Shamanism has always included dreams and dreamwork. The call to become a shaman often appears first in night dreams. Dreams are one of the altered states shamans use for divination, diagnosis, healing, and psychopomp work. In many traditional cultures, shamans are expected to be strong dreamers, and in some the word for "shaman" also refers to strong dreaming. Shamanic cultures still remember the links between dreams, spirituality, oracles and healing. Dreams themselves offer us ways to renew these ancient ties.

This weekend, we connect with our dream life and forge new links between dreaming and journeying. Dreaming means much more than trying to remember what happens while we're asleep. It includes dream incubation (the processing of setting intentions and opening to dreams), the dream itself, and the process of interpreting, sharing, and honoring the dream. Each culture and time in history has its own approach to this process, and Mary Pat and Bekki share some of these traditions. We also journey into dreams, to our allies, and to ask for new allies and guidance as we explore the world of shamanic dreaming.

What to bring: items for the altar, journals and pens/pencils, sleeping bag, blankets, comfortable clothes, shoes for outside walks, drums and rattles (if you have them). If you keep a dream journal, please bring your most recent one, plus records of any big dreams or shamanic dreams you have had. If you do not currently record your dreams, please record some prior to the workshop so that you can work with one during the workshop.

Mary Pat Mann is a shamanic practitioner who has been a vivid dreamer since childhood. She has actively studied dreamwork for six years, trained as a dreamwork teacher, and writes and presents on dreamwork and shamanism. For more information, visit her website Dream Pilgrims.

Bekki Shining Bearheart is a shamanic healer and teacher of shamanism who has had an active relationship with her dreams since childhood. She has worked with several shamanic approaches to dreamwork in the last ten years.