Training as a Diaspora Shaman

The journey of becoming a shaman is deeply personal, spiritual, and often challenging. As someone born and raised in the diaspora, I recognize that my path has been paved with opportunities and privileges that many others in similar positions may not have had. One of the most defining aspects of my training was the time I spent shadowing my elder, whom I refer to as my spirit mother.

Meeting My Spirit Mother

I met my spirit mother in March 2016. From the moment we connected, I was invited to every ceremony she conducted. This wasn’t just an invitation to observe and it was an invitation to learn, to immerse myself in the intricate practices of our tradition, and to support the rituals through music by playing the cymbals, or bara. Living just five blocks away from my elder’s home was a blessing, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to this path.

Every day, after dropping my two-year-old son off at daycare, I would head straight to my elder’s home. I remained there until late afternoon, till it was time to pick up my son. This routine became my life for years, fostering a close relationship with my elder that extended beyond mere apprenticeship—I was regarded as her daughter, and I referred to her as my mother. This bond became deeper than my actual relationship with my biological mother.

Daily Life in Training

Being present in my spirit mother’s everyday life meant that I was involved in all aspects of preparation for ceremonies and rituals. What most people see during a ceremony is just the tip of the iceberg but behind the scenes, there are days of labor-intensive work. We would spend about two days preparing multiple altars with fruit offerings, handmade paper spirit items, ritual clothing for the ancestors, and an array of other ceremonial necessities, including food.

Through this process, I gained an intimate understanding of the nuances and foundational elements of our practice. I wasn’t just learning the outward forms of ritual; I was being steeped in the philosophy, discipline, and spiritual etiquette that underpin our traditions.

A Changing Tradition

I feel incredibly fortunate to have trained under my elder during a time when she was deeply committed to maintaining the strict disciplines of our practice. Over time, as she has aged, her approach has softened, and many of the rigorous standards she once upheld have been eased or set aside.

For instance, when I was training, we adhered to strict dietary and other guidelines before certain ceremonies and initiations processes. This included abstaining from meat, alcohol, smoking, and sexual intimacy. The purpose was to detoxify the mind and body, creating a purified vessel for spiritual work. In recent years, however, these restrictions have been largely set aside, and newer initiates are no longer required to follow such stringent practices.

The Importance of Proper Training

One of the biggest challenges facing new initiates today is the lack of rigorous training and the absence of elders who can impart foundational knowledge. Many diaspora shamans don’t have the opportunity to train closely with an experienced elder, leaving them without guidance in essential practices. The discipline, attention to detail, and spiritual preparation that I was taught have, unfortunately, become a thing of the past in many spiritual houses.

This shift is concerning because these foundational practices are far more than mere rituals—they serve as essential tools for aligning both mind and body in preparation for the demanding spiritual work of a shaman. Without these critical elements, I worry that newer generations may lose the depth of understanding and the connection needed to honor and sustain these traditions.

Gratitude for the Path

Reflecting on my journey, I feel immense gratitude for the time I had with my spirit mother. The close proximity, daily immersion, and hands-on training provided me with an invaluable education that shaped me not only as a shaman but also as a person. I recognize how rare and precious this experience was, especially for someone living in the diaspora.

My hope is that by sharing my story, I can shed light on the importance of rigorous training and encourage those on similar paths to seek out elders, learn the foundations, and approach their practice with the respect and discipline it deserves. For those who may not have access to an elder, I hope to offer guidance through my work.

In a world where so much is lost in translation and adaptation, it is our responsibility to keep the spirit of our ancestors alive through thoughtful practice, dedication, and reverence for the old ways.