Three Year Program of Advanced Initiations in Shamanism and Shamanic Healing™
Developed by Michael Harner
Developed by Michael Harner
Originated by Michael Harner and based upon his decades of research and experimentation, this course is the most advanced training in shamanism and shamanic healing offered by the Foundation. It is widely considered as unparalleled in the world. It involves intensive extended training in progressively higher levels of very advanced shamanism, including initiations into rare and little-known practices and principles.
In this residential program, the same group of participants meets for a week twice a year (usually May and October) for three years, with practical assignments between meetings. There is also a summertime program that meets once a year for two weeks (two back-to-back sessions) over the span of three summers. The program is devoted to the objective of advancing the participants' knowledge and practice as far as possible during the three years. Enrollment is limited. Sessions are held at a retreat center; on-site lodging and meals will be arranged during registration.
In-Person Prerequisites
The Way of the Shaman® and either:
- The Two Week Shamanic Healing Intensive; or
- At least six days of advanced FSS workshops, including Shamanic Extraction Healing Training and two other advanced FSS two-day workshops of your choice. Harner Shamanic Counseling™ may be used to meet one of the advanced two-day workshop requirements (except Extraction Healing).
Special consideration will be given by the Review Committee to those who have completed the Two-Week Intensive, but many exceptions will be made, and each application will be evaluated individually by the Foundation Review Committee. Do not be discouraged from applying if you have not had the Two Week course.
Online Prerequisites
You may also choose to meet the prerequisites for the Three Year Program online or with a combination of online and in-person workshops. Complete all of the following online 7-hour or 10.5-hour workshops.
- The Shamanic Journey: Pathway to Knowledge and Power™
- Shamanic Divination in Practice™
- Shamanism, Spirits, and Healing™
- The Shamanic Worldview: Everything is Alive™
- The Shaman as Psychopomp™
- Shamanic Extraction Healing Method™
- Power Soul Retrieval Method™
- Inspired Shamanic Practice™ (Recommended, not required)
You must take all of the online workshops listed above unless you have also completed some of the FSS in-person weekend workshops. As part of registration/acceptance, after the FSS considers the in-person and online workshops you have taken, you will be notified what more you need to do to meet the required prerequisites.
Additional Information
- 56 FSS Continuing Education (CE) Credits available annually for three years; 168 CE credits for the program.
- Those who successfully complete the Three Year program and either the in-person Shamanism in Practice or the online Inspired Shamanic Practice are entitled to receive the Bronze Certificate of Completion, issued upon request by the Foundation for Shamanic Studies. (Effective 1/1/25)
Videos About the Three Year Program
"The Three Year Program has changed my life on a cellular level. It has been the best experience of my life!"
"I love my life now. Since I've been doing this work, I have a deep sense of my purpose on this planet. That is not something I thought I would ever have. My life is deep, purposeful, profound and fun!"
"It is hard to grasp that just one week ago I was passing through one of my life's transformational moments. Well, there were quite a few to be honest. The work of the Three Year Program was remarkable and awesome. It blessed me and continues to feed me, to change me, and to make me laugh (and sometimes cry!). I am so truly grateful. The spirits are singing and dancing like never before! I feel like I have a 'band of brothers and sisters' with my helping spirits and am getting more and more acquainted as the days pass."
—Pete Hatherell
Upcoming Programs
Three Year Program of Advanced Initiations in Shamanism and Shamanic Healing
In-Progress Programs
18th West Coast Three Year Program
Taught by Robbie Staufer
Portland area, Oregon, USA
Session 1: October 6-11, 2024
Session 2: April 6-11, 2025
Session 3: October 12-17, 2025
Session 4: April 19-24, 2026
Session 5: October 18-23, 2026
Session 6: April 11-16, 2027
6th Pacific Northwest Three Year Program
Taught by Susan Mokelke
Portland area, Oregon, USA
Session 1: August 6-17, 2023
Session 2: July 28–August 8, 2024
Session 3: July 27–August 7, 2025
7th Pacific Northwest Three Year Program
Taught by Narrye Caldwell
Portland area, Oregon, USA
Session 1: June 29-July 10, 2025
Session 2: June 28-July 9, 2026
Session 3: June 27-July 8, 2027
13th East Coast Three Year Program
Taught by Elaine Egidio
Madison, Virginia, USA
Session 1: May 4-9, 2025
Session 2: October 19-24, 2025
Session 3: May 3-8, 2026
Session 4: October 18-23, 2026
Session 5: May 2-7, 2027
Session 6: October 24-29, 2027
5th Latin America Three Year Program
Taught by Gerardo Roemer
Cordoba, Argentina
Session 1: completed
Session 2: completed
Session 3: September 20-25, 2024
Session 4: March 14-19, 2025
Session 5: September 12-17, 2025
Session 6: TBA
6th Latin America Three Year Program
Taught by Gerardo Roemer
Cordoba, Argentina
Session 1: March 21-26, 2025
Session 2: September 19-24, 2025
Session 3: TBA
Session 4: TBA
Session 5: TBA
Session 6: TBA
1st Western Canada Three Year Program
Taught by Wade Prpich
Calgary area, Alberta, Canada
Session 1: July 7-12, 2024
Session 2: October 6-11, 2024
Session 3: May 25-30, 2025
Session 4: October 5-10, 2025
Session 5: May 3-8, 2026
Session 6: October 4-9, 2026
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.