Interview by Dr A Plows with S J Oxford
What is your ethos?
My ethos is to treat mind, body and spirit. The whole self must be honoured.
What does your Shamanic practice mean to you?
It is my life. Constantly learning and reviewing. Knowledge only becomes wisdom when it is practised and shared. Currently, I have over 30 years of experience and formal training in Shamanic Practice. I am and will always be an eternal student. My role is to remember the old ways. Helping people to engage and implement this ancient knowledge into their day to day lives. Practice and refinement of these teachings make them relevant in daily life during modern times.
What does your Shamanic practice offer?
The opportunity to explore! To learn, to embrace change and let go of what no longer serves you. See the magic of everyday!
What does it mean to be a modern day Shaman?
To manoeuvre in the moment utilising all the knowledge you have and applying it.
Leading by example not prescribing. We all have every answer within us.
You fuse many different esoteric practices together. What do they have in common?
Connection. Everything is connected. The more I learn of different practices the more I see commonalities.
How are they different?
Culturally, geographically and time wise. The differences naturally makes you look and think of how these practices work. My interest is in empirical knowledge.
What does a Shaman have to offer the world of work?
Everything! If we don't recognise that the natural world is important then there will be no world. Human beings have a duty to themselves and future generations to start living in harmony with nature.
Isn’t this all a load of mumbo-jumbo?
Living with no spirituality in any form is mumbo-jumbo. Humans are not machines.
I honour and respect all cultures and belief systems. We are all different and should embrace our individuality.
What is the connection between Environmental Social Governance and Shamanism?
Being aware of your impact on the world and people. Striving to do your best in a sustainable way. Every business is full of people! Soho Shaman has been created to fully embrace ESG on a personal level. Businesses can not now shun their ESG responsibility. Spotlights are now on them. We all have to accept our roles. Plus its actually good for business in the long term and the planet!
NATURE DOES NOT WASTE.
How can we be well and happy in the workplace?
By accepting that we all have autonomy. We can make healthy choices and manage our time. There is always a choice. One person can make a difference.
Be that example.
What are your qualifications?
This is a long read with more qualifications being added as I do love to study and refine my practice. My interests are in combining mind, body and spirit within all my disciplines. Academia is great but it is very important to have hands on experience. Every day I apply ritual Medicine Wheel Teachings. It is of great importance to me to honour the elements and the Wheel of the Year. Also I am very fascinated with the moon and how it affects our day to day life (I was born on a full moon!).
ITEC Anatomy Physiology and Body Massage Diploma. 1993
Crystal and Crystal Healing. 2006
Introduction to Shamanism. 2006
Shamanic Practitioner Certificate. 2013
Reiki First Degree. 2006
Reiki Second Degree. 2007
Reiki Third Degree. 2017 - (Reiki Master)
Practitioners Diploma Indian Head Massage. 2011
Practitioners Diploma Spa Treatments/Body Wraps/Brushing/Exfoliation. 2011
Practitioners Diploma Natural Facial Massage/Facial Rejuvenation. 2011
Teacher Diploma Meditation Tuition. 2012.
Ayurvedic Facial Massage, Coolherbals Facials and Bodywraps. 2012
Certificate in Meridian Stretch. 2016
Permaculture Designer. 2019
Forest Gardening Certificate. 2019
Tuina Massage Diploma. 2021
Practitioners Diploma Traditional Thai Foot Massage. 2022
Wellbeing Coaching Diploma. 2022
Insomnia Practitioner Course. 2022
Auricular Therapy Diploma. 2022
Hypnotherapy Practitioner Course. 2023
Hypnotherapy Masters Diploma. 2023
Teacher Diploma Mindfulness Tuition. 2023
Tarot Reading Professional Diploma. 2023
Hopi Ear Candling/Thermo Auricular. 2023
Oxford University
Washing and Waste: The Archaeology of Hygiene
Climate Change and Environmental Ethics
Personality at Work
Stethoscopes to Shamans: the Anthropology of Health, Sickness and Healing
Western Esoteric Traditions
Anthropology of Ritual and Religion
Interests day to day
Astrology
Tantra
Runes 2010 - currently on year 2 Rune Mistress my personal practice
Course of Miracles - daily 1 year study
Herb Craft - Seasonal Medicinal Teas
Home Remedies - Health and Beauty
Food Medicine
Urban Homesteading
Sacred Seed Sound Healing
Shamanic Drumming and Chants
Yoga
Tai Chi
Memberships
Member of the Permaculture Association
Member of the Theosophical Society - AstroLodge
Member of the Society Antiquaries
Professional Bodies
Member of the British Holistic Medical Association
Member of the British Complimentary Medicine Association
Member of the Healer Foundation
Member of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies
Professional Specialist Insurance through Balens Ltd