News

Please Note: The final Shamanic Practice Weekend at Åsbacka in 2009 will be the December 5^th- 6^th - more information on the theme coming shortly.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Steve Nobel from Alternatives (www.alternatives.co.uk) in England has just interviewed Jonathan for a podcast which is available online for free. In this wide-ranging telephone interview, Jonathan talks about shamanic initiation, the web of power which connects us all, the role of the shaman in the 21^st century, and many other aspects of shamanic spirituality and practice. You can listen to and download the interview here.

In September, Jonathan and Nicholas Breeze Wood, editor of Sacred Hoop magazine, will be presenting a workshop, The Way of Blessing, at the third conference held by the Society for Shamanic Practitioners in Dorset, UK. The dates of the conference are September 10^th – 13^th. For more information, please see: www.shamanconference.co.uk

On November 7^th - 8^th the newly formed International Shamanic Community will have its fourth general meeting at St. Luke’s House, Kew, London. The ISC is made up of people who have worked with Jonathan and Annette who have formed a self-organizing community of shamanic practitioners. The community is open to anyone who has worked with Jonathan or Annette and who wants to be a member of the community, regardless of what country you live in. If you are interested in learning more and becoming a member, please contact Jane Shutt at crowan@pcxinternet.com

Read more about all our Autumn courses and retreats – in Scandinavia, Ireland, and the UK – here

ÅSBACKA

Due to a series of miracles, a small piece of land in the middle of the forest in southern Sweden, Åsbacka, has come under our care. Åsbacka is located only two hours from Copenhagen and lies high up on Halland’s Åsen.

There are five small wooden houses, each with their own character and potential – including Dansstugan (the Dance House), which is perfect for coursework and has room for a nice sized circle of people. There are many different varieties of trees and wild flowers, birds, and animals in the forest. Already many people have visited and experienced the power and beauty of the land there, and have helped to welcome Åsbacka into our community. Many hands have started to give Åsbacka the loving care with painting, carpentry and gardening that will bring it to its full potential.

In the not too distant future we are looking forward to opening Åsbacka to smaller groups and courses, including combined shamanic and working gatherings. We hope you will soon have the opportunity to be there.

NEW COURSE BROCHURE FOR AUTUMN 06 TIL SPRING 07

We have just sent out more than a thousand letters with the new course brochure to the people on our earth-mailing list. The brochure comes out on a half yearly basis, every harvest and early spring, with fresh illustrations from Annette’s hand. This summer, we have changed to a new format of 8 pages instead of 6, and we think it looks beautiful.

The courses described in the paper brochure are identical to the courses already on the website. You can see them here.

If you are not on the mailing list, and do wish to receive our half yearly paper catalogues, you can sign up by sending us an email with your name and earth address including country, to post@shamanism.dk

Would you like to help us distribute our course brochures?

About half of our course participants learn about the courses by word of mouth. However, the grass root networking is just as valuable. So if you know of a place - library, book café, or other meeting place - where it would be appropriate for you to put a handful of course folders, we would be very grateful for your help. Just tell us your name and Earth address by email (see above), and how many – for example 5, 10 or 50 - you want to distribute.

UPCOMING COURSES IN ENGLAND AND IRELAND

The next Basic Course will be September 29-October 1 in Glastonbury. It will be taught by Jonathan.

For centuries, people have been aware of the special energies at Glastonbury, and for years people have been suggesting to Jonathan that he brings his teaching there. This year Keith Dobson, who lives there and has studied with Jonathan, invited him to do the basic workshop.
There are still some places available, so if you are interested in visiting Glastonbury and doing the basic workshop at the same time, contact Keith at +44 14 5885 1449 or shamanism@herenow.be

In London the next Basic Course will be October 27-29 taught by Jonathan and organised by Shenoah Taylor. Contact her at +44 (0)794 154 4961 or e-mail: shamanism@abelgratis.co.uk for further information

November 1-5 Jonathan teaches a Soul Retrieval Training course at Poulstone Court in Herefordshire assisted by Shenoah.
This course is for those who wish to go deeper in their own learning process and strengthen their relationship to their spirit-helpers as well as for people who want to bring soul retrieval healing work into their practise with others.
This year we have made the Soul Retrieval Training course a day longer, giving more time for all of us to examine the many aspects of this important healing work.

October 18-22 there will be a Shamanism Death and Life 1 course in County Sligo, Ireland, taught by Jonathan and Liam. Contact Liam Glenane at +353 749 130 024 or e-mail glenanes@yahoo.co.uk for further information or for signing up.
Read more about Shamanism Death and Life 1 here

You can read more about the courses of the coming season here.

