This weekend has written itself into our hearts as something quite special for the ceremony leader students in Sjamanistisk Forbund. The experience of coming together — not just as students, but as budding leaders, friends and bearers of ancient traditions — has bound us closer both to one another and to the deep currents of nature. For even though their journey has been long and at times demanding, this gathering has not only been a high point, but also a confirmation that they are on the right path. This weekend marks a milestone in their education, namely the beginning of an intensive period of practice.
We cannot speak of the journey without bringing forth what they have been through. From the first online teaching session in March, these young people (and adults with young minds!) have thrown themselves into a wildly fascinating universe of shamanic knowledge. They began by exploring who they are, why they want to become ceremony leaders, and what kind of power and responsibility this entails. There have been deep conversations about animism, ethics, respect, and about how everything in nature is ensouled. Everything from practical ceremony craft and promotion to financial routines, and not least: practicing standing forth with authenticity and warmth.
Slowly but surely they have built stone upon stone: read ceremony books from cover to cover, written reflections, held their own small ceremonies and shared thoughts in the school group. They have listened to stories about worldview and cosmology, and they have come to feel the difference between Western thinking and ancient indigenous traditions. The journey has gone through gathering weekends filled with fire-building, the directions, voice work, drum journeys, laughter and sometimes tears. They have been able to practice leading, evaluating, opening and closing ceremonies – always with both courage and humility.
And then, before this latest gathering, came the Day of the Old Faith – a day that left deep marks on us all. On Friday, June 20, nature-spiritual people gathered at Eidsvolls plass in the heart of Oslo, for a drumming fellowship, speeches and celebration. Not only did Sjamanistisk Forbund and Holistisk Forbund represent their visions of diversity and openness — our own ceremony leader students were present and took an active part in the great drum ceremony for nature-spiritual unity. It was a day filled with colorful clothing, rhythms that pulsed through the body, and a sense of belonging to a movement that both embraces and challenges us.
The students stood side by side with experienced leaders, chatted, shared experiences and let themselves be inspired by the enormous diversity that came to light that day. For many it was the first time they stood in the midst of such a crowd cheering for the spirit of nature and opening their hearts to each other's traditions. The vision that has driven them through months of study and practice suddenly gained a living and powerful frame — the Day of the Old Faith became a boost for unity, not only within the federation, but among all nature-spiritual people in Norway.
After this wave of energy, the journey continued to yet another gathering weekend. Beneath the roof of genuine drum sound, warm glances and glowing eagerness, the students worked intensively with everything they have learned: to lead, listen, evaluate, use voice, strength, body and presence. Here they finally got to hold several ceremonies of their own in front of the group, challenge themselves and feel the support of the fellowship. The teachers cheered, listened and gave feedback — and it was clear: this journey fills both students and mentors with pride, insight and a desire to share this magic further.
We now look ahead toward the period of practice, where the students will hold their own ceremonies for new groups, with support from their mentors. They carry with them everything they have experienced, from the first digital meeting pulse, through physical gatherings to the monumental drum circle of the Day of the Old Faith. The fellowship is stronger than ever, and they are ready to spread light, warmth and respect for the spiritual diversity of nature.
No journey is the same, but we always walk together. When learning, practice and genuine experiences are woven together, something great happens — we are building the ceremony leaders of the future who dare to stand in the sacred, take responsibility and lead with the heart. And this particular weekend will become a memory that will forever resound both in the echo of the drums and in our own hearts.
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