey of the Soul Shamanic Studies Program
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is an immersive exploration of Shamanism as a spiritual practice, a way of life, and a pathway for working with ourselves and others. Through study, journeying, ceremony, experiential practice, and connection with Spirit and the natural world, students develop a deeper understanding of Shamanism while learning practices and techniques they can integrate into their lives and, for those who choose, into work with others. Learning Shamanic Journeying is your first class on this journey.
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What Does It Mean to Study Shamanism?
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Shamanism is a way of life, so the study of shamanism begins with awakening the ancient wisdom we carry in our bones and in our DNA, and with deepening our alignment and relationship with the natural world.
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In many ways, a remembering of what has always been within us.
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As students remember and explore shamanic tools, ceremonies, and techniques, they deepen their connection to Spirit, nature, and the seen and unseen worlds around them. Shamanic study invites us to explore these relationships, not simply as concepts, but as an awakening to how to honor the sacredness and interconnectedness of all life.
What Is at the Heart of This Program?
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At the heart of the Journey of the Soul Shamanic Studies Program is the invitation to experience the teachings as they come alive through journeying, ceremony, nature, community, personal exploration, and a willingness to let what we learn become part of how we live.
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Community is also an important part of this journey. As students learn, practice, journey, and share their experiences together, relationships deepen, and a sacred community begins to form. We learn not only through our own experiences but also by witnessing and supporting each other's experiences.
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Each student comes to this path for their own reasons. Some are called to deepen their personal and spiritual connection, some to explore their innate abilities, and others feel drawn to eventually offer sessions as a shamanic practitioner. Trust whatever calls you to the program. As your relationship with yourself, Spirit, nature, and the unseen worlds deepens, you’ll build the foundation from which you can learn how to work responsibly with and for others.
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What Will I Experience in This Program?
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​ This Program begins by laying a strong foundation in the spiritual practice of Shamanism. During the first eight months, students explore Plant and Animal Medicine, the Spirits of Nature, Medicine for the Earth, the Power of Ceremony, energetic self-care, and journeying and working with others.​
Each course builds upon what came before, with opportunities to practice what you are learning both in class and between gatherings.
These first eight months lay the foundation for moving into the deeper shamanic techniques taught during the second half of the program.
After completing the first eight months together, students continue into one of two complete Shamanic Studies programs, each offering the same shamanic techniques, taught through a different lens based on the experience students bring to the program.​
Core or Professional
Read more below or click on the links.
Continues into the foundations of shamanic techniques, including Extraction, Soul Retrieval, Healing Ancestral Trauma, and Death and Dying work, teaching students how to facilitate these techniques with others and culminating in our final weekend, Walking in Both Worlds.
Core Program

Designed for experienced therapists, coaches, practitioners, and other personal growth professionals. The Professional Program covers the same shamanic techniques as the Core Program, including Extraction, Soul Retrieval, Healing Ancestral Trauma, and Death and Dying work. Drawing on her 30-plus years of experience, Donna brings greater depth to these techniques, building on students' experience working with clients. It culminates in our final weekend, Walking in Both Worlds.
Professional Program
Begin Your Shamanic Journey with these two foundational courses to prepare you for either Shamanic Studies Program.
Follow the links below for more information.
How are the Programs Offered?
Both programs are offered in a hybrid format, with students joining either in person at Donna's office in Chicago Heights, IL, or online via Zoom.
In-person classroom participation is generally limited to 10 students. As we move into the technique-focused second half of the program, accommodations can be made for larger groups of students who wish to travel and participate in person.
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For more information, contact Donna at donna@journeyofthesoul.net
call or text (708) 754 - 5555
To commit to this program, students must attend all classes, practice the techniques between sessions, journey once a week, spend time in nature, and incorporate energetic self-care into their daily lives.
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Post Certificate opportunities include:
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Internship: a mentoring opportunity with Donna to build skills in working with clients to support you in becoming a Shamanic Practitioner
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Teacher Training to learn how to teach Journey of the Soul Courses:
Learn Shamanic Journeying Course:
A Beginner's Guide to Shamanism
Power Animal Retrieval Workshop
Deepen Your Journey: Walking into the Sacred Circle
Power of Ceremony Workshop Series -
Advanced Courses:
House and Land Blessing and Clearing Class
Skull Medicine Class
Clearing the Path Process
Certificates of completion are awarded for:
Completion of the Shamanic Studies Program
Internship Program
Teacher Training
and other advanced courses.
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Prerequisites for joining the program:
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A working knowledge of journeying to the three Shamanic worlds with your power animal
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Or attend a Learn Shamanic Journeying Course: A Beginner's Guide to Shamanism
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Attend Deepen Your Journey: Walking into the Sacred Circle Course