The very best late summer greetings from

Us at Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies


News		You can sign up for our e-newsletter here
	NEWS - HARVEST 2010 Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies UPCOMING AUTUMN COURSES Our autumn season begins with Jonathan leading a *SHAMANIC PRACTICE WEEKEND* at Åsbacka, Southern Sweden, *4-5 September. The theme will be "BLESSING" and different ways to work shamanically with its power. To book a place, email Zara at courses@asbacka.org Annette will be in England in September, teaching SEIDR: Working with Vision, Power and the Land.* A rare opportunity, it will explore the powerful tools of song and staff, and work with community ritual. This is a rare opportunity, as Annette will probably not be theaching this material in England for some years. It is held near *Glastonbury, 15-19 Sept. To book a place, go to www.centreforshamanism.co.uk or contact Lisa: shamancentre@googlemail.com Jonathan will be in Russia teaching PEACE & POWER* on the *21-26 Sep, and then in Ireland for the SHAMANIC HEALING course, 6-10 October. After this he will be teaching THE* *SHAMAN'S JOURNEY* introductory course in London, UK, *22-24 October.* This is one of the few basic courses we are giving this year, so if you or someone you know are interested in exploring shamanism, please come along to this one. To book a place, go to www.centreforshamanism.co.uk or contact Lisa: shamancentre@googlemail.com Jonathan will also be offering *RETURN TO SPIRIT* at Poulston (Hereford, UK) *27-31 October. This very special retreat is an opportunity to find or go further on your spiritual path and deepen your commitment to the Spirits. To book a place, go to www.centreforshamanism.co.uk or contact Lisa: shamancentre@googlemail.com For more information on all these courses and how to book, please go to the coursepage here* SPECIAL EVENTS *UK SHAMANIC CONFERENCE* - Jonathan has been invited to give the plenary sessions at the Society for Shamanic Practitioners (SSP) conference in England, *9-12 Sep. For more information, see http://www.shamanconference.co.uk* *INTERNATIONAL SHAMANIC COMMUNITY -* the ISC was set up by and for people who have worked with Jonathan or Annette to help create a sense of community, support and inspiration outside of workshops. It has been going for nearly two years and now has its own website with lots of information - http://www.shamaniccommunity.org. Here you can read about the next *ISC COMMUNITY MEETING* held in London *13-14 November. Details on how to join the ISC are at: http://www.shamaniccommunity.org/join.html Jonathan Horwitz can be reached on email* jonathan@shamanism.dk or telephone (+ 46) 431 441 220 Annette Høst prefers telephone (+45) 32 54 28 08. Email annette@shamanism.dk Lisa Sture is best contacted by email at shamancentre@googlemail.com
	NEWS JUNE 2010 Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies *MIDSUMMER THOUGHTS: WE SHARE THIS PLANET* Walking around Åsbacka, seeing the lingonberries blossom, feeling the rain, smelling the wet bark of the trees in the forest, hearing the blackbird’s song and the croak of the raven, I often feel myself to be in Paradise. Indeed, that’s how many people describe Åsbacka within minutes of their first arrival. A little piece of Paradise. And it is. But every day brings more news from the Gulf of Mexico and the disastrous tragedy affecting so many millions of beings in so many ways we can’t even begin to imagine. Some might say, “Oh, yes, but that is over there.” It is not over there. It is right here. We are all connected. Today it’s the oil covered seabirds, or the Louisiana shrimp fishers’ families reaching into empty pockets, or the impoverished Haitians, even poorer because of the earthquake, but forgotten because other disasters have made them old news. Who will it be tomorrow? We share this planet with so many. The greater the gift, the greater the responsibility. There are so many ways we can help. Please remember to do what you can. Small things can make a big difference. We send you all wishes for a powerful summer. Jonathan. UPCOMING SUMMER COURSES Jonathan will be teaching *THE* *SHAMAN'S JOURNEY* extended introductory course at Tokalynga, Southern Sweden, *22-25 July.* This is one of the few basic courses we are giving this year, so if you or someone you know are interested in exploring shamanism, please take the chance to come along to this one. Contact Carin Westman: carinebba@gmail.com Jonathan and Zara are also holding a *"Taster Day" in shamanic practice* for beginners. It will be taught in Swedish, and held on *17 July* at Åsbacka, Southern Sweden. Contact: courses@asbacka.org Jonathan is for the first time in many years offering *SPIRITUAL ECOLOGY* at Tokalynga, *27 July - 1 August. Focusing on our relationship with the world around us, it explores working with Nature and the Elements, through journeying, outdoor work and ritual. More than ever, this work is needed now to see how we can help heal not only other people but also the Earth and the places she offers to us as home. Working with Nature is one of the cornerstones of shamanic practice and brings many different, often surprising, rewards. Contact Carin Westman: carinebba@gmail.com The SHAMANIC COUNSELLING 1* course at Åsbacka (15 - 21 Aug) is now almost full. There is only one place left, so if you are interested please email courses@asbacka.org as soon as possible. In England, Annette will be teaching *SEIDR: working with Vision, Power and the Land.* Carrying on the theme of Nature and Earth, it will explore the powerful tools of song and staff, and also work with seidr as community ritual. It is held near Glastonbury, *15-19 Sept. For more information contact Lisa Sture shamancentre@googlemail.com As a seidr appetiser, Annette’s new article* on the Legacy of Seidr *SONGS OF ENCHANTMENT* – is now in our article library here. It is a sneak premiere, before it appears in the upcoming issue of UK magazine Caduceus. For more information on all these courses and how to book, please go to the coursepage SPECIAL EVENTS *SPIRITS, CLIMATE AND POLITICS* - Annette has written a fascinating account of her meeting with a Peruvian Healer last December: "*Curandera and the Climate Conference". It features in the new issue of UK magazine Sacred Hoop. To get hold of a copy, go to http://www.sacredhoop.org UK SHAMANIC CONFERENCE* - Jonathan has again been invited to the Society for Shamanic Practitioners (SSP) UK conference in England, *9-12 Sept. This year's theme is "Dancing with the Cycles of Life" and Jonathan is giving three plenary sessions, starting off each day. For more information, see http://www.shamanconference.co.uk ISC SUMMER GATHERING -* the International Shamanic Community (ISC) continues to grow and is having its second Summer Gathering *6-8 Aug, at Wild Ways in Shropshire, UK. There are now over 80 members from many different countries and as long as you have some kind of shamanic practice, you are welcome to join in this weekend. There will be a wide variety of shamanic work offered, with community building, ceremony, healing, friendship and fun. For more information, visit http://www.shamaniccommunity.org or to book a place, email Macca: maccamccabe@uwclub.net CONTACT INFORMATION* Jonathan Horwitz can be reached on email jonathan@shamanism.dk or telephone (+ 46) 431 441 220 Annette Høst prefers telephone (+45) 32 54 28 08. Email annette@shamanism.dk Joe Johansen has telephone number (+45) 46 42 41 12, and email info@b-joe.com Lisa Sture is best contacted by email at shamancentre@googlemail.com For Åsbacka workshops and retreats, email courses@asbacka.org
	NEWS MARCH 2010 Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies A week ago, as the snow continued falling though the days grew longer, I received word that an old friend had left the Land of the Living. For me, it is still so difficult to absorb that one so vibrant is no longer walking on this Earth. I went outside to leave food for the birds and the deer. I heard the fluttering of the birds’ wings. In the woods I saw the deer-tracks, clustering where I had put food for them the day before. Even though it is not always as we want it, Life goes on. It does not stop. And, like the seasons, it changes. ~Jonathan~ UPCOMING SPRING COURSES After a snowy Winter in the woods, Jonathan will be visiting the UK and offering *THE* *SHAMAN'S JOURNEY* introductory course in *London, 26-28 March.* We have always depended on your personal recommendations for which we are very grateful, so if you know anyone who may be interested in experiencing shamanism in this way, please pass on the word. During the Easter holidays, *SHAMANISM, DEATH AND LIFE* will take place at beautiful Poulstone Court in *Herefordshire, March 31 - April 4. This is a particularly powerful time of year to do this work, as re-birthing energies gather and grow strong. To book your place on any UK workshop, go to www.centreforshamanism.co.uk* This Spring Jonathan is also teaching a brand new course RHYTHMS OF LIFE at Åsbacka (southern Sweden), *21-25 April. Following the international trail, Jonathan will also be in Hungary* for the *PEACE AND POWER* retreat , *11-16 May, at a beautiful venue near Lake Balaton. For more information on all these courses and how to book, please go to the coursepage www.shamanism.dk/courses.htm* There will be another introductory *SHAMAN'S JOURNEY* weekend workshop in *Bristol, UK, 21 – 23 May. This will be taught by Anstice Fisher and Julia Elliot as part of a trial teaching-mentoring program (more information about this program will be sent out later in the spring). Both Anstice and Julia have worked with Jonathan extensively and have assisted on many of his workshops. To book on the Bristol introductory course, contact Lisa Sture, Tel: + 44 (0)797 1148 531, E-mail: shamancentre@gmail.com* SPECIAL EVENTS *“Songs of Enchantment – the legacy of the Seiðr tradition”* is the name of a new article Annette has written, featured in the upcoming April issue of the UK magazine *Caduceus. It is a great introduction for her workshop on Seiðr in September near Glastonbury. The next meeting of the INTERNATIONAL SHAMANIC COMMUNITY (ISC)* will be in Birmingham, UK, on the 17-18 April. If you are interested in coming along to help shape the ISC or join in with community spirit work, anyone who has worked with Jonathan and Annette is invited, whether you are an ISC member or not. The April meeting is hosted by Nellie Kyne, David Scott and Catherine Corrie. If you want to come, please email David for more information: david@davidscott.org.uk If you want to become a member or get more general ISC information, please email Jane Shutt: crowan@pcxinternet.com. READY FOR THE HERB GATHERING SEASON? For the second year, Annette is doing 2 one-day spring *Workshops on Herb Lore and Herb Magic,* in Copenhagen. As they are more than full, Annette has added *2 extra days: April 18* and May 9, in Danish. *NEW ARTICLE: For anyone else who is interested in shamanic herb lore, or wants to craft their own herb smudge incense this year, we have just added – with the kind help from Nick Breeze Wood of Sacred Hoop magazine –Annette’s article “Sacred Smoke”* to our article library CONTACT INFORMATION Jonathan Horwitz can be reached on email jonathan@shamanism.dk or telephone (+ 46) 431 441 220. Annette Høst prefers telephone (+45) 32 54 28 08. E email annette@shamanism.dk Joe Johansen has telephone number (+45) 46 42 41 12, and email info@b-joe.com Lisa Sture is best contacted by email at shamancentre@googlemail.com
	NEWS January 2010 Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies *“I am here to tell you that The Earth is alive!”* Angelica Canchumani Ricse, Quechua curandera, at the Copenhagen Climate Forum, Dec 09 We hope that our 2010 courses and retreats will continue to help empower and heal our relationships with the Earth and all of her children. Here is our current offering of work. After this, you can read more about our personal experience of the Climate Conference in Copenhagen and the spiritual connections made. More than ever, all of our shamanic practice makes a difference to the world and we hope to join with many of you in the coming year to continue working with power. UPCOMING COURSES AND EVENTS The next Shamanic Practice Weekend at *Åsbacka* is on the Spring Equinox (*March 20-21) and we will be working with Balance. Places are limited, so get in touch soon courses@asbacka.org Jonathan will also be leading the brand new retreat Rhythms of Life* at *Åsbacka, April 21-25. And to the people in* *Southern Sweden: Remember also to check out the Danish NYHEDER and KURSER now and then, there might be something tempting announced for Copenhagen…… COURSES IN UK and EUROPE* *Full updated information for 2010 courses is now here on the Course page* Our next course in the UK will be Annette teaching *Spirit Voice: Shamanic Singing* in *London, February 12-14. Annette will also be teaching a brand new course in Holland, Seiđr Craft. March 12-14.* It is a special weekend also inviting people with no previous shamanic training! Only a few places left. Jonathan will be teaching *The Shaman’s Journey* in *London March 26-28, followed by Shamanism, Life, and Death* during the Easter Holidays, *March 31 to April 4. Jonathan will also be offering Soul Retrieval* and *Peace and Power* in *May* in *Hungary, at a beautiful venue in the area of Lake Balaton. Spiritual Ecology* will be the summer course at *Tokalynga* *July 27-31, dealing in-depth with our relationship to Nature and the Earth. NEW ARTICLE IN THE LIBRARY* We have put *a new article* on Seiđr called “Keep It close to Nature” on the website library here MOTHER EARTH AND THE CLIMATE CONFERENCE During the climate summit in Copenhagen in December we had the honour to host an international group of wonderful NGO people from the project “*Conversations with the Earth”. They had come to amplify the earth-wise voices of indigenous people. Angelica Canchumani Ricse, a curandera* and ritual leader of the Quechua people, her daughter and apprentice Irma Poma, and film maker Maja Tillman, from Peru stayed in Jonathan’s house while he was away, and Annette acted as their host. It was an unexpected gift to be able to witness Angelica’s ritual work, to talk with her about it and see the comparisons and similarities to our own work. In the middle of the confusion of the Climate Conference, it was incredibly uplifting to hear both shamans and experienced NGO activists speaking of the necessity of rituals honouring Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) in the same breath as they spoke of treaty paragraphs and indigenous land-rights. Spiritual Ecology and practical work – also political – are irrevocably tied together in a liveable future for the Children of the Earth. Annette is hoping to share her experiences in an article, which we will add to our English article library. In the meantime you can learn more about the important work of “*Conversations with the Earth” on www.conversationsearth.org. There is also a video with Angelica and Irma in their home valley in the Andes. Contact Information* Jonathan Horwitz is best reached on telephone (+ 46) 431 441 220 or Email: jonathan@shamanism.dk Annette Høst can be reached on email annette@shamanism.dk, but prefers telephone (+45) 32 54 28 08. Joe Johansen has telephone number (+45) 46 42 41 12, and email info@b-joe.com Lisa Sture can best be contacted by email at shamancentre@googlemail.com
	NEWS November 2009 Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies *Moving into Winter with Gratitude* This is the time of slowing down, of letting go as the trees do, and watching the leaves fall with grace into a still and silent peaceful place. Over the summer, we have seen many miracles, people bravely stepping into the circle, asking for healing, for power, for connection, for Life, and offering to help. Each time this happens we witness a blessing, a miracle, and the power ripples through the Circle in many ways we cannot always see. Thank You for this. May we put our Trust in the Spirits in the Winter months to come, and always make Space for them to work in our Lives. UPCOMING COURSES AND EVENTS THIS WINTER Annette is teaching *The Shaman's Journey* in Copenhagen, *27-29* Nov. This will be her last basic til next Autumn. Jonathan's final course this year is the *Shamanic Practice Weekend* at *Åsbacka* on *5-6 Dec, where we will be working with the theme of Gratitude. There are only a couple of places left so if you are interested, get in touch soon at courses@asbacka.org We will be continuing with these weekends in 2010, working with new themes suggested by the Spirits. The dates will be in March, July, September and December and will be announced soon. Finally, the next meeting of the International Shamanic Community* is in *London* on 7-8 Nov. If you are interested in coming and taking part, please email cath@wisechild.co.uk. There we will continue to create the vision and organisation for people who have worked with the Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies. Even if you can't physically be there, you can contact Cath to send well-wishes or requests or questions that can be addressed at the meeting. We hope that there will be a dedicated ISC website up at the beginning of 2010, and will send out information about this when it is ready. We hope to meet with you soon and to sit together in the circle. COURSES AND EVENTS IN 2010 Information for 2010 courses has now been put up on the coursepage. Jonathan is offering *Life & Death* in the end of March, *Spiritual Ecology* as summercourse, and running a new retreat at *Åsbacka* in April called *Rhythms of Life. He will also be teaching in Ireland, UK, Russia and Hungary. In England Annette will be teaching Song* in February and *Seiđr* in September In March she will also be teaching a brand new course in Holland, *Seiđr Craft. It is a special weekend also inviting people with no previous shamanic training. * Special Offer If you book a 2010 course in England before the end of the year, you will only have to pay the 2009 price (this is for courses in England only). Contact Lisa Sture for more information on this at shamancentre@googlemail.com or book directly at http://www.centreforshamanism.co.uk Contact Information Jonathan Horwitz is best reached on telephone (+ 46) 431 441 220 or Email: jonathan@shamanism.dk Annette Høst can be reached on email annette@shamanism.dk, but prefers telephone (+45) 32 54 28 08. Joe Johansen has telephone number (+45) 46 42 41 12, and email info@b-joe.com Lisa Sture** can best be contacted by email at shamancentre@googlemail.com
