Marcia Hebrank, MSW

In Memoriam 2023

I grew up on a huge expanse of wide-open Southern Illinois forest and farmland, and from my earliest beginnings I reveled in the magnificent feelings of wonder and oneness that I experienced with the natural world. I often sat in silent meditation under the blue Midwestern skies, or curled up in the arms of a giant oak with our family cat. This sense of wonderment and connection with the natural world has continued to grow stronger all my life, but when I began studying shamanism in 2003, it felt like a real "coming home."

I discovered Michael Harner's The Way of the Shaman in 2005, and experienced a deep validation for my early experiences on the shamanic path. I continued to study shamanism with local shamanic practitioners in North Carolina, and in 2008 I was blessed to be able to take the FSS Basic Workshop: The Way of the Shaman® with Dana Robinson. I continued to take trainings with the Foundation, studying alongside my husband, Jack, including Harner Shamanic Counseling Training with April Tuck. Our honeymoon in 2010 was the FSS Two Week Shamanic Healing Intensive with Nan Moss and David Corbin. We continued training with Nan and David, completing the FSS Three Year Program of Advanced Initiations in Shamanism and Shamanic Healing. My working relationships with my compassionate helping spirits and spirit teachers have deepened and enriched so many different aspects of my life. I feel a great deal of gratitude to each of them, as well as to all of my teachers at the Foundation.

Marcia Hebrank
My formal training was as a clinical social worker. I received a BA in psychology and a Master of Social Work with Mental Health Specialization from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I worked for over twenty years as a therapist in the mental health, addictions treatment, healthcare and Hospice field. I began studying alternative medicine in 2002, and have been in private practice since 2004 as a healing facilitator and intuitive counselor.

I have a private practice in core shamanic healing and divination, which continues to be an exciting and rewarding part of my life. My husband Jack and I often work together in our shamanic healing practice, where we are honored to be a part of our clients' healing journeys. Our practice includes soul retrieval, extraction, power animal retrieval, divination, shamanic counseling, and psychopomp work. We also host a monthly shamanic drumming circle.

Jack and I team teach for the Foundation. The practice of core shamanism has enriched each of our lives beyond measure, and we are very enthusiastic about sharing these methods with others.

Student Feedback

Very powerful. Lots of hands-on practice, and clear explanations. I liked having two teachers who worked together. Easy going manner made it easier to learn. A wonderful experience where I feel like I'm walking away with a new set of skills and a new circle of kindred souls.

This was a well-led and excellent, thorough workshop. Jack and Marcia were thoroughly prepared, respectful, and careful leaders; their different leadership styles complemented each other smoothly.

Positive. Empowering. Jack and Marcia worked well together. Their separate backgrounds bring harmony in thoughts and ways of explaining things. Content and presentation was informative and well presented.

Instructors worked joyfully and diligently to teach and to be inclusive. Jack and Marcia make a good team. They play off each other, improving the quality of instruction. Thank you for all that the FSS is doing to teach and to preserve this precious knowledge.

Enlightening, very positive. I think the presenters are wonderful teachers.

Discovery of facts and ways to divine that help with personal issues was a highlight of the experience. Teachers were very knowledgeable. All aspects regarding learning and exploring as a beginning shaman were clear and well presented.

FSS Workshops in Core Shamanism