THE PATH GOES ON

APRIL 2026

A SPECIAL LETTER FROM JONATHAN - 

Forty years ago this Springtime, I taught my first course in shamanic practice. I was very nervous ​as I stepped into the circle. But as I knelt at the altar in the center and lit the candle, everything changed. It changed because I remembered I was not doing this alone. I had been asking for help and, with the fire lit, I felt the connection – connection to the Spirits, connection to the Circle of people around me, connection to the Earth, to the Universe. We were ​there with the Spirits​, and I felt them with us​ as we held hands in the circle.

A great gift of teaching with the Spirits is constantly being shown the beauty of their Truth.

When I was invited to teach, I ​knew I had to first ask my Spirits. Even though I had been exploring the shaman’s work since 1972, they told me to wait! ​They​ gave me a task and ​told me that once I had completed it, I would be ready to teach others. Two years later I had fulfilled the task, the threshold was crossed, and I began to teach.

Since then, I have learned that a crucial aspect of teaching with Spirits is to remember that they are the Teachers. I am the ​apprentice. When I sit in circle, I take on the role of teacher, but still, I am always learning. For me, it is joyful​, inspiring ​and empowering to stay open in this way. 

Looking back on forty years of teaching, I see there is so much I am grateful for – the Love and guidance of my Spirit Teachers, the people I have met​ and their inspiring teachings, the Love shared in the circle, and the feeling of connection with the Earth and with Life. As the years have passed, I have become more and more in awe of the magnitude and ​the simplicity of the Dance. 

One of the deepest insights for me has been that one must never try to close the door on change. To remember that ​a key purpose of this work is to learn from the Spirits​ to dance with change and power, no matter what the rhythm. And in this way, to open the door for others to continue ​their dance of change with the Spirits. 

The Spirits have guided my steps along this teaching path by reminding me, quite definitely, when I am not paying attention. When I don’t pay attention, I receive teachings of another kind, which some may call “mistakes” – but​, with their help, ​the​se become essential​ life lessons. When I do pay attention, they always show me the way. 

What I say to myself, or anyone starting to teach, is this: Walk slowly, pay attention, and stay connected. You are going to change beyond what your imagination can conceive. The responsibility is beyond your understanding, but it is possible to take on. The truth of the Spirits will guide you, and you must take responsibility for what they teach you if you want to share it with others. If you truly stay with it, and live the teachings, you will continue to learn. Even after teaching for many years, you will never know it all. The learning must never stop. In this way​, you will ​always be a servant of the Spirits and an advocate of Life.

Today, looking back, I feel deep gratitude, not only to the Spirits, but also to you, the people who have come to meet the Spirits, and bring them​ and their power​ and wisdom with you as you walk your Life’s ​Path.

I feel especially ​a heartfelt appreciation to all who have supported and helped me in the physical world, doing the groundwork, arranging courses, and, in some cases, who have themselves stepped into teaching Spirit work. 

Thank you also to the many people in ordinary reality who have taught me with their words and deeds, and inspired me through the years, whether they know it or not.​

I would not have been able to navigate these forty years of teaching had it not been for Zara and Annette: their deep and loving support in so many ways, their insight​, clarity and wisdom, and their very, very hard work through the years – and for ​carrying​ their teachings further and sharing ​them in their own special ways. I do not have the words to convey the depth of the gratitude I feel​ for them as teachers and friends, and as the amazing people they are.

The World is alive and beautiful, inviting us to share her gifts – and inviting us to share our gifts with the World. ​What an honor to be given the gifts of Vision and Responsibility, both so central to shamanic practice.

Above all, there is one word which for me encapsulates everything that Spirit connection is. That word is Love, the greatest power there is.

Thank You, Spirits, for helping us to step into the Circle. And thank you, Friends, for taking the Step.

We are all connected. May we all Journey well through Life – with Love

Jonathan