	NEWS AUGUST 2009 Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies *HARVEST TIME* And now it is harvest time. The Sun’s light is golden like the fields after the grain is gathered in. Standing here, as the leaves on the hazel change from green, to yellow to brown, we ask, “What are we harvesting?” May whatever you harvest help you In the Autumn days ahead, The Days of Balance. Basic Workshops ~ Jonathan’s next basic is in London, October 16^th– 18^th, contact Lisa Sture at shamancentre@googlemail.com or tel: +44 (0)1769 550408 Annette has a basic workshop in Copenhagen, in Danish, September 11th – 13th, contact B-Joe at info@b-joe.com If you know anyone who is interested in coming on a basic with us, please let them know. Most people come on our courses through your recommendations, something we are very thankful for. Advanced Workshops and Retreats ~ This Autumn Jonathan and Annette are offering several advanced courses, both in Scandinavia, Ireland, and the UK. Shamanic Practice Weekend at Åsbacka, September 19th – 20th. Theme: “Nourishment,” taught by Jonathan in English, assisted by Zara. Contact: Zara at courses@asbacka.org or tel: +46 431 441 220. Sjælens Stemme (Spirit Voice – Shamanic Singing), September 25th – 27th, Copenhagen, taught by Annette in Danish. Contact B-Joe at info@b-joe.com or tel: +45 4642 4112. Peace and Power, in County Sligo, Ireland, September 30th – October 4th, taught by Jonathan and Liam Glenane in English. Contact: Liam at glenanes@yahoo.co.uk or Tel: 353 71 91 31 851 Shamanic Counselling 1, Poulstone Court, Hereford, UK, October 20 – 25, taught by Jonathan. Contact Lisa Sture at shamancentre@googlemail.com or tel: +44 (0)1769 550408 Please Note: The final Shamanic Practice Weekend at Åsbacka in 2009 will be the December 5^th- 6^th - more information on the theme coming shortly. SPECIAL EVENTS Steve Nobel from Alternatives (www.alternatives.co.uk) in England has just interviewed Jonathan for a podcast which is available online for free. In this wide-ranging telephone interview, Jonathan talks about shamanic initiation, the web of power which connects us all, the role of the shaman in the 21^st century, and many other aspects of shamanic spirituality and practice. You can listen to and download the interview here. In September, Jonathan and Nicholas Breeze Wood, editor of Sacred Hoop magazine, will be presenting a workshop, The Way of Blessing, at the third conference held by the Society for Shamanic Practitioners in Dorset, UK. The dates of the conference are September 10^th – 13^th. For more information, please see: www.shamanconference.co.uk On November 7^th - 8^th the newly formed International Shamanic Community will have its fourth general meeting at St. Luke’s House, Kew, London. The ISC is made up of people who have worked with Jonathan and Annette who have formed a self-organizing community of shamanic practitioners. The community is open to anyone who has worked with Jonathan or Annette and who wants to be a member of the community, regardless of what country you live in. *If you are interested in learning more and becoming a member, please contact Jane Shutt at* crowan@pcxinternet.com *Read more about all our Autumn courses and retreats – in Scandinavia, Ireland, and the UK – here*
	NEWS MAY 2009 Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies SUMMER COURSES – SPECIAL EVENTS – SACRED HOOP ARTICLE Summer is almost with us fully, and with it comes our offerings for the season. In fact, in this newsletter we have many special events, as well as courses we seldom offer, and many of them are away from the busy-ness, noise, and pollution of the cities. So please look and see if there isn’t something to help you to touch base with your natural shamanic roots. Step into power….. SUMMER COURSES Jonathan has two BASICS during the summer - one in England in June and an extended one in Sweden in July. If you know of anyone who would be interested in learning about shamanism, please let them know. We rely so much on word-of-mouth to reach people, especially new ones, so anything you can do to help with this is greatly appreciated. Here is the info: *June 5 – 7, Totnes, England. Contact Lisa Sture, tel: +44 (0)1769 550408, E-mail: lisa@shamancentre.co.uk. July 16 – 19, Tokalynga, Sweden. Extended Basic. Contact Carin Westman, Tel.+46 (0)31 775 2630, e-mail: carinebba@gmail.com* . *June 12-14, Jonathan will also be teaching Into the Journey* in London. The main emphasis of this powerful weekend course is on the Middle World journey-work of the shaman, experiencing sharpened intent, working together with others, and healing ritual. The simple practices will take you deeper into your journey. Contact Lisa Sture, tel: +44 (0)1769 550408, E-mail: lisa@shamancentre.co.uk There are still a few places left for *Shamanic Healing* , a thorough introduction to the classic work of the shaman, including working with the healing power of plants and shamanic extraction healing, at Tokalynga, southern Sweden (21-26 July) contact: Carin Westman, tel.+46 (0)31 775 2630, e-mail carinebba@gmail.com. Jonathan is also offering *Shamanic Counselling 2* at his retreat center, Åsbacka, in southern Sweden, *23-29 Aug. This retreat opens the door to shamanic mentoring and guidance. If you have completed the Shamanic Counselling I training, this is the deepest going of all the courses Jonathan leads. This is the first time this retreat has been offered for several years, and will not be offered again until 2011 at the earliest. The remaining places are limited, so please get in touch soon if you are interested. Contact: Zara Waldebäck, e-mail: courses@asbacka.org SPECIAL EVENTS* ISC Summer Gathering, 3-5 July The International Shamanic Community (ISC) has been set up by and for people who have trained with Jonathan or Annette. Our vision is that this will help us support and nourish each other and our shamanic practice, to skill-share and network, find ways to take shamanism to the wider community, and collaborate on rituals and projects. The Summer Gathering will take place from 4pm on Friday 3 July to Sunday 5th, in Frylands Wood outside of Croydon, south of London, England. We invite both ISC members and interested shamanic non-members. During the weekend there will be group journeys, medicine walks, community dances, blessing ceremonies, craft workshops, storytelling and music. Jonathan will be leading a healing ceremony on Saturday. If you want more information click here, or to book a place, please email Gemma May on: summergathering09@yahoo.co.uk *Seidr in Scandinavia* For those interested in Seidr, the ancient Scandinavian for of shamanism, there are a lot of opportunities this summer in Scandinavia. In Sweden, Annette on June 22-23 will be teaching and leading Seidr at the Goddess Week. Then again, in Denmark, on July 28 at the International Asatru Summercamp. Both of these events are in English. Also Annette’s course (taught in Danish) SommerSkovSejd d. 7.-12 July an hour away from Copenhagen uses seidr as a way to learn about Power. For more information on these, please go to the Courses page. EMPOWERMENT: OUR SPIRITUAL INHERITANCE This is the title of a brand new article by Jonathan, presented in the up-coming issue of the magazine Sacred Hoop. For more information, or to subscribe, go to www.sacredhoop.org. For further information, you are welcome to contact: Jonathan Horwitz, tel +(46) 431 441 220 or: +(45) 5017 7044 E-mail: jonathan@shamanism.dk Annette Høst, tel + (45) 32 54 28 08. E-mail annette@shamanism.dk. Annette has moved earth address a bit. It is now Artillerivej 63, apt. 144, DK-2300 Copenhagen S.
	NEWS APRIL 2009 Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies The power of Spring is on us again, the changing weather, touching the senses, waking feelings - the promise of fruitfulness. Are we blown around like last Autumn’s leaves in the gusts of March, or do we feel the sap rising up trough our deep roots from the Earth? Let’s join our hands together ~ and let the Power flow through us. UPCOMING COURSES SOUL RETRIEVAL 8-12 April, Poulston Jonathan's next workshop is "Soul Retrieval Training" at Poulston Court in Hereford, England. Taking place 8-12 April (Easter), there are still a few final places left. If you are interested in coming, please contact Lisa Sture, tel: +44 (0)1769 550408, e-mail: lisa@shamancentre.co.uk - the price is £540 incl. room and board. For more info, see here. You can read more about the work with soul retrieval in the article COMING HOME SHAMANIC PRACTICE WEEKEND - "Fruitfulness" with Jonathan 23-24 May, Åsbacka, Sweden Our work at Åsbacka continues and it is wonderful to see so many of you coming here on courses and personal retreats. In May, there is another chance to attend a Shamanic Practice weekend, this time on the theme of Fruitfulness - bringing it to your life and extending it to the world. We will be exploring this springtime energy through a variety of shamanic techniques - journeys, medicine walks, nature work, ceremony, song and dance - and sharing the teachings in the circle to help deepen our relationship with our Spirits, ourselves and the world around us. The weekend is limited to 12 places. To book, contact Zara Waldebäck, e-mail: courses@asbacka.org Tel: +46 431 441 220. Price includes room & board, DKK 1400, deposit DKK 400. The course runs from 12 noon on Saturday, to 16.00 on Sunday. SUMMER FESTIVALS IN SCANDINAVIA This summer, Annette will lead events on Nordic magic tradition on two Scandinavian festivals. The first is titled *“Völva, Oracle, Shaman and Noaide”, June 21-25, in Ångermanland, Sweden.* Within this very shamanic theme of Swedish “Goddess week 2009”, Annette will do a short seidr workhop in Scandinavian/English, as well as lectures on “the History of the Cunning People”, and “the Völva´s Vision”, in English. Read more on the festival’s website: Her The second is International Asatru Summercamp. July 25- Aug 1, on Mols in Denmark. Both Annette, and Swedish Sylvia Hild, will do teachings and workshop on a thematic day on seidr, in English. More info growing on the summercamp’s website here. Read more about all our Spring and Summer courses – in Scandinavia as well as England - here For further information, you are welcome to contact: Jonathan Horwitz, tel +(46) 431 441 220 or: +(45) 5017 7044 E-mail: jonathan@shamanism.dk Annette Høst** , tel + (45) 32 54 28 08. E-mail annette@shamanism.dk
	NEWSLETTER WINTER 2009 FEBRUARY Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies The days are getting longer once again - already! Even though snow is on the ground here in the North, the energy returns, and small buds begin to show themselves at the end of twigs. We stretch, and look at the days ahead. Every day counts. What will we do with them? Whatever it is we do, we hope our paths cross with yours in the months to come. May the returning Sun continue to brighten and warm your way…. NEWS Website Courses Updated The website is now updated and you can find all of our courses for 2009 by clicking here. Please check our website periodically for new additions and announcements of other events. The Community of Shamanic Practitioners In November a second meeting was held in London to further explore the development of a self-organizing international community of shamanic practitioners who have worked with Jonathan and Annette. It was an exciting success. Some thirteen workgroups have been established to look into such areas as support, networking, accreditation, supervision, mentoring, and skill-sharing. If you are interested in learning more and becoming a member, please contact Jane Shutt at crowan@pcxinternet.com. The next meeting will be February 28^th – March 1^st in London. *For information on this, please contact Kathy Fried* at kathy.fried@yahoo.com On 4-5 July there will be a Summer Camp Gathering of members outside London. For more information on this, please contact Gemma May at gmay@outward.org.uk ADVANCED COURSES ~ Spring and Summer Right around the corner is the first Shamanic Practice Weekend at Åsbacka on February 21-22, lead by Jonathan. The theme of this weekend is Receiving Power. We will use journeys, medicine walks, stone-council divination, singing, and dancing. Jonathan will be leading four Shamanic Practice Weekends this year with a different theme each weekend. The next will be May 22-24. You can sign up for one or all. For more information, contact info@asbacka.org. For the first time in two years Jonathan will be teaching Soul Retrieval, April 8-12, in Herefordshire. You can read Jonathan’s article on Soul Retrieval here . Many of you have asked about the Shamanic Counselling II – Shamanic Guidance, and we are happy to announce that it will be held this summer, August 23-29, at Åsbacka. The course is limited to 12 participants and may not be held again until 2011. It offers a solid foundation for shamanic mentoring. Annette will be leading Shaman Summer Seidr, a new course in the forest at Avnsø, Denmark, July 7 to 12 in Danish, and Shamanic Healing is the intensive summer course at Tokalynga, July 21-26, in southern Sweden will be taught by Jonathan in English. BASIC WORKSHOPS ~ Spring In England, The Shaman’s Journey is scheduled for Todmorden, Yorkshire, near Manchester, April 3-5 taught by Jonathan. (Sign up here) In Scandinavia, the first Basic Workshop will be March 6-8 in Copenhagen, taught by Annette. PRIVATE SESSIONS AND RETREATS** Jonathan is now offering two and three day personal retreats at Åsbacka, for individuals and very small groups. He also offers *shamanic guidance sessions* when in London. If you would like to know more, please write to him. Annette is offering *supervision/counselling for individuals* in Copenhagen. CONTACT INFORMATION Jonathan can be contacted at: tel. (+45) 5017 7044 or +46 (0) 431 441 220. E-mail: jonathan@shamanism.dk Annette can be contacted at tel. (+45) 32 54 28 08. E-mail annette@shamanism.dk , but preferable by telephone. Lisa Sture, the contact person in Britain, can be contacted at tel. +44 (0) 1769 550 408 or e-mail lisa@shamancentre.co.uk *All* *UK courses can be booked online at* www.centreforshamanism.co.uk If you do not wish to receive more newsletters from us, just send us an email and you will be removed from the list.
	NEWS DECEMBER 2008 The Dance of the Old Ones In the Dark my feet are guided Around the Fire, Circle dancing, Two steps forward, one step back The heat of the flames, the light in the eyes ~ Standing at the edge of the darkness The Old Ones are watching And I wonder: Are they laughing? I see them smile, “Laughing? No, my Child. We are rejoicing as you remember.” The time of darkness, the time of remembering, the time of learning, the time of visioning, the threshold from Autumn to Winter, the last leaves still remaining on the branches, frosty mornings, thin ice on puddles, gray clouds with rays of sunlight beaming through, late dawns, early sunsets and long nights – *Welcome Life!* NEWS *Community of Shamanic Practitioners* In England Jonathan is continuing to meet with people who have worked with him and Annette, exploring the possibility of establishing a *self-organizing community of shamanic practitioners. The idea is that the organization will be open to anyone who has worked with Jonathan or Annette and who wants to be a member of the community, regardless of what country you live in. This is a very exciting project and if you are interested, please contact Jonathan by e-mail. NEW SERVICE for UK Courses:* From now on, registration and payment for courses in UK can be done on-line, either by clicking the link at the end of the course’s description, or by going to www.centreforshamanism.co.uk . If you wish more information or have any questions, please contact Lisa Sture, the course arranger, by phone at +44 (0)20 8133 2509 or e-mail lisa@shamancentre.co.uk UPCOMING COURSES In England, the first course of the Winter Season is the basic workshop *The Shaman’s Journey, Jan. 30^th to Feb. 1^st in London* taught by Jonathan. Click HERE for more information and to register. The next basic workshop, *The Shaman’s Journey* will be in *Todmorden,* *Yorkshire, near Manchester, England, April 3-5.* For more information and to register, click HERE . *Shamanic Soul Retrieval, with Jonathan will be in Herefordshire, April 8^th to 12^th.* This course is a thorough introduction to the shaman’s ancient powerful healing practice of soul-retrieval. To read Jonathan’s article on Soul Retrieval, click HERE. For more information and to register, click HERE. In Scandinavia, the first *Basic Workshop* will be *Feb 27 - March* *1 in Copenhagen, taught by Annette. Check the course page here, we will be updating it continuously during the next month.* NEW AREAS AND WAYS OF WORK Many of you responded to our call asking for your ideas of new ways of working together. As a result, Jonathan will do four short *Shamanic Practice Weekends, at Åsbacka,* in February, May, September and December. The first will be *February 21-22,* from Saturday noon to Sunday afternoon. You can read more on the course page. Jonathan is also offering two and three day personal retreats at Åsbacka, for individuals and very small groups. If you would like to know more, please write to him. In Copenhagen, Annette is offering *supervision/ counsels for individuals. During this winter and spring she will also host a number of evening- and one-day gatherings with the themes of Herb Lore, Magic Songs, and Medicine Pouches* *in history and modern practice. You can see more here on NYHEDER in Danish, especially interesting if you live in Southern Sweden. Jonathan is making an A-5 size flyer in English* with the dates, locations, and names of the courses he is doing this year. So if you feel you can help promote Jonathan's courses by putting these in shops, community and health centers, sending to friends etc, please contact Lisa Sture if you live in the UK or Ireland, or Jonathan (if you live in Scandinavia). Thank you for helping spread the word. PLEASE REMEMBER: From now on, our courses – and other events - will only be published on our homepage and in the e-newsletter, as we are no longer sending out a paper brochure. If you know anyone whom you think may enjoy our work, please send this e-newsletter on to them. Jonathan can be contacted at: tel. +46 (0) 431 441 220. E-mail: jonathan@shamanism.dk Annette can be contacted at tel. (+45) 32 54 28 08. E-mail annette@shamanism.dk , but preferable by telephone. Lisa Sture, the contact person in Britain, can be contacted at tel. +44(0)1769 550 408 or e-mail lisa@shamancentre.co.uk
	NEWS SEPTEMBER 2008 *Greetings in these last Golden Days of Summer!* UPCOMING COURSES IN ENGLAND The first course of the autumn season is **The Shaman’s Journey~Basic Workshop, Sept 26^th to 28^th taught by Jonathan in London. Click HERE. Next is Shamanic Healing, with Jonathan in Herefordshire, October 1^stto 5^th. This course is a thorough introduction to some of the advanced techniques of the shaman’s craft, including diagnosis, the recognition of power, and the removal of inappropriate power. For more information and to register, click HERE. These courses will be followed by Return to Spirit on the West Coast of Ireland, October 15^th to 19^th. The work of this course is around learning to accept and live with shamanic spirit power in our everyday lives. For more information and to register, click HERE. SEE ALL THE COURSES HERE NEW AREAS AND WAYS OF WORK In England, Jonathan is working further with ideas to open possibilities for the community of the people who have been working with him and Annette through the years. There are many ideas, and as plans emerge we will bring them here in the Newsletter and on the pages of our website. The magic pot is bubbling, and ideas are brewing for both Jonathan and Annette, about new courses, new teaching areas to explore, and new ways of teaching and exploring! At this point of envisioning future work, both of us would love to hear from you about what you would like to see offered. So, please, send us an earth-letter or an e-mail with your thoughts……….. Over my shoulder, the setting Sun. Before me, my road stretches on. The rising Moon’s light Will show me another way.** PLEASE REMEMBER: From now on, our courses – and other events - will only be published here on our homepage and in the newsletter. You can sign up for the newsletter here. And if you know anyone whom you think may enjoy knowing of our work, please send your newsletter on to them. Jonathan can be contacted at: tel. +46 (0) 431 441 220. E-mail: jonathan@shamanism.dk Annette can be contacted at tel. (+45) 32 54 28 08. E-mail annette@shamanism.dk , but preferable by telephone. Earth-mail address Artillerivej 63, st. 140, DK-2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark. Lisa Sture, the contact person in Britain, can be contacted at tel: +44 (0)20 8133 2509 or e-mail lisa@shamancentre.co.uk

