I went to a shaman workshop because I read The Way of the Shaman by Michael Harner and wanted to journey into the lower and upper worlds. I wanted to meet my guardians and spirit animals and explore the worlds in the inner consciousness. The workshop was held in a hotel conference room, where there must have been nearly a hundred people. Almost all of the participants were able to journey while Michael and his assistant played the drums. They came back with fascinating accounts of landscapes and creatures, wisdom and cautions imparted by their guardians.
Almost everyone, as I was unable to journey. There was no image or sign as I listened to the drumming and tried to enter into the altered state. Perhaps I was too eager to be successful. After the workshop I continued to try at home. Candles, drumming tape, prayers…nothing worked. For whatever reason I was denied access to the spirit world.
