Shamanism: A Jungian Exploration of the Unconscious

Shamanism is an ancient healing tradition, a way of life, and a method to connect with nature and all of creation. Carl Greer states in his 2014 book, Change Your Story, Change Your Life: “As is the case with Jungian psychology, shamanism is concerned with the unseen forces that influence us . . . . Jung believed that if we can learn to identify and consciously work with the forces that are currently influencing us at an unconscious level, we can be less affected by them and experience greater psychological health.”

In this retreat, Linda (who has had shamanic training) and Sara (who follows a Native American path and has studied with and been supervised by several shamans) will explore shamanic approaches in a variety of ways, including journeying, dialogue, art, nature, dreams, and ritual to explore each participant’s own unconscious material and use the Jungian framework to help understand the energies and images that emerge.

In addition to engaging in a series of shamanic experiences throughout the weekend that involve individual exploration into and contemplation of their own inner worlds, participants will also honor silence outside of the group activity times for a more contemplative individual experience.

General Information
The retreat begins in WindHill at 6:00 pm Thursday and closes at noon on Sunday. The cost of $400 includes facilitated programming and three nights’ lodging in a GilChrist cabin, which is equipped with a complete kitchen. Cabin check-in is from 3:00-5:00 pm on Thursday, and cabin check-out can be arranged with GilChrist staff between noon and 2:00 pm on Sunday.  All sessions take place in WindHill, the main building, which is equipped with a fireplace in the great room, loft room for meditation, library, and a complete kitchen. Individuals are responsible for their own meals, except for a group dinner Saturday evening. For further information or to register, please email Linda or email Sara.

About the Facilitators
Linda Plamondon is a registered art therapist and spiritual director who, by way of creative play and dreams, brings a Jungian perspective to her work. She is a graduate of the Clinical Training Program at the CG Jung institute in Chicago.

Sara Sage is a counselor and teacher who focuses her work on mindfulness, Jungian psychology, and a connection to the natural world and Native American traditions. She is a graduate of the Clinical Training Program at the CG Jung institute in Chicago.