	NEWS Midsummer 2008 The Miracle continues. The Wheel of Life continues to turn, the seasons change and we find ourselves again coming to the Summer Solstic . The blossoms of Spring are turning to small fruits which will grow, and, in time, we will harvest them. The high Summer Sun brightens our way. This is a time of empowerment, when the fruitfulness of Nature lends itself to healing and discovery. We hope to meet you again on the path this Summer. NEXT COURSE IN ENGLAND. The next course is *Into the Journey* *June 6-8* taught by Jonathan in London. Do not let the apparent simplicity of this course fool you. Those who have taken this course know it as a great training weekend, where newer and more experienced practitioners together enjoy kindling (or re-kindling) the focus and confidence in the heart of their own practice. Now is your chance! For more information on the course see here With this course, Shenoah Taylor is concluding her work together with us, now moving on devoting her time to her own shamanic practice and development of teaching. See her website: www.shenoah.abelgratis.co.uk . For four years Shenoah has been contributing great skill and effort in arranging courses in England, as well as assisting and co-teaching. All with a keen hawk eye for both practical detail and the bigger shamanic perspective. A big Thank You from us to Shenoah for wonderful inspiration and solid teamwork, and good luck with all your new endeavours! Lisa Sture is now taking over the arrangement of courses, and course assistance in England. Lisa has already prepared this together with Shenoah during the spring in order to not mess a beat. It is exciting to welcome Lisa, as she will combine her personal shamanic experience with her background in management consultancy and her own business in ecological technology. Welcome onboard Lisa! SUMMER COURSES IN SCANDINAVIA *June* 14 -20, Annette will be leading a course on *the Power of Nature and Nordic Myths* together with mythologist Henning Kure at Vestjyllands Højskole, in western Denmark. Through the interplay of magic nature-work and examination of the oldest Norse texts, we will explore the mythical dimension in Nature and the power of nature in the myths. This course is taught in Danish. See more here From *July 17 to 20* Jonathan will lead an *extended residential Basic Workshop in Halland, southern Sweden, taught in English. For more information, click here. Following the extended basic workshop Jonathan will lead a new retreat Peace and Power, July 22 – 27, also* *in Halland, southern Sweden. Our work here will be around our own issues with power in our shamanic practice and in our lives, how we work with power, how we resist it, and how we can open to the magic paradox of peace-filled power and powerful peace. See more here August 10-16* Jonathan will lead a *Shamanic Counselling I Training* at Åsbacka. The group is luxuriously small with a maximum of ten participants, so do not hesitate to apply if this has your interest. Read more here. ÅSBACKA NEWS Åsbacka keeps developing as a beautiful course and retreat center on Hallandsåsen in southern Sweden. As well as the announced courses, Jonathan has also started doing personal shamanic healing retreats for individuals and small groups at Åsbacka. For example, at the end of August, Jonathan will be working with a group from Hungary. If you are interested in working this way, please contact Jonathan directly. PLEASE REMEMBER: From now on, our courses – and other events - will only be published on our homepage and in the newsletter. YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR THE E-NEWSLETTER HERE SEE ALL THE COURSES ON THE WEBSITE HERE *We Wish You A Joyful Midsummer of Power and Growth!* Jonathan can be contacted at tel. (+46) 431 441 220. Annette can be contacted at tel. (+45) 32 54 28 08. E-mail annette@shamanism.dk , but preferable by telephone.
	NEWS March 2008 MORE MAGIC, LESS PAPERWORK! From now on our courses – and other events - will only be published here on our homepage and in the newsletter. We have just sent out our paper course brochure for 2008. This will be the last paper brochure we send out, because from this Spring we will switch over to announcing all of our courses and other activities only on our website and in our e-newsletter. By talking this step, we will greatly reduce our amount of paperwork and time staring into a computer screen, thereby giving us more time for the creative and spirit-work we love to do with you. So please sign up for our e-newsletter HERE to receive the latest on new courses and other events. 3 NEW COURSES ON POWER Power lies at the core of the shamans work. But what is power? It is both energy and might. How do we approach power? What are our guidelines? These 3 new courses examine each in their own way how we can bring power into our shamanic practice, our healing work and into our daily lives. *Spring-Moon-Seidr April 16 - 20 in Herefordshire, England* The focus here is on Nature’s powers, like the Earth’s spring force and the Full Moon power. We will use both moon magic and seiðr craft as ways to work with power, learning how to receive and use it well, and how to ground it. And how to surrender fully to it moving through us, without forgetting our intent! This disciplined surrender to power is a classic shaman’s skill. It strengthens all areas of our outward active shamanic work, be it healing work or other kinds, and deepens our personal practice. See the full description here. *The* *Ritual and Ceremony Workshop, May 14 – 18 at Åsbacka, Sweden* A well crafted ritual can hold and move power in accordance with our intent. In this new workshop we explore how to find the right ritual for the right purpose, so the power of transformation can unfold. When doing a ceremony, we can become aware of how power waxes and wanes in the circle and how we can dance with it. The ceremonies of Life’s Thresholds are the work theme for this workshop, but you can use the principles for all other ceremonies and rituals, whether they are big or small. And whether their purpose is celebrating spring equinox, blessing a new house or work project, or inviting peace after a conflict. Come join us in the forest and get the courage to lead rituals on your own. See more here. *Peace* and Power, July 22 – 27 in Halland, Sweden In celebration of Tokalynga Teater Akademi’s 20th anniversary Jonathan will lead this new retreat. Our work here will be around our own issues with power in our shamanic practice and in our lives, how we work with power, how we resist it, and how we can open to the magic paradox of peace-filled power and powerful peace. See more here ÅSBACKA NEWS Our work continues at the beautiful course and retreat center Åsbacka, on Hallandsåsen in southern Sweden. *May 14-18, Annette is teaching the Ritual Workshop, see above. August 10-16* Jonathan will lead a *Shamanic Counselling Training. The group is luxuriously small with a maximum of ten participants, so do not hesitate to apply if this has your interest. Read more here. As well as our announced courses, Jonathan has also started doing personal shamanic healing retreats for individuals and small groups at Åsbacka. For example, at the end of June, Jonathan will be working with a group from Hungary. If you are interested in working this way, please contact Jonathan directly. UPCOMING BASIC COURSES* The next *Basic Workshop* is taught by Jonathan in London in late May. You can see all about the Basics here. We have only mentioned some of the upcoming courses here in the News. SEE ALL THE COURSES ON THE COURSE PAGE HERE They have just been updated with all the courses for 2008, that we know of as of now. Also keep an eye on new courses in drum-making etc. here We Wish You A Happy Springtime of Power and Growth! From us at Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies Jonathan can be contacted at tel (+45) 39 40 26 28 or (+46) 431 441 220. Annette can be contacted. E-mail: annette@shamanism.dk, but preferably by telephone: (+45) 32 54 28 08 If your topic is registration for a course, please contact the contact person listed under each course. And please don’t forget to sign up for our e-newsletter HERE for the latest on new courses and other events.
	NEWSLETTER December 2007 Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies We are in the season of the shortest days, where the light is furthest away, and all roots and seeds are resting in the Earth’s dark embrace. In just a few weeks we will reach the turning point of the Sun, Winter Solstice – and Christmas. *Christmas* now-a-days means a lot of rushing around, planning ten things at a time, seeing as many friends and family as possible - and buying presents, preferably the latest this or that. But what is our Solstice-Yule celebration really about? What is the power and heart of this our biggest seasonal feast? If you want new inspiration for your own solstice ritual or Christmas tradition, it is worthwhile to (re-)turn to the roots of this feast in nature and history. Let’s have a quick look: Winter Solstice is the new year of the Sun. In Northern traditions of old, Solstice-Yule-New Year were celebrated as one and the same holiday lasting several days. Mostly due to a looong and complicated story of imprecise calendars, the dates and the celebrations became separated from each other. The pre-Christian Yule was first and foremost about fruitfulness, and about the transition from the old Sun year to the new. At this magic threshold of the longest night, life in Nature rests. And we humans are in harmony with nature if we ourselves take a holy-day, a rest from work. The ritual focus of the old Nordic Yule was the ceremonial drinking of beer while stating your wishes for the New Year. The traditional wish is for “árs ok fridar”, meaning “for Good Year and Peace” - “árs” meaning both year, harvest, fertility. So the foundation of our Solstice-Yule-New Year feast is about rest, fruitfulness, and peace. *About presents, peace and plenty. It is becoming more and more common that people give each other experience-presents, instead of physical packages, and sometimes we have participants on our courses who were “given the course” as a present. But is it a good idea at all to give a shamanic workshop as a gift? In our experience it is important that the receiver of the gift course really wants to go on the course and has enthusiastically wished for it. So, in short, yes, you can wish* to get a workshop as a gift. And you can give a workshop as a gift to someone who has explicitly wished for. But if you think that Aunt Agatha really needs this basic introduction to shamanism, why not ask her first? In recent times, the commercialization of Christmas has expanded so that it is taking the focus away from the meaning of the hallowed Solstice-Yule. Many of us would like to remove ourselves from the money and resource devouring gift-giving madness which consumes the western world at Christmas time. There are alternatives, inspired by the old toasting wish “for A Good Year and Peace”, for example giving goats to people in Africa in the name of the one you wish to honor, having trees planted to reclaim desert, or simply making something yourself to honor your loved ones. And yes, if Aunt Agatha really wants a basic workshop, we want to meet her! UPCOMING COURSES IN ENGLAND for 2008. The next *Basic Workshop will be in London February 29^th-March 2^nd* taught by Jonathan and Shenoah. *Spring Moon Seidr* is a new course, held April 16 - 20 at Poulstone court in Herefordshire under the full moon. Our course purpose will be to learn to work with power, using both moon magic and seiðr craft. Annette is exited to do this course, taking a new step in combining ancient magic skills for modern apprentices of shamanism. NEXT COURSES IN SCANDINAVIA The first *Basic Course* is in Copenhagen, *February 29.- March 2 a d* Next comes *Spirit voice: Shamanic singing* in Copenhagen, *March 28 – 30 a d* Then we have a brand new course lead by Annette, *The* *Ritual and Ceremony Workshop,* *May, 14 – 18 at Åsbacka, Southern Sweden.* More and more people contact us with requests like this. ”Can you /Please help me make a new meaningful ritual for my wedding? A ritual which suits my relationship to nature and the spirits. One we can do in my own family and circle of friends?” We experience a growing demand from people wanting new genuine rituals to celebrate the big events of life. Often, people even ask us to perform or lead the ceremony, like weddings, a child’s welcome to this world, a coming-of -age ritual, or a funeral. Ceremonies that embrace nature, honor the powers and spirits, and are tailor-made for people’s own network. To this end we proudly present this new workshop, in the wish that more people get the tools for receiving new rituals themselves, as well as the courage to lead them in their own community. For the courses in Scandinavia, please contact Joe Johansen at +45 46 42 41 12 or b-joe@shamanism.dk You can read more about all the courses here. *On a dark, cold night* *A fire burns brighter* *And warms to the Heart* *For a Good New Year and Peace* *From us at Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies*
	NEWSLETTER August 2007 Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies THE NEW COURSE CALENDAR You can now see all the new courses and events for the rest of the year and well into next year under “Courses” here. We have also just sent out – by earth mail – a big load of new course brochures for the winter season. If you wish to receive our paper course brochures twice a year, please send us a e-mail about it with your name and earth-address including country. We think there are some exiting new things to tell you more about: THE CLEARING IN THE FOREST Åsbacka – our course and retreat center in Southern Sweden – is now up and running. During Spring and Summer many of our students have helped to make this possible, especially during a terrific Shamanic Work Party in late May and June. A big, heartfelt Thank You to all of you, who helped us so generously! All though there will still be a lot to do, we are now ready for doing courses and retreats in this wonderful place in the forest, just two hours Northeast of Copenhagen. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing with you the magic of the forest and hills. UPCOMING COURSES IN ENGLAND AND IRELAND. The next *Basic course will be in London October 26-28.* Please contact Shenoah Taylor at (0) 20 8993 8392 or shamanism@abelgratis.co.uk The advanced courses of the autumn are: *Shamanic Counseling Traning 1, October 15-21* in Ireland. This is an excellent course for those who wish to practise shamanic counselling, as well as those who are interested in deepening their ability to get to the core of their journeys and other shamanic experiences. There are still a couple of places left, if you are quick. Please contact Liam Glenane at glenanes@yahoo.co.uk *Shamanism, Death and Life 1* will be held *Oct. 31 – Nov. 4, at Poulstone Court in Herefordshire. What at perfect way to celebrate Halloween! Traditionally the Hallowed Eve serves as a port between the land of the living and the land of the dead, opening the communication between the two worlds, thus also benefiting the shamanic work, we intend to do on this course. And even if the topic at first may seem a bit frightening, those who have experienced the course comment how it enhances their celebration of Life. COURSES IN SCANDINAVIA* *Seiðr in the Swedish forest at Autumn Equinox* This course is our first announced course on Åsbacka, September 19-23. We will be an international group doing seiðr training together in the Nordic nature. Doing seiðr together in the circle or alone in the woods strengthens our spiritual connection to nature here and now; and the staff and the song expand our range of shamanic skills – give us more tools to choose from in our shamanic practice. The group has maximum 16 participants, and there are still a few places left. This is not a course Annette does every year, so if your dream is to learn about seiðr, take your chance now. *Spring Moon Seiðr* Already now we want to say a few words about this new course in England next April. How does it differ from the autumn seiðr course in Sweden? On this spring course our purpose is not to study seiðr as such. The purpose is rather to learn to work with power, using both moon magic and seiðr craft in combination. Needless to say, the two courses will supplement each other beautifully. Read more about all the courses here. We look forward to meeting you on the courses – whether it be in the forest or in the city, in Scandinavia or Ireland and England. In the meantime we hope you enjoy beautiful last days of Summer and early Autumn. From us at Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies

