The Basic Introductory Workshop - Developed by Michael Harner
This is the classic introductory workshop in shamanism, developed by anthropologist Michael Harner decades ago and now experienced by tens of thousands of students worldwide. The workshop introduces Core Shamanism, a powerful methodology based on common and universal features of shamanism that are not culturally-specific.
The workshop focuses on the shamanic journey: a remarkable visionary practice used to access nonordinary reality for healing, problem solving, obtaining knowledge, and building spiritual power. Aided by shamanic drumming, a safe and effective means of altering consciousness, workshop participants will embark on shamanic journeys to explore other worlds and meet compassionate helping spirit teachers and power animals.
What to Bring
- Rattle and/or drum.
- Notebook and pen for note-taking.
- Blindfold, eye covering, bandana, or Mindfold®.
- Comfortable clothing and warm socks.
- Blanket and/or cushion (optional).
- Packed lunch (optional).
- A rough-surfaced, grapefruit-sized rock (not a crystal), new to you, and preferably found in nature. Remember where you found it so you can return it with respect and thanks.
What to Expect
- All FSS workshops and training programs are experiential, interactive, and participatory. They feature instruction and practice with shamanic methodologies, as well as journeywork, shamanic drumming, group sharing, and small group discussions.
Notes
- 13 FSS Continuing Education (CE) Credits are available.
- Completion of this workshop with an authorized FSS faculty member qualifies participants to take more advanced FSS workshops. NOTE: You must complete all sessions of this workshop to get credit and to meet prerequisites required for more advanced workshops. Please arrange your schedule so that you can be present at all sessions of the training.
- Successful completion of this workshop is one of the prerequisites for an FSS Gold Certificate of Completion
- Electronic recording, including audio, video, photographic or otherwise, and the use of computers, tablets or cellphones are not permitted during the workshop.
- Tuition discounts are available to FSS members. Please see our FAQ (#19). Not a member? Join us!
Related Podcast Episodes
Podcast Episode #1
"The Way of the Shaman® with Timothy Cope." In this engaging conversation, Tim shares his journey into shamanism, detailing how he was drawn to the practice through a transformative experience with a book. He discusses the importance of community, the impact of workshops, and how shamanism has influenced his career in the arts.
“I am truly impressed by the Foundation’s professionalism—both in the depth and clarity of the teaching and the organization of the workshop. The carefully planned structure and flow reflected a genuine commitment to keeping shamanism alive in a respectful and meaningful way. That level of care speaks volumes about your dedication to sharing this tradition with integrity and heart. It’s clear that the Foundation deeply honors the work it’s doing.”
Workshop Schedule
The Way of the Shaman®
| Date | Location / Time | Instructor | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
Jun 20—Jun 21, 2026 |
Montreal, Quebec |
13 FSS CE credits |
Vikki Walker |
Jun 20—Jun 21, 2026 |
Montevideo, Uruguay |
Taught in Spanish, en Español |
Graciela Quinteiro Tel: +54 911 5824 6146 |
Jul 11—Jul 12, 2026 |
East Hartford, Connecticut |
Alex Solomon Details & Registration |
|
Jul 18—Jul 19, 2026 |
Quebec City, Quebec |
13 FSS CE credits |
Vikki Walker |
Jul 25—Jul 26, 2026 |
Washington, DC Area |
Dana Robinson Details & Registration |
|
Jul 25—Jul 26, 2026 |
San Diego, California |
Juan-Carlos Safa Details & Registration |
|
Jul 25—Jul 26, 2026 |
Cedar Rapids, Iowa |
Kerri Husman Tel: 866-425-8066 Details & Registration |
|
Jul 25—Jul 26, 2026 |
Houston, Texas |
Deanna Graham Details & Registration |
|
Aug 1—Aug 2, 2026 |
Pacifica, California |
Antoinette Cresci de la Torre Details & Registration |
|
Aug 1—Aug 2, 2026 |
Atlanta, Georgia |
Sharon Licata Details & Registration |
|
Aug 8—Aug 9, 2026 |
Buenos Aires, Argentina |
Taught in Spanish, en Español |
Gerardo Roemer Tel: +54 911 56961783 |
Aug 8—Aug 9, 2026 |
Córdoba, Argentina |
Taught in Spanish, en Español |
Silvia Quinteros Tel: +54 9351 2113554 |
Aug 15—Aug 16, 2026 |
Portland, Oregon |
Ken Glowacki Details & Registration |
|
Aug 25—Aug 26, 2026 |
Pacifica, California Tuesday and Wednesday |
Antoinette Cresci de la Torre Details & Registration |
|
Aug 29—Aug 30, 2026 |
Toronto, Ontario |
Catherine Hughes Details & Registration |
|
Sep 12—Sep 13, 2026 |
Minneapolis, Minnesota |
Timothy Cope Details & Registration |
|
Sep 12—Sep 13, 2026 |
Windsor, Ontario |
Robert Ulicny Details & Registration |
|
Sep 19—Sep 20, 2026 |
Ottawa, Ontario |
Catherine Hughes Details & Registration |
|
Sep 19—Sep 20, 2026 |
Calgary, Alberta |
Wade Prpich Tel: (403) 483-7240 Details & Registration |
|
Sep 26—Sep 27, 2026 |
Toronto, Ontario |
Gurkiran Kaur Details & Registration |
|
Sep 26—Sep 27, 2026 |
Montreal, Quebec |
13 FSS CE credits |
Vikki Walker |
Sep 26—Sep 27, 2026 |
Idyllwild, California |
Juan-Carlos Safa Details & Registration |
|
Oct 3—Oct 4, 2026 |
Buenos Aires, Argentina |
Taught in Spanish, en Español |
Gerardo Roemer Tel: +54 911 56961783 |
Oct 3—Oct 4, 2026 |
Houston, Texas |
Deanna Graham Details & Registration |
|
Oct 17—Oct 18, 2026 |
Washington, DC area |
Dana Robinson Details & Registration |
|
Oct 24—Oct 25, 2026 |
Los Angeles, California |
Kerry Hart |
|
Nov 7—Nov 8, 2026 |
Duncan, British Columbia |
Robbie Priestley Details & Registration |
|
Nov 7—Nov 8, 2026 |
Santa Barbara, California |
Nikki Sherwood Details & Registration |
|
Nov 7—Nov 8, 2026 |
Toronto, Ontario |
13 FSS CE credits |
Mira Chen Details & Registration |
Nov 14—Nov 15, 2026 |
Calgary, Alberta |
Wade Prpich Tel: (403) 483-7240 Details & Registration |
|
Dec 5—Dec 6, 2026 |
Asunción, Paraguay |
Taught in Spanish, en Español |
Graciela Quinteiro Tel: +54 911 5824 6146 |
Our workshops are widely recognized as unparalleled in the world.
Originated, researched and developed over nearly 50 years by anthropologist Michael Harner, the pioneer of contemporary shamanism.
Our training offers students the opportunity to learn and practice authentic, powerful, and effective shamanic healing methods to high ethical standards.