	NEWSLETTER May 2007 Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies Spring came and almost knocked us over being so busy with turning into Summer. The season for collecting herbs is already in full bloom. *The Master of the Forest is calling* For those of you who would like to gather herbs for your own incense it is high time to go out and collect Woodruff (galium odoratum or asperula odorata). It is always an important part of Annette’s incense, so many of you know it from the workshops and treasure it already. The loveliest little herb, with tiny white flowers, who likes to grow along paths in leafy forests, for example, beech. Traditionally it is picked around Beltane / May Eve, but you can still do it now. For you in Germany it is called “Waldmeister” meaning “Master of the Forest”. The Dutch call it Lieve Vrouen Bedstrou as far as I remember (bedstraw of our Lady). In Swedish it is something like Myskmädre. Both its power and its sweetness is related to that of sweetgrass used by Native Americans. Local English names like “Kiss-me-quick” and “Sweetheart” attest to some of its magic abilities. So just grab a herb book and get out in the forest. UPCOMING SUMMER COURSES We are getting ready for the *Shamanic Work Fest at Åsbacka* May 25 to June 7, and the interest has been so great that we have now people on waiting list. We are very thankful and exited about this. The next *Basic Course* in Scandinavia is July 19-22 at Tokalynga in Sweden. This Basic in Tokalynga is now one day longer than earlier to allow for work in the surrounding beautiful nature. It can be taken alone, or you can take the opportunity of the year to make it into a long shamanic summer event since the Basic is followed by *Shamanic Dance and Ritual* July 24- 29 at the same course place. Contact Carin Westman Tel. +46 (0)31 775 2630, for more information. There are still a few remaining places on the *Into The Journey* course in Glastonbury, England, June 15-17 taught by Jonathan. The main emphasis of this course is to deepen journeying skills and trust in one’s own shamanic experiences, and to discover new ways for helping others and ourselves in our daily lives. Much of the work will be done in the spirit middle world. For more information, contact Keith Dobson. Tel: +44 (0)14 5885 0505. E-mail: shamanism@herenow.be. See more about these upcoming courses here. RELATED EVENTS *Workshop in Rune Song August 24-26 in Copenhagen in English.* Runic singing or Runolaulo is one of the old Nordic song traditions. Native to Finland and the other Baltic lands, it stretches back about a thousand years and has a pronounced magic side. As opposed to other related traditions of galdar and the seidr chants of the North, it is still alive and very active. Annette feels strongly that the hypnotic monotony, the whole spirit of the runesong has much in common with a good seidr song, and therefore it can teach us a lot about the chanting of the seidrsongs and galdar, through our blood so to speak. It is part of that deep well from which we can also draw our new shamanic songs, including those for seidr and healing. Now Lars C. E. Larsen – an enthusiastic student of seidr – has taken the initiative to invite Finnish runesinger Anita Lehtola Tollin to Copenhagen to do a workshop in runesinging. It is a great chance to train and inspire your shamanic singing and we recommend it highly as a supplement for our seidr and song courses in general. Also, it is fine pre-training for Annette’s upcoming seidr course at Åsbacka in Sweden Sept 19-23. See more about the seidr course at our workshop program here To learn more about the Runesong course or to sign up contact Lars at larsen.midgaard@gmail.com May Summer bless you with all its glory and the light Summer Nights show the way. Greetings from us at Scandinavinan Center for Shamanic Studies

	NEWSLETTER February 2007 Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies Here we are, halfway between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. The Soul stretches, slowly awakening to longer days, the time of new growth. This Spring we too are moving in new directions. SPECIAL EVENTS *Basic evening course in shamanism in London* Shenoah Taylor, who manages Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies in UK, and co-teaches with Jonathan on many of the UK workshops, is teaching a basic course in London done as a series of evening workshops, together with David Scott. This is a new format not previously offered, primarily for those who have difficulty setting aside a whole weekend. For more information about this, please contact Shenoah at shamanism@abelgratis.co.uk or read more on Shenoahs website here . *Shamanic Work Fest in Sweden in early summer.* An entirely new undertaking for us is the Shamanic Work Fest at Åsbacka May 25-June 6^th. We invite you who have been on our courses to join us for a working and shamanic gathering at our beautiful new place of retreat and learning in the forests of Southern Sweden. (You can see more about Åsbacka here ) Although the place is in fine shape, there are some changes and restorative work we would like to make. Some of you have visited there already and helped out, and several people have suggested a “painting party,” and that’s what we are going to do, but it won’t only be painting. We will be also doing some building up and tearing down, singing, gardening, washing up, shamanic journeying, dancing, cutting firewood, walking in the woods, being alone and being with friends, finding power-places, ceremonies in the circle, and, of course, painting. We have never tried anything like this before, and so we are feeling our way forward. Our intention is to combine practical, physical work with shamanic practice, while enjoying life together. If this sounds tempting, please read the full description of the gathering here. THE NEW SPRING AND SUMMER COURSES We have just sent out the new course brochures for the coming seasons. A big Thank You to those of you who volunteered to distribute a handful! At the same time we have also put all the new courses and other events we are offering until late autumn on the website. You can see them here. WORKSHOPS IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND The first *Basic Course* in England will be March 16-18 in London. There are still some places free. If you can’t wait till then, Liam Glenane teaches an *Introductory Course* Feb 24-25 in Ireland. Liam assists Jonathan on courses in Ireland. To learn more about Liam’s courses, please contact him at glenanes@yahoo.co.uk. The workshop on *Shamanic Healing* March 21 25 in Herefordshire seems to really be a hit. As we write it is full with 17 people on the waiting list. If you hoped to sign up, do not despair: Jonathan will do it again next year. In the meantime you can strengthen your practice and thereby your healing work, and a perfect boost for this is the course *Into the Journey.* In June, Jonathan will be making a return to Glastonbury to teach *Into the Journey. This is one our favorite courses. No matter where you wish to go with your shamanic work, no matter where you are on your path, this course will strengthen the base from which you work. Annette will be teaching it in November in Denmark. COURSES IN SWEDEN* Apart from the “painting party” at Åsbacka we will be doing four courses in Sweden this summer and harvest. True to tradition Jonathan will do two summer courses at Tokalynga in Halland, July 19-29. First a *Basic Course, this year a day longer than usual, followed by Shamanic Dance and Ritual. In August, there will be a Shamanic Counseling 1 training* taught by Jonathan and Kirsten Slots at beautiful Väddö, north of Stockholm. This course is limited to twelve participants. The venue and setting are exceptional, as is the food! In September, right at autumn equinox Annette will be teaching *Seidr* – Roots of Nordic Shamanism for the first time in Scandinavia in English, giving non-Scandinavian speakers a chance to work with *seidr* on the land from which it sprung. The course will be held at Åsbacka and in the outstanding nature there. This is an opportunity not to be missed. Annette understands and practises seiðr as an advanced shamanic discipline. To participate it is therefore important that you are experienced in you practise and journeying. If in doubt, do not hesitate to contact Annette well in advance of the course – like today – so we can design a training preparation for you, if appropriate. We hope to see you soon and wish you a Spring-time of Good health and Peace. Us at Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies

	AUGUST 2006 ÅSBACKA ÅSBACKA Due to a series of miracles, a small piece of land in the middle of the forest in southern Sweden, Åsbacka, has come under our care. Åsbacka is located only two hours from Copenhagen and lies high up on Halland’s Åsen. There are five small wooden houses, each with their own character and potential – including Dansstugan (the Dance House), which is perfect for coursework and has room for a nice sized circle of people. There are many different varieties of trees and wild flowers, birds, and animals in the forest. Already many people have visited and experienced the power and beauty of the land there, and have helped to welcome Åsbacka into our community. Many hands have started to give Åsbacka the loving care with painting, carpentry and gardening that will bring it to its full potential. In the not too distant future we are looking forward to opening Åsbacka to smaller groups and courses, including combined shamanic and working gatherings. We hope you will soon have the opportunity to be there. NEW COURSE BROCHURE FOR AUTUMN 06 TIL SPRING 07 We have just sent out more than a thousand letters with the new course brochure to the people on our earth-mailing list. The brochure comes out on a half yearly basis, every harvest and early spring, with fresh illustrations from Annette’s hand. This summer, we have changed to a new format of 8 pages instead of 6, and we think it looks beautiful. The courses described in the paper brochure are identical to the courses already on the website. You can see them here. If you are not on the mailing list, and do wish to receive our half yearly paper catalogues, you can sign up by sending us an email with your name and earth address including country, to post@shamanism.dk Would you like to help us distribute our course brochures? About half of our course participants learn about the courses by word of mouth. However, the grass root networking is just as valuable. So if you know of a place - library, book café, or other meeting place - where it would be appropriate for you to put a handful of course folders, we would be very grateful for your help. Just tell us your name and Earth address by email (see above), and how many – for example 5, 10 or 50 - you want to distribute. UPCOMING COURSES IN ENGLAND AND IRELAND The next Basic Course will be September 29-October 1 in Glastonbury. It will be taught by Jonathan. For centuries, people have been aware of the special energies at Glastonbury, and for years people have been suggesting to Jonathan that he brings his teaching there. This year Keith Dobson, who lives there and has studied with Jonathan, invited him to do the basic workshop. There are still some places available, so if you are interested in visiting Glastonbury and doing the basic workshop at the same time, contact Keith at +44 14 5885 1449 or shamanism@herenow.be In London the next Basic Course will be October 27-29 taught by Jonathan and organised by Shenoah Taylor. Contact her at +44 (0)794 154 4961 or e-mail: shamanism@abelgratis.co.uk for further information November 1-5 Jonathan teaches a Soul Retrieval Training course at Poulstone Court in Herefordshire assisted by Shenoah. This course is for those who wish to go deeper in their own learning process and strengthen their relationship to their spirit-helpers as well as for people who want to bring soul retrieval healing work into their practise with others. This year we have made the Soul Retrieval Training course a day longer, giving more time for all of us to examine the many aspects of this important healing work. October 18-22 there will be a *Shamanism Death and Life 1* course in County Sligo, Ireland, taught by Jonathan and Liam. Contact Liam Glenane at +353 749 130 024 or e-mail glenanes@yahoo.co.uk for further information or for signing up. Read more about Shamanism Death and Life 1 here You can read more about the courses of the coming season here. The very best late summer greetings from Us at Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies

	April 2006: EQUINOX Searching for balance It is sometimes necessary To go to extremes The Earth and Sun Doing a Dance Like You and I It is not your step Nor mine alone But our steps together With this poem by Jonathan we wish you all a Happy Spring Equinox 20 YEARS ON THE PATH OF SHAMANISM We have suddenly realised that this April marks the 20th Anniversary of the day Jonathan travelled by train to Stockholm and did his first workshop in shamanism! It is very moving for us to think back on all that has happened since then, the places we have been, the people we have met who have helped us on the way, the circles we have been honoured to sit in, and the power and gifts from the Spirits we have witnessed and experienced. We thank you all for helping to shape what is today. Truly, “…It is not your step, nor mine alone – but our steps together…” INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN: ON SHAMANISM, DEATH, AND LIFE On the website you can now read the fine interview Karen Kelly made with Jonathan, originally for her core-shamanic newsletter Spirit Talk. In it, they discuss the shaman’s work with death and dying, with a focus on facing our own mortality. Using Death as an advisor has become more and more central in Jonathan’s way of teaching this course, which turns it into a celebration of Life. You can read the interview here. This year, Jonathan is teaching the course Shamanism, Death, and Life in Denmark, Russia, and Ireland. The first being in Northern Jutland May 11-14. SPECIAL EVENTS IN LONDON Arranged by Alternatives, Jonathan will do a talk and a one day workshop. Shamanism as a spiritual path is a talk on Monday, April 3. Shamanic healing is a one day workshop on Sunday april 9. The events will mark almost to the day Jonathan’s 20th anniversary as a teacher in shamanic skills and life-ways. They will, as their titles suggest, reflect the road he has travelled and what he has gathered on the way. You can see more about the two events here or here: www.alternatives.org.uk PLEASE NOTE: The healing workshop is on Sunday, not on Saturday, as we have incorrectly written in our paper course folder for spring and summer 2006. Also please note, that this is a special event, which means you do not need the basic workshop in order to participate. However this one day healing workshop does not serve as a substitute for the basic workshop either. UPCOMING COURSES IN ENGLAND June 9-11, the weekend following the basic workshop in London, Jonathan will teach Into the Journey in the same venue. This course emphasises the deepening connection and co-operation with Spirit Helpers, working in the Middle World, and group healing practises. We recommend the course to every one who wants to travel further on the path of the shaman. We can already announce that Jonathan will teach a Soul Retrieval Training workshop November 1-5 in the beautiful and supportive environment of Poulstone Court in Herefordshire. It is not too early to book on.

	February 2006 NEW COURSES FOR SPRING AND SUMMER We have now put the courses we offer for the coming season on the course page. You can see it here. Jonathan’s course activity is indeed international this season, bringing him to England and Ireland, Hungary, Italy, Sweden and Russia. DRUM- AND RATTLE MAKING WORKSHOPS All of a sudden there is an abundance of courses this spring and summer for those who are dreaming about making their own drum or rattle. In UK Nicholas Wood has a craft-a-drum workshop March 11-12. And Kathy Fried has a rattle making workshop May 6-7. In Norway Day Feye has a drum making course May 31 – June 5, in English. You can get more information about these courses by using the links on Drum and Rattle section here. The real exotic version is a drum making workshop with Jaana Kouri and Chris Harle-Silvennoinen in the Estonian forest, in Finnish and English, July 13-20. More information at jaana.kouri@soumi24.fi See also Jaana’s article ”The other Side of the Drum” here: www.shamaaniseura.fi/artikkelit/index.html

	September 2005: NEW COURSE PROGRAMME: We have now updated the course pages with the workshops we are offering for this coming Autumn, Winter, and Spring of 2006. Click here for courses! The next basic workshop in England will be: Basic workshop in London November 11-13 with Jonathan. ON DRUMS, RATTLES AND DRUMMAKING: “Where do I get a good drum?” ”How do I make a rattle?” ”Where can I read more about shamanism?” Theese are questions a lot of people ask us. Therefore, we’ve added a new page where we have collected information about books, drums, rattles, cd’s with drumming, drum-makers, and courses where you can make your own drum.. Go to rattle and drum page! Upcoming courses in drum and rattlemaking: KATHY FRIED is leading a rattle-making course in (London)Derry, North Ireland. Sept 24-25. Kathy makes beautiful rattles, and has taught many people this skill. Contact: info@kathyfried.co.uk In Denmark is a drum-making weekend at the Trommeværksted September 17-18 www.trommevaerkstedet.dk We wish you a wonderful Equinox and a powerful Autumn! Jonathan, Annette, and webmasters Joe and Andrea

	April 2005: NEW ARTICLES We have added a couple of articles on the website. One of them is in English: ”*We Are All Connected”* is an interview with Jonathan, focusing on the important role of animal power and animal spirits in shamanism and other spiritual traditions. Read the articles here! NEXT UPCOMING BASIC WORKSHOPS in English: June 3-5 in London with Jonathan. July 22-24 in Halland, Sweden with Jonathan. Followed by the course "Shamanic Healing and Spirits of Nature". See descriptions of courses here!

	March 2005: COURSES: We have now updated the course programme on shamanism.dk, with everything we have plans about so far. Two main pieces of news are a new course developed by Jonathan , and Annette's first book gone to print. NEW COURSE WITH JONATHAN: SHAMANIC COUNSELLING 2: Shamanic Guidance For the past seven years, I have been developing what I call Shamanic Guidance. This work has grown out of shamanic counselling, but also contains some of the elements of supervision, which many people have asked for. Many shamanic counsellors, myself included, have experienced that some clients wish to go even deeper than their shamanic counselling work has taken them, and at the same time feel the need for a mentor. The question then arises, how to do this without taking power away from the client? Within the shamanic guidance framework, the counsellor/guide plays a more active role than in Shamanic Counselling, by suggesting a direction for the journeyer, a mission for a journey to the Spirit World. This can only happen if the guide has heard his client. The work of shamanic guidance is based on the spiritual practice of deep listening - that is, listening with the heart, listening without judgment, listening from a place of silence. It also involves speaking from the heart, that is, truthfully and without an agenda. As always, the Spirits do the real teaching, the real guiding. It is still up to the journeyer to hear, and understand, what they are saying. The shamanic guide, like any true mentor, does not give the answers, nor does he have them. But he can show the paths available. I have already taught Shamanic Counselling 2 as a pilot course. Many of those who took part in it agreed that it was the most profound and intensive course they had ever experienced. Now it is a course which I will be teaching on a regular basis, and the first time will be this coming August, in beautiful Väddö. See course description here: *Shamanic Counselling 2* March 2005: ANNETTE’S FIRST BOOK GONE TO PRINTING In Feburary I finished writing a book Jorden Synger: Naturens Kraft og Nordiske Rødder. (The Earth Sings: The Power of Nature and Nordic Roots) . The book deals with how we can meet nature’s power and wisdom, and opens the door to the enchanted forest which is right here and now. It is told through myths and tales of Scandinavia, showing the way to the Earth through Nordic tradition. The Earth Sings is written together with journalist Bente Møller Sørensen, and comes out on May 1. We plan to have it translated into English as soon as possible, but have yet to find the right translator and publishing house. And then I will go back and finish writing the next book, with the worktitel SEJD – Nordic Shamanism and magic For more information on our other courses, please go to Courses or give us a call!

Shamanic Counselling 1, Poulstone Court, Hereford, UK, October 20 – 25, taught by Jonathan. Contact Lisa Sture at shamancentre@googlemail.com or tel: +44 (0)1769 550408

Please Note: The final Shamanic Practice Weekend at Åsbacka in 2009 will be the December 5th- 6th - more information on the theme coming shortly.

Please Note: The final Shamanic Practice Weekend at Åsbacka in 2009 will be the December 5^th- 6^th - more information on the theme coming shortly.